Wait a years and reapply to US or go to the carribeans

[ApplicantPerson88]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Too many uncertainties, but one thing I am certain of is things will get harder every year, so if you want to do this then jump onboard as soon as you can for US MD and DO. Going Caribbean is suicidal.

If you are a weaker/borderline student, mid-level or something else might be even a more attractive option. But, yes, things are getting harder every year. Kind of opposite like 20 years ago. Ask any attending that finished residency in 2000. They will all tell you the same thing; it was a lot easier and if they had the their past stats, they don't know if they would have the same success that they have today.

Greatest danger is an MD student who fails to match getting into a SOAP spot that was previously DO. Not everyone will do it (some MDs are too stubborn, but the existence of that option is a pretty big threat). Either way, we will know soon.

 

[zNoodlez]

No kidding. Tell that to my friend who is graduating this year with no residency (he would have been eligible for AOA residency if there was no merger). Six figures of debt with 6% interest per year and hoping to do an externship and apply again next cycle if no SOAP spot. Keep in mind 9% of DO graduates did not match anywhere this cycle. We will know if this is an abnormality or a short-term trend next year.

A lot of people who can't face reality on this board is going to be in a rude shocking at match and residency when anything can happen and the probability of what happens goes up or down depend on who you are. IMG will probably continue to do well until 2023 (Step I phase out). What happens in 2024 will be untested and I won't be bold enough to predict. (The only thing that I know for certain will be it will be harder if no drastic increase in federal funding because people can't stop opening schools or expand classes. MD schools who started with 40-45 people will be going to 100; those people have to end up somewhere).

91% is before going through SOAP process, placement rate is close to 99% I think.

 

[ApplicantPerson88]

91% is before going through SOAP process, placement rate is close to 99% I think.

I would like to see the stats.

(This is the first year that there are no DO programs). I am not convinced it will be 99% this year. Even if by some miracle it is this year, I am not certain that will be true in 4 years. Just look at the DO expansions and the MD schools maturing. No way the residency expansion organically can catch up. The smartest thing they could have done is to reach an agree with the LCME to reduce expansion while increasing residency spots. They did the opposite. The most severe consequence will probably the be the students who in previous years could count on the AOA residency for just DOs. I don't know what will happen to them this year or going forward.

 

[zNoodlez]

No kidding. Tell that to my friend who is graduating this year with no residency (he would have been eligible for AOA residency if there was no merger). Six figures of debt with 6% interest per year and hoping to do an externship and apply again next cycle if no SOAP spot. Keep in mind 9% of DO graduates did not match anywhere this cycle. We will know if this is an abnormality or a short-term trend next year.

A lot of people who can't face reality on this board is going to be in a rude shocking at match and residency when anything can happen and the probability of what happens goes up or down depend on who you are. IMG will probably continue to do well until 2023 (Step I phase out). What happens in 2024 will be untested and I won't be bold enough to predict. (The only thing that I know for certain will be it will be harder if no drastic increase in federal funding because people can't stop opening schools or expand classes. MD schools who started with 40-45 people will be going to 100; those people have to end up somewhere).

I agree, let's stop predicting.

 

[DermPA92]

I just matched from a non top 4 Caribbean School with a step 1 fail. But I will say If you got a chance to get in to a US school, exhaust your options because you'll end up with almost a guaranteed residency. Try the MCAT one more time, if it doesnt go well and you still ,want to take a risk and go to the Caribbean take it. But know it is a risk. Out of the 2 classes I knew the best about 15 people out of 60 matched. Lots dropped out, lots have stopped, some are still grinding.

I didn't even consider a US school because my undergrad GPA was horrible I never studied just showed up for exams somehow passed and graduated lol. By the time I realized I was screwed it was too late. If I had posted my story here after undergrad, + a step 1 fail I would have had so many people on this site telling me to stop and "medicine isn't for you". Maybe I got lucky, but going to the Caribbean isn't a death sentence like its made to seem on this site

Which school did you go to if you don't mind me asking?

 

[esob]

I'm not even sure if this is serious, I feel like this might just be a post to bring trolls out of the woodwork since the OP hasn't responded or had any other activity.

 

[sw99]

Took the MCAT once and did terrible (486). Studying to take it again in June (it feels impossible) but got acceptance to SGU which allows me to start this August. I’ve applied to other US schools and did not get in anywhere which is not a surprise considering my MCAT score. Didn’t do too well in undergrad but did a post bacc and finished with a 3.7. Suggestions on my next step! Contemplating on whether or not I want to wait the extra year to see if I can get into a US school but idk if it’s worth the risk since there’s a possibility I won’t and may end up going to the Carribeans.

