The final thread on states where we can practice....

[charlottenian]

Every day there is about 5 threads asking about where you can practice and licensure, etc. So I made a nice map, if your state is in red then unfortunately SMU is can't help you at the moment, if your state is in blue then your set. I hope after seeing this there won't be any confusion

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/4250/unstates1yn.jpg

[charlottenian]

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4830/hawaii3tx.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4856/alaskamap0iv.gif

[miasma]

thanks, but not quite. texas should be case by case, and indiana accepts reciprocity. instead of indiana, it is vermont where smu grads cannot ever practice. i think new mexico isn't out of the question either.

[skidoc42]

Every day there is about 5 threads asking about where you can practice and licensure, etc. So I made a nice map, if your state is in red then unfortunately SMU is can't help you at the moment, if your state is in blue then your set. I hope after seeing this there won't be any confusion

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/8687/unstates6mt.jpg

I was born and raised in that state, can you name it? Most can't...and they USED TO follow California rule. Now, they don't...your map is wrong. Not to mention I'll move back someday wheather I practice or not. I know one person on here who's in Maine, and now you, rah rah.
And if you think this is gona be the last state thread, you're sorely mistaken.

skidoc42 ;)

[bchamp1281]

Charletonian you need to do some more HW before posting your authoritive views about where SMU students can currently practice. Although you it was a good try. Just modify your map to include Texas and New Mexico b/c they are on a case by case basis.

Back to the drawing board.

[neilc]

uh, so you are saying that st matts has licensed grads in all the blue states? otherwise, what is your justification for saying st matts grads are "set".

don't count your chickens before they hatch. state med boards can interpret licensing laws differently then you, and it is their interpretation that matters.

[charlottenian]

Charletonian you need to do some more HW before posting your authoritive views about where SMU students can currently practice. Although you it was a good try. Just modify your map to include Texas and New Mexico b/c they are on a case by case basis.

Back to the drawing board.

sorry, will have to post the addendum later then.... just trying to point out that there are many fine states like Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Carolina that we can practice in.

[bchamp1281]

Thanks for taking the time to assist those in doubt. Your a good and humorous man.

[teratos]

I guess this wasn't such a final thread....

[MDXRS22]

:rolleyes: There is always room for one more "FINAL" but not last thread:)

[SMU-Info]

We have a fully licensed graduate practicing in New Mexico.

[neilc]

per a SMU info post earlier this year, these are the states with licensed grads: AL, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, NC, OK, VA, and WA

add NM, per above post, and that is a list of states that you can work in.

difficult states include CA, CO, KS, VT, IN, PA, TX. i also heard TN is getting more difficult. so, these states vary from a permanent NO to a possible if the stars line up for you.

all the rest are wait and see until somebody applies.

i know that somebody is going to pipe up and say "i read the laws of such and such state, and we should be fine there". great. if you want to rely on your legal expertise and ignore the possibility that the state board may see it differently, fine with me. but, to those considering this school, it would be a far better idea to not consider a state OK until it is proven with a grad working there with a permanent license.

for now, posting the final word on where you can work with an SMU degree is impossible. there are too many states that have never considered a grad for licensure, so it is all a guessing game. the above is about the best you can do based on facts and history. the rest is pure conjecture.

[skidoc42]

We have a fully licensed graduate practicing in New Mexico.

WOW! That rocks!! I can't believe it!! :-P

skidoc42 ;)

[sbturner]

We are on our way to all 50 states. Have a nice day!!:D

[Junito]

sorry, will have to post the addendum later then.... just trying to point out that there are many fine states like Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Carolina that we can practice in.

Idaho can only be done by recipricosity (sp?).

