Thread: Current Student at SJSM in Anguilla

Hi there,

I want to help out perspective SJSM students who are thinking about coming to Anguilla campus. And I also want to be here for SJSM students who have been accepted to Anguilla. If you have any question, I will try my best to answer them.

hey ascoeur,
this has to be by far the most informative thread. thank you so much for the information, i would like to know the lifestyle there and how you like the school and teachers there?

Originally Posted by jpatel224

hey ascoeur,
this has to be by far the most informative thread. thank you so much for the information, i would like to know the lifestyle there and how you like the school and teachers there?

Hi jpatel224, thank you for your question. In terms of lifestyle, I'd assume you mean outside of school right? Well, first of all...a typical schedule for MD1 goes something like this:
8am-10am: Histology
10am-12pm: Anatomy
12pm-1pm: Lunch
1pm-3pm: Embryology (Mon, Wed and Fri) or Ethics (Tue and Thu)
3pm-4:30pm: Anatomy Lab (Mon-Thu)

So, a lot students don't really do much on weekdays besides going to school and back home to study. On weekend, however, the lifestyles of the students are completely different depending on your personality and preference. Some of my classmates hardly go out. Many of them get together and plan to get dinner together. Some even go to bars and clubs at night. Some restaurants and bars here are VERY nice (as in high class). Sometimes, you'll see students gathering at Shoal Bay (beautiful!) to play beach volleyball or swim. I'd recommend you come about a week before school starts to get acquaint yourself with the island. The lifestyle here can be whatever you make out of it.

It would be most convenient if you buy a car or a motorcycle to get around. However, I know this option might not be available for those under budget. You can always rent a car over the weekend. Some rental places here will give you one for anything between $25-$45 per day. Or you can ask friends who already have a car to take you out. Be sure to be courteous and offer gas money whenever possible!

In terms of professors, I think most of them can teach and understand the students well. But you may also find yourself bored or easily distracted. Some professors have accents that you may find hard to understand. However, their notes and powerpoints are often very useful. You'll probably end up teaching yourself most of these materials anyway, which is what I'd recommend you do. Professors are not there to give you answers. You're actually supposed to read before you come to class and ask questions that you don't understand. Then again, most students here don't do that so they play "catch up" game most of the times. Overall, I like our professors. They're trying their best to help us, so I appreciate that aspect a lot. Plus, all of them are very approachable in case you need to speak with them one-on-one. Many of the professors would come in to give extra review lecture too.

The school is small, so you will get to know everyone eventually. That can be a good and a bad thing. News can spread pretty quickly, especially if you do something "noteworthy." But it also feels like we are all family because everyone is willing to help. All you need to do is tell someone, "I need help with..." and surely, someone will step up for you. Everyone may not get along with each other. But the majority of the students are professional and respectful to each other. The people you can rely on the most are ultimately your classmates as they will be with you throughout the entire year. I came from a small school so I love this environment.

I hope this answers your questions.

thanks a lot!!
can you also give some tips as to where to stay for the first few days when i get there and stuff to bring before i get there.. i will be starting in january.. would you recommend flying to st marteen and catching a ferry to anguilla or flying to puerto rico and another flight to anguilla?

Originally Posted by jpatel224

thanks a lot!!
can you also give some tips as to where to stay for the first few days when i get there and stuff to bring before i get there.. i will be starting in january.. would you recommend flying to st marteen and catching a ferry to anguilla or flying to puerto rico and another flight to anguilla?

Hi there! Sorry for the late reply (exams week!). Do you have a budget in terms of hotels? I stayed at Ku hotel during my first days on the island. It's one of the more fancy hotels on the island...about $275-$300 per night (I didn't know any other place). If you want, I can do some research for you if you can give me a price range. The hotels that I know are rather expensive (but amazing surrounding). Try Arawack Beach Inn. I heard Lloyd's guest house is decent too. If you need help on your first day, let me know too. I'd be more than happy to help you out when you arrive!

Regarding to getting here, the most convenient route is to go through St. Maarten and catch a ferry to Anguilla. I imagine it would be cheaper. But if you think you may have sea sickness, then go through Puerto Rico. You'll have to take a smaller plane to Anguilla. Either way, it will be fun.

Is St. James School of Medicine at Bonaire and Anguilla a bad school because the MCAT is optional? Also is it worth it paying the $1000 to hold a seat if accepted? If I do decent on the MCAT(20's God willing) I may go to Osteopathic School in the United States, I don't know if the low 20's will get me into Allopathic schools in the United States.

No, the university is not sub-par based on the MCAT standard. I personally scored a 29Q on the MCAT and I am here. We have two students who are PhD's in hard science and several students who hold Master's degrees. The program itself is challenging enough to keep you very occupied. There will be times when the stress will be great. It is all about applying yourself to your studies and remaining serious and motivated over the entire sixteen months.

