Acceptance into MD program? What do you think?

[DJPratik102]

Hey guys, I'm currently a Sophmore at Stony Brook University and i just transfered in from Baruch, a business college. I was a business major before but now i switched to pre-med/health sciences. I had a very crappy GPA before, a 2.6, and now im taking my sci courses here at SBU... I will be graduating a year late, but i was thinking if i could take my sci courses during the summer and fall and transfer into the **/MD program at any carribean med school. Do you guys have any advice?... even if i dont get into the **/MD, How hard would it be to get into med schools in the carribean. Thanks!

[jaypes]

Hi all,

I am a prospective student with SMU as my top choice....The school, facilities, and island all appeal to me...However, I need some feedback from those current students or others who have gone through the admissions process. I just want an honest opinion on my chances of being accepted, based on your experiences. (Posting your past stats would help also).

Here are my stats:

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: cGPA=2.90, GPA(sciences)=3.16
GRADUATE STUDIES= cGPA=3.50
MCAT=Taking it later this year or early next year
HOSPITAL EXPERIENCES= 4 years
PUBLICATIONS & GUEST LECTURES: 5
HONOR SOCIETIES: Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Delta Pi

* Just have to finish my chemistry & physics courses *
PROBABLE ENTRY DATE: September 2007(Finishing my Masters Degree first)


Do they offer provisional acceptance on condition that you finisn the required coursework?
Do they accept in advance if I was to apply for Sept. 2007?

[GoodDoc]

Hi all,

I am a prospective student with SMU as my top choice....The school, facilities, and island all appeal to me...However, I need some feedback from those current students or others who have gone through the admissions process. I just want an honest opinion on my chances of being accepted, based on your experiences. (Posting your past stats would help also).

Here are my stats:

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: cGPA=2.90, GPA(sciences)=3.16
GRADUATE STUDIES= cGPA=3.50
MCAT=Taking it later this year or early next year
HOSPITAL EXPERIENCES= 4 years
PUBLICATIONS & GUEST LECTURES: 5
HONOR SOCIETIES: Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Delta Pi

* Just have to finish my chemistry & physics courses *
PROBABLE ENTRY DATE: September 2007(Finishing my Masters Degree first)


Do they offer provisional acceptance on condition that you finisn the required coursework?
Do they accept in advance if I was to apply for Sept. 2007?

Apply now. You will be accepted most likely. I got my cum GPA 3.54 and science GPA 3.75. No MCAT. Some of my classmates had gpa less than 2.9 and some of them greater than 3.7. What I can say to you is, if you have higher GPA and MCAT scores, you have higher chance to get success in med school.

[jaypes]

Do you think they are taking applications for September 2007? Would they give me a provisional acceptance for September 2007 given that I complete my pre-reqs?

[GoodDoc]

Do you think they are taking applications for September 2007? Would they give me a provisional acceptance for September 2007 given that I complete my pre-reqs?

If you have that much time left, try US school first. If you have low MCAT scores, then you can apply to offshore med school. If you are really determined to go to SMU, you can apply anytime you want.

[CombatMedic]

Hi all,

I am a prospective student with SMU as my top choice....The school, facilities, and island all appeal to me...However, I need some feedback from those current students or others who have gone through the admissions process. I just want an honest opinion on my chances of being accepted, based on your experiences. (Posting your past stats would help also).

Here are my stats:

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: cGPA=2.90, GPA(sciences)=3.16
GRADUATE STUDIES= cGPA=3.50
MCAT=Taking it later this year or early next year
HOSPITAL EXPERIENCES= 4 years
PUBLICATIONS & GUEST LECTURES: 5
HONOR SOCIETIES: Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Delta Pi

* Just have to finish my chemistry & physics courses *
PROBABLE ENTRY DATE: September 2007(Finishing my Masters Degree first)


Do they offer provisional acceptance on condition that you finisn the required coursework?
Do they accept in advance if I was to apply for Sept. 2007?