[Junito]

per a SMU info post earlier this year, these are the states with licensed grads: AL, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, NC, OK, VA, and WA

add NM, per above post, and that is a list of states that you can work in.

difficult states include CA, CO, KS, VT, IN, PA, TX. i also heard TN is getting more difficult. so, these states vary from a permanent NO to a possible if the stars line up for you.

all the rest are wait and see until somebody applies.

i know that somebody is going to pipe up and say "i read the laws of such and such state, and we should be fine there". great. if you want to rely on your legal expertise and ignore the possibility that the state board may see it differently, fine with me. but, to those considering this school, it would be a far better idea to not consider a state OK until it is proven with a grad working there with a permanent license.

for now, posting the final word on where you can work with an SMU degree is impossible. there are too many states that have never considered a grad for licensure, so it is all a guessing game. the above is about the best you can do based on facts and history. the rest is pure conjecture.

Actually some of us contacted the medical board directly and received a response from them, not interpreting their guidelines, but a straight yes or no. I posted it on the Cali sticky of what states were not available, and which may present a problem.

[neilc]

Actually some of us contacted the medical board directly and received a response from them, not interpreting their guidelines, but a straight yes or no. I posted it on the Cali sticky of what states were not available, and which may present a problem.
well, as i recall, none of the states said you would get a license. they all said you could apply. it is great that you are proactive, and did that, and it is a positive sign that they said there were no glaring problems that would make it outright impossible. but, remember, you were getting responses from administrators, and the med board will make the final decision. being eligible to apply is a far cry from being assured of a license. so, even with those emails, licensure is certainly not guaranteed.

[Junito]

well, as i recall, none of the states said you would get a license. they all said you could apply. it is great that you are proactive, and did that, and it is a positive sign that they said there were no glaring problems that would make it outright impossible. but, remember, you were getting responses from administrators, and the med board will make the final decision. being eligible to apply is a far cry from being assured of a license. so, even with those emails, licensure is certainly not guaranteed.

Correct, but there were states that said outright no, and those were noted. The maybes were put as case by case basis (texas, tennesse, missouri, colorado, etc). The definite yes (there quite a few of them: Montana, Wyoming, etc) were not noted on the post (Cali sticky).

[Nimmuk]

We are go for New Mexico. I got a response from them myself. They came out with THEIR OWN MEDICAL BOARD RULES. Who needs California to run their medical board? Appearntly not NM, at leat no more!

[neilc]

We are go for New Mexico. I got a response from them myself. They came out with THEIR OWN MEDICAL BOARD RULES. Who needs California to run their medical board? Appearntly not NM, at leat no more!

they still use the CA list. however, they will recognize somebody with board certification and licensure from another state. so, you can go to NM after residency, as long as you have a perm license somewhere else, and are board certified. however, you cannot do a residency there.

[neilc]

The definite yes (there quite a few of them: Montana, Wyoming, etc) were not noted on the post (Cali sticky).

my point is there is no definite yes unless you have a grad there with a license. without that, the state is still a maybe (or a no). do remember that the person replying, in most cases, will be a secretary or administrator. they will say that you are eligible to apply, nothing more. the board will make the final decision, based on your application and how they apply the rules of licensure to it. do not consider a state a yes based on an email. things can still get sticky. i agree that in most cases it won't get sticky, but it is impossible to predicet when and where they may. so, don't give out false assurances, somebody may decide to go to your school because you said montana is ok. and, when a smu grad applies there, maybe the board will say "thanks for applying, but we won't let you work here". not likely, but possible.

so, you have 14 yes states, i think 2 no states (CA and VT) and the rest are maybe.

[SMUGrinch]

my point is there is no definite yes unless you have a grad there with a license. without that, the state is still a maybe (or a no). do remember that the person replying, in most cases, will be a secretary or administrator. they will say that you are eligible to apply, nothing more. the board will make the final decision, based on your application and how they apply the rules of licensure to it. do not consider a state a yes based on an email. things can still get sticky. i agree that in most cases it won't get sticky, but it is impossible to predicet when and where they may. so, don't give out false assurances, somebody may decide to go to your school because you said montana is ok. and, when a smu grad applies there, maybe the board will say "thanks for applying, but we won't let you work here". not likely, but possible.

so, you have 14 yes states, i think 2 no states (CA and VT) and the rest are maybe.


