SDSU student wants to go to Philippines for medical school.

[pammywammy]

Hi. I'm serious about attending medical school in the philippines. I will graduate from San Diego State University (w/ Biology **) next year, so now I'm getting my stuff together so that I can apply and hopefully get accepted to a quality medical school in PI. Why philippines? Unlike most people, money is NOT a problem for me. The main reason i chose the philippines is because my GPA is not at the level of medical school acceptance here in the U.S. I predict im graduating SDSU with BARELY a 3.0. Maybe even slightly less. I can come up with many excuses for my low GPA. But this is the fact. But I am passionate and serious about becoming a doctor. So im hoping philippines will allow me to follow my dreams even after i messed up my gpa in college.

My question is: which QUALITY med schools in the philippines are worth applying to considering my gpa? I only want to apply to schools which will accept me pretty much for sure. I dont want to deal with any rejections. With my GPA, what NMAT score should I aim for if i want to get accepted? Also, what are the best med schools for american students so that we can socialize and not feel homesick? I don't want to go to school in the jungles or anything like that. What med schools have a good night life as well?

So many questions, but thanks so much!!!

Also: is there ANY truth to the rumor that foreign applicants usually always get in? Please explain.

[trauma]

Hi. I'm serious about attending medical school in the philippines. I will graduate from San Diego State University (w/ Biology **) next year, so now I'm getting my stuff together so that I can apply and hopefully get accepted to a quality medical school in PI. Why philippines? Unlike most people, money is NOT a problem for me. The main reason i chose the philippines is because my GPA is not at the level of medical school acceptance here in the U.S. I predict im graduating SDSU with BARELY a 3.0. Maybe even slightly less. I can come up with many excuses for my low GPA. But this is the fact. But I am passionate and serious about becoming a doctor. So im hoping philippines will allow me to follow my dreams even after i messed up my gpa in college.

My question is: which QUALITY med schools in the philippines are worth applying to considering my gpa? I only want to apply to schools which will accept me pretty much for sure. I dont want to deal with any rejections. With my GPA, what NMAT score should I aim for if i want to get accepted? Also, what are the best med schools for american students so that we can socialize and not feel homesick? I don't want to go to school in the jungles or anything like that. What med schools have a good night life as well?

So many questions, but thanks so much!!!

Also: is there ANY truth to the rumor that foreign applicants usually always get in? Please explain.
In Philippine schools, the main requirements are the Bachelor's degree and the NMAT. UST has added an entrance exam of their own and it's the most competitive private school (although not impossible).
Med schools in the Phil. usually look at your NMAT score and will tend to overlook your GPA (if from the US) as they cannot really objectively evaluate this. If you want to be with other students with similar backgrounds, UERM tend to have more Fil-Ams and their NMAT requirement is not strict (around 55). Fatima also has some Americans but there is mixed reviews on their school. Most of them are in the city (UST, UERM, FEU) although honestly, there is not much time for night life in med school. If not sure, visit them personally as many rarely responds to email.

[pammywammy]

Thanks so much for your very informative and useful input Trauma!

More questions open to everyone:

1. Should I have a good volunteer service background to get accepted? Do the PI med schools expect that from their applicants? I need to know because i want to use my time effectively and practically within the next year. If volunteer service isn't important, i'd rather use that time studying for my classes and the NMATs.

2. I'm not understanding the fees for foreign applicants. I hear there's a "donation fee", which from what i heard if you pay, you will pay the same tuition rates as the local philippine students, bc foreign tuition is much more expensive. Is this information accurate? Even bigger question, what is the bill break-down for PI med school?

Every and any input is appreciated. Thanks so much everyone.

[trauma]

Thanks so much for your very informative and useful input Trauma!

More questions open to everyone:

1. Should I have a good volunteer service background to get accepted? Do the PI med schools expect that from their applicants? I need to know because i want to use my time effectively and practically within the next year. If volunteer service isn't important, i'd rather use that time studying for my classes and the NMATs.

2. I'm not understanding the fees for foreign applicants. I hear there's a "donation fee", which from what i heard if you pay, you will pay the same tuition rates as the local philippine students, bc foreign tuition is much more expensive. Is this information accurate? Even bigger question, what is the bill break-down for PI med school?

Every and any input is appreciated. Thanks so much everyone.
1. Admission to Philippine schools is numbers based (usually NMAT). They don't require volunteering history.
2. The donation fee which they call "foreign fee" is a one-time fee on admission/entrance. They range between $6,000 to $10,000. Other than that you pay the same tuition as the locals. The other extra expense is if you are planning to take some of your 4th year clinicals in a US hospital (allowed in some school), but there's a separate thread for that.

