SGU vs. US School?-- first time applicant

[reenak]

Hi all,

I need some honest advice. I have never applied to medical school yet, and I am wondering if it would be better to apply (and hopefully) be accepted to St. George's University in the Caribbean (as I know that's the best Caribbean school) for January 2008-- or wait an extra 1.5 year and get into a US medical school in Fall 2009.

I am just finishing my master's degree in public health (will be done in December). My master's GPA is a 3.5. My undergraduate non-science GPA is a 3.6 and my science GPA is a 3.15 (with a cumulative of 3.5-- I was a public health major then also). As far as the science GPA goes, I never had any really low scores-- I just predominantly tended to get mostly 'B's in my science classes. (I was definitely capable of getting 'A's, but I was one of those crazy people who took 18-23 units each term while working 20+ hours per week and doing a million extracurricular activities.) I have not taken my MCAT yet, but I have always done very well on standardized tests (did well on my SATs at 1380/1600 and even better on my GREs at 1450/1600 without studying). I know if I just put some time into studying for the MCAT, I shouldn't get any less than a 35+. My extracurriculars are also excellent-- I have extensive leadership and clinical experience, and a bit of research work as well.

After communicating with various medical schools, I'm told the only thing that is lacking my application is my science GPA-- but that it can be improved by just taking 20 units or so of upper-level post-bacc science courses and getting 'A's (as I already have completed my pre-med prerequisites as an undergraduate). So if I take upper-level science courses this year, I can apply and be competitive for US schools in 2009.

If I rush and take the September MCAT (already registered for it, but was thinking about waiting until next year)-- I can still apply to SGU. I know people usually recommend applying to Caribbean schools only if they haven't been accepted to US schools-- but this would save me 1.5 year if I could start in January 2008, rather than Aug. 2009 at a US school. I'm nearly 26 yrs old, and am restless to move forward with my life. I would like to go into academic medicine someday, but I have seen SGU grads teaching at US med schools.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks so much for your time!

[stateofequilibrium]

If your MCAT comes out fine, I'd say always give a US school a try first. It will make your life substantially easier over the long run than saving 1.5 years.

[ericismyname]

First off, I wouldn't say SGU is the best Caribb school. There are 4 bigger and more recognized schools, but I wouldn't go as far as to say it is the best, but I do believe it is the most expensive.

You could always study hard for your MCAT and apply to DO schools. As of now your scores are probably competetive for DO schools and MD Caribb Schools, and more than likely bottom end US MD schools. That is of course if your science GPA were higher.

I personally wouldn't apply to any Caribb schools without applying to American DO/MD schools at the same time or before hand.

But of course it is all your decision in the end. I would do some research on USMLE pass rates of American vs. Caribb schools, and residency matches and such. Caribb schools seem to generally have the lowest pass rates and low pecking order for residency, of course this isn't the case for every student, just an average.

[stephew]

I wouldnt pick a DO over SGU per se; either option is about equal in terms of opportunity. but no question that youre young and should try for the US allopathic schools first. as for the concept of "best"- i would put it this way: check out the residency placements, usmle pass rates, and ability to get licensed in all the states you'd likely want to practice in and do the legwork youself in comparing offshore schools.

[reenak]

Ok, thanks guys.... I really appreciate the input. I didn't realize it made such a big difference. I think if I just work hard this year, I should be in a good position to get into a US allopathic school for 2009. I'll be applying within 10 months, which isn't an incredibly long time away.

Thank you!!

[jameslynton]

I was going to post a comment but it looks like you got the idea!