If the definitive "yes" is based on the criteria you've outlined above then I can say with absolute resolve that washington state is a "yes". But then the question comes into play about the desperation of working in that particular state....j/k...not really.
As an aside, there are actually three people ( I think that's the number) that are working with due diligence, as we speak, contacting each state; one by one. A list is being comiled and will be submitted to the school for their perusal, and will then be posted up. The list will include a yes, no, maybe, and some of the stipulations or at least a direction of where to find that direct information out.

[sbturner]

I hate to put an end to your negativity, but you do not make the decision as to where SMU graduates can or cannot practice. In short, your opinion does not matter! Just as well, I can say that we are going to be approved in every state eventually! Let's just wait and see what the professionals have to say. Have a nice day!:D

[neilc]

I hate to put an end to your negativity, but you do not make the decision as to where SMU graduates can or cannot practice. In short, your opinion does not matter! Just as well, I can say that we are going to be approved in every state eventually! Let's just wait and see what the professionals have to say. Have a nice day!:D

well, i agree. lets wait and see what the professionals say. by that i mean the med boards that issue the license. it is great to see that you agree with me on this.

i hope SMU gets all 50 soon as well. but, as it is now, it is a long way short of all 50.

[azulpanther]

What does reciprocity mean relating to being allowed to practice in a state?

[mo5225md]

hey...it means that if you practice in another state as a licensed physician...for lets say 3 yrs without any legal problems or any problems...you will be considered for licensure in another state that does not allow you to apply directly....this does not go for all states.

[SMUGrinch]

I hate to put an end to your negativity, but you do not make the decision as to where SMU graduates can or cannot practice. In short, your opinion does not matter! Just as well, I can say that we are going to be approved in every state eventually! Let's just wait and see what the professionals have to say. Have a nice day!:D

Thank you for your kind and warm thoughts, it's great to see that we have such caring people at SMU. I hope this was not directed at me, b/c I assume that with me stating what is trying to get accomplished by your upperclassman to help you in the future (and it will become very frustrating as time goes on). If this was not spearheaded at me then I apologize, if it was then I'm sorry you feel that way. Take it from someone who is 5 weeks from finishing basic science, take all the help you are offered. By the by, I didn't think I was being negative.
Have a blessed day
:p

[stephew]

[quote=sbturner] In short, your opinion does not matter! /[quote]watch it. you may NOT insult/flame other users. they have a right to their view and I'm sure the average smu student can tease apart opinion from fact. Surely youre not telling me otherwise?

[stephew]

What does reciprocity mean relating to being allowed to practice in a state?reciprocity means that the school is recognized by whatever body as being on par. For instance Johns Hopkins doesnt take IMGs for outside rotations ebcause they dont have reciprocity with these schools. They in essence dont recognize them. Now its more complicated than that because a program director *can* say that they want a particular student and file for an exemption. Or like Mt Sinai- they are happy to take you *if* you pay them something like $400 a week.

[sbturner]

No no certainly not at you smugrinch. No offense intended to you at all. My apologies if you felt that way; I do not want to offend you in the least. Best wishes!:D

Fair enough stephew. My apologies. I'll try to watch myself.

[stephew]

No no certainly not at you smugrinch. No offense intended to you at all. My apologies if you felt that way; I do not want to offend you in the least. Best wishes!:D

Fair enough stephew. My apologies. I'll try to watch myself.thanks much. you clearly are proud of smu so just remember to represent it as wella s possible. that speaks volumes. thanks again.

