what are my chances?

[crystal]

What are the chances of being accepted once invited for an interview?
My interview is next week. Thank you!

[MitchDC]

Crystal, I know this is intuitive, but your chances still greatly depend on several factors:

1) Academic history (GPA, degree, courses taken, MCAT)
2) Health Care experience (physician shadowing, patient interaction, any?)
3) Your personality, your essay and your ability to form an intelligent personal statement

4) Personal achievements, accomplishments
5) Your perceived ability to make it through the program

After the interview your files is sent down to Dominica to be reviewed by the admissions committee here. This group of faculty and administration review all of the information in your application, your transcripts, and your interview letter to determine whether you will make it here at Ross and as a physician.

Without knowing any of your other information, it really is impossible to give you any idea about your chances. Clearly though, you have a better chance now than you did before you were invited for an interview.

Hope this helps at least a little.

MitchDC

[crystal]

Thank you! I will try to summarize as much as possible.
Overall GPA is 3.O, Science GPA is 3.8, Post Grad GPA is also 3.8. MCAT has been taken, but is low.

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (Completed B.A. and graduated Cum Laude).

Then decided to pursue medicine. Went back to school.
Relevant Courses Taken: Physics 1 and 2, Gen. Chem. 1 and 2, Animal Biology, Organic Chem. 1 and 2, Human Anatomy and Phys., Vertebrate Anat. and Pys. All contained lab courses.

Volunteer at Level One Trauma Center for 2 years. Worked at a med. clinic assisting physicians in conducting pharmaceudical studies. This all includes physcian shadowing and patient interaction.

Personal Achievements: Taught English at the high school level, and currently teach Compartive Anatomy and Physiology at the high school level. ( I also coach basketball, on the literacy committee, disciplinary committee, sophomore class advisor, Students Against Destructive Decisions advisor etc...)

Personality: I do well with interviews and enjoy meeting new people. Personal history statement seemed O.K. I had several people read and critique it.

Does this sound O.K.? What should be my biggest selling point in the interview? I would appreciate your advice.
Thank You

[futurestudentmay03]

from your description of yourself, you will definitely get into Ross and any other Carib Med School.

[ScottsdaleIndian]

Hey guys, Sorry this is probably a question you've heard a billion times, but I'm a college junior totally new to researching these schools. Who/where can tell me basic admission stats and stuff, or anything atleast on Ross Univ? I mean can I get in with a 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, what? What would you say a decent MCAT score is for Ross?
I've looked for websites and stuff couldn't find much about the basics, could you help me out. Thanks all.

[utorontograd]

Hi Scottsdale,

I unfortunately can't give you a clear cut answer. Perhaps someone else will. Ross does tend to be more forgiving on admissions than SGU, AUC and Saba (top 4 caribbean schools). As a junior you should shoot for the U.S and if it doesn't work out then apply offshore as an alternative.

Best of luck.

[txdoc22]

GPA and MCAT are the first things looked at by any school, so they should be decent. However, Ross tends to give students with lower numbers a second look if they can prove that they have what it takes. Show that you are active in volunteering, research is always a plus, have some leadership experience in student organizations, etc. If you have some bad grades that dropped your GPA, explain them in the interview (if you get one). I had a low GPA and a decent MCAT score. I had good explanations for some of my grades (others I didn't...I just suck at chemistry). US schools didn't give me an interview so I couldn't show them that I have the passion and drive to make it in med school, despite some bad choices and grades in undergrad. Ross gave me that second chance and offered me an interview. I was able to show them who I am and explain some low marks on my transcript. So I would advise you to do everything you can to raise your GPA now. I know the application process to US schools is long, but go ahead with it. Try your best to get in. If you don't get an interview by December, then either re-apply, or if your GPA is too low, go ahead and apply to Ross. The application process is a lot shorter. Get straight in your mind what it takes to make it in medical school, decide if that's really what you want to put yourself through, and, if it is, don't give up and don't let anything stand in your way. If you really want it, you'll get it. Good luck!

[shelly122493]

Not to be discouraging but one thing you might want to consider that absolutely no one will ever tell you about carribean medical schools is the attrition rates. I am in clinicals now and I am thankful to ross for giving me this oppurtunity but I should probably tell you that my class started with 157 students, by the end of second semester we had 105 of the originals left (I am not counting the repeaters because they didnt start with us). By the end of 4th semester we had 79 originals left. Next we went to 5th and took the comp exam to be eligable for the USMLE step 1 and only 52 of use were qualified to take the Step right away. I was the second person in the class to take the step and I passed. In the end I believe that only around 40% to 60% of Ross students (and probably other carribean medical students) ever make it through and go on to clinicals.

U.S. medical schools have to publish their attrition rates and the average is only around 7% were I believe carribean medical schools have an attrition rate of around 50%. Looking at from this perspective I see now that I was taking an enormous chance with going to a carribean medical school. I must say if I knew then what I know now I would have still gone through it but one thing is for certain, unlike U.S. medical schools attending a carribean medical school is definetly risky from the financial and career standpoint.

If you really want it and you have no other choice but a carribean medical school then go for it!!!!!!!

Just keep in mind that it will take more effort than you have probably ever given before.

Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

Sincerely, a satisfied ross clinical student.

[sukhtinder]

i remember the days when all you needed was a pulse to get in.

[popozao]

Originally Posted by sukhtinder

i remember the days when all you needed was a pulse to get in.

oh no. that's still all you need to get in. they cram their 1st year class like canned sardines.

except, now a pulse won't guarantee you'll make it all the way through.