Thread: How difficult is it to transfer from a Caribbean Vet school to one in the U.S.?

Does anyone have experience in transferring from Ross, SGU, or SMU to a U.S. vet school? I am trying to decide which of the Caribbean schools to attend, and was wondering at what point are you allowed to transfer to the U.S.? I have read about others doing this, I just didn't know how common it is? If I was able to do it, would I be required to take any additional tests to get into one of the U.S. vet schools, and would I be considered a graduate from a U.S. school, or possibly still have to take one of the foreign vet tests due to the fact that some of my veterinary schooling was in the Caribbean? I know I sound like the riddler with all my questions, but I simply don't know, and any info anyone can provide me would be appreciated!

Originally Posted by congomodel

Does anyone have experience in transferring from Ross, SGU, or SMU to a U.S. vet school?

Several people in my class (SGU) transferred and I knew of several in other classes. Almost always to Kansas State, but I knew of 2 who got into Louisiana State and 1 into Oklahoma state.

Originally Posted by congomodel

I am trying to decide which of the Caribbean schools to attend, and was wondering at what point are you allowed to transfer to the U.S.?

All that I knew of transferred during 3rd or 4th term (i.e. 2nd year). Some had to repeat 1 semester depending on how the schedules matched up.

Originally Posted by congomodel

I have read about others doing this, I just didn't know how common it is? If I was able to do it, would I be required to take any additional tests to get into one of the U.S. vet schools, and would I be considered a graduate from a U.S. school, or possibly still have to take one of the foreign vet tests due to the fact that some of my veterinary schooling was in the Caribbean?

I think there are at least a few from each class. Most frequently they are the top students. US schools won't take you as a transfer unless you have a pretty stellar GPA...but one person that I knew was barely above 3.0. Maybe there were other circumstances in her case.

No additional tests that I know of...at least none that they told me about.

Since you're transferring, you will be a graduate of that school...so your diploma will read KSU (for instance)...no one will know except those in your class.

Originally Posted by congomodel

I know I sound like the riddler with all my questions, but I simply don't know, and any info anyone can provide me would be appreciated!

No prob.

I went to ross and there were 11 people from my class that transferred to US schools, including me. However, I would NOT recommend going thinking your going to transfer. Some years they take 1 or may not take any. It all depends. Also go visit the caribbean schools before you go. It was totally not what I was told and the crime in st kitts is insane. The school is also really corrupt. You're pretty much on your own in a third world country and if anything happens NO ONE will stand up for you. Trust me, I was attacked and they accused me of it being my fault because there were no signs of forced entry (ross security even wrote it in the files as it being my fault). Just be careful. I would recommend going to grad school over a caribbean school. Don't count on transferring. The top 10 of 120 transferred but most years only 3 or 4 do.

Originally Posted by mmc

The school is also really corrupt. You're pretty much on your own in a third world country and if anything happens NO ONE will stand up for you. Trust me, I was attacked and they accused me of it being my fault because there were no signs of forced entry (ross security even wrote it in the files as it being my fault). Just be careful. I would recommend going to grad school over a caribbean school. Don't count on transferring. The top 10 of 120 transferred but most years only 3 or 4 do.

That's very disturbing. I'm sorry to hear about your situation, it's unacceptable.

I don't think it's fair to lump all the other schools in the same boat though.

I know people at SGU (vets) that feel their school is very accountable and supportive of it's students.

Despite that Ross University and the island of St. Kitts have its challenges - it is NOT impossible to transfer - and it was NOT the top ten that got to transfer - as I am currently still in that semester that had 11 people transfer out, and the people that transfered, I'm sure had good grades (As and B's) but so do plenty of people still remaining here who have chosen not to transfer AND are exceling in classes here.

My advice to anyone looking into vet schools - Ross is a good choice if you were not accepted into a US school. It's not like home here, and it will be tough at times, you will feel on your own too - but if you're like me, the desire and passion to be in this field of veterinary medicine is worth coming all the way down here to achieve your dreams. It'll make you stronger being here, because you've really worked for what you want.

Plenty of people from caribbean vet schools have transfered back to state schools, so if you really are unhappy, that is always an option. Just don't rule out Ross because of an old disgruntled student There is crime in St. Kitts, but really just be extra careful, be smart, don't live in Camps or West Farm, common sense stuff.

Hello-I'm in my first semester at Ross and just starting to think about the idea of applying to a US school if I have high enough grades. I was wondering if you could give me some information on this, like when is the earliest I can start applying (do I have to wait until I finish 2nd semester to be on track with the second year courses of US vet schools?) and also was the application process as tedious and time consuming as applying through AAVMC as a non-transfer that first time around? Are there specific schools that are known to take transfers more than others, or maybe even known to take Ross transfers? And what GPA would you suggest is too low to even bother? So far I got all A's on the first round of exams so I'm just somehow hoping that this continues and I have a chance at going to a US school instead. Thank you so much and any information at all would be so appreciated! -Julie

...sorry....didn't see this was a vet post...disregard.