May 2007 Student Info Exchange

[ducman]

This thread serves as a gathering place for all students matriculating in the May 2007 semester.

[pursuingMD]

Is there anyone who applied for this semester? Anyone got accepted? What is class size? When is the latest that I can apply?

[pursuingMD]

Is there anyone who applied for this semester? Anyone got accepted? What is class size? When is the latest that I can apply? How long will it take from sending my application to getting the admission? Thanks for info.

[unoriginalone]

I was interviewed back in late July for Jan 07, and then deferred to May 07, but I'm debating between Saba and DO. I'd imagine there aren't too many people at this point for May 07, so I'd apply definitely by the end of the year. Class size is usually around 60.

[navevan]

just ook at he sticky at the top of the forum page called may 2007 stuent info exchange. That should tell you more.

edit: nevermind. I just went there and there is nothing there. Sorry bout that =) How can Sep 07 have more posts than may? Wierd!

[bhs2a]

I have taken a deferral from the Jan semester to May. So to get things going I am 22F from Tennessee. My husband will be coming along with me.

Best to everyone.

[nhile]

I just mailed my application. Let see how long it takes until I get some form of a response.

[reed]

My husband and I were accepted for May 07. See you then ;-)

[dianatri]

I just applied for May 07 as well, so anxiously waiting to hear from them... ):D

[fakewebname]

My husband and I were accepted for May 07. See you then ;-)

Congrats!

When did you apply? and what session was your first choice?

thanks in adavance.

[reed]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure when we applied but we did ask for September 07 first and May second.

[simpleman1]

I got in for May

GPA 3.70
MCAT 18


They are really nice on the phone during the interview. Apply before seats fill up. I think they take about 60 students

[fakewebname]

I got in for May

GPA 3.70
MCAT 18


They are really nice on the phone during the interview. Apply before seats fill up. I think they take about 60 students

Just trying to get an idea of the timeline...

When did you apply simpleman1? and was May your first choice?

I'm putting my application in and am trying to figure out if I stand a chance for May.

[nhile]

Just trying to get an idea of the timeline...

When did you apply simpleman1? and was May your first choice?

I'm putting my application in and am trying to figure out if I stand a chance for May.

I applied 2 weeks ago and just got an email saying that want a 30 min phone interview from me. This is for May 2007. Wish me luck!

[germany]

Good luck, nhile! know the island, know the school, know your app. you'll do fine.

[germany]

oh, and know all about the usmle's. they like to ask that one too.

they'll probably give you a hard time about whatever the biggest weakness is on your app. but hold firm, and don't give in. say you're aware of the problem and fixed it by doing this, this , and this.

for me, my biggest weakness was my outrageous good looks. i've stopped modeling, which i think is what they wanted to hear.

[nhile]

oh, and know all about the usmle's. they like to ask that one too.

they'll probably give you a hard time about whatever the biggest weakness is on your app. but hold firm, and don't give in. say you're aware of the problem and fixed it by doing this, this , and this.

for me, my biggest weakness was my outrageous good looks. i've stopped modeling, which i think is what they wanted to hear.

haha thanks very much for the advice and help, germany, it is greatly appreciated.

[unoriginalone]

Just an update to some of you, I was accepted for Jan 07, but deferred to May 07 after debating about going to a DO school here.

I'm still undecided, but leaning towards Saba based on heavy deliberation. I just wanted to know if any of you had gotten started on the housing and financial aid process; ie- submitted your housing preference forms, or started applying for loans suggested by Saba, etc?

Thanks.

[fakewebname]

I applied 2 weeks ago and just got an email saying that want a 30 min phone interview from me. This is for May 2007. Wish me luck!

Congrats nhile! when is your interview?

Make sure you let us know how it went.

Good luck!

[Dragos.Banu]

Hey, my name is Dragos and I`m from Montreal Canada. I got accepted for may 2007 so I`m looking forward to start.

[Canadaguy]

I had an interview last Monday (Nov 6th)... hoping for May 07. Has anyone interviewed within the last 2-3 weeks and received a decision letter? Maybe I'm just getting a little impatient...

[Canadaguy]

OK, I received the acceptance package! I will be coming in May 07. 26 M from Ontario, Canada. My Wife will be coming along with me.

[Dragos.Banu]

Congrats man, future MD, I'm from Mtl, starting in May also, it would be nice to make a list of our class ( May 2007 ) what u think?

[fakewebname]

I have also been accepted into the May 07 class and look forward to meeting my fellow classmates!
I am coming in from Vancouver, BC.

Cheers!

[minnu]

does anyone have a rough idea of how filled the may term is? i'm sending my application tomorrow and i put may as my first choice.

