a few of us are starting this Jan 2006 and have all been having a few questions about things we should do before we come and after etc....so if anyone has any suggestions to the following, please share.

1) is it better convert dollars into pounds before or after coming to luton (obviously we'll need some before we come to get around but we're talking about larger sums of cash)?

2) how are classes arranged in that, do all people say starting in jan 2006 have the same classes at the same time or are their sections? also doesn't every class meet daily or what is a typical schedule at st chris like?


Also on a more serious note, and it would be appreciated if people provide a source for how or why they know this (more than I have an inside source)...we were wondering...

1) Is the GMC actually going to even post more or is the investigation done? The impression we got from what has been posted on their website (definitely not from ValueMD) is that the investigation is pretty much done and that although the GMC can not support St. Chris in the same way as it does the UK based Med programs, it is also saying it can not close or deny St Chris in terms of teaching. The true message we understood is a "Buyer Beware" in which UK students will not or will have a difficult time doing rotations and in no way does this affect the schools exsistance nor U.S. rotations. Once again it would be helpful if only people who truly know factual info about this with sources can answer rather than skeptics or individuals who are unsure but would like to voice their opinion.

2) We have spent sometime looking into the licensure process for being approved in the state of California and have even spoken to a few St. Chris faculty/admin. in regards to approval. It seems as though it is not a major priority for the school at this time to be approved in the state since the school is still fairly new and has more important matters to establish before tackling individual state licensures. This seems completely understandable. However they did mention that they do plan to apply for approval in the future once other areas of the school have been funded and established. So with that said, does anyone know how long the process once takes place once the school applies? And also in the future when they do apply and if it is approved, will graduates prior to the approval date be allowed to practice? For those who are skeptical and think the school has already attempted approval, I suggest review the state of California's Med website in which they post schools which have been approved and those which have not, or call their office in which we did and confirmed that St. Chris has not yet applied.

Anyways thanks in advance to those who reply with factual knowledge. I know alot of people out there have good intentions whether it be to support the school or to bring forth doubt in the school's procedure but at this point, the most helpful thing would be for knowledgeable people with factual info to post and opinions and bias be left at the door. Once again thanks, i look forward to hearing your replies.

Adding, to the above, I'd love to know how exam schedules are laid out...and is it an 8-5 school day?

i spoke to a st. chris student about two days ago and she suggested that i convert dollars into pounds here because i'll get a much better rate. i also asked her about the whole gmc investigation and she said that it does not have anything to do with the us students. as far as clinicals in cleveland, they are having some problems but are working on it. this is what a student told me so dont take it all as facts. but honestly after being completely confused and uncertain after reading all the posts on this site, it was a relief talking to a current student because after all they would probably have the best info.

she also said shes in class from 9 to 5. im pretty sure she said 9 not 8. and there's a ten minute break after each hour as well as an hour lunch break.

Okay I transferred from St. Chris but will answer a few here.

1. Conversion of money is a lose lose situation, just think of 1 usd worth 0.55 cents and a $5 USD extra value meal costing $9 USD (thats 1 GBP worth 1.8 USD), Shocked? well thats life in England as an American. The best way to survive is to make sure you have enough cash to cover this, I use a credit card (costs me 0.50 cents for every conversion at 1.78 currently) and Debit card at cash machines, yea american debit cards should work fine, the bank charges me only 1 usd for conversion no ATM fee over here. The Post office have the best rates for turning USD into Pounds over here.

2. GMC we all have to wait no further comment.

3.Usual is classes everyday for MD, for premed it varies but you will have classes everyday.
MD is 9 to 3, 9 to 5, Anatomy lab in London so it may be after 6 to 7 when you get home. Sections? Don't know and the Admin won't do that till you are here.

4. I f you go to any school that a state that approves schools for practice and have not approved the school yet, the answer is NEVER. You will never be able to get a Lic in that state per the statements by the State officials.


Good Luck.

__________________

Contact the GMC

Please email the GMC if you have questions regarding the investigation.

From the GMC website:

Please contact us for advice if you are currently studying or applying to study at this institution.

registrationhelp@gmc-uk.org


1) Is the GMC actually going to even post more or is the investigation done? The impression we got from what has been posted on their website (definitely not from ValueMD) is that the investigation is pretty much done and that although the GMC can not support St. Chris in the same way as it does the UK based Med programs, it is also saying it can not close or deny St Chris in terms of teaching. The true message we understood is a "Buyer Beware" in which UK students will not or will have a difficult time doing rotations and in no way does this affect the schools exsistance nor U.S. rotations.

__________________

If you attend St. Christopher's, be prepared to work very hard. It is not a free ride and some people have learned that the hard way.

__________________
BTS4202
St. Christopher's COM
4th Year
http://www.mdparadise.com

"If there really is a God, He has a lot of explaining to do"
- Dennis Leary

are any of you really still considering attending st chris???? that blows my mind.....

and be prepared for the chance that all of that hard work may be for nothing. i highly recommend you do not learn that the hard way.

Yeah, it is amazing. I still get quite a few emails each week from new students and prospectives. Unfortunately I am too busy to answer all of them, but I answer when I can.

__________________
BTS4202
St. Christopher's COM
4th Year
http://www.mdparadise.com

"If there really is a God, He has a lot of explaining to do"
- Dennis Leary