Well it sounds like you wish that you got into a US school, but you didn't. At this point you need to consider whether or not going to a Carribbean school is worth the money. What is your cGPA?

 

[emergencydancing]

Attrition rate is below 10%, 1st time takers of uslme 1 pass rate is more than 96 % & those who pass have a 93+% (throughly the past 5 years) chance of matching into a residency the FIRST time!! If I am a betting man, those are good odds.

Pass rate:
Attrition rate:
Please educate yourself before disrespecting forum members. If you want to believe the SGU's claims and be a prey to their marketing, by all means. But please don't spread their false marketing and deceive other premeds.

 

[GreenDuck12]

People on here with their opionion thinking they are fact is

I am honestly sick of these trolls on here thinking their opinion is fact. This is my first response to one of these posts, so this outburst is not only to you but people who over exaggerate sgu qualifications. It’s such a simple search my guy. You use words that are unnecessary & quite immature. There is no “preying” being done. Sgu’s statistics are on par with most mid-low teir DO schools or slightly lower than others. If you don’t believe me, use your little thumbs on your phone screen & look these statistics up from each individual school who release these stats. Rather than sitting in your room alone thinking that the neurons firing in your brain giving you “thought” are correct. Sgu mcat 497-503 with a 3.3gpa, be my guest to compare. You will soon realize as long as you put in the hard work, the likelihood of you failing out or not doing well on step 1 is low. The step 1 which is P/F now DOES NOT mean it will be harder to match for graduates from sgu. You know why? Because the other board exams you need to take are SIGNIFICANTLY important exams as well, which are SCORED. In my “opinion” & other physicians at my medical school know that they are a better indication of an individuals physician capabilities. Go back & obtain the facts before using words like that kid. There are many people throughout the decade who have gone to DO & have not matched in their desired residency. There have been MANY sgu graduates who have matched in their desired residency. Going to sgu is not a gamble or a bad bet. Attrition rate is below 10%, 1st time takers of uslme 1 pass rate is more than 96 % & those who pass have a 93+% (throughly the past 5 years) chance of matching into a residency the FIRST time!! If I am a betting man, those are good odds. No matter where you go, if you don’t put in the hard work that is required .. you will not become a physician. So anyone who wants to bash sgu & compare it to most other carribean schools is like comparing Stanford to a low tier MD school. Goodbye & good luck to all cutie aspiring physicians. Much love.... 🙂

It seems like i struck a nerve. I don’t really have a response except this: Your analogy of comparing Stanford to lower tier MD wouldn’t even apply in this scenario because even at lower tier MD, almost all candidates make it through their programs due to low attrition and are able to match into residency. That is the exact opposite of what happens at SGu where there is high attrition and low match rates.

Oh, one last thing. I think I use the word preying quite appropriately. During my application cycle sgu sent me recruiting emails every few days about how I can get started with medical school early and end the stress of an application cycle by attending sgu etc etc. Pretty predatory behavior.

GL to you though with your endeavors.

 

[Dral]

If you are a weaker/borderline student, mid-level or something else might be even a more attractive option. But, yes, things are getting harder every year. Kind of opposite like 20 years ago. Ask any attending that finished residency in 2000. They will all tell you the same thing; it was a lot easier and if they had the their past stats, they don't know if they would have the same success that they have today.

Greatest danger is an MD student who fails to match getting into a SOAP spot that was previously DO. Not everyone will do it (some MDs are too stubborn, but the existence of that option is a pretty big threat). Either way, we will know soon.

True. I matriculated in 2006. I had a 3.89 and 37 MCAT, but I didn't do one minute of shadowing. I didn't have much volunteer work either. There is likely no way I'd have gotten in today. Point being, it's getting harder to not be strong in one area, but make up for it in another it seems. There are so many people applying that are stellar in all regards.

 

[sammaydaymalone]

Just gonna leave this here.

 

[gyngyn]

Just gonna leave this here.

View attachment 311139

...and this graph doesn't include the IMG's who never even got an interview.
It certainly doesn't include those US IMG's who were never allowed to sit for Step 1.

 

[emergencydancing]

Looks like @isitorganic? removed their post. It's understandable after what they posted, but it's a weird culture where people remove their posts instead of apologizing for being wrong and unnecessarily disrespecting others.

 

[isitorganic?]