[minnu]

in case anyone else was wondering, here's the info from gardner - they're giving about 15 interviews a week..so may is filling up really fast. if you want to apply for may, send in your application yesterday.
sept is still very open

good luck =)

[Canadaguy]

If I count up the number of people coming for May 2007 on this thread, there are only about 8 or 9. Is this all so far, or are there people accepted that are not posting? September 07 is catching up with us at about five people already...

I know interviews for May are ongoing... come on guys, let's get a good list going.

[Bruce]

If I count up the number of people coming for May 2007 on this thread, there are only about 8 or 9. Is this all so far, or are there people accepted that are not posting


Hi... As you will soon discover there really isn't a large number of students that actually post on Valuemd once they've started classes...... I would hazard a guess at maybe 10% - 20%... Of 70 students just coming out of 1st semester (Sept. /06) you may have approx. 10 that actually will comment on this forum... So, having said that, don't rely on too much input from those currently enrolled at Saba... As you will notice there are certain individuals (students) who take the time to provide you with some extremely helpful information about the school and the island and what to expect when you step onto the tarmack at the airport or at the dock when you arrive. People like Rdcastro, Sabaspouse, Amyames, Kingmo, Miasma, Ducman (Moderator), just to name a few that actually post in here. (If I have missed anyone, my sincerest apologies) Keep in mind that once you start, you probably aren't going to have a lot of time or desire to dedicate to this forum...
Rick deCastro has provided a myriad of information for those students coming onto the island... Kudos to him for taking the time and effort to enlighten the "newbies" to the island of Saba.... Read his post on "what to expect".. From what students and my son have told me, he is "pretty accurate" when it comes to island and school expectations..... The students I was so fortunate to meet when I was there this past September seemed to really have there heads screwed on right and should do "OK" as they move ahead. Contrary to what you may have read the "attrition" rate at Saba seems to be very low. The class of Sept. /06 at the time of writing has "lost" no one...apparantley, this is one of the first classes to achieve this from what I have read...
My apologies if I've gone off topic in regards to you're post, however, the anxiety so many of you are experiencing will soon subside once you get there... Have faith in yourself... FOCUS...... and you will succeed!!!!
Good luck and hang in there..... You'll be just fine!!!!!!

[clive]

deleted post

[JRHAIDER]

hey guys im also in for the may 07 term! Im from Chicago. anyone from chicago... please let me know

[harsy]

HI
Is it just me or Saba seems to have way more mature students than other schools in the carribean.i guess it has its pros and cons.
I will be applying for may07 soon.

[sopredictable]

hello hello..

Im new to this forum < as in just signed up a couple of hours ago > Ive been reading the entire part on saba. I have applied for the May 2007... and after reading all the threads on Saba, i am getting really reallyy nervous. I had not realized the extent of the competition < specifically the thousands of apps >I have not had my interview yet. I thought my credentials were around the average <maybe with a lower mcat score> for Saba, although some of the comments written said otherwise. Its around 3.4 gpa with a 3.4 science gpa & a 21 on the mcats. I just wanted to introduce myself and am glad stuff like this exists. It has some useful stuff for help with the interviews. I am not sure how this is going to go, but hoping & praying its in my favor!!!? Goodluck to all the fellow applicants that have not heard back yet!

[sabamed07]

Hello everyone...
Congratulations to all who have been accepted, and best of luck for those who are applying. I will be attending Saba for May 07. I am a 21 M from Florida. See you in May!!!

[supernova19]

Hello I was accepted for May 07 and I am from Decatur, Illinois. Anyone else going from Illinois or anywhere near Chicago?

Hello everyone...
Congratulations to all who have been accepted, and best of luck for those who are applying. I will be attending Saba for May 07. I am a 21 M from Florida. See you in May!!!

[trauma77]

Hi folks,

I was recently accepted into the May 2007 class at SABA. I have been a practicing physician assistant (PA) in emergency medicine and hematology/oncology now for 5.5 years. I thought I would be pleased with this career path; however, I now know that I will not be satisfied until I complete my MD degree and continue on through residency. I grew up in Chillicothe, IL and currently work in Peoria. It certainly is nice to see others from IL attending the program (ie. Supernova, Jrhaider). Congratulations on your acceptance, fellow classmates, and we'll see ya in April/May!

Oh, is everyone becoming as anxious as I am??

TJW

[JRHAIDER]

supernova , trauma77 I am from chicago, il. and WILL be attending in may 07.... hope to see you guys there !!!!

[tellmethenews]

HI
Is it just me or Saba seems to have way more mature students than other schools in the carribean.i guess it has its pros and cons.
I will be applying for may07 soon.


