class of January 2006

[bond]

Hello to all. I know its a little ealy, but I was wondering if anyone was commencing school in January 2006.
I visited the school in January and found the people of Saba Island very freindly.
I visited the swinging door and to my suprise, students were flinging pints of beer and singing on a late Friday night. Had a good time gaining many thoughts and feelings from currents students as to there experiences.

[Audio]

Sounds like a good time.

[Conway]

I've applied for the Jan 06 semester, I'll definately be sure to let the forum know when I know the result!

[tuan]

I was accepted today for the Jan 2006 class. 30 minutes after the interview, I received a call from Dr. Burns, one of the interviewers, and informed me of my acceptance. If anyone has questions about the application process, feel free to reply.

[HopefulMDPJFan]

Hey, I was hoping to apply for the January 2006 class as well. Just curious as to your stats, if that is too personal to post I understand. Did you take the MCATS? I won't be able have all my pre-meds done till December. But I was hoping to apply this August after all but Orgo II and Physice II are done (which I'll take this fall). Anyone have any insight as to if I can apply before all pre-meds are done and then submit the final 2 classes later. thanks
-HopefulMDPJFan

[chiro-md]

Hey guy's I have been accepted for jan 2006 and I'am going to visit the school this weekend looking forward to seeing Saba. Just to let HopefulMDPJFan know I did not take the MCATS and was accepted but I'am also a chiropractor I don't know if that helps you or not.

[DonnieMD2B]

I was accepted for the January 06 Semester starting date. I thought I had applied for fall but think I did it in January to get all of my finance and loan stuff together without any problems. I do not have an MCAT either however have tons of hands on experience with medicine as an EMT and Currently work full time in the Emergency Department directly beside the doctors. Its an educational job thing... Also GPA was competitive. I thought I was only a 3.0 until I actually took the time to do the actual GPA calculation correctly which turned very much in my favor. I am still taking the second semester of O. Chem and lab and I was given a conditional acceptance. Basically they require you to complete the requirements and also require the offical transcript showing your completion of the requirements to be sent before you can register. I say apply no matter what.

BTW, If anyone is questioning SABA and its credibility they should visit the Licensing Board of California website and search for the letter stating its recognition by the state. It really finalized my decision to attend SABA. Nothing but great comments about SABA there. Very Impressed. It also discusses how a physician over one of the clinical sites prefers foreign grads over US grads. Very uplifting notes!

Congrats and Good Luck to all!

[tuan]

if you'd like to know my stats, private message me. my GPA was not that good, however I did take the mcats and scored in the upper 20s. i think that's what helped me. the interview was great too. just gotta be yourself and be honest.

[princehaider]

ummm I know this is off the jan 06 topic. but I had to ask... when is a good time to apply for may 06 b/c I will be graduationg in march 06...(trimester). I have completed most of the requirements already. Just have to take the final physics III but have got A's in first two quaters? thanks for the help...

[wolfvgang22]

As soon as possible.

[drj2b]

wow!

saba is already accepting people for the jan 06 session?!
maybe i should in my app now, i was thinking of waiting until may when i have some better marks on my transcript.
if any of you could pm me, i'm very interested in hearing all the details of your app...from marks to interview

thx,

j.

[wolfvgang22]

Just because someone got into the Jan. 06 semester may not mean much. Less competitive applicants tend to get relegated to Jan., as the Sept. spots are usually reserved for the most competitive applicants. Plus, some students actually ask for Jan. (I originally did) due to job or family obligations. Just apply for the semester you want when you get to that point.

[LqdPls]

Wolfvgang. Did someone from admissions actually tell you that less competetive applicants are placed in the January semester, or are you just speculating?

[pitstar]

Just because someone got into the Jan. 06 semester may not mean much. Less competitive applicants tend to get relegated to Jan., as the Sept. spots are usually reserved for the most competitive applicants. Plus, some students actually ask for Jan. (I originally did) due to job or family obligations. Just apply for the semester you want when you get to that point.

You need to remove your banter/avatar..against policy (TOS); but again if you are related to Bill G you have the rule.

