Trinity College

[Vonnegut1]

Just wondering of your thoughts about Trinity College. Just got accepted and was wondering what past/current students have thought about their experience.

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[Arsenal]

Welcome Vonnegut1 & CONGRATS!!!

I think you are the first to get accepted to Trinity! What are your stats, where are you from? Most of us are just dying with the wait...

 

[maserati]

right on! congrats!

when did you get accepted!?

 

[Vonnegut1]

Thanks. I was informed yesterday. My stats are 3.67 gpa. Two years diabetes research, one year of working in a diabetes clinic, quite a bit of volunteer activities, started tutorafrica, etc... Btw, if any of you are interested in helping children from ethiopia gain access to english materials, let me know. We need all the help we can get! Oh and I am from Minnesota.

 

[Arsenal]

...

 

[goodbye]

I just got my acceptance package today to Trinity College and I am so excited to go this fall!

 

[lester905]

Congrats goodbye...if you dont mind me asking, how were your stats and when did you apply? And are you Canadian or American?

 

[Vonnegut1]

Just wondering if anybody knows anything about this school (Trinity College). I have been doing some research and found that certain students in the past reported having partly negative experiences (mostly they said the teaching was real old school type) or something like that. I don't really know what that necessarily means, but I would like to get some input if anyone knows any. Thanks in advance!

 

[goodbye]

I had a 3.73 and graduated with a biochemistry-molecular biology degree from uc santa barbara. I also had volunteer experience (hospital, nursing home, tutoring, etc) and leadership experience in my sorority. I'm from california.

 

[lester905]

Wow...my stats are all identical to yours in terms of GPA and EC's, but I'm from Toronto. My first choice is Trinity as well if they accept me.

 

[leorl]

hey guys, welcome to Trinity! if you haven't figured it out by perusing this forum already, I'm a recent Trinity grad. Doing a search through many of the threads in this forum will give you my thoughts. I'm going to start a postmortem thread for TCD soon anyway so you can get a holistic experience. You'll miss out cuz I'm moving back home soon, but over the years I've done a few sessions with the new students to inform people about how to optimize their time here and med ed at TCD. Watch this space....

 

[CytoFabulous]

Count me in! I just had word from ABP that I have an acceptance from Trinity en route!! I'm thrilled. I may be seeing you guys in the fall...

Any other Canadians accepted to Trinity yet???
Congrats to those accepted, and good luck to those still waiting.

(FYI: I had my Visa chared for the $30 plus tax from ABP yesterday , so I e-mailed them today, and they told me it was fedex charge for a trinity acceptance, but still no package today. So those of you waiting check your credit card statements...)

 

[CytoFabulous]

Oh, and leorl I have to say I really appreciate all the first hand experience you have provided, and look foward to your future posts.
Thanks!!

 

[goodbye]

Good luck lester905 - i hope you get your acceptance soon! And congrats cytofabulous!

 

[mayce]

I got in too! received my package wednesday.
I guess I'll meet you guys in a few months

 

[Badkarma25]

in the middle of procrastinating while studying for final exams and i thought i'd throw my 2 cents in on this issue. others out there may disagree with this but i think it's important to get the real information. med school in ireland is NOTHING like north america. there are some exceptions to this, but for hte most part you will not be involved that much in patient management (despite how gung ho you are and realizing that a lot of what you get out of something has to do with what you put in). now, do i htink it's ridiculous that this is the way things are, yes of course. but it doesn't make for a horrible experience. at the end of the day we still do pretty well in the match and getting the hell out of here, which is why most of came here in the first place. just be ready to develop a thick skin and to blend in with the walls most of the time because that is the reality of how you will spend the vast majority of your time on the wards. having said that, the friends you'll make, social experiences you'll have, and places you'll travel to make it far and away the superior choice for med school (if you match at the end). you will talk to your friends in canada and the states who busted their asses for 4 years and had no time to socialize. overall coming here was the best choice i ever made, but it was a constant adjustment.

 

[holycraponastic]

Hey! Brand new SDN member here!!