I love the people here. I will be applying to Saba and hopefully they'll take me.

[honeygold]

Just curious if there are recent students without MCAt scores . I have a decent GPA with tons of clinical experience but no MCAT score...I know that's gonna be brought up during the interview and kind of nervous about how to respond...It's basically because I know that would take me another yr to prepare for it and I've already spent 5 yrs in undergrad...Anyhow, just curious what other people said if they were in this situation...feel free to contact me privately...Thanks in advance...

[GFLIP]

For incoming SABA students,

I posted some pics of SABA. Click the link below and look under SABA:
http://www.valuemd.com/gallery/index.php

Enjoy.

[Mr. Serotonin]

I've been accepted for May 07 and can't wait to come down to the unspoiled queen! 30 M, married. Look forward to seeing you guys down there. Any body have the skinny on the cheapest airfare? I'm guessing it might be better to wait for another month or so. Right now, the cheapest I've found is around $600 from Philly. Please post and advise!!

[nondual]

I'm in for May '07. 25 Male, from Toronto. Anyone else from Toronto starting this May?

[MissCrabette]

My fiance just found out he got in for May 2007. Let the planning begin. :)

[MissCrabette]

Here's a list of the May 2007 students and significant others who have been posting here.

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
and my fiance (I'll be accompanying him).

So when's everyone coming to Saba?

[victronics]

i'm arriving may 1st from oklahoma

[MissCrabette]

I have a few questions regarding medical insurance. Are you keeping your medical insurance from home? For those of you bringing spouses or significant others to the island, what kind of medical evacuation insurance or membership plan have they picked? Thanks.

[knowwhen]

I will be joining you in May. Originally accepted for Jan term but had to defer due to health issue. Was at MUA in Sept when had a very unexpected health issue arise. Had kept my California Blue Cross as well as purchased the school recommended insurance for the island. Had surgery on the island and needed to be airlifted back to California for further treatment. I had purchased medevac insurance that was mentioned by rdecastro and can't say enough good things about that company!
Website is: http://www.medjetassistance.com. I set my own transfer up with my cellphone from my hospital bed and they were super to work with.
The insurance I purchased for the island has been a waste. The island hospital does not deal with insurance, I notified the insurance company myself of my admission- again with my cell phone. Was told I had to pay everything up front including hospital and doctor bills before leaving the hospital. Have been trying since October to get money I paid reimbursed from the insurance company without success.

[MissCrabette]

Thanks. I'd heard of MedJetAssist and I think that's what we're going to go with. You mentioned that the island hospital didn't take insurance. Did you submit a claim to Blue Cross or to the company whose insurance you bought through the school? When I called Blue Cross Blue Shield I was told I'd have to pay out of pocket and then submit a claim.

[knowwhen]

Didn't even try Blue Cross....thought the international insurance company would be more used to dealing with the island hospitals than a US company. The hospital and docs at least on Nevis do not deal with insurance companies apparently because I had given them my insurance card from the school recommended insurance company and it didn't make any difference. They basically just gave me a little handwritten receipt after I paid- no such thing as claim forms here. Hence my difficulty in getting reimbursed by the insurance company because they basically want everything a US insurance company would want. On the bright side, I paid for my hospital stay, the surgeon and anesthesiologist for less than what a bed in the hospital would cost for one day back home- with no doctors or services included in that!

[JRHAIDER]

i am coming on may 1st also we all should meet there somewhere. when we get situated.

[bhs2a]

Thanks for the list MissCrabette. I will be coming over on the boat the evening of May 1st.
I think we should make a new thread about insurance information. I'm still lost when it comes to picking who to go with.

[mrkaleel]

Hey Everybody

Ive been accepted to Saba's May semester also. 21 m NC. What dates are we recommended to and allowed to arrive ?

[giovannidoe]

Congrats to all those accepted. Who was asked to submit MCAT if s/he did not previously? I just received letter stating that admissions wants MCAT. I applied for Sept 07. Does that have anything to do with it?

[honeygold]

it's usually because ur classes are 5 yrs or older, u've taken them at communnity college, or ur GPA is low..that is when they want u to take the MCAT to make sure u can handle the curriculum at SABA..this is what I was told by the office...sept. has nothing to do with it...

[gridlock]

Hi Everyone,
I just recieved word today that I have been accepted for may 07. :)

add me on msn.. chasingmedicine@gmail.com

[giovannidoe]

Congrats. Did you take the MCAT?

[gridlock]

yes for the mcat :)

[Dragos.Banu]

Here's a list of the May 2007 students and significant others who have been posting here.

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
and my fiance (I'll be accompanying him).

So when's everyone coming to Saba?