Dude ur credentials are impressive...Just bust your *** on MCAT, even if you do mediocore on MCAT you still have a chance getting in to US Medical School, with your graduate work,decent GPA and EC's

[onelifetolive]

Hi

Ya I also would advise applying to US schools first. Or just come to SMU now.

My stats are 3.52 cGPA and 3.78 science, MCAT 19M. Research, extracurric, etc. I am from a Canadian school. For some reason I didn't even get an interview in Canada. Its proly my MCAT which I despised and never wanted to do again.

[jaypes]

But does anybody know if they give a provisional acceptance??

[onelifetolive]

To my knowledge, I don't think SMU offers provisional acceptances. But you can ask the administration. Check out the SMU website and contact someone there in the admissions department.

[GoodDoc]

To my knowledge, I don't think SMU offers provisional acceptances. But you can ask the administration. Check out the SMU website and contact someone there in the admissions department.

Yeah. I got accepted conditionally at the time when I applied because of some delaying LORs. Later on, I got a regular acceptance letter from the school.

[db3cool]

Do you guys know ANYONE that got rejected from SMU? I'd like a specific example. Thanks.

[Jeep23Guy]

Do you guys know ANYONE that got rejected from SMU? I'd like a specific example. Thanks.

Even if someone did get rejected from SMU (not that I know anyone), do you think they would want to be listed as a "specific example?" That would not be a nice thing to list.

Even if we did know someone, how do you know we're not making it up? Yeah, my friend Bubba Jones got rejected...

[db3cool]

Haha...well common, be serious....by saying "specific example" I did not mean the person's name and social security number. What I meant is someone you actually KNOW, and can tell us the stats of the person. Anyone?

[jaypes]

i had called the school today and they mentioned that i can still send in my application for Sept. 2007...but i would have to indicate that i am in the process of taking those courses.....

but do they really give out a lot of provisional admissions?

[GoodDoc]

Do you guys know ANYONE that got rejected from SMU? I'd like a specific example. Thanks.

Yes. I know one who didn't get accepted in SMU. He ended up going to another caribbean school.

[MDXRS22]

Do you guys know ANYONE that got rejected from SMU? I'd like a specific example. Thanks.

I was rejected from SMU:)
Admin said that I was too albino and really, really ugly to be among some fine students.

[Laurie S]

I don't know the individual personally, just rumor. But yes, I heard someone that I knew was rejected and went to another school.

I'm not surprised that SMU will reject people. Our classes are full. The word is spreading and SMU is moving up quickly.

[NYC27]

I am not sure of any **/MD programs in the Caribbean. I know Brooklyn College in NY has that program. If you have 90 credits or above and have finished your premed requirements you can definitely apply to SMU. But I would check with the state medical board of the state you may want to practice in. Some states require you to have a Bachelors. I do not think you will have a problem applying to a caribbean school. Some require the MCAT, once you finish your premed requirements. I would suggest you just sit in for the exam. I hope this helps!

[Laurie S]

void, hit key twice

[azulpanther]

I doubt that SMU would give provisional acceptance if you are still taking more than one required course and also that you are seeking admittance in sept of 2007. That is kinda far away. I would understand if you are missing one required and are currently enrolled in that course and once you finished that required course you would be enrolled in SMU a short time later. Thats when a conditional acceptance should be given. Not when there is alot of time left and you are taking more than one course. Please excuse any type-o's or grammatical errors, i aint in the mood for proof-reading

[jaypes]

Thanks everyone for their posts! I appreciate it and value your comments...

I was also thinking of schools such as St. Eustatius, St. James, MUA, Xavier, (If I wasnt taking the MCAT)

(1) Now...without the school bashing...rank those from 1-5....1 being the best and 5 the least....and why...?

(2) Call me crazy...but I tend to look at facilities and the buildings of the schools....I know all these schools (except Xavier) arent what we are used to in North America...does it make a difference down there (for current students).....?