[LongIslandDoc]

Hey,
i'm actually from new york and was currently in the same position as you were before...it's a lot of research and hard-work...i've gotten into a few carribean med schools but it's not worth it to pay that much ammount of money, when you can have as equal or better education in the philippines.i am currenly visiting med schools in cebu and manila to see which schools offer the best opportunity to practice back in the states...i'll be down here for about a month, then i will be planning my applicaton process when i get back to new york...let me know if you have any questions regarding the med schools...

[pammywammy]

Hey,
i'm actually from new york and was currently in the same position as you were before...it's a lot of research and hard-work...i've gotten into a few carribean med schools but it's not worth it to pay that much ammount of money, when you can have as equal or better education in the philippines.i am currenly visiting med schools in cebu and manila to see which schools offer the best opportunity to practice back in the states...i'll be down here for about a month, then i will be planning my applicaton process when i get back to new york...let me know if you have any questions regarding the med schools...

Wow what a nice position you're in right now, in the philippines getting a feel for the med schools. Wish i was there doing that right now...
I can't think of any questions at the moment, but can u share with us your personal opinions of the schools? Anything and everything would be a valuable insight and helpful.

My current status right now, I'm taking the NMAT's this November. I havent studied for it yet but getting into full study mode in September up until the exam day.

I just learned that a good friend of mine is seriously considering Cebu. So now i'm adding that to the list of schools i'm looking at so maybe we can attend med school together which would be totally awesome. So info on Cebu would be great!

Thanks so much! Enjoy your stay at the Philippines! Keep us updated with your experience! :)

[beachbum]

Wow what a nice position you're in right now, in the philippines getting a feel for the med schools. Wish i was there doing that right now...
I can't think of any questions at the moment, but can u share with us your personal opinions of the schools? Anything and everything would be a valuable insight and helpful.

My current status right now, I'm taking the NMAT's this November. I havent studied for it yet but getting into full study mode in September up until the exam day.

I just learned that a good friend of mine is seriously considering Cebu. So now i'm adding that to the list of schools i'm looking at so maybe we can attend med school together which would be totally awesome. So info on Cebu would be great!

Thanks so much! Enjoy your stay at the Philippines! Keep us updated with your experience! :)
from what i've learned, cebu seems to have great med schools plus a much better environment that manila. choosing between CIM, CDU, and SWU would be a task. i'm planning to take the NMAT november as well. might see you there. haha good luck!

[devildoc8404]

I only want to apply to schools which will accept me pretty much for sure. I dont want to deal with any rejections.

Be prepared. Medicine will probably deal you some rejections down the road, especially as an IMG/FMG coming back to the States for residency. Just be ready for that fact. It is not the end of the world to be rejected someplace. As one surgeon told me recently when we were discussing residencies... "Apply for what you want, and then take what you can get."

Being smart about the schools/specialties to which you apply makes sense (based on competitiveness of Step Scores, grades, etc.), but my advice is not to operate in utter fear of being rejected. If you want to be, say, a pathologist... and every pathology residency you apply for rejects you EXCEPT ONE, then guess what?

You're still going to be a pathologist.

Good luck in the P.I.! I hope it works out well for you.

[trauma]

I only want to apply to schools which will accept me pretty much for sure. I dont want to deal with any rejections.

Be prepared. Medicine will probably deal you some rejections down the road, especially as an IMG/FMG coming back to the States for residency. Just be ready for that fact. It is not the end of the world to be rejected someplace. As one surgeon told me recently when we were discussing residencies... "Apply for what you want, and then take what you can get."

Being smart about the schools/specialties to which you apply makes sense (based on competitiveness of Step Scores, grades, etc.), but my advice is not to operate in utter fear of being rejected. If you want to be, say, a pathologist... and every pathology residency you apply for rejects you EXCEPT ONE, then guess what?

You're still going to be a pathologist.

Good luck in the P.I.! I hope it works out well for you.
Also Philippine schools are time and effort-intensive. Admission maybe easy but passing all their exams is not a piece of cake. They also spend the whole day in class in many schools.

[LongIslandDoc]

Yeah for sure...from this experience, i definitely gained a few helpful facts and hints...will let you know for more details...