Hi,

I'll be coming around the 1st of may, if everything goes well!!!

[honeygold]

Congrats gridlock (http://www.valuemd.com/members/gridlock.html)! I knew you would:)

[gridlock]

haha.. how was that?

[Dragos.Banu]

Hi guys,

Has anyone got news from the ''Dorms''. If we are with someone or alone etc.

I didn't and I was wondering what's going on...

[giovannidoe]

Has anyone had problems regarding the Admission Office's slow response time? I've e-mailed but thus far heard nothing.

[tpw2k]

give them a call, iits the best method and saves a lot of time.

[gridlock]

The admission's office is quite efficient actually. Just call them at 978-630-5122 and they are very helpful.

[giovannidoe]

Is the May class filled?

[medschool22]

Is the May class filled?

Nope. Accepted May 07! :)

[gridlock]

Nope. Accepted May 07! :)


Congratulations :)

WHere are you coming from?

[medschool22]

Congratulations :)

WHere are you coming from?

Thanks :)

Western NY

[B-lo22]

Hey everyone, accepted May '07. I'm 22 from Buffalo, NY.

[medschool22]

I have to say goodbye to my ps3 and 360 soon....lol

[DOCplucinski]

I'm not going to Saba but I see you guys are from WNY, sweet...I'm originally from Fredonia

[trauma77]

Here's a list of the May 2007 students and significant others who have been posting here.

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
and my fiance (I'll be accompanying him).

So when's everyone coming to Saba?


I was looking at flights today. I will flying out of Chicago and was thinking about the 01 May. Looks like I would be arriving around 16:00 on that date. I suppose this is appropriate timing, 7 days before class begins...anyone heard otherwise? I haven't heard anything about the dorm arrangements yet, but I will anticipate being able to move right in upon arrival that evening.

[lekker]

I'll also be arriving for my first semester sometime in the first week of May. At the moment, I'm just waiting for the electronic fund transfer forms (in triplicate?) to come in the mail so that I can pay my tuition! I hope they get here soon, since it is due March 15....:|

[GFLIP]

Found this list for incoming students - might be helpful:

http://www.valuemd.com/saba-university-school-medicine/24181-checklist-incoming-students.html

[medschool22]

so what do we wear for the white coat ceremony?

[miasma]

so what do we wear for the white coat ceremony?
what white coat ceremony?

[ducman]

Unlike most American schools, we do not have a White Coat Ceremony. This is a ceremony performed at the start of one's medical school career as an initiation in to the world of medicine.

We do hold a Basic Sciences ceremony at the end of the 5th semester.

[GFLIP]

For Newbies...

I stumbled upon this while reminiscing about SABA. I thought it would be a nice read for you to learn more about the island:

Sea Saba Dive Center, Netherlands Antilles, Dutch Caribbean, Saba Island, Local News, Business Opportunity, Restaurant for Lease, Tropics Cafe now available for new lease, Caribbean Business Opportunities, Gate House Wins Award from Wine Spectator Ma (http://www.seasaba.com/news/LocalNews.htm)

[rich9579]

Hey all. I'm from Connecticut. Wife and child are coming with me. Arriving on St. Maarten on Apr 25, staying the night and catching a boat ride to SABA the next morning (Apr 26).

[medschool22]

Is the theater on St. Maarten getting Spider Man 3 on May 4th? :D

[MissCrabette]

Updated May 2007 list. There's only one month left before we come down to Saba. :D

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
my fiance (I'll be accompanying him)
victronics
knowwhen
mrkaleel
gridlock
medschool22
B-lo22
lekker
rich9579

[DocSophina]

I will be in Saba May 07!

[SuzieJ]

I'm entering late in the game, but I was just accepted (long story) for May of 2007 so I'm making some quick adjustments to be ready to move in about a month. I'm 25/f from California (originally New Jersey though) and I just wanted to say hi. :)

[SuzieJ]

I spoke to Dr. Bernstein in MA and he suggested that I fly out to Saba around May 4th... I've been reading through the previous posts and it seems that most people are coming around that time, correct? I suppose it couldn't hurt to come a couple days earlier to get settled/more acquainted...