It seems like i struck a nerve. I don’t really have a response except this: Your analogy of comparing Stanford to lower tier MD wouldn’t even apply in this scenario because even at lower tier MD, almost all candidates make it through their programs due to low attrition and are able to match into residency. That is the exact opposite of what happens at SGu where there is high attrition and low match rates.

Oh, one last thing. I think I use the word preying quite appropriately. During my application cycle sgu sent me recruiting emails every few days about how I can get started with medical school early and end the stress of an application cycle by attending sgu etc etc. Pretty predatory behavior.

GL to you though with your endeavors.

My analogy No nerve struck, good luck to you in your endeavors as well.

Pass rate:
Attrition rate:
Please educate yourself before disrespecting forum members. If you want to believe the SGU's claims and be a prey to their marketing, by all means. But please don't spread their false marketing and deceive other premeds.

Go look at the Statistics yourself & not respond with YouTube videos.

Looks like @isitorganic? removed their post. It's understandable after what they posted, but it's a weird culture where people remove their posts instead of apologizing for being wrong and unnecessarily disrespecting others.

I did not remove my post.

 

[isitorganic?]

...and this graph doesn't include the IMG's who never even got an interview.
It certainly doesn't include those US IMG's who were never allowed to sit for Step 1.

“IMG’s” is broad generalization, only talking about a specific school. It isn’t a big deal, just judging stats.

 

[isitorganic?]

Pass rate:
Attrition rate:
Please educate yourself before disrespecting forum members. If you want to believe the SGU's claims and be a prey to their marketing, by all means. But please don't spread their false marketing and deceive other premeds.

They are not claims, they are backed statistics. However, the “stigma” will always be there even if you go to sgu so that is why it is a last resort. I see DO schools marketing campaigns as well, & I would not consider it “preying”. Such a strong word usage, not saying sgu is better than US DO by all means which I will explain here in few sentences if you continue to read. I am making the point that you can’t give me stats from all “IMGS” when I’m only talking about a specific school. sgu has decent stats so it should separated from the generalization of all IMGS considering the numbers. Which you can gladly look up for yourself. 🙂 I’m sure most people would rather just stay in the US, which is common sense. I was just tired of seeing negative view points towards the school rather looking at some of positives. Much love to everyone. ✌

 

[isitorganic?]

They are not claims, they are backed statistics. However, the “stigma” will always be there even if you go to sgu so that is why it is a last resort. I see DO schools marketing campaigns as well, & I would not consider it “preying”. Such a strong word usage, not saying sgu is better than US DO by all means which I will explain here in few sentences if you continue to read. I am making the point that you can’t give me stats from all “IMGS” when I’m only talking about a specific school. sgu has decent stats so it should separated from the generalization of all IMGS considering the numbers. Which you can gladly look up for yourself. 🙂 I’m sure most people would rather just stay in the US, which is common sense. I was just tired of seeing negative view points towards the school rather looking at some of positives. Much love to everyone. ✌

the*

 

[emergencydancing]

They are not claims, they are backed statistics. However, the “stigma” will always be there even if you go to sgu so that is why it is a last resort. I see DO schools marketing campaigns as well, & I would not consider it “preying”. Such a strong word usage, not saying sgu is better than US DO by all means which I will explain here in few sentences if you continue to read. I am making the point that you can’t give me stats from all “IMGS” when I’m only talking about a specific school. sgu has decent stats so it should separated from the generalization of all IMGS considering the numbers. Which you can gladly look up for yourself. 🙂 I’m sure most people would rather just stay in the US, which is common sense. I was just tired of seeing negative view points towards the school rather looking at some of positives. Much love to everyone. ✌

You didn't watch the youtube videos at all did you? That doctor is a premed consultant and was specifically referring to SGU, and both of my time-marked links were in reference to the 2 statistics you mentioned and how deceptive they are.

To anyone else reading this and thinking that the Caribbeans schools (including SGU), please do actual research outside of their marketing stats. They are indeed deceitful and they are predatory.

 

[deleted480308]

They are not claims, they are backed statistics. However, the “stigma” will always be there even if you go to sgu so that is why it is a last resort. I see DO schools marketing campaigns as well, & I would not consider it “preying”. Such a strong word usage, not saying sgu is better than US DO by all means which I will explain here in few sentences if you continue to read. I am making the point that you can’t give me stats from all “IMGS” when I’m only talking about a specific school. sgu has decent stats so it should separated from the generalization of all IMGS considering the numbers. Which you can gladly look up for yourself. 🙂 I’m sure most people would rather just stay in the US, which is common sense. I was just tired of seeing negative view points towards the school rather looking at some of positives. Much love to everyone. ✌

I think we have different views of “decent”

 

[gyngyn]

Looks like @isitorganic? removed their post. It's understandable after what they posted, but it's a weird culture where people remove their posts instead of apologizing for being wrong and unnecessarily disrespecting others.

