Caribbean Medical Schools take into consideration numerous factors when vetting applicants. These include MCAT score and undergraduate performance, social and intellectual adaptability, critical judgment, previous volunteer work, and specific life experience such as working in a relevant healthcare sector among other factors. When evaluating a potential medical school in the Caribbean, therefore, it’s important to find the one that best suits your specific study needs so that you can get the best possible results on the admission exams such as USMLE® Steps or the COMLEX Levels.
Applications are generally reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted. This means that submitting an early application is among your best chances of getting accepted at most Caribbean Medical Schools.
Clinical Rotations
You will want to make an early confirmation that the medical hospital you are targeting in Canada or the US for your rotation has an ongoing residency program that matches the rotation you are about to complete. If you are considering a Caribbean Medical University make sure you inquire about their ‘away elective opportunities’ and clerkship opportunities as well.
Language of Instruction
The more recognized Caribbean medical schools are English speaking, though this may not be the case for all medical schools. Therefore, ensure you clarify the language of instruction as you seek admission. Being fluent in a 2ndsecond language is of course an advantage for you.
Canadian Applicants
Canadian students to Caribbean Medical University and other Caribbean Medical Schools have several advantages. Canadian applicants are not required to submit MCAT scores for admission consideration at most medical schools. Different from other international students, Canadian are not required to submit official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL) score reports. For example, the College of Medicine at American University of Antigua (AUA) is an ideal choice for Canadians. Students at this Caribbean Medical University are eligible to seek clinical rotations in the United States and Canada.
Conclusion
Admissions to Caribbean Medical Schools vary from one school to the next depending on the several individual factors. Admission evaluation is also carried out on individual basis. It is, therefore, important to visit the respective website or contact the school Admissions Departments. They will provide you with all the required information about the specific medical school’s application process.