Why You Should Choose a Caribbean Medical School?

Caribbean Medical Schools and Its Popularity

Caribbean medical schools have become a popular choice for many. Today, we will let you in on why that is the case and why you should be choosing a Caribbean medical school too.

Getting into a medical university has become more competitive than ever. With over 849,678 applications submitted by 52,777 applicants to top medical universities across America, only 7% of them, on average, got admission in 2018-2019, according to MedEdits.

US medical schools have a high barrier to entry. Most schools expect candidates to have an MCAT (The Medical College Admission Test) score of 515 or higher, and on top of that, they are expected to do so with the lowest number of attempts too.

GPA (Grade Point Average) is another critical factor that the applicant is judged on, GPA scores are split into three categories for AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service)

• Your Overall GPA
• BCPM GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math GPA)
• Non-science GPA

GPA also has a minimum cut-off score, which colleges don’t release to the public. These threshold barrier scores are hard to calculate and fluctuates every year, depending upon the student average. It is best if one can maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher across all the subjects to be even considered for admission.

With so many hurdles in the admission process, very few can get into medical school. Some tend to hold out for a year and improve their scores and try their luck again or try to get into D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) medical schools. But for those who cannot afford the luxury of time, choose Caribbean medical schools.

Top Caribbean medical schools prove to be a safe-haven for many who have missed their chance in their home country but still wish to pursue their medical education.

Caribbean medical schools, primarily offshore schools, exist to provide medical education to international students. Almost all of them plan to match in a residency program and allow students to practice in the USA, Canada, and Asia.

Most accredited Caribbean medicals schools offer dual-campus programs where the underlying science components are undertaken in the Caribbean campus while clinical rotations are completed at hospitals in the USA or Canada.

Pros

1. Caribbean medical schools have a higher level of acceptance rate as compared to medical schools in the USA, the UK, or Canada. They are also more welcoming to students who have taken a break and accept students from various backgrounds too.
2. The barrier of entry is reasonable. Unlike US medical schools, Caribbean medical schools do not require stupendous scores for admission, nor they have any entrance exams. Better yet, many schools would tell you the cut-off scores so you can be confident about your admission process.
3. They follow a “rolling-admission” system. This means you will be able to apply throughout the year, unlike US medical schools, where the admission process takes over fourteen months between every new cycle.
4. Most Caribbean medical schools follow the US medical curriculum, which is considered one of the best in the world. It is a boon for students attending to practice in the USA who will be able to crack the USMLE (The United States Medical Licensing Examination).
5. Many Caribbean schools have partnered up with US and Canadian hospitals to take students for clinical rotations. This means you have assured a spot for a clinical rotation in a US or Canadian hospital, and depending upon the capacity of the student, this can be leveraged into a residency position.

Cons

1. Staying away from friends and family. Yes, this is an issue many students face while choosing to study abroad.
2. Caribbean medical schools follow a traditional A-F grading system. Unlike the US, which follows an Honors/Pass/Fail grading system, this might add pressure on the student’s performance.
3. Graduates of international medical schools generally have to face the unfair stigma that they are not at good as their peers who graduated from domestic institutions. While in reality, they are on par, if not better than their peers.
4. Some students might find it challenging to adapt to the new environment. Although most universities offer a variety of cuisines, entertainment, and student mentors to ease them through the duration of the course, it still can be challenging.

Who Is It Right For?

• For students who like a challenge. Students are competitive and know there are limited residential positions up for grabs and actively one-up others to secure their spot.
• Students who are willing to work hard. Medicine is a fierce discipline and especially since people have the lukewarm stigma towards international medical school graduates. You will have to perform better than your domestic peers to maintain your standing.
• People who have not taken GPA/MCAT seriously. Maybe you weren’t sure about medicine, or you had some personal reasons for not scoring as expected.
• Students who like a change of pace. Studying in the Caribbean can an excellent opportunity for you.
• If you can relate to any of these qualities, then Carebbien can be a good fit for your higher studies.

Some Myths About Caribbean Medical Schools Busted

1. “Most of the students’ dropout!”
   It is real than many of the students’ dropout. Medical school is challenging, and most students who opt for Caribbean medical schools are competitive. Without the right mindset and determination, one cannot hope to get through the course successfully.
2. “You will not be able to match for a residency if you choose a Caribbean medical school.”
   This is not true. Most Caribbean medical schools match residency; it might be tougher to get through due to limited seats.
3. “Caribbean medical school cost more money than US medical schools.”
   Again, not accurate. Most schools have a reasonable fee and are comparable to US medical schools.

Why Is Guyana an Excellent Choice for Medical School Among Other Caribbean Countries?

• Common tongue: Guyana is the only English speaking country in South America. This is very helpful to students who are from English speaking countries.
• Diverse people: Guyana is also home to people from different races and backgrounds. Students will gain excellent exposure in treating different people.
• Low cost of living: Unlike other countries like the UK, the USA, and Canada, Guyana offers a low cost of living, which is a great advantage to students.
• No Entrance exams: Caribbean universities generally do not have an entrance exam, and Guyana is no exception.
• The Carribean experience: Unlike other countries with their hustle-bustle lifestyle, Guyana offers a peaceful environment and tropical. This will help you relax and make the most out of your student life.

How Students Are Excelling in Various Sectors?

any of the students who have graduated from Caribbean medical school, Texila American University, Guyana, have been excelling in various industries. Those who have worked hard and matched into their desired residency tend to lead successful careers.

With this, we hope that you will be able to make a decision on choosing a Caribbean medical school for your medical studies. Good Luck!