[Ishminder]

Where did you guys stay at in Saba when you went to visit the school and all? I'm thinking of going and checking it out, but no clue as to where to stay and everything. Thanks

[chiro-md]

When I was there I stayed at scout's place, tell them that you’re a prospective student and they have a cheaper rate. The staffs at scout’s place were very helpful also students eat and study there so I talked to very students over dinner.

[wolfvgang22]

Wolfvgang. Did someone from admissions actually tell you that less competetive applicants are placed in the January semester, or are you just speculating?
No, I just make things up as I go along to mess with you newbies...
:roll:
Yes, someone at Gardner told me that when I first applied.

[Siddman]

Wolfvgang. Did someone from admissions actually tell you that less competetive applicants are placed in the January semester, or are you just speculating?
No, I just make things up as I go along to mess with you newbies...
:roll:
Yes, someone at Gardner told me that when I first applied.

From my understanding less competetive applicants are placed in may.... . :D ....hey wolfgang22.....does that makes us less competetive.... :( :(


Siddman

[mlfone]

My special insider source informed me that all students who apply at caribbean schools are less competitive. I know I am. I don't like to make people feel bad, so I'll cut them a break when competing with them. Is this what she meant?

mlfone

[Siddman]

My special insider source informed me that all students who apply at caribbean schools are less competitive. I know I am. I don't like to make people feel bad, so I'll cut them a break when competing with them. Is this what she meant?

mlfone'



Funny but true..... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ............oh man we are less competitive......Good Luck with that thought....:lol: :lol: :lol:


Siddman

[wolfvgang22]

Wolfvgang. Did someone from admissions actually tell you that less competetive applicants are placed in the January semester, or are you just speculating?
No, I just make things up as I go along to mess with you newbies...
:roll:
Yes, someone at Gardner told me that when I first applied.

From my understanding less competetive applicants are placed in may.... . :D ....hey wolfgang22.....does that makes us less competetive.... :( :(


Siddman
Yes, that's right....I'm not a gunner, no....I don't like competition at all....:lol:

[Siddman]

Yes, that's right....I'm not a gunner, no....I don't like competition at all....:lol:


Same here i try to take it easy.....and i hate competition......but i like competition in sports though.......


Siddman

[RT2MD]

I was accepted today for the Jan 2006 class. 30 minutes after the interview, I received a call from Dr. Burns, one of the interviewers, and informed me of my acceptance. If anyone has questions about the application process, feel free to reply.

hello, I am thinking about applying to saba for Jan 06. I have already requested my transcript from my colleges. I am very sure that my transcripts will get to the schools before my application. but I have not taken "Mad cat" I mean MCAT dose it matter?

I can say that I am doing MD school in opposite, I am an RT I currently work at one of the most prestigious hospital in Maryland and I have years of RT experience. since my inception, I have been doing rounds with MD's and PA's or even NP's. will this help to my acceptance?

I have never applied to US med school simply because i have not taken the mad cat, but my brother who is an MD now went to NYU and residency at columbia thinks I will get in, but i have been very skiptical myself. anyway, thank you all for your inputs. i hope to attend SABA if I am accepted.

[wolfvgang22]

Yeah, the experience counts for something. You'll probably be fine...but then I don't know anything else about you...:D
Go ahead and apply, and good luck!

[RT2MD]

Yeah, the experience counts for something. You'll probably be fine...but then I don't know anything else about you...:D
Go ahead and apply, and good luck!


Thanks for your response. alittle about me. I have a ** degree in Respiratory Therapy. GP is around mid two point. I have all my pre all taken and I am actually registed for summer classes to take comparative physiology, immunology and neurobiology. hoping these classes will help to further get me accepted into the program. There are alot of schools sending me emails about the programs such as SMU. AUA and all other school but I have personally meet SABA graduate, some are doing their residency at my university where i graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University. They said alot of good things about saba. wish me luck

[wolfvgang22]

You are on the right track! 8)

[mountain]

Which is worse in regards to timing rotations and / or residencies - Entering in January or May?

[drj2b]

sounds good to me RT2MD, i'm around the same stats as you, and applying....hoping to get in, i think caribbean schools will pay more attention to non-academic achievements. i did the same thing you're doing , taking some new courses to show the real academic abilities
i was also looking at smu , aua.....but, well...i'll let u decide 4 yourself
GOOD LUCK!

