JUST WHAT I'VE GATHERED, THIS IS NOT FACTUAL
I am accepted at all of the Big 4. I have done a lot of research, been to info sessions, the works and heres what I've come up with. They are all very similar, but its a big decision to make, so I want to put everything I can into it. I hope this can help other students as well; remember this is only my opinion based on what I've gathered, I am sure many people will disagree with what I am saying.
All statistics at these 4 are very similar. Keep in mind a lot of stats are skewed on their websites, for example first time USMLE pass rates includes the fact that they had to take a comp exam (supposed to mimmic step 1) and pass before they can take the real exam. Some have to take an extra year to do this before they take step the first time and then are added to the "see he/she passed the first time" stats of each school. Also keep in mind the schools drop a lot of people that they don't want representing their school (mostly in the first semester). The only main difference I have found in stats is Saba has a much worse attrition rate.
So far, I am ruling out Saba because I don't like THAT small of class sizes and opportunities, the island life is also extremely limited, and I simply think they don't have as good of a reputation, curriculum, professors, etc. as at least one the other three schools. Plus, as I noted above, Saba's attrition rate is significantly higher than the other 3. Price is obviously way cheaper but I think that doesn't make up for the negatives.
I think I am ruling out Ross as well. This is more controversial. The positive is its a bit more well known than AUC and Saba (not SGU tho). One difference with Ross is that it seems to be similar class size to AUC (maybe a bit bigger) and its smaller than SGU. Negatives: I believe the quality of education is worse than SGU and possibly AUC as well, and island life seem to be worse than both AUC and SGU, so I think I would prefer one of those to Ross. Many people put AUC below Ross, but I think thats changed.
So now the big question for me: AUC or SGU.
SGU is much bigger which has two sides for me: big class sizes which I don't like, but more people in the school to know and work with, which I do like.
At AUC I like the smaller class sizes, and there are more opportunities getting to know and getting help/accommodations from professors and the administration. There are more connections at SGU but easier to make deeper connections at AUC- not everyone knows each other at SGU, where everyone does at AUC.
SGU is much more well known and has a huge alumni network (good for connections in rotations, letters of rec, residencies, interviews with docs who have only heard of SGU in the Caribbean etc.) and has many more affiliated hospitals (and a bit better hospitals imo).
SGU is more expensive than AUC by about 8-9k/year (you can fact-check the exact amount), but at this point whatever, I will make my decision on other factors.
Island life at SGU is decent, but much more remote and underdeveloped than AUC's St. Maarten. Island life in St. Marteen blows every other Caribbean schools' out of the water. It is more touristy which some might not like, but in exchange it has many more luxuries, conveniences, opportunities on the Island, much easier to get to/from etc. which I think will provide a better learning environment for me (I think I'll feel less isolated). Of course this is medical school and I don't plan on being "out and about" often, but mental/emotional state during med school is important.
Kind of silly to note and probably irrelevant, but a resident from AUC mentioned how it has the word Caribbean in it which makes it an obvious Caribbean, whereas SGU may skim by, plus there is a SGU of Medicine in England.
So far I think this is the overall tradeoff: AUC is great for smaller classes, better island living, more attention from faculty, and closer relationships. SGU is more well known, has more affiliated hospitals, and has a much larger alumni network.
I welcome and appreciate all feedback, difference opinions, thoughts, etc.
Good luck deciding! I have about a week to make mine!
I am accepted at all of the Big 4. I have done a lot of research, been to info sessions, the works and heres what I've come up with. They are all very similar, but its a big decision to make, so I want to put everything I can into it. I hope this can help other students as well; remember this is only my opinion based on what I've gathered, I am sure many people will disagree with what I am saying.
All statistics at these 4 are very similar. Keep in mind a lot of stats are skewed on their websites, for example first time USMLE pass rates includes the fact that they had to take a comp exam (supposed to mimmic step 1) and pass before they can take the real exam. Some have to take an extra year to do this before they take step the first time and then are added to the "see he/she passed the first time" stats of each school. Also keep in mind the schools drop a lot of people that they don't want representing their school (mostly in the first semester). The only main difference I have found in stats is Saba has a much worse attrition rate.
So far, I am ruling out Saba because I don't like THAT small of class sizes and opportunities, the island life is also extremely limited, and I simply think they don't have as good of a reputation, curriculum, professors, etc. as at least one the other three schools. Plus, as I noted above, Saba's attrition rate is significantly higher than the other 3. Price is obviously way cheaper but I think that doesn't make up for the negatives.
I think I am ruling out Ross as well. This is more controversial. The positive is its a bit more well known than AUC and Saba (not SGU tho). One difference with Ross is that it seems to be similar class size to AUC (maybe a bit bigger) and its smaller than SGU. Negatives: I believe the quality of education is worse than SGU and possibly AUC as well, and island life seem to be worse than both AUC and SGU, so I think I would prefer one of those to Ross. Many people put AUC below Ross, but I think thats changed.
So now the big question for me: AUC or SGU.
SGU is much bigger which has two sides for me: big class sizes which I don't like, but more people in the school to know and work with, which I do like.
At AUC I like the smaller class sizes, and there are more opportunities getting to know and getting help/accommodations from professors and the administration. There are more connections at SGU but easier to make deeper connections at AUC- not everyone knows each other at SGU, where everyone does at AUC.
SGU is much more well known and has a huge alumni network (good for connections in rotations, letters of rec, residencies, interviews with docs who have only heard of SGU in the Caribbean etc.) and has many more affiliated hospitals (and a bit better hospitals imo).
SGU is more expensive than AUC by about 8-9k/year (you can fact-check the exact amount), but at this point whatever, I will make my decision on other factors.
Island life at SGU is decent, but much more remote and underdeveloped than AUC's St. Maarten. Island life in St. Marteen blows every other Caribbean schools' out of the water. It is more touristy which some might not like, but in exchange it has many more luxuries, conveniences, opportunities on the Island, much easier to get to/from etc. which I think will provide a better learning environment for me (I think I'll feel less isolated). Of course this is medical school and I don't plan on being "out and about" often, but mental/emotional state during med school is important.
Kind of silly to note and probably irrelevant, but a resident from AUC mentioned how it has the word Caribbean in it which makes it an obvious Caribbean, whereas SGU may skim by, plus there is a SGU of Medicine in England.
So far I think this is the overall tradeoff: AUC is great for smaller classes, better island living, more attention from faculty, and closer relationships. SGU is more well known, has more affiliated hospitals, and has a much larger alumni network.
I welcome and appreciate all feedback, difference opinions, thoughts, etc.
Good luck deciding! I have about a week to make mine!
Last edited:
good luck dude. you're gonna need it!