[LongIslandDoc]

Wow what a nice position you're in right now, in the philippines getting a feel for the med schools. Wish i was there doing that right now...
I can't think of any questions at the moment, but can u share with us your personal opinions of the schools? Anything and everything would be a valuable insight and helpful.

My current status right now, I'm taking the NMAT's this November. I havent studied for it yet but getting into full study mode in September up until the exam day.

I just learned that a good friend of mine is seriously considering Cebu. So now i'm adding that to the list of schools i'm looking at so maybe we can attend med school together which would be totally awesome. So info on Cebu would be great!

Thanks so much! Enjoy your stay at the Philippines! Keep us updated with your experience! :)
hey,
I pretty much broke down my top 3 choices and there all located in cebu..it's southwestern, cebu docs, and CIM...from my relatives living in manila and cebu and few who are doctors as well...Manila may have a better night life but it's over populated...Cebu is an island located with beauitful beaches and tourism (espec. boracay islands/bohol... also has less distractions...and on top of it all, your just miles away from the beaches...cebu is less populated and you really have great value with american dollar...it's ridiculous.
I am going through the process of getting my paper work involved because i recently recieved my dual citizenship/acquired filipino passport, so your not charged as a foreigner...i'm doing it over here because the process is soo much quicker rather going through the states, it takes longer...and you have to wait...
It really makes the whole process and easier for med schools and getting things done because of connections...some schools that i spoke to did not care about my nmat's score but as long as i took them...sometimes it's the people you know because it's tough to get contact with admins.
the tuition is really really cheap...and i'm right now looking at condo's and studio apt./ town-houses that's all located in the best community from what i've seen so far..it's a gated community with 24 hr security and it's one of the best views of the city and it was recently built...it's quite,and conducive place for learning because it's away from noise/people...and it's safe... but i will tell you more about the details later.
if you and a buddy are considering Cebu...just keep in touch...it's awesome that were all in similar situations and we might be studying med together...i'm thinking of taking the nmat's in nov. in cali but maybe possibly in dec. in manila/cebu so i can fully prepare myself just in case...it wouldn't hurt...
i was also advised by trauma that specializing in primary care should not matter if you had your clinical rotations either in the usa or philippines...mine is peds or psy so i should have not any problems...just study and work hard for the usmles...the ones with the better lifestlye such as radiology, dermatology, and others...then it might a different story...
anyway, keep in touch and let me know if you have questions.

[beachbum]

hey,
I pretty much broke down my top 3 choices and there all located in cebu..it's southwestern, cebu docs, and CIM...from my relatives living in manila and cebu and few who are doctors as well...Manila may have a better night life but it's over populated...Cebu is an island located with beauitful beaches and tourism (espec. boracay islands/bohol... also has less distractions...and on top of it all, your just miles away from the beaches...cebu is less populated and you really have great value with american dollar...it's ridiculous.
I am going through the process of getting my paper work involved because i recently recieved my dual citizenship/acquired filipino passport, so your not charged as a foreigner...i'm doing it over here because the process is soo much quicker rather going through the states, it takes longer...and you have to wait...
It really makes the whole process and easier for med schools and getting things done because of connections...some schools that i spoke to did not care about my nmat's score but as long as i took them...sometimes it's the people you know because it's tough to get contact with admins.
the tuition is really really cheap...and i'm right now looking at condo's and studio apt./ town-houses that's all located in the best community from what i've seen so far..it's a gated community with 24 hr security and it's one of the best views of the city and it was recently built...it's quite,and conducive place for learning because it's away from noise/people...and it's safe... but i will tell you more about the details later.
if you and a buddy are considering Cebu...just keep in touch...it's awesome that were all in similar situations and we might be studying med together...i'm thinking of taking the nmat's in nov. in cali but maybe possibly in dec. in manila/cebu so i can fully prepare myself just in case...it wouldn't hurt...
i was also advised by trauma that specializing in primary care should not matter if you had your clinical rotations either in the usa or philippines...mine is peds or psy so i should have not any problems...just study and work hard for the usmles...the ones with the better lifestlye such as radiology, dermatology, and others...then it might a different story...
anyway, keep in touch and let me know if you have questions.
from those three schools in cebu, which one are you leaning towards in matriculating? cebu is my top choice to study med in the philippines as well for next year's class if i go through with it. lucky you're becoming a dual citizen. that'll bypass some hassle.