Yes, many D.O. schools will consider you based on a score in the low twenties but this too is trending up. The MCAT average is a 25,O so I am thinking that you should aim for a 27 or so to have options when it comes to D.O. programs. Student Doctor Network gives an excellent series of updates on acceptance criteria for Osteopathic and Allopathic programs. Also, US News has an annual graduate schools issue that is totally comprehensive. I would suggest purchasing this. At this time of the year you should already have all applications in or to be in shortly.

If you do end up coming to St. James for Basic Science you will not be unchallenged. Good luck in your endeavors.

Originally Posted by forde2

Is St. James School of Medicine at Bonaire and Anguilla a bad school because the MCAT is optional? Also is it worth it paying the $1000 to hold a seat if accepted? If I do decent on the MCAT(20's God willing) I may go to Osteopathic School in the United States, I don't know if the low 20's will get me into Allopathic schools in the United States.

Hey there! Saint James School of Medicine is not a bad school at all (then again, I may be biased since I am a student here). Actually, for the price that we are paying...I think it's a great school. I can't say much about Bonaire. But in Anguilla, the school is new and we are going through some transitions with new professors coming in. It's a great sign of the school moving into the right direction.

Just because MCAT is optional, that does not mean the school is inadequate to provide you education. But you should be well aware that by coming to Saint James (or any other Caribbeans medical school), you are sacrificing some of the resources and advantages you may get in US medical schools. It is definitely worth it to hold your seat, especially if you are not confident that you'll be accepted into other schools.

As AnguillaMD mentioned, you may have a chance applying to Osteopathic schools with MCAT score of 20s. There is, however, a low chance of getting into Allopathic schools. Not impossible. Just not likely based on statistics. Don't give up yet either because I'm sure you may be competitive in other parts of your applications besides your MCAT score.

If you do decide to come to SJSM, you have to work hard and keep your motivations strong. Don't be swayed or discouraged by the unmotivational and indolent students. Yes, I won't lie that there are such students here. If you want to become a doctor no matter what, SJSM will help you get there. But your experience here is what you make out of it.

And yes, you will definitely be challenged (AnguillaMD said it so perfectly!). SJSM will test your intelligence, patience, endurance, courage, and motivations. Good luck with everyone. I'll be cheering for you!

Thanks guys for your quick and apt replies! What about Ross University Caribbean Medical School, American University of the Caribbean, and Trinity School of Medicine, and St. James School of Medicine Bonaire? Why did you guys choose St. James School of Medicine Anguilla?

Originally Posted by forde2

Thanks guys for your quick and apt replies! What about Ross University Caribbean Medical School, American University of the Caribbean, and Trinity School of Medicine, and St. James School of Medicine Bonaire? Why did you guys choose St. James School of Medicine Anguilla?

No problem! Glad to help. The schools you've listed are great schools as well. Ross and AUC are considered to be on of the "Big 4" Caribbeans medical schools that are reputable and respectable since their admission process requires you to have certain amount of MCAT scores. But they are quite expensive even with the loans. Not sure about Trinity though. SJSM-Bonaire is like an older sibling to us. The schools had more experience with management and connections. I have heard though that their facilities are not as new as ours though. The living standards in Bonaire are lower too.

To be honest with you, SJSM was my safety school. I was applying to other schools as well. SJSM got back to me the quickest. I researched the school's background and compared the tuitions (money was a big deciding factor for me). I was surprised by the school's reputation despite the fact that it is only 10 years old. And it's adding new campuses. I thought SJSM was not ordinary. It was the cheapest...BY FAR. I believe in my ability to succeed in the board exams. I just needed a school that will give me that chance. I got accepted to Bonaire, but decided to switch last minute based on living standards and housing.

When I was accepted into Anguilla, I've had my doubts. At that time, Anguilla campus was not listed in IMED. In addition, I've read past students' bad experiences on different forums. A lot of people said not to go, and tried to convince me to go to Bonaire instead. Then someone in Anguilla said, "Don't worry. There are three classes ahead of you." So, I decided to take a chance. Plus, I could always transfer to Bonaire anyway.

I'd be lying to you if I say the school is amazing and perfect. We still lack a lot of resources. There are students that behave below the standards. Some professors may not teach the subject the way you had hoped. But everyone is trying here. There are great professors and eager students here. And things are improving at a fast pace. I will stick around until I finish and become the change I wanted to see on this campus. And by the time you decide to come here, things will even better then. If you are self-disciplined, then I think you will make it to any school. I do hope you'll join us. If not, then best of luck on your journey to reaching your dreams. Don't give up!

Hey would it be possible to send me your email. I would like to ask you a few questions regarding housing and what not. I will be attending Anguilla this september! thanks