Money Snatchers?

[RobotJim]

So..
I have been preparing to apply to the big 4 of the caribbean and it seems as though of the 4, SGU has the most positive support. I know that all 4 will provide me with a great education and valuable networks which will allow me to achieve my dream. However, it seems to be quite clear that Ross university is it in for the money and that the students really don't get treated well.

Is this the case for all of the caribbean schools... Do they all accept way too many students and actually count on some of them not being able to make it to the clinical years? Forgive me for my SGU ignorance.. I have been spending a lot of time with the Ross-ers... I'd love to hear your opinions on this issue...

[xentar]

They want your money, but they do a damn good job to make sure you get your MD. Make no mistake, SGU isn't some sort of benevolent charity. Yet the various DES and tutoring services they provide make them shine. I can't speak for clinical years.

[Kongakut]

I agree. The support here (if you choose to use it) is excellent.

[kauquah]

.........................

[kauquah]

I can't speak for clinical years.

From my research so far, it looks like SGU shines there too. They have lots of clinical centers with 4 or more cores so you don't need to move around alot. They have all green cores and electives, not to mention more clinical spots than they can use with the new big exclusive NY contract.

[puffy]

Make no mistake - after 1.5 years (MD program) I can say that St George's is all about getting your money. The administration and the faculty have little/no regard for the students as anything other than a paycheck.
That being said, there is no reason to expect anything else from any institution, especially one with a reputation for mediocrity.
The trick here is to suck it up, pay the tuition, get your degree, (remember it's really a game), and try not to let them beat the humanity out of you.

[RussianJoo]

Make no mistake - after 1.5 years (MD program) I can say that St George's is all about getting your money. The administration and the faculty have little/no regard for the students as anything other than a paycheck.
That being said, there is no reason to expect anything else from any institution, especially one with a reputation for mediocrity.
The trick here is to suck it up, pay the tuition, get your degree, (remember it's really a game), and try not to let them beat the humanity out of you.


I wouldn't listen to this person at all... they are most likely a troll. When I was down in grenada the proffs cared and did everything they could to make sure we understood the topics. they were available most of the time and some even gave out their cell phone numbers. the Departement of educational services had multiple reviews every week on most subjects and you could have easily gotten a private tutor from the school for free if you so inclined. Also there were classes on how to take effective notes and help with ideas on how to concentrate better. During path and pathophys we had labs were a group of 12 students were assigned to a clinical tutor who was an MD and clinical tutors were available daily till 10pm and on the weekends. Also during the time when St. Vincent Closed down SGU did everything to accomidate the students, they reimburst the students apt. deposits and refunded students who already bought their air plane tickets, this all came from SGU's pockets. Also SGU is constantly expanding and building more dorms, study areas, a new gym and anything else that's needed by the student body. Sure SGU accepts a lot of students but SGU wants all those students to succeed and they show that by their high step1 pass rates, and their low attrition rates. SGU has more than enough spots during the clinical years and all the spots are green booked, they also have more than enough on campus housing with the new dorms that have been built or are being built, and with the new 700+ seat lecture hall.

So sure SGU is out to make a buck, but I wouldn't say that making money is their #1 concern.

[CANeh]

Yeah Puffy, sure thing. Your first post ever is about this!

It has been one year since starting at SGU and I must say I was impressed with how good they have things organized. Some things can be improved on.. but life is like that. You deal with what you have and make things better.

It is a business in case you forgot. Just like other private schools in the US. Maybe you should look in to that.

What would you like SGU to do. Hold your hand while taking classes. All medical schools let you work on your own and if you succeed it is your doing. Some are better than others... but SGU is in the average.

how are they beating the humanity out of you? Is it because they expect you to work on your own... or is it because pass is 70%, or is it because they expect you to know your stuff. Are they torturing you?? Making you do unethical stuff?


Make no mistake - after 1.5 years (MD program) I can say that St George's is all about getting your money. The administration and the faculty have little/no regard for the students as anything other than a paycheck.
That being said, there is no reason to expect anything else from any institution, especially one with a reputation for mediocrity.
The trick here is to suck it up, pay the tuition, get your degree, (remember it's really a game), and try not to let them beat the humanity out of you.

[stephew]

Make no mistake - after 1.5 years (MD program) I can say that St George's is all about getting your money. The administration and the faculty have little/no regard for the students as anything other than a paycheck.
That being said, there is no reason to expect anything else from any institution, especially one with a reputation for mediocrity.
The trick here is to suck it up, pay the tuition, get your degree, (remember it's really a game), and try not to let them beat the humanity out of you.

i would disagree with the tone of this sentiment. The school is a money making business. No doubt about it. But the profs on the whole- and this is the surprising part, even the admin- genuinely do care about the students. In fact its easy to know what students grumble about. I also know the faculty, when they grumble, frequently do so for the benefit of the students. That doesnt mean every prof is great, or every administration is sunshine and light. But the "no regard for anything but a paycheck" simply isnt true. Is it mediocre? Id say sgu is about average to most Us schools. Beat the humanity out of you? No more or less than any institution (except harvard who assures the students that all bodily excretions smell like roses).

So no rose colored glasses, but on the other hand, most of the snark can be directed to many institutions, in the US too.

[FFMG]

Im currently 4th year the support at sgu in my basic science year was amazing. its available to pretty much everybody. I still remember what i learned in Dr K. from physio (not there anymore) office hrs even now. they will take your money but i felt they prepped me pretty well for my boards and with step 2 is around the corner and it has been so far so good

[AngryBaby]

i would disagree with the tone of this sentiment. The school is a money making business. No doubt about it. But the profs on the whole- and this is the surprising part, even the admin- genuinely do care about the students. In fact its easy to know what students grumble about. I also know the faculty, when they grumble, frequently do so for the benefit of the students. That doesnt mean every prof is great, or every administration is sunshine and light. But the "no regard for anything but a paycheck" simply isnt true. Is it mediocre? Id say sgu is about average to most Us schools. Beat the humanity out of you? No more or less than any institution (except harvard who assures the students that all bodily excretions smell like roses).

So no rose colored glasses, but on the other hand, most of the snark can be directed to many institutions, in the US too.
Hahvahd.....

well I'll cut Puffy some slack since, at 1.5 yrs, s/he likely just finished Path (unless s/he decelled) and might just be in a bitter mood.

[stephew]

yeah well fair.