[meraal]

hello
im also planning to do my md from phillipine
which university is best im planning to join cebu doctor's university
but i want to know that is his university allows clinical rotation in US
regards

[LongIslandDoc]

hello
im also planning to do my md from phillipine
which university is best im planning to join cebu doctor's university
but i want to know that is his university allows clinical rotation in US
regards
yeah it does...but CIM is known to be top in the Cebu area...CIM has a lot of fil-ams and they normally take their rotations in the Philippines...

[LongIslandDoc]

from those three schools in cebu, which one are you leaning towards in matriculating? cebu is my top choice to study med in the philippines as well for next year's class if i go through with it. lucky you're becoming a dual citizen. that'll bypass some hassle.

i'm leaning towards Cebu Doc's and CIM...both schools are pretty cheap as compared to med schools in Manila...I have my dual citizenship now and don't have to give a donation fee...let me know if you have any questions...i will be also visiting schools in Manila next week for about a week as well just to make sure...

[sluh69]

i'm leaning towards Cebu Doc's and CIM...both schools are pretty cheap as compared to med schools in Manila...I have my dual citizenship now and don't have to give a donation fee...let me know if you have any questions...i will be also visiting schools in Manila next week for about a week as well just to make sure...
You have to check the schools about " Donation fee", even if you're dual citizen there are schools that will not exempt you frm donating, especially if you took your pre-med outside Philippines.

[trauma]

You have to check the schools about " Donation fee", even if you're dual citizen there are schools that will not exempt you frm donating, especially if you took your pre-med outside Philippines.
Cebu schools tend to be more lenient for dual citizens when it comes to "donation" or "foreign" fee. Manila schools are more merciless as they consider you foreign if your pre-med is overseas.

[LongIslandDoc]

Cebu schools tend to be more lenient for dual citizens when it comes to "donation" or "foreign" fee. Manila schools are more merciless as they consider you foreign if your pre-med is overseas.
Hey Trauma, i'm almost at the very near of my trip...and i just visited a few manila schools...but it appears that they're are quite a few fil ams in feu and uerm, and st. lukes's...i didn't get a chance to speak to any representatives...do you know any feed back on those schools...i was only able to visit ust and de la salle...thanks

[samahantayo]

PW, as has been said, admission is not usually your biggest hurdle but keeping up when you are in will be. It can get intense and you can count night life out of the picture to get thru it. Manila and many large cities have great night life but IMO one cannot afford this distraction when studying medicine. Many schools also have Fil-Am and other international groups that help make the adjustment of foreign-raised students a bit easier.

Although I have not been to Cebu, I am guessing that life there is a bit more laid back vs the Manila area. For a foreign-raised person, adjustment can be more challenging in Metro Manila due to the crowd, traffic and smog.

IMO however, any major school you choose will provide good medical education. If you take a survey of MD's in the US who went to school in the Philippines, there is not one school that stands out. You will see a broad spectrum of MDs coming from various schools including not-so-well known schools. There may be a higher percentage coming from some schools that are more established but IMO its simply because of that. Many of the newer schools employ instructors that came from the more established schools.

As to the "donation" fees, I believe that there is nothing set on this amount and that anything can be negotiated. IMO, these donation fees are what they are because of what applicants have tolerated to pay.

[trauma]

Hey Trauma, i'm almost at the very near of my trip...and i just visited a few manila schools...but it appears that they're are quite a few fil ams in feu and uerm, and st. lukes's...i didn't get a chance to speak to any representatives...do you know any feed back on those schools...i was only able to visit ust and de la salle...thanks
Aside from being strict with the "foreign" or donation fees, yes there are many fil-ams in uerm, feu or st. luke's (especially uerm).
1. uerm and feu are both old and established schools. uerm has some US clerkship but for me they are about the same academically.
2. st. luke's - they have changed their curriculum many times and they take very few students nowadays (majority are local scholars). the feedback is that they make it very hard to pass exams but they rather have few students as their hospital is solid. It's a newer school (started in early 90's) but getting good reputation.

[samahantayo]

You have to check the schools about " Donation fee", even if you're dual citizen there are schools that will not exempt you frm donating, especially if you took your pre-med outside Philippines.

There is some truth to this... but IMO these fees are made up and can be negotiated. Remember, once you pay the full amount and decide after a month, a year or 2 that this not the school for you - you are S.O.L.

Personally, I do not agree nor believe in these fees. I would just as soon negotiate that the fee be spread out over the term so that you are only paying for the time you are attending.

I say either negotiate no fee or reduced fee or if no reduction, negotiate this fee by spreading it out over the term.