[Jess77]

Hi 8) I 've read some posting on this forum. some say that Jan class is made of less competitive students; others say it is the May class. I don't like to compete with my peers, but to study with them and do well in school and on USMLE. But please let me rephrase the question: which class has more qualified (academically) med students?

[wolfvgang22]

Hi 8) I 've read some posting on this forum. some say that Jan class is made of less competitive students; others say it is the May class. I don't like to compete with my peers, but to study with them and do well in school and on USMLE. But please let me rephrase the question: which class has more qualified (academically) med students?
Same answer.

[mountain]

I think I made my earlier question ambiguous. I am not focusing on the competition level of each Jan / May / August class. The question pertains to which entry month makes it easier to line up with rotations and residency appointments.

1) If one enters in January are they left with a gap of time waiting on rotations or a residency?

2) Same question for May.

[wolfvgang22]

Ok, here ya go:
http://www.valuemd.com/ftopic26652.html&highlight=january+may

[RT2MD]

Hi 8) I 've read some posting on this forum. some say that Jan class is made of less competitive students; others say it is the May class. I don't like to compete with my peers, but to study with them and do well in school and on USMLE. But please let me rephrase the question: which class has more qualified (academically) med students?
Same answer.

Hey, I dont think it's matters which class is more cometitive then the other what really counts is getting in and understanding that medical schools where ever it maybe is not an easy nut to crack. You will have to put in your time for study and your beleive that you can cut the U-smile as my brother calls it. So which class it more competitive? i dont care, I want to get in and get out with smile on my face.

[wolfvgang22]

I concur. That said, knowledge is power.

[Conway]

Yeah, the experience counts for something. You'll probably be fine...but then I don't know anything else about you...:D
Go ahead and apply, and good luck!


Thanks for your response. alittle about me. I have a ** degree in Respiratory Therapy. GP is around mid two point. I have all my pre all taken and I am actually registed for summer classes to take comparative physiology, immunology and neurobiology. hoping these classes will help to further get me accepted into the program. There are alot of schools sending me emails about the programs such as SMU. AUA and all other school but I have personally meet SABA graduate, some are doing their residency at my university where i graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University. They said alot of good things about saba. wish me luck

SUNY Upstate! I went there to shadow for a Radiation Therapy program waaay back. It's a very nice place. My dad works across the street as a Medical Physicist. Glad to know that there are Saba grads doing their residency at SUNY Upstate! Perhaps one day I will end up there... :roll:

[edoki]

If possible just get in touch with Gardner or traveling agency for assistance.

Hope you succeed!

Edoki

[eljefe]

Hi every one! I have just been accepted to class of jan '06. I am a chiropractor and a registered respiratory therapist as well. I live on California and would gladly share any information on my stats or experience on the interview. If anybody wants to share any information on any prrevious experiences during their staying/studying in SABA would be greatly appreciated. Glad to hear there will another chiropractor and possibly another respiratory therapist, since this is my background, but I know every one is going to be a wounderfull classmate....

[edoki]

Good! Congrats. I am sure you will enjoy your stay in SABA.

Edoki.

[Ratan1982]

anyways. hope more ppl can post their stuff here

i'm from Canada

January semester

22 years old

[avonmark]

I was recently accepted to Saba, Ross, AUC, and UAG. I am strongly leaning towards Saba, and I am excited to visit the island.

I'm from the bay area in CA, any one else from here? :D

[medahb]

Hello to all.
I am very glad to be here. I finally got my acceptance letter and I will be commencing my medical studies at Saba starting January 2006.
I hope to see you all there.

[edoki]

You are welcome to Saba.

Edoki

[Himalyan chica]

Hello all,

Just wanted to find out who else is gonna be joining me in SABA in jan. If you wanna get to know each other before we reach there i am game. Holla at me at chadhanug@yahoo.com

Hope to hear from some of you soon

[shivali]

Hello All
My name is Shivali, 21 yrs old and I am from Edmonton, Canada. I have been accepted for Jan'06. Looking forward to familiarizing myself with other fellow students. Just wondering if anyone out there is from Edmonton or Calgary? feel free to pm or drop in a mail at shivali007@hotmail.com

[Ratan1982]

Anyone from January. feel free to email me at www.crieswhipsers@hotmail.com.

