Stats of Applicants to Irish schools and Acceptance, Waitlist or Rejection

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asd979 - -

1. Is any of the 4 year Irish MD programs considered better than the others?

2. Is any of the 4 year Irish MD programs considered less desirable than the others?

3. When did you obtain your acceptance from UCC? Did you have an interview? What were your stats?

Thanks.
 
schroon said:
asd979 - -

1. Is any of the 4 year Irish MD programs considered better than the others?

2. Is any of the 4 year Irish MD programs considered less desirable than the others?

3. When did you obtain your acceptance from UCC? Did you have an interview? What were your stats?

Thanks.
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1) From my understanding, and after speaking to my Irish classmates, most of the 4 year programs are pretty similar to each other. The calendar year at UCC is longer than the others, as we started mid August while the other 4 year programs didn't begin until September. Another thing I learned is that clinical rotations begin very early at UCC, as in January of the second year. You will do a few rotations at that point, as the current second years recently finished two months worth of rotations it seems and are now back into lectures. The early clinical exposure is likely due to the extended calendar year.

RCSI is clearly known back home in Canada, but the education doesn't seem to be better than the other programs and in my perspective, doesn't justify the increased cost. Trinity isn't a 4 year program but is the most well known back home. Every time I mentioned to physicians that I was going to study medicine in Ireland I was asked if I was going to Trinity. I've heard that the medical school there gets a reputation from the university itself and that it doesn't mean that the medical school is necessarily a fantastic school.

2) I have a friend attending at Limerick, and I have some people on Facebook who I attended the Limerick interview with. From what I've been hearing, it seems as if people may be regretting their choice of going to that school. They seem to be incredibly stressed out and my friend keeps telling me he wishes he had more lectures as opposed to his problem-based learning. Also Limerick has no cadaver lab, and no amount of telling me that their computer models are fantastic and it's a good equivalent will change my mind that this is a huge drawback. That lack of hands on experience is a big problem for me. So therefore, in my mind Limerick is a less desirable school. I was rejected from there and so it may seem that I'm on an angry rant about the school, but after hearing these things it makes me glad I wasn't accepted.

3) Only RCSI and UL require interviews. I received my acceptance to UCC near the end of April. Stats weren't anything to brag about, 3.0 GPA, 27R MCAT.
 
asd979 said:
1) From my understanding, and after speaking to my Irish classmates, most of the 4 year programs are pretty similar to each other. The calendar year at UCC is longer than the others, as we started mid August while the other 4 year programs didn't begin until September. Another thing I learned is that clinical rotations begin very early at UCC, as in January of the second year. You will do a few rotations at that point, as the current second years recently finished two months worth of rotations it seems and are now back into lectures. The early clinical exposure is likely due to the extended calendar year.

RCSI is clearly known back home in Canada, but the education doesn't seem to be better than the other programs and in my perspective, doesn't justify the increased cost. Trinity isn't a 4 year program but is the most well known back home. Every time I mentioned to physicians that I was going to study medicine in Ireland I was asked if I was going to Trinity. I've heard that the medical school there gets a reputation from the university itself and that it doesn't mean that the medical school is necessarily a fantastic school.

2) I have a friend attending at Limerick, and I have some people on Facebook who I attended the Limerick interview with. From what I've been hearing, it seems as if people may be regretting their choice of going to that school. They seem to be incredibly stressed out and my friend keeps telling me he wishes he had more lectures as opposed to his problem-based learning. Also Limerick has no cadaver lab, and no amount of telling me that their computer models are fantastic and it's a good equivalent will change my mind that this is a huge drawback. That lack of hands on experience is a big problem for me. So therefore, in my mind Limerick is a less desirable school. I was rejected from there and so it may seem that I'm on an angry rant about the school, but after hearing these things it makes me glad I wasn't accepted.

3) Only RCSI and UL require interviews. I received my acceptance to UCC near the end of April. Stats weren't anything to brag about, 3.0 GPA, 27R MCAT.
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Great post. Just want to add a point, don't use stats as a predictor of whether you will get accepted or not. Mine were much higher than that and I still got rejected from UCC for some reason. Doesn't matter which school you choose you will get a good education, I'd say pick the school that is cheaper and pick based on location.

Not sure if this is true for other schools, but Trinity makes you do a research project in second year, just good for your CV I guess which is a plus. And even though it is 5 year, the first two years are relatively short (~6 months of classes in first year, and pretty chill). You can used it as an introduction year to Ireland (and Europe) before it gets intense, makes it easier for second year as you will have already adapted.
 
UCC has a required research project as well, though I believe it must be completed in 3rd year.
 
And in terms of early clinical exposure, I believe the GEP programme at RCSI has the most with the first month long Intensive Clinical block in the spring of your first year and two additional months during second year. And that's without the extra few weeks of class time; which are a serious draw back if you're planning electives back home during your upper years.

