This year’s medical school application cycle is underway. If the past few years of data are any indication, more than 50,000 prospective applicants will vie for her more than 22,000 slots at US allopathic medical schools.
Medical students considering international medical school should consider these 5 … [+]
Thousands of them no doubt comb through medical school forums on the Internet for insight as to when they will receive their interview invitations and admission letters. You may find it difficult to think of anything other than how your GPA, MCAT score, or extracurricular activities stack up with others applying this cycle.
It’s no secret that medical school enrollment rates are at an all-time low, especially in US schools. Last year, only 38% of applicants received acceptance letters. Many schools have less than 2% admission for him.
But aspiring doctors shouldn’t let these numbers deter them from pursuing their dreams. International medical schools have proven to be a viable option, but doctors can practice medicine in the United States.
“International medical schools tend to look only at a student’s MCAT score, GPA, or shadowing hours,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds. St George’s University in Grenada. “We aim to develop qualified, well-rounded individuals who may not fit the traditional molds of pre-medical students, because we know that their diverse experiences make them excellent physicians. looking for.”
Choose from dozens of international medical schools. As such, it is imperative that students do their research and weigh their options carefully. Here are five criteria to keep in mind when considering applying to an international medical school.
1: Average GPA and MCAT score
We recommend researching the average GPA and MCAT scores of students entering the international school you are considering. Her Darlene Diep, medical school counselor for MoonPrep.com, said: However, they are taken into consideration. Most quality institutions factor these data points into their admissions decisions. ”
Consider the Caribbean’s “Big 4”: St. George’s University, Ross University, American University of the Caribbean, and the University of Sabah.
Unlike some international medical schools, each of the Big 4 requires applicants to submit MCAT scores. The Big Four freshman has her GPA and her MCAT scores averaging above 3.2 and 496 respectively, with the exception of the University of Sabah student, who does not publish the scores of its enrollees.
Schools that enroll students with higher average GPAs and MCAT scores tend to have better residency placement rates. have a rate
It is also helpful to research whether the school requires a minimum GPA or MCAT score to qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Students with a minimum undergraduate overall GPA of 3.70 or a minimum MCAT score of 510 are maximally eligible. $110,000 With a scholarship from the University of Sabah. St George’s University $120,000 Scholarship To all students with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.7, an undergraduate science GPA of 3.5, and a 506 MCAT score.
2: Financial Aid
It is important to note that international medical schools offer different ways to pay for tuition and living expenses. Some offer financial aid to students who plan to practice in underserved areas upon completion of their residency.An example is St. George’s city doctors This program awards full or partial scholarships to New York City students in exchange for a commitment to practice in the city’s public hospital system after graduation.
Some international medical schools offer scholarships to veterans, first-generation medical students, and aspiring doctors from underrepresented communities.
Loans are another option. Prospective physicians should check to see if the international medical school they are considering meets the eligibility requirements for the US Federal Student Loan Program. If the school is not eligible, the student is ineligible for federal student aid. The federal government encourages students to contact each medical school directly to confirm participation in the federal student loan program.
3: Certification status
Not all international medical schools are the same when it comes to accreditation. It is especially important for students applying to overseas medical schools to research the accreditation status of their future institution. This is because it can affect the quality of education they receive and their future opportunities as a doctor.
There are many accrediting bodies that evaluate medical school programs in relation to a specific set of criteria.St George’s University certified by The Grenada Medical and Dental Council, which reviews medical and dental schools in the Caribbean island nation. The University of Ross is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Agency for the Education of Medical and Other Health Professions, while the American University of the Caribbean is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Schools.
However, simply being accredited is not enough for a school. In order for international students to be eligible for federal student loans, the school’s accrediting agency must be approved by the U.S. Accreditation Commission for Foreign Medical Education. The committee evaluates international accreditation bodies and approves those whose standards are equivalent to those of US accreditation bodies.
Each international accreditation body must also be recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). Beginning in 2024, only graduates of schools accredited by WFME-accredited organizations will be eligible for residency in the United States.
Accredited institutions at St. George’s University are accredited by WFME until 2032. The University of Sabah accreditation bodies are accredited by WFME until 2028.
Other accreditation bodies, including Caribbean Accreditation Bodies for Medical Education and Other Health Professions, are awaiting renewal of their WFME accreditation, which has a 2024 deadline.
“It is imperative that prospective medical students ensure that their institution of interest is accredited by a WFME-approved body in 2024 and beyond. You are not eligible to obtain or apply for residency.Once you have a state license, you will not be able to practice medicine in the United States,” Olds said.
4: Curriculum
US medical schools are subject to a variety of regulations, but international medical schools often have more freedom to design their own curricula. As a result, applicants should research the curricula of international organizations to ensure they are of reasonable quality.
It is best to look for a curriculum that matches the style of US schools. Generally, a student can expect her to take two years of basic science courses in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Some schools may offer classes in which students learn about the science of individual organs and body systems. Students should also ensure that the school curriculum includes lessons on how to interview patients.
At the end of the first two years of medical school, students take the USMLE Step 1 exam. Finding a school with a rigorous curriculum will prepare students to succeed in exams and enable them to transition into clinical rotations in her third and her fourth year of medical school.
5: Research and clinical opportunities
Finally, international medical school applicants should explore the research opportunities and clinical rotations available at each institution to which they are applying.
Research is an important part of the medical school experience. Aspiring physicians can practice critical thinking, learn how to integrate complex science, develop interest, gain experience with ethics, and gain a better understanding of the latest developments in medicine.
Applicants should check how many affiliated hospitals and clinical training bases there are at International Medical University. Completed in her final two years of medical school, a clinical rotation allows students to put their knowledge into practice and begin interacting with patients. Students typically undergo multiple rotations in a variety of core and elective specializations, ranging from pediatrics and psychiatry to anesthesiology and oncology.
It is important for schools to have a large number and variety of clinical opportunities to allow students to explore different specialties they wish to pursue in their future careers. Rotations around the world may also be available at some international medical schools. This gives students the opportunity to gain clinical experience in another country.
Investigate now for the best experience later
If you choose an international medical school that ticks all five of these boxes, you have a better chance of getting a competitive residency. Olds also recommends researching her USMLE acceptance rate and residency placement rate at the institution.
“A student’s future career as a doctor really begins with the medical school decision,” Olds said. “There are so many quality medical school options out there. Students just have to do their research to find them.”