They did not remove their post. I did.

 

[isitorganic?]

I think we have different views of “decent”

So slightly below some low tier-mid tier DO schools is not considered at minimum decent? Okay bub.

 

[GreenDuck12]

So slightly below some low tier-mid tier DO schools is not considered at minimum decent? Okay bub.

It’s not slightly below - it is far below. Watch the video that was linked above. If you don’t want to watch the video then consider this:
1. SGU enrolls around 1000+ students each year. By comparison, most MD and DO programs enroll between 100-200. Why would SGU opt to do this when their not for profit peers do not? Do you believe they do this because they have some type of special sauce they found that makes their program better able to educate students with between 10-20x larger classes?
2. If the entity is designed to generate profit for investors, where would you expect corners to be cut so that those profits are generated? Labs, facilities, and quality of instruction. Most US based programs lose money educating medical students though some break even. That being said SGu is actively expanding instead of addressing the deficits of their own programs. In other words, with limited residency positions and a track record of high rates of their students both dropping out or failing to match, they are expanding to generate more profit.
3. students spend 2 years on the island before needing to be relocated to the US for clinical rotations. At that point SGU needs to pay US hospitals to take their students for clinicals. This lowers their profit margin. If you were a for profit entity, wouldn’t you want to keep students on the island for as long as possible and then remove them from the program once you stand to make less money? Couldn’t that possibly explain the high rates of students that need to repeat classes or fail to progress to clinicals?

 

[isitorganic?]

You didn't watch the youtube videos at all did you? That doctor is a premed consultant and was specifically referring to SGU, and both of my time-marked links were in reference to the 2 statistics you mentioned and how deceptive they are.

To anyone else reading this and thinking that the Caribbeans schools (including SGU), please do actual research outside of their marketing stats. They are indeed deceitful and they are predatory.

I did watch the videos... but I basically did not have to by reading his summary first lol he says “This video is my opinion” & it is his experience. Everyone has different view poits depending on their biases. He says the numbers are “shady” but has no physical evidence to prove other wise. The attrition rate being higher on the other hand, I can see how he would be skeptical. However, I think anyone expect that to be higher the US schools since the enroll almost a thousand more less qualified applicants. So it’s common sense to assumed the attrition rate is higher. He also used “statistics” of the medical students “pulse” of their class. I don’t think the medical students are actually running creditable stats of people who drop out in their spare time while in the rigors of medical school. Another fact to consider is, would other carribean school file lawsuits or try to mid credit sgu if their statistics were so misleading and false?

With the match rate. He gave no statistic himself, only the fact that the people who only applied to residency matched 93% of the time, he did not mention that it is their first time. It’s logical & basic common sense to assume that you won’t get into a residency unless you actually apply this was all opinion based, I’m giving actually numbers & stats you can look up for your self that are not affiliated with sgu & I am including sgu statistics. US schools typically do not enroll more than 200 students... sgu has 1500. It does not scare me that, let’s say for hiscase “500 fail out”. Because I am assuming that those 500 in the first place did not have good study habits in undergrad & has lower stats that most of the other students in that class. Give me real statistics rather than a guys speaking his opinion in a random hotel room who’s videos are full of click bait of asking questions to sgu representatives & wording his opinions in a negative way towards sgu. He has no documentation of what was said to sgu reps & their responses. I wouldn’t take everything you watch on YouTube to heart. Best of luck my man.& I am educated, seems you need to be.

You didn't watch the youtube videos at all did you? That doctor is a premed consultant and was specifically referring to SGU, and both of my time-marked links were in reference to the 2 statistics you mentioned and how deceptive they are.

To anyone else reading this and thinking that the Caribbeans schools (including SGU), please do actual research outside of their marketing stats. They are indeed deceitful and they are predatory.

so your research is a guys opinion? Which he stats in his summary. I am educated, seems like you need to stay off YouTube.

 

[deleted480308]

So slightly below some low tier-mid tier DO schools is not considered at minimum decent? Okay bub.

50-60% of those matriculating getting to residency isn’t slightly below.

 

[emergencydancing]

There's no reaching this person. The gist of it is as reported from What would be my chances to gain admittance to DO schools? they have a "3.31 & bcpm gpa is 3.4 & a [sic] mcat of 495", which means they are a prime target for SGU. I say we just stop here.

