Accepted to SABA, MERP'ed at Ross.

[lowhighkang]

I've been accepted to SABA's May 2010 semester.

I have also been accepted to Ross MERP program starting Nov 30 2009. That's like, right now.

First off, Nov 2009 is cutting it close. That's a lot of money, adjustments, and decision making quickly. Not to mention federal loans aren't given for MERP programs, in addition to Ross' high tuition costs at around 14,000 a semester.

Should I - for all intents and purposes, relax, and go straight into SABA for May 10' - or should I scramble into this MERP program, pay the money, take the chance and stress of passing this 'audition' - and then get into Ross, which also starts - like SABA, in May 2010.

As far as academics - as much as I've researched both schools are fully accredited in 50 states, high pass rates on USMLE, they both also seem to have similar match rates for residencies. etc. etc.

Tuition is lower at SABA but private loans have higher interest rates. Ross has more expensive tuition yet they offer federal loans.

Any advice?

PS" For those wondering I have a 3.1 overall, a 2.9 science and a 32R on my MCATs.

PPS: I already submitted my 750 deposit for SABA a week and a half earlier. Which, is a factor - I guess.

[Ubuntu]

wow that suprises me that you got MERPed! When did you apply for Ross? I guess it depends on your loan/money situation. If you have a good chunk of money saved then Id go Saba in May...or if you can find decent private loan rates...GL

[lowhighkang]

wow that suprises me that you got MERPed! When did you apply for Ross? I guess it depends on your loan/money situation. If you have a good chunk of money saved then Id go Saba in May...or if you can find decent private loan rates...GL

I applied for Ross pretty late - my interview was November 2nd. I was applying for the Jan 10 semester.

[wolfvgang22]

I've been accepted to SABA's May 2010 semester.

I have also been accepted to Ross MERP program starting Nov 30 2009. That's like, right now.

First off, Nov 2009 is cutting it close. That's a lot of money, adjustments, and decision making quickly. Not to mention federal loans aren't given for MERP programs, in addition to Ross' high tuition costs at around 14,000 a semester.

Should I - for all intents and purposes, relax, and go straight into SABA for May 10' - or should I scramble into this MERP program, pay the money, take the chance and stress of passing this 'audition' - and then get into Ross, which also starts - like SABA, in May 2010.

As far as academics - as much as I've researched both schools are fully accredited in 50 states, high pass rates on USMLE, they both also seem to have similar match rates for residencies. etc. etc.

Tuition is lower at SABA but private loans have higher interest rates. Ross has more expensive tuition yet they offer federal loans.

Any advice?

PS" For those wondering I have a 3.1 overall, a 2.9 science and a 32R on my MCATs.

PPS: I already submitted my 750 deposit for SABA a week and a half earlier. Which, is a factor - I guess.
I would recommend just going to Saba, particularly with the rush you'd be in to go to MERP at Ross.

A fellow intern in my program is a Ross grad, and he and other Ross grads have told me much about the stress of the competitive environment at Ross and with the MERP. They were all also a little less impressed with Dominica and seemed to enjoy it less than I enjoyed Saba, for whatever reason.
Both schools are excellent, and you may find one better for you personally. For me, I felt Saba was less cut-throat competitive, more personal due to small size, and cheaper. Ross offers more clinical experience in the basic science years, is a big school, and is recognized in Texas, and offers Stafford loans.
I found no difference in reputation or interview offers for residency as a Saba applicant compared to my Ross friends.

As a general side note:
I know that every applicant is different, and has to do whatever works, but just give this some thought.
If at all possible, I would recommend anyone considering attending a Caribbean school right now, even the big 4, to seriously consider and do whatever you can to get into one of the newer or expanding US med schools if you are a US citizen. This is above even the typical "go to a US school if you can" advice given in the past. Just because the Caribbean route worked for us, doesn't mean the situation is not a fluid one that changes every few years. Do what is best for you, today, taking into account all options.

It doesn't matter if you go MD or DO when comparing US schools to off shore schools. Increased enrollment in US med schools will make it much more difficult to get a residency match by the time you graduate, as darkmansaad has stated before in other forum posts. The smart med student looks ahead 5 years down the road like this.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

[lowhighkang]

Another question - I keep seeing people say "big 4" - what are the big 4? What makes a school, a part of the "big 4?"