[DocSophina]

Hi Suzie,

I am flying in on May 4th too. =)

[Jalebi]

Updated May 2007 list. There's only one month left before we come down to Saba. :D

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
my fiance (I'll be accompanying him)
victronics
knowwhen
mrkaleel
gridlock
medschool22
B-lo22
lekker
rich9579

Please add me to the list MissCrabette :). I'll be arriving on May 2nd. If you guys are still looking for fares kayak.com and farecompare.com seem useful. Looking forward to meet you all!... less than a month aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

[Melissa123]

I'm so excited for all of you! I'm starting in the September semester, so I still have some time left. Good luck to everyone:)

[MissCrabette]

I guess I'll be the resident record keeper for the May 2007 class. :D Here we go:

bhs2a (accompanied by husband)
reed (accompanied by husband)
simpleman1
unoriginalone (still undecided?)
Dragos.Banu
Canadaguy
fakewebname
JRHAIDER
sabamed07
supernova19
trauma77
Mr. Serotonin
nondual
my fiance (I'll be accompanying him)
victronics
knowwhen
mrkaleel
gridlock
medschool22
B-lo22
lekker
rich9579
DocSophina
SuzieJ
Jalebi

Congratulations to all of you! We'll meet on the island soon enough.

[SuzieJ]

Hi Suzie,

I am flying in on May 4th too. =)

I haven't made any flight plans yet (I really ought to though), so I guess that's a good time to arrive? Does anyone think coming earlier would be a better idea (before I make my flight plans)?

[Jalebi]

I haven't been to Saba. But I think some people arrive about a week or so and some arrive 1-2 days prior to orientation (on 7th?), depending on what each prefer to do before classes start... to get familiar with the island, scuba dive, get the internet going or else? So Suzie, if you think 2-3 days are sufficient to settle in, go for it!

MissCrabette, thank you for doing that :)

[bigguy]

Hello,
I know there's a lot of anticipation, excitement, and doubt about the adventure you're about to embark on. I just wanted to let you know, as a 5th semester finishing up his last 10 days on the island YOU MADE AN AWESOME DECISION!

I'm a 40 year old lawyer who came to Saba with no medical background, and pre-reqs taken 20 years ago. Yesterday I took the the Kaplan diagnostic exam (a simulated Step 1) and without having taken any time to review any of the subject material, my score indicated that I could pass Step 1 today. I'm also finishing the Basic Sciences with a 3.89. That's a good feeling. So in short, I'm just letting you know, if I can be successful in this program, you can too.