[Laurie S]

ranking:

1) SGU
2) AUC
3) Ross (was 2nd but I believe they moved down after the DeVry purchase)
4) SABA
(1-4 are all Cali & FAFSA approved)
5) SMU :)

6) don't know after these, maybe MUA? St. Eus.?

I would ask your advisor, but I would apply to only the schools listed above. I'm sure you will do well with one of them.

I'm sure the arrows will be flying now!

[jaypes]

Dont wanna put those schools down...but I have no intentions of practicing in California...but I do recognize the fact that they are established...Im doing my Masters Degree in Education and its funny because I have looked over hundreds of research regarding success in schools....and the case is that students who are successful are: self-directed, self-motivated (intrinsic motivation), goal-oriented.....

buttttttt......i like a nice looking school as well....hehehe...

Im down to ......MUA, SMU, & St. Eustatius

[db3cool]

Why is it that people are always looking for an easy way out? Everybody wants to be a doctor but not everyone understands the dedication and numerous obstalces present in the pathway. Why do you not want to take the MCAT? Everybody is trying to take the path with the least resistance...but the end of that path severely limits your options.

[Laurie S]

Good luck with your decision. :)

Of SMU, SE, and MUA, I would have to vote for SMU. I don't know anything about SE or MUA, except that we (SMU & AUC) have transfers from those schools. I believe it was a step up for them, but I do not know for sure.

Good luck. :)

[jaypes]

Dont get me wrong..I dont want to give the impression that Im taking the easy way out...I work 30+ hrs/week at the hospital while pursuiing my Masters Degree full time (3.5GPA)...I already have an offer of admission into a PhD in Clinical Psych in California....

Medicine is just is another deep interest of mine....I am just not a fan of standardized tests....However, in saying that, I dont have a problem in completing all pre-requisite courses....

I suppose its and individual choice...here in Canada...we didnt have to take the SAT's to gain acceptance into universities...they took the average of our Grade 13 year in HS.....its just what Im used to...

but good point though, its always tempting to take the shortcut....

[ol' man]

....I am just not a fan of standardized tests....

Bad news. The toughest standardized test you will ever take is going to determine whether you actually become a doc...

[db3cool]

Jaypes, I was not thoroughly aware of your complete stats. If you were an american student you would have gotten in to an american school with a 27+ on the MCAT. Just remember, you're not an American citizen, and you will be a foregn grad from carib med schools, your options for practicing medicine in U.S. will be limited.

[jaypes]

call me foolish for asking this....are canadian citizens allowed to practice in the US? even if they pass the USMLE and obtain certification?

[jaypes]

Bad news. The toughest standardized test you will ever take is going to determine whether you actually become a doc...


yea...i was aware of that...but..i actually wrote the national RN exam...as I said.. I wasnt a fan of it..however, i studied my butt off....only need 4 hrs out of the alotted 8 hours to pass w/ an 85%....

its just i didnt prefer it in the past...:cool:

[ol' man]

Do yourself a favor then and take the MCAT. If you do reasonably well, go to a US or Canadian school. Make the Caribbean your last resort.

[jaypes]

but you know what...i am actually seriously thinking about taking the MCATs...just a little busy with the masters coursework...im sure im able to give my full focus on it over the summer....:cool:

[Laurie S]

Do yourself a favor then and take the MCAT. If you do reasonably well, go to a US or Canadian school. Make the Caribbean your last resort.

ditto. The ol' man is steering you in the right direction. :) And again, I would apply to the top 4 ( or 5 :) ) caribbean schools 1st.

[jaypes]

thanks for the advice everyone.!

the top 5...

SGU, SABA, ROSS, AUC, & ______ ??? or 6th_______??

Feel free to put your input! hehehe :)

[Laurie S]

top 5:

SGU, AUC, Ross, SABA, SMU :) :)

[GoodDoc]

call me foolish for asking this....are canadian citizens allowed to practice in the US? even if they pass the USMLE and obtain certification?

One of the resident in our hospital from Canada. He's almost finished FP residency. He told me once that he could practice in the States but he wanted to go back to Canada. There is very little disadvange as Canadian citizen.