[ASIANDOC]

I just want to share my opinion on the subject.
The only 2 states with official approved/disapproved lists that specifically lists SMU as disapproved:
California & Indiana
but if you go and review Indiana minutes[med board minutes]Aug 2005 under discussion you will find that they are close to approve new proposal basically to treat candidates from disapproved schools on case-case basis the way I understand it[read the minutes here]:


DISCUSSION
"Resident Directors, Academy of Family Physicians – Dr. ..., Dr.... and ..., Attorney appeared before the Board to discuss this proposal. This is a pilot program. The purpose is to give structure and protocol to prepare international medical students to be better prepared to work in the United States. They will not accept any residents from Schools that are on the disapproved list of foreign medical schools. The Resident would apply for a temporary permit with the Board and each applicant would appear before the Board on an individual basis for the Board’s approval. They will all be ECFNG certified. The program will notify the Board should the Resident be dismissed or not complete the program. They would send a letter to the Board indicating how the Dr. is doing for renewal purposes. They will also collect data to evaluate everything at the end of the six (6) years. After discussion the Board appointed ... to represent the Board in further discussions with Dr. .... regarding this matter. The Board is supportive of the concept and supportive of Dr. .... initiating legislative action. "

Regarding California,its the law and we hope the FSMB will come up with a system that assure public safety but also physicians rights to be treated equally based on qualifications on the basis of ECFMG 3 parts certifications,residency certifications,and speciality board certifications,after all above certifications any physician should be qualified to practice with reasonable quality.
I believe SMU grads are excellent physicians[at least better than half of the grads from what's called "approved schools"comming from some poorly staffed med schools in Africa and Asia[I know because I practiced there,as a matter of fact most rich citizens from those countries travel to UK or US for medical care because they do not trust their doctors ].

I believe if you work hard you will be fine and do not let few individuals here shake your confidence.

Good luck
[sharing my opinion].

[Nimmuk]

Thank you Asiandoc, great work

[SMUGrinch]

No no certainly not at you smugrinch. No offense intended to you at all. My apologies if you felt that way; I do not want to offend you in the least. Best wishes!:D

Fair enough stephew. My apologies. I'll try to watch myself.

Thank you:)

[onesolo]

Thank you very much for your Opinion AsianDoc. It has always been benificial and will continue to be.

[RUJC05]

Hey,

I know NJ is a small state, but, how come there is no check mark next to NJ or Michigan?

[miasma]

i know for a fact michigan is cool : i've contacted the board directly, and smu has a licensed grad with an unrestricted license in michigan.

[Junito]

so, don't give out false assurances, somebody may decide to go to your school because you said montana is ok. and, when a smu grad applies there, maybe the board will say "thanks for applying, but we won't let you work here". not likely, but possible.

so, you have 14 yes states, i think 2 no states (CA and VT) and the rest are maybe.

With all due respect Neilc, the boards that I have contacted stated directly that as long as a foreign grad is 1) ECFMG certified, 2) Has no criminal history (or as some put it of good conduct), 3) Passed all Steps within 7 years, (the list goes on)...that SMU grads, or any grads for the matter, can practice in their state. I have the emails, no one is giving false assurances, they state: We have certain criteria, if you meet them you are eligible to apply for licensure. Eligible meaning you can apply for licensure, but are not guaranteed to get a license in that state (until the State Med Board approves your application). That is my point, no false assurances, just telling all that VT, CA will not even allow a SMU grad to apply for licensure there. IN, ID, will only take recipricocity; Tx, Co, and the others I mentioned are on a case by case basis. So please don't accuse me of giving false assurances, I have done my research (with the help of others), and have the proof to back it up.

[miasma]

so juni, if you don't mind me asking: how is texas case by case for smu grads if smu is on the disapproved list for California and Indiana? i'm just not quite sure how this would work.

[Junito]

so juni, if you don't mind me asking: how is texas case by case for smu grads if smu is on the disapproved list for California and Indiana? i'm just not quite sure how this would work.

Neither am I. I asked the Texas Medical Board directly if SMU grads are allowed to apply for licensure (and can get approval there), I was told that it is done on a case by case basis.

