Why is it so easy to get into Caribbean schools like AUC, SABA, SGU, etc?
Im in Canada, and it is ridiculously hard to get into a school here. Average GPAs for those that get in are ~3.85, MCATs around 32, incredible LORs, research and impressive volunteer resumees to boot. Anyone with anything less than that stands basically no chance, many people do masters degrees before they are even a worthy candidate.

But why is it so easy in the Caribbean? I am just curious.. People with 2.9GPA/25MCATs here would not even be qualified to get into a masters program (usually), yet they are the average candidate to get into medical school in the Caribbean. Is it because the schools in the Caribbean cost a lot of money that other people cannot afford? Is it because no one knows about the Caribbean alternative?

I really want to practice in Canada or the states when Im done. Sadly, my 3.1GPA, 34MCAT, mediocre (at best) extra-curriculars are not enough to get me into a school here.. or in the states. If I go to the Caribbean, will I be able to practice in the states or Canada? (note.. I dont have a US citizenship and have only visited there in the past, but I do have uncles/aunts there). Will I be able to get into any state I like (or will it be a problem)? If I want to specialize (like say.. become a dermatologist or something) could I do that with my offshore degree?

I just basically would like to know what the catch is if you will with Caribbean schools. My sister insists that I do not go to a Caribbean school as it will haunt me for the rest of my life. She tells me that I wont be able to specialize as it is so hard to get into the schools in the first place, they basically won't even look at Caribbean grads. She also tells me that practicing and becoming an actual doctor in the states will be very hard, and many states dont recognize a Caribbean degree.

Please someone shed some light on this for me =). Any other tips/advice would be greatly greatly appreciated. Im so very lost on this whole thing, Im just trying to put the peices of the puzzle together from what I read online.

$$ Money $$

Here's a tip. Do some research on the board. You are still pretty lost when it comes to the Caribbean schools.

is your sister a doctor or did she just stay in a holiday inn express last night?

__________________
Med-Peds PGY1

official member of the VMD useless crew

currently the most useful "useless member" on vmd

best quote ever - stephew "and no, you may NOT exchange porn or other sexual content in the classifieds."

some swimmer from Ct
the problem with the gene pool is that there are no lifeguards.....and we have been offering swimmies

Your lack of American citizenship is more of a hindrance to practicing in the states than your attendance at a carib school would be. Do some research on AUC's official website.
That said, there are several Canadian citizens I know of here just off the top of my head, so I am sure they all have very valid reasons for being here. Come and ask one or two.

__________________
"When you educate a man beyond his intelligence, you create a menace to society."

I wonder if there is a Troll smiley?

not to sound 'wicked harsh'...but your sister has NO clue what she's talking about. Although, you will likely not get a dermatology residency after medical school if you go the caribbean route. It's hard enough for US students (the 'best of the best')...so that leaves very little room for carib. grads...let alone any foreign grads.

There are a lot of topics that cover your questions posed...but PLEASE do not go by what your sister has said. It's just plain WRONG.

By the way...what does your sister do and where did she get her information?

Seriously Myst...think about this. How many people who answered your post above have an MD?? None. We have no idea.

Rock

but anyone is more informed than me when it comes to this..
will I be stuck as a GP for the rest of my life?

you are canadian, so most likely YES!!!

skipper

__________________
My ID says MD....wow!

Formerly known as "AssyrianSkipper"

PGY-1 Internal Medicine
Goal, not to kill anyone during my first month of residency.

No, I cannot help you get a residency.

President and Dean of--
Skipper's Medical Univeristy of the Dutch West Indies--SMU-DWI
Apply Now.....Get an MD in 6 Weeks....

If you fail at AUC, SGU, or Ross why not transfer to SMU, if you fail at SMU, why not try another SMU.