To anyone else reading this who is considering the Caribbeans, at the end of the day, you're not necessarily doomed if you go to SGU or any Caribbean school. People have gone on to be successful But you are in a system that succeeds if you fail and the cards are stacked against you. If you want to roll the dice, that's on you.

 

[isitorganic?]

50-60% of those matriculating getting to residency isn’t slightly below.

Your stats are incorrect. That would be for all IMG’S residency match rate. That’s not what I’m talking about, I’m talking about a specific school who’s stats are significantly higher. & I am a huge fan of Ron Swanson, but I’m going to leave you hisbhere bc I can smell tammy

There's no reaching this person. The gist of it is as reported from What would be my chances to gain admittance to DO schools? they have a "3.31 & bcpm gpa is 3.4 & a [sic] mcat of 495", which means they are a prime target for SGU. I say we just stop here.

To anyone else reading this who is considering the Caribbeans, at the end of the day, you're not necessarily doomed if you go to SGU or any Caribbean school. People have gone on to be successful But you are in a system that succeeds if you fail and the cards are stacked against you. If you want to roll the dice, that's on you.

 

[isitorganic?]

There's no reaching this person. The gist of it is as reported from What would be my chances to gain admittance to DO schools? they have a "3.31 & bcpm gpa is 3.4 & a [sic] mcat of 495", which means they are a prime target for SGU. I say we just stop here.

To anyone else reading this who is considering the Caribbeans, at the end of the day, you're not necessarily doomed if you go to SGU or any Caribbean school. People have gone on to be successful But you are in a system that succeeds if you fail and the cards are stacked against you. If you want to roll the dice, that's on you.

If you read my post, I have medical & personal documentation stating why my cgpa & sgpa are that low. My last semester I receive a 1.3, dropping my cgpa from a 3.53 to a 3.31 & my bcpm of a 3.6 to a 3.4. Plus the classes were non pre med pre reqs & biology electives. Like I said I have an explanation & documentation which DO schools admission I have talked to said they will take that into serious consideration. So yes I am a prime target for sgu but for other low-teir mid teir DO schools as well, willing the 2nd attempt on mcat will be an improvement. But thanks for your input emergency, so greatly valued 🙂

 

[isitorganic?]

Thag wa

If you read my post, I have medical & personal documentation stating why my cgpa & sgpa are that low. My last semester I receive a 1.3, dropping my cgpa from a 3.53 to a 3.31 & my bcpm of a 3.6 to a 3.4. Plus the classes were non pre med pre reqs & biology electives. Like I said I have an explanation & documentation which DO schools admission I have talked to said they will take that into serious consideration. So yes I am a prime target for sgu but for other low-teir mid teir DO schools as well, willing the 2nd attempt on mcat will be an improvement. But thanks for your input emergency, so greatly valued 🙂

That was not sarcasm emergency, I’m only 87% sarcastic 92% of the time, so you be the judge ..Judy.

 

[deleted480308]

Your stats are incorrect. That would be for all IMG’S residency match rate. That’s not what I’m talking about, I’m talking about a specific school who’s stats are significantly higher. & I am a huge fan of Ron Swanson, but I’m going to leave you hisbhere bc I can smell tammy

From their own website (i just looked) they have over 6000 students currently in 4yd md program. They put just under 1000 in US residency this year. So even if you assumed not a single student dropped out (which isn’t true) and you didn’t have some of those US residency spots going to mdphd or their longer md programs (which they are) you’re looking AT BEST at a 66% percent matriculation to us residency rate

if you want those odds, roll the dice but don’t say no one cared enough to warn you

 

[isitorganic?]

From their own website (i just looked) they have over 6000 students currently in 4yd md program. They put just under 1000 in US residency this year. So even if you assumed not a single student dropped out (which isn’t true) and you didn’t have some of those US residency spots going to mdphd or their longer md programs (which they are) you’re looking AT BEST at a 66% percent matriculation to us residency rate

if you want those odds, roll the dice but don’t say no one cared enough to warn you

according to Dowe attrition rate is 7-12%. Yes there are drop outs but if you are so fixated on that you should not go to medical school. There were 1000+ residency spots this year, you are looking at last year.

 

[GreenDuck12]

according to Dowe attrition rate is 7-12%. Yes there are drop outs but if you are so fixated on that you should not go to medical school. There were 1000+ residency spots this year, you are looking at last year. So you’re wrong on your first point which doesn’t surprise me “At best” 66% is a number you pulled out of your a**. (Laugh out loud!!) Give credible numbers or resources for you numbers or stay off this site.

