The beginning of my interview started with an introduction to all the staff who were very friendly. The staff consisted of Clinical evaluations administartors, Financial officers, and the three different interviewers. Somewhere along the way I started talking about the doctor who works at my hospital (a SABA graduate); to my suprise, when I mentioned his name one of the clinical coordinators showed me a picture of him. After the introductions, we went to a office where we all sat at a table consisting of two interviewers and myself. The first question was about my son and if he would be accompanying me. The second was about my MCAT score which was low, and the third was about how I would pay for the medical school. I appreciated their overall straight forwardness. One important thing they mentioned was to keep in mind my MCAT score can represent future complications with the USMLE. He further described that a failed USMLE would leave me in ~ $70,000 debt without a MD degree. I then asked if people with scores as low as my 18P had done well on the USMLE, which he responded with a nod and a light yes. There was also a question regarding my personal statement, which I wrote about four virtues in medicine. When they asked me the interviewers smerked at eachother slightly, I did not know if this meant they liked it or thought it was full of crap. However, since I did mean what I wrote, I knew what the virtues were and explained them all.
They also said that if accepted, $750 must be deposited to hold my sit. The decision to go to SABA had to be given in thirty days after acceptance. They advised me to go in May, rather than my first choice which was september. They added, that it was less competitive than the fall semester, and there would be more time to study for the USMLE.
Overall, I feel if the USMLE tests what is covered in med school it would not be a problem, but if it is truly very similiar to the MCAT I may be somewhat cautious.
The third interviewer just looked through my file and asked me a little about my military experience. Made some small conversation, discussed the Island, and it's small size and uncarribean like features, such as the lack of beaches and volcanic rock. He said the diving was awesome. His interview ended with showing me some pictures of the carribean.
Ultimately the interviewers were honest and up-front with concerns that may arise while attending the medical school. They made a point to tell me that there are many Carribean schools that know people are not going to make it through, yet admit them anyway to get more money, and that they were a school that wanted students to become doctors.
Oh! one last thing, they also said that they want the MCAT to be required and are moving towards making the MCAT mandatory.