SGU 2010 or US allo 2011?

[adverseaffinity]

Hey guys,

I'm coming from Georgia Tech with a 3.6 cumulative and science gpa. I haven't taken the MCAT so things aren't completely clear, but I've had 5 semesters of research in different fields. I'm stuck deciding on whether to apply to SGU/Ross/ etc. for Aug/Sept. 2010 or wait and apply summer 2010 for fall admission 2011 at US allo schools. I know some people here think that residencies are going to be increasingly harder to obtain, but some people think with the current US administration, there will be a huge increase of needs of MD's in the US. Anyway, just thought I'd see what you all have to say.

[TEXAG]

ace the MCAT (33+) and apply to US schools. Caribbean should always be the last option. You might think you will be wasting a year for US schools, but in the end, it will pay off. You will have a lot more options as a US MD grad than as an IMG. Have you already graduated from Tech? You can work in the meantime and earn money to help cover some med school expenses.

[digitalising]

ace the MCAT (33+) and apply to US schools. Caribbean should always be the last option. You might think you will be wasting a year for US schools, but in the end, it will pay off. You will have a lot more options as a US MD grad than as an IMG. Have you already graduated from Tech? You can work in the meantime and earn money to help cover some med school expenses.

I wouldn't call a 33 "acing" the MCAT, but do well on the exam and consider doing a SMP program to boost your GPA to make yourself more competitive. I like SGU but there's really no argument to be had here, especially if your MCAT has yet to be taken. You can always apply to SGU, Ross, etc. when you apply to your US schools.

You said things aren't so clear - what are you referring to exactly?

[adverseaffinity]

I was just simply referring to the fact that the MCAT scores are a huge deal breaker for it. I think a 30 is possible but 10's across the board for me might be hard. I'm not the best at English standardized tests. I took the GRE (thinking of grad school) and I got a 750 math (83 percentile) and 530 english (70th or 75th percentile) with a 5.5 in writing (85th). I've talked with a few people about it. My pre-health advisor at school doesn't think I'm an outstanding US candidate (not citing my GPA as a problem more so my lack of stuff to make me stand apart. I have 5 semesters of research in different labs, study abroad, and I've participated in music at school, that's pretty much it besides 3 months of volunteering). I haven't graduated, but I will in May. My advisor doesn't seem much wrong with the Carib just as long as I know there's going to be "a little bias against me" coming from the Carib. Also, I have a family friend that works at UVA's med school. He recommended not waiting and starting immediately, mainly citing the looming changes in the US gov. He think's that going to SGU or Ross wouldn't put me at much of a disadvantage. He says the only disadvantage is the cost. I've thought about working for the year, and I know it doesn't have to be anything to impress med schools since they'll be evaluating my application while I work.

[jaywalk81]

US allo for sure

[rokshana]

US MD...no question about.

apply to both in 2011 and if you don't get into a US school you always have the sgu option.

[TheFooBar]

If you have a shot at getting into a US allopathic program, even if it takes a year, do it.

[johnkai]

My advisor doesn't seem much wrong with the Carib just as long as I know there's going to be "a little bias against me" coming from the Carib.
It's not just 'a little' bias. Residency spots get tighter every year, less and less students match into programs, and with the opening of new US schools, programs have less and less of an incentive to accept a FMG over a US one.

If there's any chance for you to attend a US school, do it. You will thank yourself for many years to come.

[routedoctor]

I was just simply referring to the fact that the MCAT scores are a huge deal breaker for it. I think a 30 is possible but 10's across the board for me might be hard. I'm not the best at English standardized tests. I took the GRE (thinking of grad school) and I got a 750 math (83 percentile) and 530 english (70th or 75th percentile) with a 5.5 in writing (85th). I've talked with a few people about it. My pre-health advisor at school doesn't think I'm an outstanding US candidate (not citing my GPA as a problem more so my lack of stuff to make me stand apart. I have 5 semesters of research in different labs, study abroad, and I've participated in music at school, that's pretty much it besides 3 months of volunteering). I haven't graduated, but I will in May. My advisor doesn't seem much wrong with the Carib just as long as I know there's going to be "a little bias against me" coming from the Carib. Also, I have a family friend that works at UVA's med school. He recommended not waiting and starting immediately, mainly citing the looming changes in the US gov. He think's that going to SGU or Ross wouldn't put me at much of a disadvantage. He says the only disadvantage is the cost. I've thought about working for the year, and I know it doesn't have to be anything to impress med schools since they'll be evaluating my application while I work.

Reading this over, I think the biggest thing I can tell you is that life isn't a race. One year is bupkiss in the grand scheme of things. Taking a year to build your cred might seem like a huge deal. It isn't. If your advisor thinks it is then you have the wrong advisor. What's the rush? If it makes sense this year it'll make sense next year. Nail the MCAT, don't push things.

RouteDoctor