Thread: AUC vs. Ross

First of all, I have no intention of starting an opinion war between AUC and Ross supporters (part of the reason why I post this here). My only intent is to read what others think since I don't know much about schools in the Carib.

I'm applying to the Fall class of '07, and since I'm from California, I applied to SGU, AUC and Ross. SGU would be my 1st choice, but I'm undecided between AUC and Ross. In case that I don't get into SGU, then I have to make a tough decision. Therefore, I would love to read some opinions from "the neutral standpoint" of SGU students or those who plan to go to SGU: AUC or Ross ???

Um... I don't know much about AUC, but when I was researching Carib med schools, (I only applied to Ross and SGU) I read somewhere that if Darwin were to return to Dominica, he'd recognize the place. That dissuaded me from going to the island. My cousin went to Ross and I heard from him that the island is still developing. It doesn't have dorms or anything. The living conditions are kind of hard. Med school is hard enough, I don't want to be worrying about cooking my next meal because there is only one restaurant, and that restaurant gives me diarrhea, or having to walk with a flashlight at night because the roads are that bad or having to watch out for bugs and worms in the apartment I'm renting or live with the horrible smell of a decaying cow (happened to my cousin. A cow died in front of his apartment, so the landlord dug a hole next to it and buried it there) Do research on living conditions, is what I'd suggest. That will be important as it determines what kind of overall experience you will have in med school. Good luck!

the thing is that most of the people who are at sgu won't know much about the other two school, except from what we have read on these fora. I mean, the islands aren't really close to each other and its not like we visit each other (well sometimes people go to SXM, but i gotta feeling its not really to go visit the school).

the best way for you to get info about these respective schools IS to get bias info- go to their fora and read the threads there to get a feel of what current students have to say about the school's administration, classes, exams, island life, what not...

what most people here will tell you is generally hearsay and most opinions will be that sgu is the one to pick ( it is an sgu forum afterall), though my tried and true advice is... each of these schools will get you what you are seeking - the ability to practice medicine in the US- and it depends on what is important to you- island life, class size, integrated classes vs sequential subjects, etc. The best school is the one that satifies your requirements because that is the one you at which you will perform the best.

its hard hotdog to comment on your question since this is the SGU forum. Yeah, many of us applied to SGU, Ross, AUC, Saba, and so on. But we chose this school and therefore might be a little biased. Might I suggest posting this similiar question in both the Ross and AUC forum. Also, there are some (like myself) that were unable to see any of the schools we applied to because of monetary reasons. I did LOADS of research and asked NUMEROUS questions to all regarding the school, living conditions, cost, quality of education, and so forth. Once you have all the info, then you can make the decision that is best for you.

rok obviously types faster than me!!!

Originally Posted by smileyj

rok obviously types faster than me!!!

i seriously doubt that is true (though I feel bad if it is !) - I am SUCH a hunt and pecker!!!

Granted this is coming from an AUC student: I am currently in 4th semester of basic sciences and I am happy with the overall education and living conditions. The island is nice with great beaches and a McDonalds a short drive away (as long as traffic is flowing) as well as the majority of the professors who actually want us to learn the material and are some who are willing to do quite a bit to make sure we learn the material.

I have heard rumors about there being losses of clinical sites without adequate gains to replace them. When deciding, look not only at the basic sciences, but compare clinical sites available for the given schools. Make sure to check the date the site was last updated as well to make sure you have semi-accurate information.

I would suggest posting this on the AUC or ROSS forums.

I posted a similar thread on AUC forum, and one of the answer is that the island AUC is 1. nicer, 2. casinos, 3. strip clubs, and 4. brothels. KOOL HUH

I'm going to med school to dedicate my life to the human body... now I'm wondering whether or not you could count those as human bodies??

Don't downplay the "little things". I've never heard so much b1tching that "there's not even a McDonald's" in my life. *sigh*