Let’s assume for a second that you’re correct and the actual attrition rate isn’t as dire as we say it is and that Caribbean medical schools accurately report their attrition rates (lol). That removes *a* problem but it doesn’t remove *the* problem which is this: funding for residency spaces are funded by Medicare and congress has not increased funding for it since 1997. During that same period, seats in allopathic US programs have increased by 30% while the increase in Osteopathic programs has increased more dramatically. This creates more US medical graduates competing for US residency seats. At the same time, Carib programs have increased their enrollment to increase profits, which increases the number of Caribbean graduates competing for US residency seats. This makes the number of students competing for seats much more challenging than it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago. There may have been a time when it made *more* sense for someone to pursue an MD from the Caribbean but this certainly is not that time. This is without a doubt the worst time to pursue the Caribbean MD.

Surely, someone who aspires to be a medical professional understands the concept of risk and that going to a Caribbean medical school is an order of magnitude riskier than staying in the US.

 

[deleted480308]

according to Dowe attrition rate is 7-12%. Yes there are drop outs but if you are so fixated on that you should not go to medical school. There were 1000+ residency spots this year, you are looking at last year. So you’re wrong on your first point which doesn’t surprise me “At best” 66% is a number you pulled out of your a**. (Laugh out loud!!) Give credible numbers or resources for you numbers or stay off this site.

My numbers are from the actual sgu site. Those are their numbers and they are risky

 

[Goro]

Surely, someone who aspires to be a medical professional understands the concept of risk and that going to a Caribbean medical school is an order of magnitude riskier than staying in the US.

I have seen far too many posts from people Desiring to go to the Caribbean who don't understand the concept of risk.

In fact, they engage in magical thinking, in that they believe the risks don't apply to them.

They're the ones who are going to come off the bench and hit a grand slam to win the World Series for the Nationals.

 

[isitorganic?]

My numbers are from the actual sgu site. Those are their numbers and they are risky

The number I mentioned that was false was “66%” which is is not from sgu, that was from you. That was the main point in you argument & would obviously the most important. I do love parks & rec so I’ll still wish you a happy 4th.

 

[isitorganic?]

Let’s assume for a second that you’re correct and the actual attrition rate isn’t as dire as we say it is and that Caribbean medical schools accurately report their attrition rates (lol). That removes *a* problem but it doesn’t remove *the* problem which is this: funding for residency spaces are funded by Medicare and congress has not increased funding for it since 1997. During that same period, seats in allopathic US programs have increased by 30% while the increase in Osteopathic programs has increased more dramatically. This creates more US medical graduates competing for US residency seats. At the same time, Carib programs have increased their enrollment to increase profits, which increases the number of Caribbean graduates competing for US residency seats. This makes the number of students competing for seats much more challenging than it was 5, 10, or 20 years ago. There may have been a time when it made *more* sense for someone to pursue an MD from the Caribbean but this certainly is not that time. This is without a doubt the worst time to pursue the Caribbean MD.

Surely, someone who aspires to be a medical professional understands the concept of risk and that going to a Caribbean medical school is an order of magnitude riskier than staying in the US.

Didn’t even finish reading your argument since you are generalizing “carribean” rather than one carribean school I was talking about. Try again & Happy 4th!

 

[GreenDuck12]

Didn’t even finish reading your argument since you are generalizing “carribean” rather than one carribean school I was talking about. Try again & Happy 4th!

It’s cool - my argument was sound regardless of whether you read it or not. I love the take that SGU is so significantly superior than other Caribbean programs that it makes a difference. Reminds me of hearing somewhere that the University of Phoenix is the Stanford of online universities. Hopefully my posts helps someone in the future who is trying to decide between the US and Caribbean.

 

[isitorganic?]

Didn’t even finish reading your argument since you are generalizing “carribean” rather than one carribean school I was talking about. Try again & Happy 4th!

It’s cool - my argument was sound regardless of whether you read it or not. I love the take that SGU is so significantly superior than other Caribbean programs that it makes a difference. Reminds me of hearing somewhere that the University of Phoenix is the Stanford of online universities. Hopefully my posts helps someone in the future who is trying to decide between the US and Caribbean.

It’s cool - my argument was sound regardless of whether you read it or not. I love the take that SGU is so significantly superior than other Caribbean programs that it makes a difference. Reminds me of hearing somewhere that the University of Phoenix is the Stanford of online universities. Hopefully my posts helps someone in the future who is trying to decide between the US and Caribbean.