[sbturner]

I "attended" St. James and then Xavier for 3 weeks each. They are con jobs; they are not medical schools at all! You have been warned. I am in a legal battle with St. James for $4,000 now.

SABA does not have title IV funding that I am aware of; I am very sure of this. So, they cannot have FAFSA approval.

I highly recommend you take the MCAT. I took it without studying at all and got a 20. I'm sure you can do decently without even studying that hard. Plus, it gives you so many more options without having to sacrafice too much (perhaps you are thinking of the time investment).

Best wishes!:D

[jaypes]

I "attended" St. James and then Xavier for 3 weeks each. They are con jobs; they are not medical schools at all! You have been warned. I am in a legal battle with St. James for $4,000 now.

SABA does not have title IV funding that I am aware of; I am very sure of this. So, they cannot have FAFSA approval.

I highly recommend you take the MCAT. I took it without studying at all and got a 20. I'm sure you can do decently without even studying that hard. Plus, it gives you so many more options without having to sacrafice too much (perhaps you are thinking of the time investment).

Best wishes!:D

So what program are you in now? ... yea..i will take the mcats now

[Laurie S]

SABA does not have title IV funding that I am aware of; I am very sure of this. So, they cannot have FAFSA approval.



SB,

Thanks for clarifying. That's important! :)

[CSIMED]

Well I send out my application this week. Extremely nervous. I currently have 2.942 GPA. 4 years of volunteer work, a good personal statement and 4 LOR's. Can someone please let me know what are my chances of getting into this school. I do not have my MCATS.

[shawnm3]

Well I send out my application this week. Extremely nervous. I currently have 2.942 GPA. 4 years of volunteer work, a good personal statement and 4 LOR's. Can someone please let me know what are my chances of getting into this school. I do not have my MCATS.


i wouldnt worry about it, everyone gets in. seriously.

[kanson]

Someone in my class applied with a 2.1 GPA and got in, so don't worry.

[DJPratik102]

thanks!... it helped

[CSIMED]

Im very nervous and anxious about the whole admission process. Can someone please let me know what were your GPA were when you submitted your documents. I currently have a 2.9 GPA. Clinical experience and good LORs. Do I stand a chance against the committee?

[lrry]

Man I Can Understand Your Concerns, But Let Me Say This Maybe This Will Put Your Mind At Ease( Thr Truth) Any Body Can Get In Those Lower Tier Schools Esp. The Ones You Listed Including St.mathews. I'm From Me. Worked As A Nurse There, And Also Went To St.mathews, By Having The Clinical And Medical Background That I Had They Could Not Sell Me The **. Do Youself A Favor Try Asia, St.georges Are Ross. Because Based On The Type Of Questions You're Asking About A Sub Par School You Need To Be Somewhere In A Stuctured Type Setting, Meaning A Real Med. School, Ie, Classes, Real Cadavers, Real Clinicals Board Certified Usmle Profs. To 36000 Tuition For That Garbage That Not Approved By All States And Listed On Disapproval List, You Want To Put Your Name With Something Like That, And Yes They Will Give You Conditional Acceptance With Your 2.9 As Long As You Have The Cash... It's All A Business And Don't Let Anyone ** You. I Have Passed Step 1 And Step2 , Before Putting Yourself On Front Street With So Many Insecurities About A Business I Wouldn't Give It The Decency To Call A Medical School, Study Harder Finish Your Courses, Get Some Confidence And Go To A Real School... At St.mathews You're Just Another That's Willing To Subject Yourself To Anything To Have A Md Behind Your Name, Maybe 20%if That From Fourth Year Even Understand Basic Med. Prac. Take It From Someone That Knows........... Since You Want The Real Truth You Have It My Man .........peace

[Laurie S]

Well, that was interesting..................on so many levels.

[MDXRS22]

That's quite heavy!