It looks like we will have a good number of Canadians coming this year

[Ratan1982]

sorry. stupid me. my email address is crieswhispers@hotmail.com

that previous one was a website address that doesnt' even exist

[edoki]

Hi Rantan, do not blame yourself so much, it happens to almost everyone

Shalom!

Edoki

[Egyptamar]

just got accepted... :) really excited and truly looking forward to seeing everybody there... you guys are awesome...

[MDXRS22]

I am just in the waiting in vain list. Maybe I am next!

[MDB]

Got accepted last week. 24 F from Toronto. Look forward to meeting you all soon!

[free_flya]

hey got accepted for jan 06
congrats to everyone so far, and g'luck to those applying/waiting
a lil about myself, 22 y/o from vancouver
any other bc ppl headin out???

[OrbitalNova]

hi, i got accepted for jan 06 as well
congrats to everyone so,
i'm 23 / male from Kansas
hope to see ya'll soon!

[DH123]

Found out I got in on Friday.

I'm a 25M from NY Bio Major

[extensor_digiti_minimi]

bunch of step books for sale; email <kntara@hotmail.com>

[andrewmalanga]

can you guys give me the low down on some of your app stats... well, the accepted students that is?

Thanks!

[md2be123]

24/M from Los Angeles, CA!

Ready to start in Jan '06!

Can't wait to meet all of you!

Shoot me an email at amarp0119@hotmail.com if anyone wants to chat before getting there.

[jdsingh913]

im jasdeep aka JD
22 male
from california
cant wait to mee you all

email me at jdsingh913@hotmail.com if you want to chat.....lol


i thought i should do this too .since everyone else is doing it. by the time you guys come ill be in 3 rd semester. good luck to all. congratulations to you .... have fun while it lasts. take care

[DH123]

Hi, my name is Shaun. I got accepted for Jan. 05. I am a 25m from NY. Bio major

[Hoirch]

Hey everybody. I'm Adam, 24, from Saint John, New Brunswick. This website is great, it will make the transition so much easier.

Just wondering if anybody has finalized their travel plans as of yet. I know I'll be in the dorm and I was wondering if anybody knows when we can actually move into them. A friend of mine currently there said that I should fly down on the 30th or 31st and spend a night in St.Maarten incase the dorms arent open. Anyway, if the dorms arent open until the 1st, I think a little gathering in St. Maarten the night before would be a pretty good place for New Year's Eve!!!! Well, I was just wondering before I fianlize my plans. Talk to you all soon!!

Adam

[extensor_digiti_minimi]

Hi there Adam,

I guess you don't have to stay in St. Martin overnight. Just get your ticket and tell the school about the exact date of your arrival. They send someone to come and pick you up or give you a free taxi voucher. When you inform the school, a dorm personnel will be there to open up your room for you. If you arrive early you have a better chance of getting a good room, i.e. forest view vs. wall view :) You can also buy hambergers from a little resturant down stairs. The shcool is within walking distance to the dorm so you can visit the school and meet older students.

Extensor_Digiti_Minimi

[Hoirch]

Thank alot for the info, that will make it easier to plan the trip. Just wondering if anyone else has purchased their tickets to head down yet?? I was just wondering when people were going to be there, I didn't want to be there too early but I don't want to get there too late either.... Thanks

Adam

[newfound]

Hi everybody, my name is Ian and I have been accepted for Jan '06.
I'm from St. John's, Newfoundland.
I'm 28 y/o.
I have a B.Sc. (Biochemistry), BN RN and presently working as a Staff Nurse in an Emergency Room in St. John's.

I have a couple of questions that I hope people can answer:

1) During clinical rotations, is there any other fees that you have to pay other than the tuition fees for Saba and living expenses (rent, food, transportation, etc.)? I was talking to someone and they said that there is a possibly that when you do each clinical rotation, you would also have to pay were you go? Is this true?

2) Does Saba help you find a place to stay while you are doing your clinical rotations?

That's alll the questions I have as of now, many of my other questions were answered by reading previous messages.

Anyway, hope to see everyone in January.

Ian

[dlesher]

Got in around the first of Aug. for Jan 06. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
30 m from Fort Worth, TX.