[neilc]

juni, nobody is accusing you of giving false information....take a look at the title of the thread and the first post again....."the final word on states smu grads can PRACTICE in". that is what i take issue with. the states you guys can practice in so far are the ones with licensed grads. if the title was "states SMU grads can apply for licensure in" i would never say a word. i think that putting up a map with a bunch of blue check marks and trying to claim that smu grads can practice in those states is premature at best, and misleading to potential students.

[neilc]

... They will not accept any residents from Schools that are on the disapproved list of foreign medical schools. .

hey asiandoc...what about this line in the minutes? as i understand it, it still says that grads from schools on the disapproved list will be prevented from starting residency in indiana, and that the protocol you are speaking of refers to grads of schools that are not on the list. am i missing something?

[Junito]

hey asiandoc...what about this line in the minutes? as i understand it, it still says that grads from schools on the disapproved list will be prevented from starting residency in indiana, and that the protocol you are speaking of refers to grads of schools that are not on the list. am i missing something?
If that is the case then their guidelines are not aligned with their practices...There is a SMU grad doing his residency in Indiana. You can look it up on previous threads.

the states you guys can practice in so far are the ones with licensed grads. if the title was "states SMU grads can apply for licensure in" i would never say a word. i think that putting up a map with a bunch of blue check marks and trying to claim that smu grads can practice in those states is premature at best, and misleading to potential students.
Concerning your previous point I see where you are coming from. I guess most people equate being eligible to apply for licensure in a state as being able to practice in a state (semantics), with your point being that only states that have licensed SMU grads as being a true state in which SMU grads can obtain licensure in, but it is a good point nevertheless.

[miasma]

hey juni, in a past thread, u posted an email from the indiana board stating smu grads are not allowed to gain licensure in the state, just wondering where u got the info that they accept reciprocity?

[p_in_da_wind]

Mann! i think CHARLOTTENIAN brings up a great point here... All those people who are worried that their state (cali) will not license them, there are many other states they can practice in... why evey try to go to a state that even if it licensed you, will not give you the respect you deserve... They dont want you???? heck... you should have the attitude that you can survive without them... if they tell you that you are not good enough for them... you tell them,"Heck what do you mean i'm not good enough for you... YOU are not good enough for me... you can pay me enough to work in your state... i wont work there even if you paid me 3 times what i would make in another state..."(remeber that is only an attitude, if they pay you 3 times as much, take the job...lol)

JUST REMEMBER... the only reason why we all want to ask about CA. is because they wont approve Carib. schools... well i say, we, the students from carib. disapprove cali. from our list....

[Junito]

hey juni, in a past thread, u posted an email from the indiana board stating smu grads are not allowed to gain licensure in the state, just wondering where u got the info that they accept reciprocity?

I didn't realize that it wasn't on the original email. I apologize, I researched the Indiana Medical board and found this statement:

A NOTE ABOUT ENDORSEMENT & TEMPORARY PERMITS
Endorsement licensure is entirely at the discretion of the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana. Licensure in another state does not in any manner assure or guarantee licensure in Indiana.
The issuance of a temporary permit does not in any manner assure or guarantee full licensure in the State of Indiana.


Here is the link:

http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/mlbi/instinfo.html

I apologize for the mistake.

[neilc]

Mann! i think CHARLOTTENIAN brings up a great point here... All those people who are worried that their state (cali) will not license them, there are many other states they can practice in... why evey try to go to a state that even if it licensed you, will not give you the respect you deserve... They dont want you???? heck... you should have the attitude that you can survive without them... if they tell you that you are not good enough for them... you tell them,"Heck what do you mean i'm not good enough for you... YOU are not good enough for me... you can pay me enough to work in your state... i wont work there even if you paid me 3 times what i would make in another state..."(remeber that is only an attitude, if they pay you 3 times as much, take the job...lol)

JUST REMEMBER... the only reason why we all want to ask about CA. is because they wont approve Carib. schools... well i say, we, the students from carib. disapprove cali. from our list....