You’re agreement was not sound, it’s the same argument everyone one has on here every year but nothing changes. Thousands match from the big four every year, so keep being negative. I’m not saying caribb is better, just saying you have a great chance to still be a doctor that route. Thats reach there bud lol so you hearing from a obscure source that one online university is the Stanford for online universities? I’m taking about real life statistics of people from sgu & Ross matching. I have 9 sgu general surgery residents at my medical school. There is no deciding, US is 1st choice, DO is 2nd & sgu I would say is 3rd. Yes going outside the big four has always had its risks, but if you are committed, pass your step 1 & excel on Step 2 ck & cs, do you research in the summer, you will find a placement.

 

[isitorganic?]

You’re agreement was not sound, it’s the same argument everyone one has on here every year but nothing changes. Thousands match from the big four every year, so keep being negative. I’m not saying caribb is better, just saying you have a great chance to still be a doctor that route. Thats reach there bud lol so you hearing from a obscure source that one online university is the Stanford for online universities? I’m taking about real life statistics of people from sgu & Ross matching. I have 9 sgu general surgery residents at my medical school. There is no deciding, US is 1st choice, DO is 2nd & sgu I would say is 3rd. Yes going outside the big four has always had its risks, but if you are committed, pass your step 1 & excel on Step 2 ck & cs, do you research in the summer, you will find a placement.

argument*

 

[frenchyn]

Idk why you did terrible on MCAT first time...maybe competency, personal reason or just did not study right first time (which I did)...but I think you should start with studying hard and prepare well for this beast...retake it and go from there. Score well then apply. Score terrible then consider other options. I scored 21 first time, which is only slightly better than you. But I improved that by 10 points (so 70+ percentiles) and I got accepted into top DO schools and 5-6 MD schools. Just make sure you have very good damn reason and explanation on your applications as well as interviews.

 

[deleted480308]

The number I mentioned that was false was “66%” which is is not from sgu, that was from you. That was the main point in you argument & would obviously the most important. I do love parks & rec so I’ll still wish you a happy 4th.

1000/(6000/4)

 

[GreenDuck12]

You’re agreement was not sound, it’s the same argument everyone one has on here every year but nothing changes. Thousands match from the big four every year, so keep being negative. I’m not saying caribb is better, just saying you have a great chance to still be a doctor that route. Thats reach there bud lol so you hearing from a obscure source that one online university is the Stanford for online universities? I’m taking about real life statistics of people from sgu & Ross matching. I have 9 sgu general surgery residents at my medical school. There is no deciding, US is 1st choice, DO is 2nd & sgu I would say is 3rd. Yes going outside the big four has always had its risks, but if you are committed, pass your step 1 & excel on Step 2 ck & cs, do you research in the summer, you will find a placement.

Didn’t respond to my argument about it being a poor choice. You just said big 4 is different than other programs which sounds like an advertising campaign to me. Please find how many matriculants match into residency from SGU without SOAP or transitional year programs.

 

[isitorganic?]

Didn’t respond to my argument about it being a poor choice. You just said big 4 is different than other programs which sounds like an advertising campaign to me. Please find how many matriculants match into residency from SGU without SOAP or transitional year programs.

 

[isitorganic?]

How about you do that since you’re out to get this “advertising campaign”. I’ve just been looking at the positives, there are negatives in everything. SOAP is used through many applicants, not just sgu. Leave it alone & go play your video games kid.

 

[isitorganic?]

How about you do that since you’re out to get this “advertising campaign”. I’ve just been looking at the positives, there are negatives in everything. SOAP is used through many applicants, not just sgu. Leave it alone & go play your video games kid.

@

How about you do that since you’re out to get this “advertising campaign”. I’ve just been looking at the positives, there are negatives in everything. SOAP is used through many applicants, not just sgu. Leave it alone & go play your video games kid.

@GreenDuck12

 

[isitorganic?]

How about you do that since you’re out to get this “advertising campaign”. I’ve just been looking at the positives, there are negatives in everything. SOAP is used through many applicants, not just sgu. Leave it alone & go play your video games kid.

This is sarcasm, no one take offense or think this is “harassment”.

 

[GreenDuck12]

This is sarcasm, no one take offense or think this is “harassment”.

Don’t worry, I don’t take offense at anything. One of the many lessons I learned as a high school teacher. Also, you revived this thread twice after it had been dormant?

 

[isitorganic?]

