The Caribbean ranks among the most picturesque study locations in the world. The beach isn’t the only attraction when you consider the renownedly lower GPA and MCAT requirements, so let’s dive into what you need to know about the top Caribbean medical schools!
Specialists are concerned about whether there will be enough doctors to treat patients in the future due to declining acceptance rates in American medical schools. In fact, the AAMC predicts that the U. S. will face a severe doctor shortage by 2033.
By applying to schools in the Caribbean, U. S. Students can combat that shortage and receive a top-notch education at the same time. Here, we’ll discuss the top medical schools in the Caribbean, the advantages and drawbacks of doing medical school there, what to look for, and more. Let’s get started!.
| School | Avg. GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine | 3.27 | |
| Central University of the Caribbean | 3.5 | 44% |
| Ross University School of Medicine | 3.2 | 42.7% |
| Trinity School of Medicine | 3.15 |
Is a Caribbean Medical School Right for You?
Remember that living on a Caribbean island presents challenges if you decide to attend a Caribbean medical school. You might not be used to the living conditions, the frequent power outages, or the heat depending on where you are from.
Additionally, keep in mind that in order to take the “real exam,” Caribbean medical school will require you to pass internal practice USMLE exams. The USMLE Step 1 is taken at the conclusion of your second year of medical school, and most Caribbean institutions won’t allow you to continue if you don’t pass the internally administered test in order to take the “real exam” and clinical rotations. This is a problem for students who have accumulated debt in particular.
You will then start your clinical rotations in your third and fourth years of medical school. Due to the lack of local hospitals at the schools where the rotations take place, many Caribbean medical students are compelled to travel. Many of our Caribbean medical students express dissatisfaction with the teaching and rotations they receive.
Students who attend Caribbean medical schools may experience difficulties moving forward in their careers, despite the fact that a quarter of the country’s medical workforce currently consists of international graduates. You must graduate from your Caribbean medical school with a high GPA, strong exam results, an elite rotation experience, and strong letters of recommendation if you want to be a successful doctor. If you don’t fulfill these requirements, it might be difficult for you to get a residency or even start practicing medicine in the future. [/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJvbS16MWlucHRuaWRmOTB6YWx2d3k3MS1ob2xkZXIlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text].
Can You Still Practice in the United States?
Students should also do their research to make sure they can practice medicine in the location they want. It’s important to note that some states have more stringent requirements for aspiring doctors. WFME/FAIMER accreditation might not be sufficient if you reside in California, Florida, New Jersey, or New York
California also maintains a list of foreign medical schools that have received Medical Board approval. Despite the fact that four of the best medical schools in the Caribbean are on the list, you may not be able to practice medicine after graduating from many other institutions in this region of the world. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text].
Will You Still Match With a Residency Program?
Research shows that most of the residency spots in the U.S. go to graduates of American institutions. According to a recent article, the match rate for international medical students is just 60 percent compared to over 94 percent for U.S. applicants.
Additionally, the specialization you select might influence your chances of being accepted Caribbean medical school graduates typically have a lower chance of entering more competitive fields like anesthesiology and plastic surgery. Additionally, more than 90% of residents in the fields of neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, and thoracic surgery are American graduates of allopathic institutions.
However, of the international applicants who matched successfully, nearly 68 percent chose to pursue a career in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics. Most graduates from the top four Caribbean medical schools matched with internal medicine or family medicine residency programs in 2020. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text].
Other Drawbacks
Additionally, candidates who want to study in the Caribbean may have trouble getting federal financial aid The lack of funding could make it more difficult for students to graduate or force them to take out private loans with higher interest rates. You might eventually have trouble repaying your student loan debt if you can’t get a residency. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text].
The Big 4 medical schools are renowned for their high USMLE pass rates and successful residency placement rates. In addition, students who attend these institutions frequently qualify for federal loans and can submit applications for licenses in all 50 states. Continue reading to discover more about these four institutions’ admission requirements.
This prestigious Caribbean medical school, which is based in Grenada, offers students the chance to receive clinical training at more than 70 facilities across the U S. , Canada, and the UK. The GPA of a student admitted to St. George’s is 3. 3, while the average MCAT is 498. Around 94 percent of graduates match with residency programs.
AUC, which is widely regarded as one of the best international medical schools, works to prepare incoming doctors to take on leadership roles in their communities. This St. Maarten-based school is uniquely focused on social accountability. Accepted students have a GPA of 3. 27 and an MCAT of 496. The residency match rate is 92 percent.
This university, which is situated on lovely Saba Island, boasts a 99 percent USMLE step 1 pass rate. Although the school doesn’t release its students’ GPA or MCAT results, the residency match rate at the moment is an impressive 94 percent.
Ross University is the obvious choice if you want to go to medical school in Barbados. Ross, a 1978-founded company, states that more than 16,200 of its former employees are currently working in the U S. and Canada. The school has a GPA of 3. 2 and an average MCAT of 496. The residency match rate is over 95 percent. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_ =”34674″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow”][vc_column_text].
CARIBBEAN FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL? MY EXPERIENCE AND ADVICE IF YOU WANT TO GO ABROAD! +USMLE STEP 1 SCORE
FAQ
Is it hard to get into Caribbean medical school?
Admissions requirements at Caribbean schools are typically less stringent than those at American institutions. The standardized Medical College Admission Test scores are frequently disregarded as a deciding factor in admissions. Some schools have acceptance rates that are 10 times higher than those of American colleges.
DO Caribbean medical schools accept everyone?
Some Caribbean institutions have a well-deserved reputation for being overly tolerant of applicants who lack qualifications, but others are much more selective. It is your responsibility to make sure you carefully consider requirements for admission at schools you are considering.
What GPA DO you need to get into a Caribbean medical school?
Accepted students have a GPA of 3. 27 and an MCAT of 496. The residency match rate is 92 percent.
Is it worth going to Caribbean medical school?
Statistically, it’s definitely easier. Students’ average GPA and MCAT scores are significantly lower in the Caribbean than in US medical schools. These institutions give students who have little to no chance of getting into a US MD or DO school and who have poor GPAs and MCAT scores a second chance.