i think you are forgetting that there are offshore options that have no limitations as to where you can practice. simply saying "screw you state X, i won't work there" seems to be a rather short sighted way to look at it. if working in a state is important for you, than go to one of the schools that is approved there. an even better idea, IMHO, is to forgo attending schools that limit you in any way, and attend one that has recognition in all 50 states.

it would be a pity to work so hard for 4 years in med school, to kick butt on the USMLE's, to get through a rigorous residency for 3-7 years just to have some licensing board tell you that you can't work there. last time i checked, none of us could really see into the future, so trying to guess where you will be in 10 or 20 years is really not a great way to play this game. better to leave all the options open. remember that what you do the next 4 years (or more importantly, where you do it) will follow you around for the rest of your carreer. don't sell yourself short

[neilc]

If that is the case then their guidelines are not aligned with their practices...There is a SMU grad doing his residency in Indiana. You can look it up on previous threads.

just going by the quote, it seems that would be the case. perhaps it is just a typo, or a misquote, or there is some text missing that would explain it. obviously, if you have a resident working there with a training license, it is doable.

[neilc]

Concerning your previous point I see where you are coming from. I guess most people equate being eligible to apply for licensure in a state as being able to practice in a state (semantics), with your point being that only states that have licensed SMU grads as being a true state in which SMU grads can obtain licensure in, but it is a good point nevertheless.

well, the difference between practice (ie having a license) and applying for a license is a bit more than a discussion of semantics. i think it is very important to be careful with distinctions such as this, as there is a pretty big chance for a significant misunderstanding.

[McGillGrad]

I like the picture, though.

Getting the correct info is the next task.

[onesolo]

The truth is everyone needs to do their own research. Nothing in life is guarnteed.... NOTHING! I don't care what caribb school you go to you'll still be looked down upon as far as some people on this board feel. Your right, if there isn't someone presently working in a specific state then we can't actually say that we can get licensed there. At the same time, if there is no one from your school working in a specific state in a specific field then you can't say the same...... That's just a stupied analogy. I know you say it's highly unlikely but I could walk out my front door right now and get run over by a car..... Should I give up on my future and take that into consideration? NO BECAUSE IT'S HIGHLY UNLIKELY. It's just funny to me...... Come on people let's (once again) talk about facts and not what's "highly unlikely"

[neilc]

The truth is everyone needs to do their own research. Nothing in life is guarnteed.... NOTHING! I don't care what caribb school you go to you'll still be looked down upon as far as some people on this board feel. Your right, if there isn't someone presently working in a specific state then we can't actually say that we can get licensed there. At the same time, if there is no one from your school working in a specific state in a specific field then you can't say the same...... That's just a stupied analogy. I know you say it's highly unlikely but I could walk out my front door right now and get run over by a car..... Should I give up on my future and take that into consideration? NO BECAUSE IT'S HIGHLY UNLIKELY. It's just funny to me...... Come on people let's (once again) talk about facts and not what's "highly unlikely"

what a confusing post...so, are you saying that it is highly unlikely that SMU will be denied in many states? and you say you want facts? well, what facts do you base this on? that is why you need to be careful, because we have no frame of reference, no history to base a solid assumption on.

onesolo, i know you are happy with SMU, and i am happy for you. but, this is sounding exactly the the old st chris stuff. all fluff, ignore potential problems, picking and choosing what to believe. it is fine for you. you have decided on SMU. but those still considering the school should have the benefit of considering potential limitations of the choice. for you to blow off concerns like the question of which state will accept SMU grads (which are real and valid), but to jump on board with other threads that say SMU is #1 or some other crap really takes a chunk out of your credibility.

i have NO PROBLEM with SMU. in fact, i have consistently said that the school is a good option if there is some reason you cannot attend a school that is already approved in all states. but, despite my enthusiasm for this school and it's future, there are still some very large question marks out there.

it would do the SMU folks good to remember that a major objective of this forum is to provide good, reasonable information and food for thought for the potential students. if they make a poor choice based on bad information recieved here, you will have unhappy students, that will complain and leave, and hurt your school in the long run.

this forum is not for current/future students to have a pep rally and convince themselves that problems and/or potential problems do not exist.

