1. Apply at least 2 semesters early..1 year if possible...the more early the higher the chances.
2. GPA should be >3.0 to have a good chance at Jan and May semesters. Need about 3.3 or higher for Sept class.
3. MCAT is not required but do try to take it and see whats up.
4. Personal Statement is KEY..write well and answer Key questions like why you want to be a doctor..working experience..personal values and beliefs...etc..the more key areas you cover on your statement..the easier the questions they can fire at you.
5. Xerox your application and review it carefully before the interview and have it in front of you during the interview in case you forget what you put.
6. Be ready to defend yourself on low grades, changes in majors, etc..
7. Know what is the USMLE and basic info about it..know Saba's Step 1 passing rate about 94-97%
8. Know about the school and the island.
9. Be able to answer why you chose Saba over others...key points are small class size..cheap..good faculty..etc
10. Be able to tell them how you and your family feel about traveling during the 20 months and during clerkships.
11. Stay focused and listen carefully because they gonna be on speaker and sometimes its hard to listen to them.
12. Be polite and use proper greetings before and after the interview..thanks them..also try to schedule the interview before noon MA's time..they are more energetic and happy at that time.
13. Last but not least..DONT TELL THEM SOMETHING THEY DONT NEED TO KNOW..that will save u from troubles.

With these 13 tips you will be able to conquer the interview and successfully apply to Saba..you might not get your first choice..but at least you have a higher chance of getting accepted into the school...preparation is very important..always stay ahead of the game..hope u guys find these tips helpful...if u have any more question..feel free to message me or email at tommydnguyen04@hotmail.com

Salutations "TommyMD":

Wow, GREAT TIPS! I think I'm going to start preparing for me interview now...wait a minute, I'm already here. Oh well. Great advice nonetheless folks. Ciao.

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"To achieve success, you must first define success."

excellent tips. having a copy of your personal statement is key. They fired a lot of questions at me based on what I wrote in the PS. I also agree that they will ask about low grades. They grilled me on it, but I kept emphasizing my grad GPA and they got the hint

Additionally, the tip about reseraching the school is good one, too. They asked me what I knew about the island, the people, the lifestyle. And yes, they asked me why I hadn't applied to any other carib schools, and I said class size, pass rates, ect. and surprisingly, I got grilled on the different specialities I might like to enter and why. I said I wasn't for sure, but they kept insisting, so I said my focus was to be on the under served populations and that eventually I planned on getting my MPH. They seemed to satisfy them and that subject was closed.


but just to say, great tips. read them and use them and you'll be getting that accpetance package sooner than You think!!!

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*The most violent element in society is ignorance*-Emma Goldman

* Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.

I applied this summer for Jan06 with a 3.2 cum, bachelors, and a massive amount of life experience, and didn't even get an interview! I was told the whole year was booked up and was sent MUA's way. Which I'm equally happy with, but I really wanted to experience the Hyperbaric medecine as I'm an avid diver. This makes me think that SABA is raising it's bar and shuffling off the lesser qualifieds to her sister school. Or perhaps they are trying to balance out their sister school by implanting candidates that do look succesfull inorder to keep building MUA's reputation. There, that makes me feel better. But I don't think anyone really knows what goes on behind the scenes. Therefore all these questions about what are my chances of getting into x,y,z, school are really a waste of time. Just do your best, be yourself and be honest about both! Good luck

hey tommy

I was wondering when i would need to apply if i am transferrign from anotehr school during MED1. I am in pre-med 1 now so have to finsh roughly 5 semsters. Like should I apply as soon as enter MED1 in january 2007 or wait till the end of that semeste?

thank you
Susheel Ganta