[CSIMED]

I went to an open house in NY that St.Matthews conducted. I liked everything they said. What im really nervous about is that many people tell me that they have risen their requirements and became very picky. I really hope mthat my stats will be good enough to get in. Honestly I do have the cash and planning to pay for the whole thing out of my pocket. Can you please explain to me what is a conditional acceptance? A friend of mine applied the same time as I did and already received a phone call today stating that his application is moving forward. This makes me very worried because I haven received one. I hope you understand the feeling, its indescribable. Any input will be very helpful.

[Nimmuk]

Call the school tomorrow and ask for the status of your application.,...school officials are very friendly.

[stookie]

Uh Oh! I'm planning on sending in my application by monday, and I'm in almost the same boat as you (I have no clinical experience) SMU is my first choice, but i was accepted to MUA nevis and I would like to get accepted to SMU quickly. I have until april 27th to make a decision! Anyone out there know how quickly they process your application?

[CSIMED]

I do have 4 years of clinical volunteer experience. I also worked for doctors and dentists for the past 7 years. I just hope my 2.9 gpa will be enough to get accepted. The waiting process is the worst. Im sure everyone who allpied knows the feeling. Stookie can you let me know about MUA. Where are you allowed to practice after you completed all the requirement. New York?. Also what are there requirements for getting in.

Thank you.
CSIMED

[ol' man]

Irry must be a really busy. According to this post http://www.valuemd.com/366653-post2.html he is also enrolled at Fatima Medical School in Asia. Guess he's really doing a "dual degree." That airfare between the two has really got to be eating up some loans. (note: this is sarcasm in case anyone missed it)

[stookie]

I do have 4 years of clinical volunteer experience. I also worked for doctors and dentists for the past 7 years. I just hope my 2.9 gpa will be enough to get accepted. The waiting process is the worst. Im sure everyone who allpied knows the feeling. Stookie can you let me know about MUA. Where are you allowed to practice after you completed all the requirement. New York?. Also what are there requirements for getting in.

Thank you.
CSIMED

MUA just got NY approval so you can do more tha 12 weeks of clinicals and residency there. It was not that hard to get in. I applied to Saba and was rejected, so they forwarded my application there, and I called them and they arranged an interview on the spot. I had an interview like 3 weeks later and boom i was in!! I have a 2.92 cGPA and a 2.96 Sci GPA no clinical experience and no MCAT. They say they require a 3.0 to get in but i proved that wrong. From what I hear MUA is an up and coming school and is really great. It's owned by the same people that own Saba, so they know what they are doing. The only thing I don't like about the school is that I would have to ruff it there for for 20 months. I am leaning towards SMU because I want to be comfortable during basic sciences because being so far away from home and my family will be hard enough, so I don't want to be on an island where I would feel depressed about the conditions around me. From what I hear Grand Cayman is like living in south florida, which I'm down for.

[stookie]

Irry must be a really busy. According to this post http://www.valuemd.com/366653-post2.html he is also enrolled at Fatima Medical School in Asia. Guess he's really doing a "dual degree." That airfare between the two has really got to be eating up some loans. (note: this is sarcasm in case anyone missed it)

ol' man, your the coolest guy on here. :D

[sbturner]

I got in with 2.5 overall, 2.5 science 20 MCAT and am doing fine (2nd semester). It is always possible. Best wishes.:D

[sbturner]

2nd semester MD program coupled as a 1st semester student in the Master's degree program. Best wishes on the MCAT; I am sure you will do really well.

You're welcome L.

[CSIMED]

Can someone please share your stats with me. I applied to the school and still havent heard back from them. I have 2.9GPA, 4 years clinical experience (volunteer) , LORs and all the other stuff. Can someone please let me if i stand a chance.

Thank You

[SMU-Info]

Can someone please share your stats with me. I applied to the school and still havent heard back from them. I have 2.9GPA, 4 years clinical experience (volunteer) , LORs and all the other stuff. Can someone please let me if i stand a chance.

Thank You

Contact the school or send me your name and I will check on your status.

[db3cool]

No one gets rejected. I know people with no MCAT and 2.5 GPA that got in. Do yourself a favor and just relax.