Shoot me an email @ delesher@msn.com

See you down there!

[vip4u]

hey congrats my name is mike from Tx i am also applying for the spring 06 jsut a few questions -what was the process like and where did the interview take place or was it a phone interview -

[dlesher]

vip4u: The process was pretty quick and easy . . . the interview was a phone interview and they were very expeditious about notifying me about their decision. Just make sure you have all your paperwork etc. together when you get started and it'll go quickly. Good luck!

[MDB]

I've tried to put all the names together. Sorry if I missed your name, just add it to the list!

tuan
Chiro-md
DonnieMD2B
eljefe
Ratan1982 - Canada 22
medahb
Edoki
Himalayan_chica
Shivali - Edmonton 21
Egyptamar
MDB - Toronto 24F
free-flya- Vancouver 22
OrbitalNova - Kansas 23M
DH123 - NY 25M
md2be123 - L.A. 24M
jdsingh913 - Cali 22M
Hoirch - Saint John NB 24M
newfound - St. John's NF 28M
dlesher - Fort Worth TX 30M
swwong - Toronto
freerider979 -
DrWho - Toronto 23M

[ATLgirl]

Okk...question...If someone hasnt taken any of the prereq. classes yet...or the MCAT....but are working on it...how long do you think it'll take to get those done? Because the school website gives you the list of required classes and that you have to take Bio, Chem...etc...for a year.

[DonnieMD2B]

For math, you normally have to take a placement test and test into calculus. Check with your university though. You can take General Bio and general chem simultaneously at most places. Then you should be able to take physics and organic chem simultaneously as well. So you can be done with your pre-req in 4 semesters. If you can take some during the summer then thats great but i do not advise you to take o. chem in the summer. Its just too much info to absorb and expect yourself to do stellar. Just a little bit of info but I'd contact your university first and see what they require.

[swwong]

Hi, I'm S i m o n from Toronto, confirmed for Jan/3/2006. Graduated from Western (London, Ontario) in 2004 with a BMsc. (Bach. Med Sci - biology degree with a fancy name). I heard there’s lots of students from Western, this true?

In terms of getting there, are people 1) buying one way tickets? And 2) taking plane or boat from St. Maarten to Saba?

Anyone in the area (Toronto) is interested in getting together, let me know: s i m o n [dot] public [at] gmail [dot] com. It would be nice to meet some newbies, current students, or alumni.

Cheers,

PS I have a friend down at SABA, she was in town a few weeks ago, I heard that there's wireless internet in the first semester dorms (is it fast?). With calling costs so high (from what I’ve read) perhaps Skype might be the answer?!

[swwong]

Wierd. My name got blocked out from a previous post, it's "Nomis" spelled backwards.

Cheers,
Nomis

[freerider979]

Add me to the list, Jan 06

[Ratan1982]

Thankd MBD for compiling that list. hopefully we can all meet each other and work towards our goal proudly, as the class of January 2006


Unfortunately, judging from wolvgang's posts, not all of us in the class (the whole class, not just the ppl listed) will pass all the courses. In wolvgang's class, which is more competitive, 5 ppl failed anatomy and 7 histology. This is quite troubling, especially for those of use who have had to take loans to fund our education. Remember, if you fail twice you are dismissed from the school. Can you imagine the financial and emotional reprucussions of this-loans that may never be paid off and the shattering of dreams, as we realize our only chance at medicine has been dashed? Although we may all be filled with excitement right now, the painful grind of med school is just around the corner. We must get our priorities straight and be prepared to study hard, manage our time effectively, and motivate ourselves. The sooner we do this the better. According to many of the posts on the forum, the exams are not easy, and there is little to no scaling first semester. I would be lying if i said i wasn't worried about the high pass mark of 75 percent. I don't mean to be overly pessimistic or doubt anyone's ability to succeed. I just think we all should all heed the warning of the academic brutality that lies in our wake. We should not forget we are here because we have failed to be accepted to schools in the U.S. and Canada. Thus, our acceptance to Saba is not a "done deal". We will have to work much harder to be competitive with the students who were accepted to these schools. If we want to become doctors, we must struggle to reach the levels of these great North American students

So please, enjoy your feeling of excitement, but know the pain that is soon to come

[freerider979]

Wow, what a depressing post. Here I was all excited about being in med school and this guy makes reality come crashing down. In addition, caribbean medical education is becoming a popular choice for many important reason. Thus; we cannot assume that we are studying at Saba because other doors were closed for us. Be proud of the path you have chosen. With that in mind, you are right. We have to be serious about our education, and I am sure we will all work hard upon commencing in January. However, for the time being, let's party and enjoy the moment. I know I am.

