AUC over SGU?

[adverseaffinity]

Hey guys. I know this has been talked about a lot with different aspects discussed sporatically, but I'm considering these two and I want to compile some of the information into one thread. Also, I'm posting this in the SGU forum (with the reverse title).

Anyway, why did/would you pick AUC over SGU? Also, can you describe the campus and location, along with the technology available on campus and the campus buildings and lecture halls and what they offer you? Is there food on campus? How's the library? How is the housing situation (on and off campus), along with the safety of those places? How are the classes and labs? Did you feel prepared for the USMLE exams? If I wanted to pursue a moderately competitive residency (right now I think radiology, but of course that could change), what would be my chances of landing a residency coming from this school? Lastly, can you more indepthly describe life on the island? I know many say you don't have "any time" to do anything but school, but I know that's quite the exaggeration. How are the restaurants and quality of life on the island? Does it feel third world or does it feel comfortable?

Thanks so much guys.

[Slaol_121]

Location, cost and class size.

[slevit1]

Hey guys. I know this has been talked about a lot with different aspects discussed sporatically, but I'm considering these two and I want to compile some of the information into one thread. Also, I'm posting this in the SGU forum (with the reverse title).

Anyway, why did/would you pick AUC over SGU? Also, can you describe the campus and location, along with the technology available on campus and the campus buildings and lecture halls and what they offer you? Is there food on campus? How's the library? How is the housing situation (on and off campus), along with the safety of those places? How are the classes and labs? Did you feel prepared for the USMLE exams? If I wanted to pursue a moderately competitive residency (right now I think radiology, but of course that could change), what would be my chances of landing a residency coming from this school? Lastly, can you more indepthly describe life on the island? I know many say you don't have "any time" to do anything but school, but I know that's quite the exaggeration. How are the restaurants and quality of life on the island? Does it feel third world or does it feel comfortable?

Thanks so much guys.

I picked AUC over SGU because of the significantly better island, much smaller class sizes, and it was a little cheaper. However, AUC has been raising prices, sometimes significantly, once every year. Won't be long before we catch up. Here's answers to your specific questions:

Campus is in Cupecoy, which is mostly all students and vacationers.
Techology is way behind where it ought to be. They're probably 5-10 years behind in that aspect.
There is only one main campus building. It's nice enough, but becoming overcrowded
Lecture halls are adequate, but that's about it. Rumor has it that the worthless TV's scattered throughout are being replaced with useful flat screens, but that has yet to be seen
Library is adequate, but small. You can always find study space, but don't expect it to be particularly comfortable (almost all wooden chairs)
Food on campus is pretty awful, but very cheap, which is nice. Although almost the entire school is American, the cooks insist on making island food, which is very much hit or miss
Housing on campus is nice, but you usually can't live there past 1st semester. There is ample student housing around campus which is relatively safe.
Professors are also hit or miss, but probably as good as anywhere else. Some are amazing, others are less than
The only lab is anatomy. If you're in may or january, it's great. If you're in august, it's overcrowded
I felt very prepared for the USMLE. If you're not prepared, it's certainly not AUC's fault. The quality of education is the one thing I can't fult AUC for.
It feels somewhere between first and third world. Better than other islands for sure, but nowhere near the US
You have plenty time for extracurricular activities. Anyone who tells you otherwise either is lying or needs to learn how to study
Plenty of good restaurants all over the island. Don't have to worry about going hungry.


As for your chances of getting a good residency, they're as good at AUC as any other caribbean school. People have gotten ultra competitive residencies in the past, but you have to work harder than a US student would have to. But, if you really want to do it, anything is possible. We've matched derm, neurosurgery, rads, etc. in the past.

Good luck!

[adverseaffinity]

Thank you for your reply. It was really helpful

[adverseaffinity]

Are the lectures audio or video recorded?

[AlanLeeKU]

Are the lectures audio or video recorded?

You're allowed to audio record the lectures but video recording is not provided and is strictly prohibited.

I would say that of the top 4 Caribbean schools, AUC has the most developed island.

Our most recent USMLE first time pass rate statistics are 94% for this year. You can draw your own conclusions from that!

[ChanceCount]

As an aside, radiology is "moderately competitive" for American Medical Grads. It's a lot worse than that for IMGs and DOs. And it should be considerably worse by the time you graduate unless some new residency spots open up, or compensation becomes considerably worse.

[grandmasterhash]

hey, i go to AUC and my girlfriend goes to SGU so i've spent time in grenada and i'm more than pretty familiar with both schools. pm me and i'm happy to answer specifics if you need.

[georgelucas45]

US: Derm :: Carib : Rads

[Slaol_121]

To answer your question about food:

If you are a foodie looking for a culinary adventure, you'll find it on St. Martin. This island, half-Dutch and half-French is often called the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean" and for good reason. The island is home to numerous restaurants serving up dishes from around the world, including French, Indonesian, Italian, Vietnamese. The small village of Grand Case has 27 restaurants serving French, Indonesian, Italian, and Vietnamese foods among others.

Dining Specialties of the Caribbean Islands :: Caribbean Edge (http://www.caribbeanedge.com/restaurants/island_specialties/) As to the question about the School itself, you can call MEAS and speak directly to someone there. They are sure to give you the most up to date information on residencies, etc.

Prospective Students | American University of the Caribbean (http://aucmed.edu/prospective/prospective.html)

[kemper6036]

run a search....both will get you to the same place

[run4life]

"I know many say you don't have "any time" to do anything but school, but I know that's quite the exaggeration." I would have to say HELL YEA on this one. There's a lot of things to do at St. Maarten. You may not have the time to do all of them but I think going out 1-2x a week is very doable. It really depends on you and how you study. It may be overwhelming at first, but surmountable nonetheless. The school is quite smaller than what I envisioned it to be. The campus is literally the building you see on the website (the one with the red roof, and gold paint), thats it! However, it is enough for the amount of students that are here. Buying whatever you need is not a problem. I've found everything that I needed here so far. Well, maybe except for a good halloween costume.