1) How is housing if you start in January? The way I figure, this is the best housing available because the previous September class (which is the largest) just finished their 16 months in December and so a lot of housing becomes available in January. Any thoughts??

2) The way I have it figured out, if I start in Jan 2008 then I will be leaving Dominica for good at the end of April, 2009 (assuming I pass), then the 10 week class in Miami puts me to end of July/August, 2009- THEN I study for Step 1 and finish, say around October 2009. The biggest question I have is- are there specific start dates for clinical rotations? or will I be able to start my rotation once I take (and again, assuming I pass and do well) Step 1?

4) If you start in January, when do you start residency? Basically, when does Residency start? I've read that applications for the National Residency Matching Program are due November 1. Does the January starting class have enough time to have their application in for November of 2009? If so, when would Residency begin (January? May? Aug?)

SORRY for the long post. I'm just trying to figure out the pros and cons to starting in January versus any other semester.

Thank you for you responses. They are greatly appreciated.

The match is done in March I believe and residency always starts July 1st unless you prematch into a program that has a different start date but that would be the exception to the rule.

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AUA & Ross Forum Moderator

Don't count semesters and months to figure out when you'll graduate. I started this past January with all of the same thoughts that you have. I still ended up with housing far from campus (I moved this semester) and I have no idea when I will graduate! Clinical rotations are what makes that uncertain. I don't know how I'll be scheduled until that time comes around. I may have time between rotations or go straight through. I plan on taking some time after 5th for a Step 1 review course, too. So just come when they accept you and figure it out from there! I do suggest arriving on the island early, though, if you don't arrange housing ahead of time for a good place to live.

I don't mean to bump a relatively old thread, but everything the OP asked has been on my mind for an incredibly long time.

I read somewhere that it's possible to take Step 1 during your 5th semester in Miami. Or is that just a rumor? Or not recommended?

Like the OP asked, are there specific dates for the clinical rotations we'll be doing? I mean - IN GENERAL. I know it depends on the rotation, but still. Are there considerable gaps between cores? Or is txdoc22's advice to NOT count months and semesters a better way to look at things?

Thanks!

You can take the USMLE Step 1 after passing the Comp Exam which is given after Semester 4. After passing the Comp you have upto 6 months thereafter to take your Step 1. So Yes, you can take the exam during 5th if you think you are ready.

Is it recommended?

I'm trying to find out as much as possible about 5th semester, and it doesn't seem as heavy in course work as the other semesters. So, is it doable?

As far as housing, there really is no "best" time when it comes to housing. Best thing to do is come early and see what is available. Usually the really good places are already taken by current semesters by the time 1st semesters get to the island.

Its simple, if you have straight A's at Ross, and you killed the comp i.e got 80 and above, then take it right after 5th.
if you got none of the above dont even dream about it.