[neilc]

Come on people let's (once again) talk about facts...
so, are you saying that the original post is factual? that the states in blue are good to practice in?

i love it. you say you want facts, yet you so clearly don't. you will embrace any projection that you like, and you insist for more facts or documentation before you will accept that there is any risk....

it is fine by me if you want to bury your head in the sand. but, i will continue to post for the benefit of potential students as long as you guys continue to disperse NON-FACTUAL pep rally propoganda that is quite misleading.

[onesolo]

Neilc,
I did re-read my post and I would agree that it was a bit confussing. I kinda got lost in it myself. As for what I was talking about when I referred to it not being "likely" was in referrence to a previous post. One that I should have stayed out of. As for the factual information I was talking about was surrounding Texas. People have continued to say that we can not practice in Texas. I know that to be false. How do I know that to be false? Well I'll just say that it is.... and this isn't speculation. I don't know what your talking about when you refer to the St. Chris board because to be honest I have never been on that one but I think I understand what your getting at. As for Texas I know I'm saying "just believe me" but it would be unethical and just down right wrong for me to say why I know this. Either way, it's not easy to get but it's possible. That's all I was saying in my post.

As for you posting, please don't think I want you to stop. As a matter of fact I encourage it. Not only are you helping the people that are still making up their mind, but your knowledge is helping me and others in my shoes as well. I hope to do the same thing that you are doing... Help people make the best decision for them. If that leads them to SMU then great if not then great. Either way it's my own education that I care most about.

Again, I apologize for my previous post being so confussing (too many drinks last night). Please continue to post your information because it is food for all.
:lol:

[neilc]

onesolo, it is great that you have an inside track to info on texas. and, as mentioned before, it is pretty clear that coming from SMU will allow you to apply to texas. there will likely be some hurdles to overcome, and nobody yet knows what the outcome will be. so, i don't really see anyone saying texas is impossible, just saying that it is certainly not in the bag. there are hurdles...

as for you saying "just believe me"...well, look at it this way. if i came on here and said Tx is impossible to get licensed in, and followed it up with a "just believe me" you guys would be howling for my neck. if you do have this information, but are unwilling to share it, and it cannot be publicly verified, then this information is pretty useless to everyone else. no offense, but if i am a potential SMU student concerned about Tx, your information is not helpful at all.

my main goal of posting on this forum is to be sure that potential students get good info, and are made aware of potential problems so they can make the best choice in an offshore school. i was lucky, and got through not knowing much about what to worry about. now there are so many new schools, and so many issues that it needs to be very well thought out by potentials. people that have already decided on a school usually have a hard time hearing anything bad about the school, mainly because in thier mind they have addressed (or in some cases choose to ignore) the issues. so, it gets tough to still openly consider these things without a big argument.

i do believe SMU has a bright future, especially when compared to other schools that started around the same time. and the students seem happy and usually are solid representatives of the school. but, credibility is lost, and the school suffers, when legitimate problems (or potential problems) are not openly discussed and addressed. best of luck with everything.

[onesolo]

I do agree with your comments and thank you for your input. I can see where your coming from by saying without telling why I say what I say about texas then it's null and void. At the same time I really don't think that you and i are in disagreement on this topic. As of now your right, I can't say what the fate is with Texas because no one has done it yet. There are lots of hurdles for us to climb with some being larger than others. I guess all I wanted to get across is that the texas hurdle isn't the biggest. In your explanation on people justifing the school that they have decided on I think you hit it right on the nose. I know that I am more guilty in that than not. Thanks for your promising words and I hope to continue on this journey and that SMU will give me the ability to reach a point inwhich you and many others have already reached.