Cheers

[Ratan1982]

Wow, what a depressing post. Here I was all excited about being in med school and this guy makes reality come crashing down. In addition, caribbean medical education is becoming a popular choice for many important reason. Thus; we cannot assume that we are studying at Saba because other doors were closed for us. Be proud of the path you have chosen. With that in mind, you are right. We have to be serious about our education, and I am sure we will all work hard upon commencing in January. However, for the time being, let's party and enjoy the moment. I know I am.

Cheers


I can't think of anyone who has gone to a Caribbean school after having been accepted to an American or Canadian School. I have a hard time believing that anyone starting in January has been able to secure a spot in an American or Canadian school

Given the circumstances, I am glad that I am able to go to Saba. But to deem yourself the academic equal (at this point) of a person attending a North American school is simply ludicrous. Where i'm from, a province in Canada, the students are frequently given free lunches, are not required to do lab work, and hardly ever fail (if they do very poorly the worst that happens is they are forced to do remedial work in the summer)-because it looks bad on the school. The bottom line is we will have to work twice as hard for half the benefits of someone from these schools. And for those of us who are Canadian it also means paying a lot more in tuition (because med schools in Canada are subsidized by the government).

So please, lets keep things in perspective and face the music

[DrWHO]

Hi guys! Congrats to everyone on their acceptance; I, myself, am a new addition to the SABA family (Jan'06). 23/M from Toronto, ON. I was interviewed and accepted back in July and have been busy since to wrap up my thesis (crunch time, lol). Can't wait to meet you all! Shoot me a msg @ doctawho@hotmail.com if you wanna chat!

[comoregie]

Male 24, B.A History (Summa Cum Laude) University of Missouri - Kansas City. I Will be coming from Kansas city, Missouri. Accepted for May 06, but want to start in January 06 if there are opening. Saba is great and hope to see you guys soon.

[amyames]

Male 24, B.A History (Summa Cum Laude) University of Missouri - Kansas City. I Will be coming from Kansas city, Missouri. Accepted for May 06, but want to defer to January 06 if there are opening. Saba is great and hope to see you guys soon.

I thought defering meant to postpone to the next semester. you can't defer back a newer one can you?

[comoregie]

I got an email from gardner saying that the January Class is already full..which means that I maybe attending in may 06. I have 5 interviews in state school but with a mcat of PS 10 VR 10 ** 5, I think it will be saba. Taken the mcat twice. Dont want to attend D.O school or stay home for another year, retake the mcat and reapply. My good friend went to saba and is doing residency already, so I cant wait any longer.

[NatDoc]

Hi Everyone! Just thought I would finally jump on the bandwagon and join this forum thing, but I am new to this IT world, so please be gentle! ;-) Firstly, congratulations to everyone for getting in! It is definitely something to feel proud of, as we are all about to embark on a very exciting, challenging phase of our lives! I hope ya'll are ready to have a lot of fun too! :D
A little about myself, I'm a Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto (yes, another Leafs fan!), and am looking forward to broadening my scope of practice. If anyone else is from T.O., and would like to meet up before heading down, do drop me a line...a couple of us have already gone out together, and it was great! Also, if anyone is planning on spending New Year's Eve in St Maarten and wants to party together, also drop me a line! Cheers!

[oracledba]

I am planning to apply to Jan 2006, but took my MCAT back in 1996. Do you think it is out of date? Or should I retake the exam? I applied to Ross the accepted me in to MERP program (conditional acceptance, I have to maintain 3.0 gpa in one semester before I get accept to Medical School). I want to start Medical School right away. Do you I have chance (3.0 gpa undergrads, 3.2 gpa grad school, 19 in MCAT worked as software engineer for the past 10 year)