There's no research requirement in the 4 year programme, though there is one for the 5 year.
 
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jnuts said:
And in terms of early clinical exposure, I believe the GEP programme at RCSI has the most with the first month long Intensive Clinical block in the spring of your first year and two additional months during second year. And that's without the extra few weeks of class time; which are a serious draw back if you're planning electives back home during your upper years.
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Hmm, so what your saying is that it is more difficult to place electives during second year (as an RCSI student vs the other schools). What about the USMLE step 1, isnt that when most students write it as well? Does the clinical block impact usmle studying time...?
 
My country of citizenship is: Canadian
Currently studying: 2nd year of University Studying a B.Sc (Honours) Psych
At this University: University of Manitoba
My GPA is: 3.41/4.5 when i applied (i know its not the best but i am working on it!), High School ~92+% average
My MCAT Scores were: haven't taken it


I applied to: 6 year programs at RCSI in Dublin, UCD, NUIG
I was accepted at: Waiting to hear
I was interviewed at: RCSI
I was waitlisted at: Waiting to hear
I was rejected from: Waiting to hear
My first choice school is: RCSI in Dublin but I would gladly accept any of these schools! Fingers Crossed
I have applied to medical schools this many times: 1
 
What are your EC's like, or what EC's did you put on your application?

littleginge64 said:
My country of citizenship is: Canadian
Currently studying: 2nd year of University Studying a B.Sc (Honours) Psych
At this University: University of Manitoba
My GPA is: 3.41/4.5 when i applied (i know its not the best but i am working on it!), High School ~92+% average
My MCAT Scores were: haven't taken it


I applied to: 6 year programs at RCSI in Dublin, UCD, NUIG
I was accepted at: Waiting to hear
I was interviewed at: RCSI
I was waitlisted at: Waiting to hear
I was rejected from: Waiting to hear
My first choice school is: RCSI in Dublin but I would gladly accept any of these schools! Fingers Crossed
I have applied to medical schools this many times: 1
Click to expand...
 
I got my official letter of admission from UCC today. But I still gotta wait for a reply from the other schools before I make my decision.
 
One other fellow posted in the RCSI interview results thread, saying he got a conditional offer for the 6 year program.
 
Great for you!!! But I have to second the dreadful waiting!!! But I guess no news is good news.
 
Congrats Iamsuperdoctor! I'm really glad to hear that people are starting to get acceptances. As for the rest of us, I'm pretty sure Dante missed a circle...waiting like this really is hell lol
 
Do you think it smart if we contacted the school, or do you think there is a date on their website when they offically send them out I'm speaking about Trinity and Galway
 
IamSuperDoctor said:
I got my official letter of admission from UCC today. But I still gotta wait for a reply from the other schools before I make my decision.
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Congratz! Did you get an acceptance FedEx'd to you or did you get an email? I'm just wondering what I should be watching out for if I also have an acceptance headed my way. Thanks and congratz again 🙂
 
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Hi all just registered with SDN today,

I interviewed with RCSI for their GEP program on Saturday, March 5th in Vancouver. The interviewers said that I would hear back in 2 weeks, and Peter said more likely 3 weeks.

Just received an acceptance letter from UCC for their GEP program today, March 10th. It came through FedEx.
 
Congrats IamSuperDoctor and frank1960- are you guys/gals Canadian?
 
Does anyone have an idea how many US applied?? Also how many are accepted?
 
Hey frank1960,

Where in Canada are you from? I'm just trying to gauge when I would be getting a letter (if I'm accepted anyhow) as I'm in Saskatchewan and I would think it may take an extra day or something to get out here in the boonies 😛
 
Barks said:
Hey frank1960,

Where in Canada are you from? I'm just trying to gauge when I would be getting a letter (if I'm accepted anyhow) as I'm in Saskatchewan and I would think it may take an extra day or something to get out here in the boonies 😛
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Vancouver!
 
Ahh. That makes sense. So, I won't start worrying just yet if I don't get one today 😛
 
Hey guys, Im from toronto canada and the UCC offer of admission came through fedex (I checked this box on the abp form). I also found out today that I was not granted the first round of offers from UCD. Furthermore, I was told I should hear back from RCSI and Limerick over the next week
 
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Sorry about UCD. That's good information though. Thanks 🙂
 
Congratulations! One question though, did the UCD rejection also come through fedex?

IamSuperDoctor said:
Hey guys, Im from toronto canada and the UCC offer of admission came through fedex (I checked this box on the abp form). I also found out today that I was rejected from UCD. That wasnt my first choice so I dont really care. Furthermore, I was told I should hear back from RCSI and Limerick over the next week
Click to expand...
 
No I found out from an abp email. Just to correct myself, I wasnt rejected from UCD, I simply didnt make the first round of offers. So I may still get a second round offer from UCD.
 