The reason I joined is because I got my acceptance a couple of weeks ago!! And yes, I too was charged by ABP for the FedEx package.

I am so excited.

HOWEVER - I'm still worried about the fact that I do not get an "M.D." degree, but rather the "M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O." combo degree.

What do all of you think about it? What was your take on it.

I have an acceptance to SGU (Caribbean) and while, I know that the quality of education is probably much lower than Irish schools, they do give you an M.D., you do your clinical rotations in U.S. (which helps for residence in U.S.), they prepare you for the USLME's specifically, and it is only 4-yrs as opposed to 5-yrs!

Any input would be appreciated.

It is a huge decision, and I don't want to mess it up!

EDIT: I'm from Toronto, Canada. I hope to one day return. My stats are 3.7, 34P, and varied experiences.

 

[maserati]

Hey! Brand new SDN member here!!

The reason I joined is because I got my acceptance a couple of weeks ago!! And yes, I too was charged by ABP for the FedEx package.

I am so excited.

HOWEVER - I'm still worried about the fact that I do not get an "M.D." degree, but rather the "M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O." combo degree.

What do all of you think about it? What was your take on it.

I have an acceptance to SGU (Caribbean) and while, I know that the quality of education is probably much lower than Irish schools, they do give you an M.D., you do your clinical rotations in U.S. (which helps for residence in U.S.), they prepare you for the USLME's specifically, and it is only 4-yrs as opposed to 5-yrs!

Any input would be appreciated.

It is a huge decision, and I don't want to mess it up!

EDIT: I'm from Toronto, Canada. I hope to one day return. My stats are 3.7, 34P, and varied experiences.

the two degrees are the same thing

 

[holycraponastic]

I know... but... what I am worried about is any potential difficulties when trying to return to Canada, is there a stigma against non "M.D." or anything like that, which stream is most likely to prepare me for returning to Canada, etc.

I don't know... maybe I am just freaking out because I have to choose between SGU and Trinity...

 

[maserati]

I know... but... what I am worried about is any potential difficulties when trying to return to Canada, is there a stigma against non "M.D." or anything like that, which stream is most likely to prepare me for returning to Canada, etc.

I don't know... maybe I am just freaking out because I have to choose between SGU and Trinity...

WE"RE TALKING ABOUT A DEGREE FROM UK & IRELAND and ALL land "owned" by the UK ( ie. Hong Kong etc ) plus Australia, Taiwan etc.

This is not some unknown obscure degree that no one recognizes.


In my opinion SGU gives you a greater chance in getting back into the North American system, especially with their New York rotations stronghold



Do your research.

 

[med2UCC]

I know... but... what I am worried about is any potential difficulties when trying to return to Canada, is there a stigma against non "M.D." or anything like that, which stream is most likely to prepare me for returning to Canada, etc.

I don't know... maybe I am just freaking out because I have to choose between SGU and Trinity...

Really, worrying about the whole "What letters do I put behind my name" issue has been flogged to death on SDN. Lots of people ion Canada practice under the MB, BCh, BAO certification-there are at least 5 in my home town alone!-and no one cares. You are a doctor. Your patients don't read your business cards for the most part, and if they do they think it is cool that you studied abroad (over the summer when I was doing my elective they were impressed that I had "chosen" to study medicine in Ireland instead of in Canada). The people evaluating you residency application in Canada will be more impressed with those degrees than with an MD from a Caribbean school. When I was considering my options before applying to Ireland I approached several people I knew at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and the universal reaction was "Go to Ireland, do not even consider the Caribbean". I matched. 'Nuff said. Good luck
M

 

[leorl]

WE"RE TALKING ABOUT A DEGREE FROM UK & IRELAND and ALL land "owned" by the UK ( ie. Hong Kong etc ) plus Australia, Taiwan etc.

This is not some unknown obscure degree that no one recognizes.


In my opinion SGU gives you a greater chance in getting back into the North American system, especially with their New York rotations stronghold

Do your research.