In terms of class sizes, applicant pool? etc.

I've also heard comments about things being overcrowded at Ross, with classes sizes, what are the class sizes for Ross vs. SABA - if anyone knows.

PS: As for applying in medical schools in the US, my MCAT is high, but I can't do much if the schools won't even open my application due to my 2.9 (it may be even lower) SCIENCE gpa.

[Ubuntu]

Wolf...although I agree with you that a US MD is always the best option..what if it is simply not an option...I have a 3.1 cGPA, 3.0sGPA and a 27 mcat...I don't want to go to a DO school because I want to eventually have some sort of practice in South Africa...I feel like carib is my best option to an MD. Although I am not a perfect student I feel like with determination and good study habits you will still be able to go to the carib and get a residency. Also, as of now I am thinking Peds/FM/IM...nothing too crazy difficult...thoughts on my options/ideology?

[Ubuntu]

Another question - I keep seeing people say "big 4" - what are the big 4? What makes a school, a part of the "big 4?"

In terms of class sizes, applicant pool? etc.

I've also heard comments about things being overcrowded at Ross, with classes sizes, what are the class sizes for Ross vs. SABA - if anyone knows.

PS: As for applying in medical schools in the US, my MCAT is high, but I can't do much if the schools won't even open my application due to my 2.9 (it may be even lower) SCIENCE gpa.

Im in your same position...the big 4 are AUC, SGU, Ross, and Saba...reason being that they are all accepted in all 50 states...also, AUC, Ross, and SGU all have title IV funding...ie stafford loans....I would look into AUC and SGU if I were you as well!

[wolfvgang22]

Wolf...although I agree with you that a US MD is always the best option..what if it is simply not an option...I have a 3.1 cGPA, 3.0sGPA and a 27 mcat...I don't want to go to a DO school because I want to eventually have some sort of practice in South Africa...I feel like carib is my best option to an MD. Although I am not a perfect student I feel like with determination and good study habits you will still be able to go to the carib and get a residency. Also, as of now I am thinking Peds/FM/IM...nothing too crazy difficult...thoughts on my options/ideology?
I understand that many people, especially people looking at the caribbean med schools, have unique obstacles and varied backgrounds and desires for future practice. My own story is similiarly complicated.

I just want to help people become aware of newer challenges and one of the reasons for increasing competitiveness for residency positions we will see in coming years, even more than now. It's just another factor to include in prospective student's decision making calculus. I know you will find a choice and level of risk that is comfortable for you.
Good luck!
~W

[sgMD]

the answer is simple: go to Saba. Ross isn't offering anything better than what Saba offers you.

[sgMD]

Another question - I keep seeing people say "big 4" - what are the big 4? What makes a school, a part of the "big 4?"

In terms of class sizes, applicant pool? etc.

I've also heard comments about things being overcrowded at Ross, with classes sizes, what are the class sizes for Ross vs. SABA - if anyone knows.

PS: As for applying in medical schools in the US, my MCAT is high, but I can't do much if the schools won't even open my application due to my 2.9 (it may be even lower) SCIENCE gpa.

big 4 based on the state recognition... all big 4 are 50-state approved. The rest are not recognized by, say, California or Florida. You do wanna attend a school with a 50 state approval. I mean I can't imagine going to carib MD school that isnt one of the big 4, oh god!

[Ubuntu]

I understand that many people, especially people looking at the caribbean med schools, have unique obstacles and varied backgrounds and desires for future practice. My own story is similiarly complicated.

I just want to help people become aware of newer challenges and one of the reasons for increasing competitiveness for residency positions we will see in coming years, even more than now. It's just another factor to include in prospective student's decision making calculus. I know you will find a choice and level of risk that is comfortable for you.
Good luck!
~W

I appreciate your perspective and I know where you are coming from...4 years from now so many things could change...I think it is best to go in planning for the worst, and dealing with what you have when you get there...who knows...maybe a drastic increase in residency spots will pop up in the near future..however anyone going into Carib md...or foreign grads period..should plan for fewer and fewer spots for IMG's. If I had to give advice for someone in my shoes...one who doesnt want a DO, and wont get into a US MD it would be to just start as soon as possible and to ball out..period