IamSuperDoctor said:
I got my official letter of admission from UCC today. But I still gotta wait for a reply from the other schools before I make my decision.
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Hey congrats, if you decide to take it I'll be seeing you in the fall. Any questions on the program just ask me.
 
I am not sure which to take lol, does it really matter what school you go to?

Ive been reading through the UCC package. I like how the school focuses on research and encourages its students to compete in summer undergrad research scholarships.
 
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Not really to be honest, they're all pretty good. Cost is obviously a factor, with RCSI being pretty expensive.

Not only do they encourage research, it's a requirement to complete year 3.
 
IamSuperDoctor said:
I am not sure which to take lol, does it really matter what school you go to?
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From what I understand, it doesn't really matter all that much. Different schools have different approaches. For instance, RSCI has a lot of lecture+PBL+labs where as Trinity is very didactic and Limerick is almost all (if not entirely) PBL. As far as matching back to Canada, I hear that it doesn't matter where you go. But I have also heard rumours that RCSI students have an easier time with the match (e.g. juntas, see the "Where are we now?" thread). I even read somewhere that all RCSI students match back in Canada/US on their first go of it.

But, that has to be taken with a grain of salt since there aren't any good statistics on the subject. In my opinion, you're going to get a quality education no matter where you go and your ability to match back where you want and in what you want has more to do with your performance and networking skills than the school you go to.

Anywho...that's my two cents. I will return to sitting on the edge of my seat waiting/hoping for the FedEx delivery person to come around.
 
Barks said:
From what I understand, it doesn't really matter all that much. Different schools have different approaches. For instance, RSCI has a lot of lecture+PBL+labs where as Trinity is very didactic and Limerick is almost all (if not entirely) PBL. As far as matching back to Canada, I hear that it doesn't matter where you go. But I have also heard rumours that RCSI students have an easier time with the match (e.g. juntas, see the "Where are we now?" thread). I even read somewhere that all RCSI students match back in Canada/US on their first go of it.

But, that has to be taken with a grain of salt since there aren't any good statistics on the subject. In my opinion, you're going to get a quality education no matter where you go and your ability to match back where you want and in what you want has more to do with your performance and networking skills than the school you go to.

Anywho...that's my two cents. I will return to sitting on the edge of my seat waiting/hoping for the FedEx delivery person to come around.
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Agreed, you will get a good education from any of the schools. Cork is a lovely "city" and if you choose to come here you will learn a lot and have a good time. There's my recruitment statement 🙂
 
good luck 🙂 Try not to rush out your door and scare the delivery man, he might run away with your offer! haha j/k
 
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Hey everyone -- I've been reading this forum during this application process but haven't joined SDN until just now.

I am a medical physics graduate student, waiting on UCC, UCD, RCSI, and Trinity. I thought I would've gotten an interview at RCSI - so I'm mildly stressed 🙂

My undergrad GPA was ~3.5, grad GPA of ~3.9, MCAT of 33O.

Question - I am currently completing my full year of orgo chem. Do you think it would be wise to forward my 1st semester transcript to ABP or just wait until both are complete in May before forwarding?
 
I dont think the irish schools require a full year of organic chem, I dont even think they need any organic chem. Im taking it for interests sake atm.
 
Hmmm so I have a notification on my online credit card statement billing me with something from the ABP office. From earlier posts in this thread, this sounds like it should be a good thing...I'm trying not to get too excited before anything official, but I'm itching to call the ABP office tomorrow to inquire. The application FAQ they e-mailed out after completion of my app said that they can't release application status info over the phone, though people seem like they've been able to get straight answers from calling. Has anyone done that for this year's round yet?

I don't have any problems e-mailing them and waiting for a response (hopefully a quick one too!), but I definitely want to find out as soon as possible whether I can finally look forward to some good news...
 
akaVonk said:
Hmmm so I have a notification on my online credit card statement billing me with something from the ABP office. From earlier posts in this thread, this sounds like it should be a good thing...I'm trying not to get too excited before anything official, but I'm itching to call the ABP office tomorrow to inquire. The application FAQ they e-mailed out after completion of my app said that they can't release application status info over the phone, though people seem like they've been able to get straight answers from calling. Has anyone done that for this year's round yet?

I don't have any problems e-mailing them and waiting for a response (hopefully a quick one too!), but I definitely want to find out as soon as possible whether I can finally look forward to some good news...
Click to expand...

Hey akaVonk what are your stats? and what schools did you apply too?
 
IamSuperDoctor said:
Hey guys, Im from toronto canada and the UCC offer of admission came through fedex (I checked this box on the abp form). I also found out today that I was not granted the first round of offers from UCD. Furthermore, I was told I should hear back from RCSI and Limerick over the next week
Click to expand...
Were you notified via email before receiving the letter?
 