Perhaps you should do your research as well. I don't know what information qualifies you to claim that SGU would give you a greater chance of getting back into the NA system. Because as far as I know, those who have applied back home have successfully matched. I won't claim 100% because I don't know the figures, but maybe 95% . We have some who decide not to apply back to the US/Canada, and I've only heard of maybe 1 or 2 who struggle. Those who have matched most successfully have been proactive about their education, and those less successful have sort of sat on their heels. But I cannot imagine this would be any different from SGU or Caribbean demographics.

 

[torontonerd]

Obviously Ireland / Australia gives you a better chance of returning to canada and aiming for competitive rez spots, but that is a credit to the education the schools provide(since they,quite rightly, dont even try to focus on usmle/mcqee). From the posts i have been through, no one challenges the skills and knwledge acquired at ie and the steps to enter NA again are the same as you would take if you were coming from the carrib

carrib - yes it gives u rotations in US, a chance to know and be known to those all important PDs, it gives you a chance to get back into NA but its not wise to assume that it is without hurdles(although you have the comfort of knowing that another 200-300 of ur friends/peers will be going thru it all with u) - visas, stigma(although I stand that a doc is a doc as long as he knows his stuff, u shud see some forum wars of words over this lol). very difficult to get specialist residencies though.

obviously those unique occurrences - carrib student with 235 got anesth and irish grad failed - will happen, but eventually it (returning to NA) depends on, not the school, not the country, but ur usmle/mcqee/references. so wherever you go...work ur *** off.

 

[Vonnegut1]

Just wondering for those who are going to head out to Trinity....what are you plans for housing? I am really confused on where to live. It's soo expensive

 

[circo]

I guess I would like to know how those students who are accepting their seat at Trinity are rationalizing the negative postings that I've been reading about here on SDN--for example: professors not attending lectures all the time(only 70% of the time as estimated by another SDN member), things being a bit unorganized, and practical exposure as being much more limited than in the u.s.? I want to say "yes!!!" to Trinity but I have an acceptance at an osteopathic school here in the states and my brain won't let my heart say it (so cheesy I know.... but I'm losing my mind trying to decide). Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

 

[Arsenal]

Hey all you accepted peeps... when do you have to have your deposit/decision in for Trinity? Just wondering when the next round might start. Slowly going out of my mind...

Congrats to all!

 

[circo]

Deposits need to be in by April 30th.

 

[leorl]

This isn't just a Trinity problem. What you've described is a somewhat negative depiction of all Irish schools. But I can't deny that it does happen. If you eventually want to end up in the US, and you have no other reasons for wanting to go to Trinity, go with your DO school. Obviously it's coming from the horse's mouth because I chose the other option. Despite what you've said, you do get a good medical education. However, as a student here you have to take the term "proactive" over and beyond what you would have to in the US, and you will encounter far fewer frustrations if you stay at home. Going abroad is a good experience. You just have to work a hell of a lot harder to achieve the same goal.

I guess I would like to know how those students who are accepting their seat at Trinity are rationalizing the negative postings that I've been reading about here on SDN--for example: professors not attending lectures all the time(only 70% of the time as estimated by another SDN member), things being a bit unorganized, and practical exposure as being much more limited than in the u.s.? I want to say "yes!!!" to Trinity but I have an acceptance at an osteopathic school here in the states and my brain won't let my heart say it (so cheesy I know.... but I'm losing my mind trying to decide). Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

 

[Vonnegut1]

I guess I just really don't understand all of this. I am in a position to decide to go to school in the U.S. or move to Ireland. I have been leaning towards Ireland due to the "experience" aspect. But as of lately, all of this bickering (sp?) back and forth about Trinity has caused me some confusion. Is it just a dick measuring contest or what is the deal with this? I am in contact with some students who go to Trinity and they say they love it, with the exception of the admin errors. I have also talked with people who studied at RCSI and they have pretty much dismissed the speculation about Trinity that I have gathered from here. I understand that every school has its downfall and what not, but why is everyone hating on Trinity and not UCD or RCSI? Like I said before, do people just like to make their school sound better, whereas in the mean time end up sounding like idiots in the process? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[goodbye]

I paid the deposit this week and will for sure be attending in the fall! I am so incredibly excited to go to Trinity! I am trying to explore housing options and would like to rent a place so if anyone is looking for a roommate let me know.

