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This thread is on a lighter note... This covers some of my experiences before I matriculate in January 2005. In other words, this is what I have learned and experienced as an applicant and accepted medical student.
About 2-3 weeks ago, I locked up my apartment on Sint Maarten. I'm paying $650 a month for a fully furnished, university type apartment. It is somewhat spacious also.
But here is where the fun starts. My backyard is an ocean lagoon. I live 5 minutes (walking distance) away from the school and beach.
I know that medical school is about studying, but it definitely helps to be in a world famous location. Talk about having fun during the semester breaks!
We all know medical school is hard, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The medical students at AUC
1. They are extremely nice and very helpful. That gunner, competitive, cutthroat attitude just isn't there. The med students are extremely helpful. I've received so many PM's offering to help me get situated to the island.
USMLE Scores at AUC
2. USMLE scores were lower at AUC than other big 3 schools but don't worry about this. There was a reason for it. They will go up. For one, AUC has instituted block exams. They are working on improving the system right now.
But here is the real reason that they will go up. AUC has turned their 5th semester into a Kaplan USMLE review course! Kaplan teaches the course by video. So, the entire 5th semester is spent preparing for the USMLE. Look for USMLE scores and pass rates to really go up!
Plenty of Research opportunities
The school is committed to giving their students research opportunities. The Clinical Research Society is the united organization for this.
Final Note
I can't comment on other schools as I have not studied them nearly as much as AUC (for obvious reasons). But I did want to give everyone an insider's look at AUC. You can have some rather good moments in the Caribbean. It does not have to all be about suffering.
About 2-3 weeks ago, I locked up my apartment on Sint Maarten. I'm paying $650 a month for a fully furnished, university type apartment. It is somewhat spacious also.
But here is where the fun starts. My backyard is an ocean lagoon. I live 5 minutes (walking distance) away from the school and beach.
I know that medical school is about studying, but it definitely helps to be in a world famous location. Talk about having fun during the semester breaks!
We all know medical school is hard, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The medical students at AUC
1. They are extremely nice and very helpful. That gunner, competitive, cutthroat attitude just isn't there. The med students are extremely helpful. I've received so many PM's offering to help me get situated to the island.
USMLE Scores at AUC
2. USMLE scores were lower at AUC than other big 3 schools but don't worry about this. There was a reason for it. They will go up. For one, AUC has instituted block exams. They are working on improving the system right now.
But here is the real reason that they will go up. AUC has turned their 5th semester into a Kaplan USMLE review course! Kaplan teaches the course by video. So, the entire 5th semester is spent preparing for the USMLE. Look for USMLE scores and pass rates to really go up!
Plenty of Research opportunities
The school is committed to giving their students research opportunities. The Clinical Research Society is the united organization for this.
Final Note
I can't comment on other schools as I have not studied them nearly as much as AUC (for obvious reasons). But I did want to give everyone an insider's look at AUC. You can have some rather good moments in the Caribbean. It does not have to all be about suffering.
