How To Apply To Caribbean Med Schools

Direct Applications

When you apply to study in the Caribbean, you’ll make a direct application to each individual university – unless you’re based in the US, in which case you would apply through AMCAS or AACOMAS.

This means that if you’re interested in multiple Caribbean Medical Schools, you’ll have to apply separately each time.

Direct applications usually consist of:

• Evidence you’ve met the entry requirements
• Transcripts from college or university
• Admissions tests scores, if required
• A CV outlining your education and volunteering experience

How To Apply To AUA As A Non-US Applicant

When you apply to American University of Antigua College of Medicine, the university will decide which of its three track options are the most suitable for you, depending on your academic credentials and experience. You’ll apply directly, via their website.

Once your complete application has been received, you’ll be scheduled for an interview and you’ll get a decision usually around three weeks after.

Applying To AUA

If you’re interested in joining one of AUA’s upcoming classes, you can apply or submit your AMCAS application right from their website.

When applying, AUA’s standard track has three options for students. AUA will determine which option is most appropriate for the entering student based on the academic credentials and success the student brings with him/her to the university.

Applying students have the following options:

• They can start via AUA’s 6.5 premed-to-med programme, in conjunction with American International College of Arts and Sciences – Antigua (AICASA).
• Qualified applicants can enrol directly into AUA’s MD programme.
• Students accepted to the MD program can join special curriculum programmes as part of AUA’s collaboration with US-based Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, including AUA’s Global Health Track. AUA students have reported that participating in AUA-FIU programs often gives them an extra edge during the residency application process.

In addition, UK students can participate in AUA’s International Track. Students applying via this track have the following options:

• They can start via a 6.5 or 5.5 year Premed-to-Med programme with AICASA.
• Students can complete their education directly through AUA via the standard 4.5-year MD programme.
• Qualifying students can transfer to Warwick Medical School at University of Warwick in the UK after completing the first portion of their studies at AUA (Preclinical Sciences) — see below for more information.

How To Apply To AUC As A Non-US Applicant

You’ll go through a multi-step process when you apply to American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine – but they advise that proactive planning can simplify everything.

AUC’s online portal outlines all the requirements for international students, including those applying from Nigeria, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or India. You can track your materials and stay on top of every aspect of your application in the portal.

The admission process at AUC is conducted on a holistic basis. They consider multiple factors like undergraduate performance, MCAT/UCAT scores (or similar tests), social and professional maturity, adaptability, volunteer work, and, if applicable, life experience and graduate performance.

If you need to take the MCAT, you’ll want to practice in advance. One of the best options is Magoosh, which offers full-length MCAT practice tests, customisable study schedules and tutorial videos. You can see their plans here.

AUC accepts students of any postsecondary major, but does require the following courses:

• 1 year of Biology
• 1 year of General Chemistry
• 1 year of Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
• 1 year of General Physics, Statistics, or Calculus

You will also need to submit the following with your application:

• Your official transcripts of every school you previously attended.
• Your CV or resume outlining a chronological history of your education, employment, and volunteer experience.
• Your personal statement should be no more than 750 words.
• Your MCAT, UCAT, NEET/UG, or GAMSAT scores (must be taken within the past 5 years; 2 years for GAMSAT).

You’re also encouraged to submit two letters of recommendation with your application (one from an academic professor and one professional). Students cannot submit these applications themselves, they do need to come directly from the letter writer.

You can talk to an AUC School of Medicine admissions ambassador if you want to discuss your individual qualifications, circumstances, or your application in further detail.

How To Apply To SGU As A Non-US Applicant

Applicants to St. George’s University School of Medicine are selected individually for admission by considering each applicant’s academic strengths as well as their experiences and attributes. These factors are viewed in combination to consider how an individual might contribute value not only as a medical student, but also as a future physician.

The SGU Application Process

1. Submit your application here.
2. Submit all academics, letters of recommendation, English exam result, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and passport scan.
3. Interview (if granted).
4. Admissions decision.
5. Accept offer and submit deposit to secure spot.
6. Travel to Grenada or the UK.
7. Start studying Medicine!

Application Deadlines

Some Caribbean Medical Schools have rolling admissions and welcome a new intake at two or more points of the year. For example, some allow students to start their programmes in September, January and May. Others have one intake per year and usually start in August.

AUA Application Deadlines

American University of Antigua College of Medicine has rolling admissions and two start dates: February and August. This means AUA doesn’t have firm application deadlines, but instead encourages applications as early as possible to avoid the chance of getting waitlisted.

AUC Application Deadlines

AUC operates under a rolling admissions policy. This means they offer three start dates: September, January, and May. This gives you the freedom to start Medical School when it’s right for you – but you need to apply at least four weeks before the start of the semester.

SGU Application Deadlines

SGU School of Medicine give you the flexibility to begin medical training in August, January, or April. The UK Pathway begins in January or September. SGU operates a rolling admissions cycle, which means the committee on admissions, the Faculty Student Selection Committee, reviews applications and make admissions decisions throughout the year.

Although there are no absolute application deadlines, students are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible to be considered for the next term start.

How To Build A Stronger Application

Acceptance at Caribbean Medical Schools tends to be higher than in the UK or US – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive. You still need a really strong application to get shortlisted.

You need to have strong transcripts from your degree (or school grades if you’re going for the Premed pathway). You also need to craft a compelling Personal Statement that really gets across your motivation for studying Medicine.

And you need a strong CV that shows your commitment to Medicine in the form of volunteering work or other placements.

Your letters of recommendation are powerful when you’re applying to a Caribbean university. You’re required to send two, which gives you the chance to include some glowing words of praise from a previous professor and something to show you have real-world, professional experience.

If you’re looking for a boost to your application, you should consider:

• Gaining more experience, via something like a volunteering programme.
• Expanding your reading and understanding of Medicine to demonstrate your passion.
• Developing hobbies that can showcase key skills, such as teamwork or leadership.
• Learning another language, to demonstrate your academic ability.