 

[Arsenal]

Goodbye I am so envious... I hope I can write soon that I paid the deposit! Well there is still hope... I hope.... I hope for all of us still waiting on Trinity. My first choice!

Congrats!

 

[holycraponastic]

Deposit paid.

TCD HERE I COME!

Just want to thank everyone here, because even though I didn't ask that many questions... I really didn't have to, many of the questions had been asked and answered previously.

Everyone was very helpful, and made my decision easier.

Hope to see many of you there (or at least those that want to be)!

And now... paying for it... arg. And finding a place to live...

 

[leorl]

I guess I just really don't understand all of this. I am in a position to decide to go to school in the U.S. or move to Ireland. I have been leaning towards Ireland due to the "experience" aspect. But as of lately, all of this bickering (sp?) back and forth about Trinity has caused me some confusion. Is it just a dick measuring contest or what is the deal with this? I am in contact with some students who go to Trinity and they say they love it, with the exception of the admin errors. I have also talked with people who studied at RCSI and they have pretty much dismissed the speculation about Trinity that I have gathered from here. I understand that every school has its downfall and what not, but why is everyone hating on Trinity and not UCD or RCSI? Like I said before, do people just like to make their school sound better, whereas in the mean time end up sounding like idiots in the process? Any help would be appreciated.

HAHAH! That's so funny. Everyone hates on Trinity because it's Trinity. It supposedly has a "snobby" reputation and you'll find that when you're in Ireland, people are going to throw comments at you (in jest). The problems at Trinity med are no different from the problems found in any other school and yes, it's bloody annoying but at the same time, we all have a great time. Just be prepared to get your blood boiled from time to time. Trinity will offer you a rather unique experience, so enjoy it ! Congrats!

 

[Fallingup]

Hey Everyone.

I'm a second year Trinity student from Canada.

I've been having a great time, and I think the school is very good. It takes a bit of getting used to, in many ways not the least of which is the fact that medicine here is an undergraduate degree. The first two years is heavy on the lectures, but it's exciting. There will be a group of you from North America in your class, so you'll never feel alone, and it helps to ease the transition.

I definitely agree that if you are proactive, work hard and actively seek learning opportunities, you will find them, and get the experience you want.

I was watching these forums two years ago as well, worrying about whether or not my choice of accepting to go abroad to study medicine was the right decision. It definitely has been for me, and I want to reassure some of you thinking the same that you will enjoy it.

Just had to add my two eurocents.

 

[Me an MD??]

Well put fallingup.

Just somthing to add to that would be that the Irish student are also pretty friendly and you will probably become friends with most of them despite the age gap. Theyre all really supportive and the uber competitive atmosphere that exists back home seems to be really toned down here.

 

[Dr Noodle]

HAHAH! That's so funny. Everyone hates on Trinity because it's Trinity. It supposedly has a "snobby" reputation and you'll find that when you're in Ireland, people are going to throw comments at you (in jest). The problems at Trinity med are no different from the problems found in any other school and yes, it's bloody annoying but at the same time, we all have a great time. Just be prepared to get your blood boiled from time to time. Trinity will offer you a rather unique experience, so enjoy it ! Congrats!

Haha that's so true But then on the other side there's the whole 'Trinners for winners' crap which is rather annoying. Heck I even heard that when I was a student there.

I was studying science and one good thing I'll say about the place is that the lab facilities are excellent. The biology lab has large plasma screens, great if you're not sitting at the front. The chemistry lab has enough apparatus for everyone to conduct their experiments individually (a major culture shock for this culchie). All very modern.

The library also has the British catalogue, over four million books as far as I remember. There were several copies of the books which I found very helpful as a poor student.

There are a few libraries- The Berkley for the arts students and The Hamilton for the science and, I think, medicine/dentistry students. There are plenty of laptop hubs there and free internet access outside it, albeit you have to stand to use it but still very handy as a poor student And as far as I can remember (sorry about this, it's been two years) it opens til ten which is great when you have loud, dope smoking housemates.