Just got the letter from UCC today...no e-mail notification beforehand, and no other news so far.

@littleginge64:

My country of citizenship is: US
Currently studying: Graduated last year
At this University: don't want to disclose for personal reasons
My GPA is: 3.5
My MCAT Scores were: PS: 12, BS: 11, VR: 10, W: Q


I applied to: 4 year programs at RCSI, UCD, UCC, UCL
I was accepted at: UCC
I was interviewed at: RCSI
I was waitlisted at: Waiting to hear
I was rejected from: Waiting to hear
My first choice school is: undecided
I have applied to medical schools this many times: 2
 
AKAVONK, that is a giveaway that you have been accepted, they only send fed exes for accepted applicants. I found out the same way, I checked my visa statment and found out before I received it! This was 2 years ago.
 
Hi,

New to this thread - just thought I'd drop a line. My application was complete in 03/08/2011 through the AB program. I applied to UCD and RSCI. My stats are found here: http://mdapplicants.com/profile.php?id=21646

I'm currently completing my SMP at the Chicago Medical School - but who knows there's never a guarantee. Look forward to meeting everyone and best of luck to everyone applying.


Cheers,

A.
 
akaVonk said:
Hmmm so I have a notification on my online credit card statement billing me with something from the ABP office. From earlier posts in this thread, this sounds like it should be a good thing...I'm trying not to get too excited before anything official, but I'm itching to call the ABP office tomorrow to inquire. The application FAQ they e-mailed out after completion of my app said that they can't release application status info over the phone, though people seem like they've been able to get straight answers from calling. Has anyone done that for this year's round yet?

I don't have any problems e-mailing them and waiting for a response (hopefully a quick one too!), but I definitely want to find out as soon as possible whether I can finally look forward to some good news...
Click to expand...



Do you know how much the bill was for roughly?????
 
Not sure if anyone will know the answer to this...

I am American but I am taking the GAMSAT on March 26 (same date as Irish students because it is only once a year)...ABP told me I was not at a disadvantage and that they accept people taking the exam up until May, but decisions are already being sent out so I don't understand how this could not be the case. Is anyone else in this situation? I applied to UCD, UCC, RCSI, NIUG, and Trinity...

Thanks!

PS I am taking the GAMSAT because I live in Australia and the prep course I took was catered more towards that testing style than the MCAT. Was told by ABP it was fine, obviously since its what the Irish students take.
 
Moose88 said:
Not sure if anyone will know the answer to this...

I am American but I am taking the GAMSAT on March 26 (same date as Irish students because it is only once a year)...ABP told me I was not at a disadvantage and that they accept people taking the exam up until May, but decisions are already being sent out so I don't understand how this could not be the case. Is anyone else in this situation? I applied to UCD, UCC, RCSI, NIUG, and Trinity...

Thanks!

PS I am taking the GAMSAT because I live in Australia and the prep course I took was catered more towards that testing style than the MCAT. Was told by ABP it was fine, obviously since its what the Irish students take.
Click to expand...


I didn't receive my acceptance last year until near the end of April so you might be ok. Also it may be that because you're taking the GAMSAT you're automatically placed into a different category for consideration, because as you state they will accept people taking the exam up to May. You may be competing against Irish students then. Just speculation.
 
Yeah, that makes sense. I know I have read of people not hearing until later and I am sure I am not the only one taking a later GAMSAT/MCAT, but still, can't help but wonder when they are already sending out acceptances. I feel I will be a competitive applicant so I would hate to miss out just because of timing. ABP told me they could do a conditional offer, but I have never heard/seen of anyone getting one of those. GAMSAT scores are supposed to be released first or second week of May, so I guess I would most likely not hear until then. I just wish I knew of past students who took a later exam!!
 
Moose88 said:
Yeah, that makes sense. I know I have read of people not hearing until later and I am sure I am not the only one taking a later GAMSAT/MCAT, but still, can't help but wonder when they are already sending out acceptances. I feel I will be a competitive applicant so I would hate to miss out just because of timing. ABP told me they could do a conditional offer, but I have never heard/seen of anyone getting one of those. GAMSAT scores are supposed to be released first or second week of May, so I guess I would most likely not hear until then. I just wish I knew of past students who took a later exam!!
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Technically my offer was conditional until I could prove to Atlantic Bridge that I officially graduated, and because my graduation wasn't until June, I couldn't get an unconditional offer until almost July. So really, anyone who hasn't graduated is given a conditional offer until they can prove they did so.
 
Just any FYI to those applying to UCD and RCSI GEP from Canada (how this applies to US, international not sure), I emailed the ABP and they said that if you don't hear from UCD or RCSI this week (March 14th is today) then it is unlikely that you will receive a first round offer from these schools. Besides the interview with RCSI in Vancouver, I have not heard anything from these two schools.
 
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