I have a few tips:
Don't look back. A few students usually crack under the pressure of the first few weeks and get a flight back home. Don't let that happen to you or to anyone in your class. When you look out and see the big green rock sticking out of the Caribbean sea (Saba) put all notions of what your former life was, all expectations, all self doubts, and ideas that you could do other things besides finishing this program behind you. Step foot on the rock and commit to the 20 months ahead of you. Of the 69 students admitted to my class, only 1 was dismissed because of academics. Medical school is about feeling bewildered, overwhelmed, exhausted, tense, and often depressed. It's easy to let the idea creep into your head that you're not cut out for it....don't let that happen. Keep your head down and keep moving forward, semester by semester.
Hit the ground running. Get to the island a few days ahead of time, socialize, meet people, learn each others names, but as soon as classes begin, buckle down. Your first few weeks are rough. You're living in a new place, with new people, and being subjected to a work load and pace you're not used to. It's very easy to get distracted by going out with classmates and exploring the island, and setting up your room and buying food. All of that can wait until you've got your first block of exams out of the way. For the first few weeks you need to spend 4-5 hours a night studying the day's powerpoints or Word documents and consolidating them. In addition, you'll be spending seemingly endless hours in the anatomy lab trying to catch up on your dissections. Between class, dissections, and studying, you'll be putting in 16 hour days for the first few weeks. You don't have time for anything else. All too often the first block exams creep up on people unaware, and they fail them, sometimes miserably. That's a really disheartening way to start your med school career. You've got 20 months to get to know the island, and 20 months to get to know more than you want to know about the 65 (or so) individuals you'll share a classroom with. Your semester is divided into 5 block exams, three weaks apart. By third block you'll have a study system down that will carry you through your next 19 months on Saba and you'll be able to relax a bit. Until then, put in the time that you need to to nail the exams.
It's important first semester to know your classmates. They're the ones who will pass diagrams and outlines to you that'll make studying easier. But toward the end of first semester start networking with the students in semesters above you. They're the ones who are really going to make your time at Saba easier. They'll give you the low down on the classes ahead, what books you need (or don't) and any kind of guides or outlines they've got to help you along. They'll also be the ones who'll give you info. about the realities of Step 1 and clinicals.
Don't try to change the system. Everyone who comes to Saba has ideas about how to improve the systems, the schedules, the professors, the lectures. Realize that this is a small school with a small administration. This isn't a big university or local college with state and federal funding. This is a small business run to turn a profit. At times you'll grind your teeth over things that feel are unfair, unrealistic, too demanding, or just flat out stupid. Put your head down, stop complaining, do what you're expected to do, and you'll end up receiving an excellent education. The big picture is what you come away from Saba with, not the day to day annoyances and politics.
Be professional. There's zero tolerance for clowns, disrespect, or unprofessional behavior at Saba. Dress, speak, and behave like the professionals you hope to become. It's expected of you. Many of the professors are very "old school." You're expected to be in your seat when they begin class. You are not allowed to speak to anyone except them during a lecture. People are rarely dismissed for academic behavior at Saba. People are routinely dismissed for failing to attend classes or because they don't project a professional demeanor. Your class will be treated as a group and they expect you censor each other. If you have too many jerks, idiots, or clowns, you're whole class will suffer because of it. Remember, anything that puts you under a negative spotlight on Saba may come back to haunt you 36 months later when you're relying on a Dean's letter to get you into residency. Saba is really good about promoting and supporting it's students who reflect the professional and academic standard the school expects. They have ways of retaliating against those who don't.
The quickest way for you to end your medical school career is to get caught or be suspected of cheating.
The second quickest way for you to end your medical school career is to get drunk in public and say or do something that puts your professionalism in doubt. There's zero tolerance at Saba for public intoxication, for altercations with other students or local people, or for any kind of criminal or sexual misconduct. Feel free to go out, have fun, mix with other students and faculty, and drink moderately. If you want to get wasted, do it at home.
Don't pack too much. It's a small island, but you can get virtually anything you really need here. Bring a laptop, a printer (don't forget cables) a 1-2 GB jump drive, and a bunch of highlighters and colored pens/pencils. Anything else you can pretty much buy here either at the stores or from other students who are leaving. Don't bring a ton of clothes, you'll spend a lot of time first semester in scrubs anyway.
Bring an extra laptop powercord. Especially for PC users many people have powercord failures. You can have one taped to your desk at school, and one at home. That way, you're quick in and out of class.
Despite what I said in #2 get Dive certified first semester. The semesters get progressively harder and you won't really have time after first semester. Just manage your study time well, and take a few "self" days to get certfied.
On the subject of semesters getting progressively harder. The majority of you will think that first semester is harder than anything you've ever done before. You'll hear people say that 2nd semester is harder. It is. Don't crack under the pressure, and don't get disheartened. The semesters get progressively harder, but you get progressively smarter, and more efficient. You burn neural pathways that make it possible for you to absorb the quantity and pace of the material. By the time you get to fifth semester, you'll look back on first semester (which you thought was impossible) and think it was a joke.So I hope I haven't harshed the buzz about the med school experience. This is a great place to study medicine, the island is awesome if you appreciate what it has to offer. You can all do it. You're all smart and motivated enough. But you've got to realize that while this is med school in the carib, it's still med school, and it's a real med school that requires 20 months of blood, sweat, and tears. Stick it out, and you'll be glad you did.

Good luck!

Bigguy

All you do and all you see is all your life will ever be! ~Pink Floyd

[Bruce]

Great Post and Best of Luck...

[dlesher]

Just wondering if there are any LDS students coming to the island in the May 2007 class.

[Dragos.Banu]

Nice Post!!!As a first semester future student it helps to have the head`s up

[SuzieJ]

So I just booked my flight and I'll be arriving Thursday, May 3rd at about 5:15pm... Who will already be at Saba?

[bigguy]

Hello again,

Again, welcome and good luck...and don't pack too much!

I have 2 other tips. I'm not sure if y'all have arranged a meet and greet, but if not, you should. The night before classes begin (when hopefully you've all arrived) you should get together at a place in Windwardside called Scout's. It's the only place large enough to hold you. You can either arrange taxi vans up there, or do the 20 minute walk to Windwardside. You can arrange it as a drinks and appetizers kind of thing. I think if you tried to do dinner there they might be overwhelmed. Also, restaurants stop serving food early on the island, so the best time would probably be around 6:30pm. It's a nice place to watch the sunset.

One of you in each of the dorms should appoint yourself as "dorm liason" so you can communicate the meet and greet with your classmates and communicate between the 2 dorms. Maybe you could just make copies of the place and time and tape them to the doors.

You, and your 65-70 classmates are going to become an incredibly cohesive group of people. The classes that are non-competitive and support each other are the classes that end up doing the best grade and Step-wise.

If you go ahead with a meetup, don't just hang out with your new dorm-mates; go around and meet every person. Write their name down (it'll save you from feeling like an idiot 10 days later when you can't remember your assigned anatomy partner's name).

Starting the next morning you'll be swamped, so the night before is your last chance to do any real socializing/networking until your first block exams are over 3 weeks later.