They've built new gym facilities since I was there (and a new swimming pool), which look great from the outside.

They also have trampolining!

 

[leorl]

Well, I can sorta see where people come from because I was really involved (and still am) in rowing at Trinity. So I got doubly blasted. Yeah it's a bit pretentious (okay, more than a bit) but it's sort of nice to have that history and tradition. I lived on campus for 2 years and am still amazed that I was living in a place with such deep historical roots. Trinners for winners indeed, hee hee!

 

[Vonnegut1]

Hey leorl, where did you live on campus? I am trying to figure out if I should try and get a place of my own, or if I should look into living on campus. Something to note, a friend of mine is awaiting a hopeful acceptance into a PHD program in economics in Trinity so I may have a roommate. What are your thoughts mr leorl?

 

[leorl]

I lived in Botany Bay and the GMB. Note - it's really hard to get. You will get a room on the actual campus yourself in final year if you apply (final year med international student). Before that, you'll find it difficult. All first years will get sent to Trinity Halls in Rathmines, which isn't a bad place at all but just a little far out (30 min walking from College).

I got Botany Bay because they were sports club rooms and I was captain of my club at the time. Then GMB because I was final year med.

Any first year, even first year PhD will get sent to Trinity Halls so it's your call if you want dorm life or if you want a place of your own.

 

[goodbye]

Has anyone who was accepted received any sort information packet from the school?

 

[holycraponastic]

Nope... not after the acceptance letter and medical forms (and deposit forms, etc.).

 

[Vonnegut1]

I was having problems finding information about the medical school, classes, etc. I then contacted the altlantic bridge guy and he gave me links that are littered all over the tcd.ie website. They are hard to find, but they exist. There is about a 72 page packet describing the first medical year. IMO super informative. If you guys need help finding this, let me know. Thanks.

 

[mayce]

Vonnegut, would you mind posting those links? I only received those after paying the deposit, but there isn't that much useful information...

thanks!

 

[Margie41413]

I received all my rejections (last one being UCD last week), EXCEPT for Trinity...And I havent found anyone else still waiting. Idk what this could mean, Im stressing

 

[Blizzardcake]

Hey Margie41413, don't know if this will help but I thought I'd let you know I've received news from all the universities except for TCD. I'm sure there are others who haven't heard as well. All the universities keep a wait list throughout the summer (it's possible for people to back out last minute), because I seem to remember people hearing about acceptances all the way until August!

 

[maserati]

ya, but they must keep TONS of students on reserve, the odds of being bumped from reserve to acceptance must be low.


... pessimistic thinking.

 

[Margie41413]

Yeah, I know....maserati, any news from canada? Is Saba still an option for u?

 

[maserati]

I didn't get into Ottawa U. post interview.

Ya SABA is still an option, just debating if I should go for the Sept / Jan or May semester. If I should reapply to Irish / Canadian meds again and defer SABA to May09 ... or just start right away & reapply at the same time.

Decisions ... decisions ...

Any suggestions? I need some advice.

 

[Margie41413]

I am basically in the same boat...waitlisted at UND (with it not looking so hot), and with no word back from Ireland it is looking like Saba may be my only option for medical school this year...From being donw there, everyone seemed to like it a lot and I know quite a few docs back in the states who made it! So...Im thinking of giving it a shot Jan 09, just so I can save up some $ for the move before then...how many times have you applied? I know it can be a bit harder to get back into canada from the carib, but the majority of Saba's sudents are canadians so maybe it is very possible??? Have you talked to any Canadian docs who are Saba grads?

 

[coralis]

Hey you guys already starting school this fall...any advice for a rookie starting the aplication process? My stats are not that hot (UG: 3.1 - long story about 1st semester; Grad: 3.47) MCAT 28N....tons of EC; Stu. council president, EMT< volunteer over volunteer!!!!


Should I apply? HELP!!!!! This is my 3rd year applying and 1st outside of Canada...I am fed-up and wanna get it...anywhere!!!!!

Cheers!!!

Trinity and UCD are my 1st choices!!!