UCD vs King's College London? Which one and why?

[Orange Juice]

Hi all,

I was hoping anyone out there can provide some insight into this. I have been accepted to both King's College London (5 year program) and just recently was accepted to University College Dublin (4 year program) for 2008.

Which would be better to attend considering my end goal is to return to North America for residency. In this regard, I assume USMLEs, letters of reference and clinical experience are the most important aspects. But are grades in med school also considered? I have been told that British med schools are much more brutal in marking over Ireland. and that the curriculum of the MBBS programs don't prep you for the USMLEs as well as the Irish medical system... I really don't know if this is true....

Also, I would need a student visa to study in UK (I am a Canadian citizen) whereas one is not required for Ireland.

Any help/suggetions would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,

OJ

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[ocularphd]

There are a few interesting points to raise with your decision.

First, there is a whole year difference in programmes. If you want to become a doctor ASAP, then the 4 year route would obviously be best.

Next location-wise, London is MUCH bigger. Both London and Dublin will be expensive with regards to accommodation, socialising etc.

King's College has a wonderful reputation, but then again, so does UCD in Ireland.

I don't think that irish schools "prepare" you better for USMLEs. I think that will ultimately depend on you. There is a Kaplan Centre in London if needed, but I don't know if similar facilities exist in Dublin.

You'd still be on a student visa in Ireland if you go to UCD.

Both will offer you excellent training on your way to becoming a doctor. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[med2UCC]

You'd still be on a student visa in Ireland if you go to UCD.

QUOTE]

I could be wrong, but I think the process to apply for a student visa is actually different from what we do in Ireland. While you are a student in Ireland you are required to register with An Garda Siochana each year. To do this you bring in a letter from the uni confirming that you are registered as a student, something to prove your address in Ireland(a lease or a letter from the university, or a bank statement sent to your home address) and a bank statement proving you have 1500 euro in the bank (frequently this has to be recertified by the bank on the day you register so the Garda know you haven't spent all the money yet. You pay a fee of 100 euro and get issued with a spiffy card to flash when passing through imigration when coming back to Ireland (otherwise it is completely useless, since technically it isn't even a piece of ID). It's a relatively simple process and you get the card the same day. Cheers,
M

 

[maserati]

Does King's College require MCAT or physics ?

 

[Orange Juice]

Hey thanks for the input.

King's does not require the MCAT, instead they have the UKCAT. If you are interested in studying Meds in the UK, I highly recommend you take it because it allows you to apply to most Universities. Whereas a few schools require BMAT, GAMSAT etc...
I am not sure about their physics requirement. I personally have completed that course. Best bet would be to contact the admissions directly. Of all the universities I dealt with in applying to meds, Kings' was by far the friendliest, helpful and quickest to respond to your questions.

Good luck

OJ