The other tip is for all of you who want to do some pre-studying before you get to the island. Do the following:
1) Get the Netter's Anatomy flashcards and try to commit as many of the structures to memory as you can before you arrive. You'll dissect in this order. Block 1: lower limb, Block 2: Upper Limb and Thorax, Block 3: Abdomen, Block 4: Head and Neck, Block 5: Cranium, eyes, ear, sinuses. We didn't even open Clinically Oriented Anatomy, but if you have it, the first chapter (the only chapter I read) is a good intro to anatomical positions (dorsal, ventral, rostral etc....). You will absolutely need the Netter's Anatomy atlas. If money isn't a big issue, I'd also get the Color Atlas of Anatomy (Rohen, Yokochi, Lutjen-Drecoll). It's a photographic atlas that shows anatomical structures as they'll really look in your cadavers, not as they are painted in Netters. I'd also buy High Yield Embryology (you'll have embryo in Anatomy class every Friday). There are zillion copies of more comprehensive embryo books floating around the island and in the library, so I wouldn't buy one. High Yield should give you what you need to know, and if you need more, you'll be able to track down a text.

2) Get whatever the required Histology text is (and the altas if one is assigned). I'd try to read the first 4 or 5 chapter thoroughly, and then skim the rest of the book. Of course, you're going to start out with basic cellular structures (mitochondria, golgi etc...). I'd know the identification and function of those structures cold before I got to the island. The histology professors were really hardcore last semester and the failure rate on the first Histo exam was more than 70%. I'd show up having brushed up on histo.

For Anatomy, I believe they'll give you Word documents to review each night. Everything you need to know is in that document. Just make sure you commit it to memory every single night.

Make good use of your anatomy lab time, dissect quickly (you're not graded on it) and try to be out of the Anatomy lab by 3:00 every day if possible. Don't just stand around while someone else is dissecting. Look at the structures, commit them to memory, and then go around to every other cadaver, and look at their structures. Two structures on each body will be pinned for your lab exam, so you have to know all structures on all bodies. No structure too small to pin will be tested over in the lab exam.

Histology is easy, but it usually gets pushed aside because Anatomy is so time intensive. Don't spend your life in the Anatomy lab...do your work and get out! Review Histo every single night. I think that everything you need to know will be presented in the Powerpoints (which are an outline of the text). People commonly leave Histo until the weekend before the exam, and they suffer because of it. If you've done a bit of review before coming to the island, it'll make your first few weeks here a lot more pleasant.


Happy Trails,
Bigguy

All you do and all you see is all your life will ever be. ~Pink Floyd

[bigguy]

Okay sorry, I'm hoping this is my last tip.

All of you will at some point in the next few weeks be contacted by your mentor. Your mentor is a second semester who just completed the classes you're about to take. They can either be INVALUABLE or worthless. You'll get a sense from your mentor how helpful they're going to be just from their e-mails. Are they one liners, or do they try to actually give you some real feedback on the classes.

Your mentor should pass to you notes, bootleg copies of Netters DVD, among other stuff which may or may not help you.

The majority of your study time on Saba is just getting the information your given in Powepoints or documents into a concise format that you can actually study from the day before an exam. You can't just flip through 1500 slides the day before an exam and hope to retain it all; you've got to narrow it down to outline form, and get rid of the chaff. Ideally, you'd like to have each class narrowed down to a 25-70 page document for each block.

Regardless of who your mentor is, track down the anal-retentive person in the class ahead of you who got A's in both classes, and who meticulously outlined and reformatted the Word documents and Powerpoints and imported diagrams and pictures into them to make them clearer and concise. Hand them your 2GB jump drive and ask them if you can have their notes. Anyone who has labored over well formatted outlines is happy to share their art with someone who'll appreciate it. Then, at the end of the semester, do something nice for that person to let them know you appeciated their help (and as a bribe for next semester notes).

I owe my life to Brian Chan, some guy a few semesters ahead of me that I never met, who passed his Pathology outlines to a friend, who passed them to me. Brian Chan, where ever you are, I owe you a drink!

Don't be afraid to ask people for help....9 times out of 10 they'll be happy to give it to you. The worst approach you can take in medical school is suffering in silence.

Until the next tip,
Bigguy

[bhs2a]

Maybe we should just keep Brian's work alive. ;) Pass it on down. :yeah:

[JRHAIDER]

that was a great post bigguy.

[Jalebi]

omg, thank you so much for great tips bigguy. It's super kind of you :).

[Jalebi]

omg, thank you so much for great tips bigguy. It's super kind of you :).

[trauma77]

OK guys....

I'll be arriving on St. Marten 02 May, at 15:00 via Chicago. I'll plan on taking the ferry over to SABA the following day, 03 May. Any one else with the same plan?

