Ok. I've ben doing research on this school for quite some time, but I've only now realized how much negative publicity UAG is getting on these boards and others. I'm reading people's comments and they aren't even semi-nice. People are flat out yelling in all caps about how much they hated UAG. I also hear people saying that they know people who are having extremely difficult times getting licensed in the US after attending UAG.

However, I also hear of people saying they've had a great time there, and my Dad even works with a physician who went to UAG, and is a successful doctor. I'm not sure if it's the fact that the poeple who are complaining simply don't like studying hard or if what they are saying is actually strongly based, but I don't know what to think anymore.

I've got an interview with UAG in San An this friday. I am pretty excited about it, but hearing all this stuff about them is a little frightening. What added to my fears was that I couldn't find the USMLE pass rates of UAG anywhere on the net. However, I just got off the phone with them, and they told me they have an 85-90% first-taker pass rate, which is almost as good as SGU's flat 90%. They also had a student who scored in the 99.9th percentile on the USMLE.

So with all that said, can people who have had experience with the school, or who are now students please give me some feedback? I don't expect you to compare your school with others, but I just want to know things like how happy you are in Guadalajara, and how you are looking at your US licensure pospects.

As a third semester student this is my take on UAG. I have addressed this before, but this is as honest and objective as I can be...

UAG is a foriegn medical school --not a U.S. school. There is no need in trying to compare them, and quite frankly, I don't have any experience in a U.S. institution to justify it anway. Whenever you attend a foriegn medical school, and it doesn't matter where it is, you are going to have a certain "stigma" attached to you when you begin to apply for a residency. It is NOT however, impossible, because UAG has plenty who have "gone before" and accomplished their dreams.

I think most medical students here fall into four categories:

1. Amercians who don't adjust well to Mexican culture
2. Students who enjoy themselves too much
3. Students who go with the flow and move on
4. Students who were given the benefit of the doubt, but probably shouldn't be in medical school period

I know that may seem harsh to stereotype individuals that way, but that is as honest as I can be. Some people party their four years away and scrape by until Step I comes to deliver a potent dose of reality, others can't deal with the culture change and administration, some adapt and deal with certain obstacles as they come, and the rest never had the emotional stamina and true determination in the first place. So when you hear all "good" or all "bad," it's probably b/c you are getting a skewed perspective from one of those particular points-of-view.

I have had some great classes and professors here, and then again, there have been some classes that were not so great. The school will not hold your hand to learn Spanish or study hard. You have to be self motivated to do those things. As a U.S. citizen knowing very little Spanish, it's been tough for me. I have learned a lot Spanish, but I'm not fluent (at least as fluent as I want to be). I study my a*s*s off, and sometimes it has paid off, and sometimes it didn't for my exams here. However, I find solace in the fact that maybe I'll be ready for Step I when it comes around. I suppose the bottom line is that it was never supposed to be easy in the first place...

I'm very happy with the education I have received here so far, but I would be lying too, if I didn't say that I haven't been frustrated at times with such things as the language and the system. I think this school has its advantages based on:

1. The potential to learn Spanish
2. The fact that it is on the mainland and not cut off from the world as a Caribbean school is
3. The early clincal experience you receive
4. The privilege of being able to take the Kaplan Review Course almost your entire fourth semester

I don't know if that is what you wanted to hear, but those are some of my opinions. I wish you luck on your interview and best wishes on a future career in medicine.

exactly as it is. it is all about you in most cases.

Yes you will alot of stories about UAG. All I can tell you is that it is another country different culture, different way of thinking, different way of handling situations, etc.

Yes dealing with the administration at UAG can be a very sad experience. Trust me it is worst in the Mexican program. But if you focus on just studying and stay away from all the gossip you will do fine. Do your paper work on time, pass all your exams and you will be fine.

You must be able to adjust to a new culture. You will be fine.

Also I know many Physicians that work here in California and are UAG grads. Also in Texas. Is all as to how well you do in the USMLE. You get over the 80th. percentile and you will be accepted to most programs. Remember the attitude counts a lot. Is all up to you.

The administrive business has gotten a lot better since I graduated. Remember is a different culture.