Don’t worry, I don’t take offense at anything. One of the many lessons I learned as a high school teacher. Also, you revived this thread twice after it had been dormant?

Yeah, I just started sdn last week so I’m learning how to use it. My apologies

 

[emergencydancing]

Yeah I don't think we're getting anywhere with this one. When you put data in front of someone (or lack thereof because SGU will not release real statistics) and they refuse to see it, there's nothing you can do. At the end of they day, some people will believe what they want to (belief perseverance, anyone?), and this is why the Caribbean schools have been so successful at preying on and profiting off of students.

To anyone else who reads data objectively (a skill needed for MCAT and medicine btw), please do your due diligence and know the risks. Everyone wants a shortcut but at the same time think that they're the exception to the averages. If you're so confident that you can do well enough at a Caribbean school to get a residency match, then you should be confident enough to retake the MCAT/improve your GPA enough to apply to DO schools--your chances will be better there long term.

 

[Goro]

Not gloating, but kudos to the Mods for Banhammering another loose cannon.

 

[BeKind]

OP, if you're still following this mess of a post, here is some honest advice from a current SGU student. Caribbean Med school should absolutely be a last resort, but it is not a death sentence. Something that personally made me feel better about registering was finding/reaching out to former SGU students practicing in specialties I was interested in at the hospital where I was working.

Given the current situation, and the fact that SGU will probably remain online until a vaccine is widely available, and our "distance learning" is a **** show on fire, you definitely have an extra year to reapply. However, if the next round doesn't go your way, here is my honest experience. I decided on SGU because I had a good MCAT but a terrible science GPA. I went to post-rejection meetings with admissions offices and was told that I would not be accepted unless I did a masters/post bacc. I decided against this because I didn't want to spend two years busting my ass in a masters program that would be pretty miserable (I HATE being in the lab), with absolutely no guarantee of being accepted afterwards.

I went to SGU expecting the worst, and until having to come home in March, was so pleasantly surprised. SGU administration are absolutely terrible people, and some of the professors suck (a universal med school trend from what I've heard), but (most of) the people I've met have been amazing. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved and make yourself stand out, even in a class of thousands. By my second term I was on the exec board for an interest group, in student government, and leading review sessions for the term below us.

The curriculum has been very much on par with what my friends at US med schools are doing. Although we have to "share" our standardized patients amongst 4 people, we do have patient encounters. One very true complaint is that the anatomy lab is trash, which is true (cadavers are pretty torn up, and we have to share with 6 people at a time), and we only spend a couple hours in there per term. Personally I prefer this, I don't want to be in there more than absolutely necessary. But if you feel differently or are interested in surgery, there is an elective you can take that lets you have more quality time with the cadavers.

The island is absolutely beautiful- but Grenada is a developing country. It's hard to get certain foods, it's damn near impossible to have anything shipped to you, there's no Walmart/Target/Amazon. Assuming you're from the US, people might live very different lifestyles than you're used to- but I think it's really good for us to get that exposure, and not being able to go to Walmart is a hardship I will happily endure to be a doctor.

Despite what you may have heard, SGU does not intentionally force people out. They want your money, so they do everything possible to keep you in if you're struggling- extra tutoring, special lectures delivered in a more guided format, an option to redo the term without an F on your transcript, etc. There IS a high attrition rate- some people get homesick and drop out, and some people aren't ready to do med school level material. Most med schools don't gamble on students that might not succeed. SGU lets in anyone who wants to try- some people aren't going to make it- but if you can handle the material at a US med school you can handle it at SGU.

Price: Hella expensive. Just took out $100,000 in loans for this year. I will be $400,000 in debt by the time I'm done. But honestly, at this point I don't care anymore- I'll die in debt and I've accepted that.

Disclaimer: I absolutely WOULD NOT start at SGU until we are back on campus. The online learning experience has been terrible. The administration has been inconsiderate, inflexible, and punitive. They are **** people, and this pandemic has really made that shine.

Second disclaimer: If you go to SGU, you're not gonna end up in Derm, or plastics, or radiology. But if you only want to be a doctor if you can be a plastic surgeon than maybe it's not the right career. If you want to go into internal med (including its subspecialties), peds, psych, family med, there is a good chance you can make that happen.

Also, fun sidenote- I was in a panel where we spoke to premed advisors, and Kevin Jubbal (the guy from the video was there), until he accused us of lying for not knowing exact data and then stormed out. He makes plenty of good points, but he came in with his mind made up.

Feel free to message me if you want very honest info from an actual SGU student! 🙂