[TiNgRaW]

Hello everyone, i will be attending SABA next month.....wuhhooo!
name is *******, 25 m from NJ. see you guys soon.

[SuzieJ]

Thanks bigguy! I'm sure you're busy as hell, but I think we all appreciate the insight and advice! :)

[SuzieJ]

Thanks bigguy and all of the seasoned Saba students! I'm sure you're all busy as hell, but I think we all appreciate your insight and advice!

[SuzieJ]

What part of NJ? I'm originally from central Jersey...

[TiNgRaW]

im from jersey city, northern nj.

[TiNgRaW]

thanks bigguy... greatly appreciated.

[SuzieJ]

im from jersey city, northern nj.

Nice! I'm originally from Plainsboro near Hightstown and Princeton.

[Jalebi]

OK guys....

I'll be arriving on St. Marten 02 May, at 15:00 via Chicago. I'll plan on taking the ferry over to SABA the following day, 03 May. Any one else with the same plan?

Hmm..not the exact plan trauma77. I'm flying out of Chicago also and arriving on St. Maarten May 2nd around 2pm and then taking winair ~5pm (that is if no cancellation or delays occur). Perhaps, I'll see you at the sxm airport with a huge poster screaming, "trauma77!" :)

[theisland]

HELLO MY FELLOW MAY 2007 SEMESTER STUDENTS,

I KNOW YOUR ALL EXCITED ABOUT COMING TO SABA TO FULFILL YOUR DREAM OF BECOMING DOCTORS. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A WEBSITE WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE HOODIES(will need for classrooms and library), SHIRTS, COFFEE MUGS, HATS AND MORE THAT CARRY THE SCHOOLS NAME AND LOGO. I SUGGEST YOU BUY BEFORE COMING TO SABA, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

Online Saba University Store : CafePress.com (http://www.cafepress.com/sabauniversity)

HAVE A SAFE TRIP TO SABA AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING ALL OF YOU!!!

[JRHAIDER]

trauma77 and jalebi.... I am also leaving from chicago on may 2nd. I am taking american airlines... ill be arriving at the island also on the 2nd. we should meet up there if you have time.

[Mineira]

Add me to the list for May! Gardner just called yesterday and asked me to switch from September to May. I quit my job one hour later... such a great feeling. I still have to buy a ticket, but plan on flying out on May 2nd. Is anyone meeting up on St. Maarten that day?

[Jalebi]

trauma77 and jalebi.... I am also leaving from chicago on may 2nd. I am taking american airlines... ill be arriving at the island also on the 2nd. we should meet up there if you have time.

Most definitely! what time are ya flying out?

[JRHAIDER]

my flight is at 6 am and I will be arriving on the island on the same day. what about u... and r u meeting up with others as well.... ??? would def. like to know and chill. .....

[trauma77]

Hey guys,

I'll be taking off from O'Hare at 07:30, 02 May, and arrive on St. Marten 15:00, via US Airlines. If anyone is interested, it would be nice to hang out on St. Marten the evening of the 2nd. I'll plan on arriving on SABA the following morning via one of the ferries.

[JRHAIDER]

hey trauma Ill be also on St. Maarten around that time... but I will leave that same day for Saba. we should meet either that day on st. maarten (the 2nd) w/ Jalebi (hopefully), or on the 3rd. I am staying in Matthew Dorm. what about u guys?
p.s. Also If anyone else reads this and wants to meet up in Saba... it would also be cool...

[Juice217]

hey trauma Ill be also on St. Maarten around that time... but I will leave that same day for Saba. we should meet either that day on st. maarten (the 2nd) w/ Jalebi (hopefully), or on the 3rd. I am staying in Matthew Dorm. what about u guys?
p.s. Also If anyone else reads this and wants to meet up in Saba... it would also be cool...


If you all are going to be staying in St. Maarten, I know of a great place to stay thats cheap. The name is the Turquoise Shell Inn and he will give you a discount if you tell him you are Saba students. The guy is a retired optometrist from Kansas City and was a great help to me when I went to visit the school. It's right off the beach and its about 3/4 of a mile from the airport.

[prospectivestud]

ld like to find out if there are any nigerians or africans in general in SUSOM, pls reply if there are thanks

[Jalebi]

my flight is at 6 am and I will be arriving on the island on the same day. what about u... and r u meeting up with others as well.... ??? would def. like to know and chill. .....

Haha, so am I! 6:10am via AA. I think flight no. 722? I'm also taking winnair to saba the same day.

[JLea]

I personally know two guys from Nigeria and I, along with my wife and children, will eventually end up in Zambia as missionaries.

If you want to meet them, PM me and I will get you in touch with them.

Blessings,

J