Caribbean medical school acceptance rates are typically much more favorable than medical school acceptance rates in the US and medical school acceptance rates in Canada. This makes Caribbean medical schools an appealing option for students who worry their stats aren’t competitive enough to get into a medical school at home, or who have already faced medical school rejection. In fairness, there are many excellent medical schools in the Caribbean which accept a majority of applicants, but admission statistics also don’t tell the whole story. In this article, we’ll look at the Caribbean medical school acceptance rates and stats, why Caribbean med schools are “easier” to get into, the pros and cons of Caribbean medical schools and how to choose the best medical school for you.
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Caribbean Medical School Acceptance Rates
Here are the available medical school admissions statistics for some of the biggest accredited medical schools in the Caribbean.
1. St. George's University School of Medicine
Acceptance rate: 41%
Average GPA: 3.3
Average MCAT: 498
Residency match rate: 95%
2. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Acceptance rate: N/A
Average GPA: 3.27
Average MCAT: 496
Residency match rate: 92%
3. Saba University School of Medicine
Acceptance rate: N/A
Average GPA: N/A
Average MCAT: N/A
Residency match rate: 94%
4. Ross University School of Medicine
Acceptance rate: 42.7%
Average GPA: 3.2
Average MCAT: 493
Residency match rate: 92%
5. St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine
Acceptance rate: 98%
Average GPA: 3.0
Average MCAT: Not Required
Residency match rate: 86%
6. American University of Barbados
Acceptance rate: N/A
Minimum GPA: 2.7
Average MCAT: Not Required
Residency match rate: N/A
7. American University of Antigua
Acceptance rate: N/A
Average GPA: N/A
Average MCAT: N/A
Residency match rate: N/A
8. Medical University of the Americas
Acceptance rate: N/A
Average GPA: N/A
Average MCAT: N/A
Residency match rate: N/A
Is it Easier to Get Into Caribbean Medical Schools?
Based on available admissions data, it does seem that Caribbean medical school acceptance rates are higher, making them among the easiest medical schools to get into. Faced with the daunting task of applying to medical school and fear of medical school rejection, plenty of premeds will consider applying to Caribbean medical schools as an alternative. The higher chances of being accepted, plus the lower Caribbean medical school GPA requirements draw many students to apply.
However, admissions statistics don’t tell us everything, and while Caribbean medical schools might seem to be the easier option, this is not always the case. Here are a few other factors to think about when evaluating Caribbean medical school acceptance rates and your med school options:
1. Caribbean medical school requirements
Applying to Caribbean medical schools takes just as much hard work as applying to medical schools elsewhere. Caribbean medical school requirements are almost identical to the average medical school requirements in the US or Canada. Although the requirements may be a little more flexible and relaxed than at top-tier US med schools, applicants still need to meet the standards of admission.
2. The best Caribbean medical schools can be quite selective
The schools at the top of Caribbean medical school rankings, meaning the fully accredited, reputable institutions, including the “big 4”, can be just as choosy and selective in admissions as their American or Canadian counterparts. They want to admit the best students, and even though their acceptance rates are higher, it doesn’t mean their standards are low and they’ll accept a subpar application. It’s still important to submit a strong, well-crafted application if you plan to apply to any of these med schools.
3. Medical school is tough—no matter where you study
The truth is, medical school is hard and demanding, just like any professional program. Whether you choose to study at Johns Hopkins medical school or one of the Caribbean med schools, you’ll be committing to 4 years of intense study and learning. Many of the medical schools in the Caribbean are well-respected and have accredited, recognized programs. You will receive a quality medical education, but this also means you’ll have your work cut out for you. If you’re hopeful that getting your medical degree in the Caribbean will be an easier time than in the US or Canada, you may be in for a surprise.
4. Caribbean medical schools aren’t any cheaper
Lastly, medical schools in the Caribbean aren’t really any less expensive when it comes to tuition. Keep in mind that attending medical school abroad comes with its own set of expenses and challenges, too. So if you’re hoping to save on medical school tuition by applying in the Caribbean, just know that you can expect to pay just as much and you may have fewer options when it comes to medical school scholarships.
Here's how to get into medical school...WITHOUT perfect stats!
Are Caribbean Medical Schools a Good Choice for Premeds?
So, are Caribbean medical schools a good choice for premeds? They are objectively easier to get into, but you shouldn’t create your list of potential med schools based only on the admissions data. Before selecting a medical school, you should think carefully about the pros and cons, your own goals and ambitions, and the trajectory of your future career.
Let’s start with some of the pros and cons of attending Caribbean medical schools.
PROS
CONS
How to Choose the Right Medical School
When considering Caribbean medical schools to apply to, it’s important to narrow down your list to your top choices, just as you would for medical schools in any other country. Not all the Caribbean medical schools are considered equal, and they may not all be the right fit for you.
Set aside the Caribbean medical school acceptance rates for a moment and think about these factors when making final decisions:
#1 Admission requirements
First and foremost, you need to ensure you meet all the admission requirements for a particular school. While Caribbean medical schools might have less extensive requirements, they can vary from school to school, so it’s important to check you meet the specific requirements of the school you’re applying to, not just the general standards for admission.
#2 Accreditation
You will NOT be able to apply for residency in the US or Canada without an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school. If this is your goal, you should first check that the Caribbean school you want to apply to is accredited, and therefore has the stamp of approval in the eyes of the powers that be, such as the LCME. You can see if a particular medical school is approved by the ECFMG on its website, or verify that a school is accredited by a recognized authority, such as the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) or the Accreditation of Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).
#3 Curriculum, faculty and student resources
Research the curriculum, faculty and student resources available at Caribbean medical schools. Is the curriculum robust and varied? Are there adequate student resources available? What are the faculty like? What do students say about their experiences at this school? These are worth finding out before you apply, since it’s important to find out if a school aligns with your values and needs if you’re going to commit to 4 years of study there.
#4 Attrition and match rate
Attrition rates, residency match rates and USMLE pass rates are some of the indicators that a Caribbean medical school provides extensive, good-quality medical training and prepares its graduates for life after medical school. As we’ve said, data isn’t everything, but take these numbers into consideration when evaluating whether a medical school has a strong program, a good student experience and good opportunities for its graduates to launch their medical careers.
#5 Clinical training
Not every Caribbean medical school will have extensive clinical training or electives, but those that do have a significant advantage. Clinical experience will not only enhance your medical training, it gives you a leg up on the competition when it comes to applying to residency, especially if you can get training opportunities in the US and Canada.
#6 Cost
The cost of tuition can be an obstacle for many premeds. Before you begin applying, check out financial aid programs at Caribbean medical schools, options for scholarships and awards that can help you fund your education, and budget what the cost of your Caribbean medical school education will be.
#7 Location
Every Caribbean medical school is located in one of the beautiful, sunny Caribbean countries, of course, but considering location is still a factor. Each school may be located in a different country and therefore subject to different laws and regulations, political and social climates. As an international student studying in a foreign country, it will be your responsibility to secure the proper travel documents, visa, work permits and other documents you need as a student. It’s also a good idea to learn a bit about the place you’ll be relocating to during your studies or even start learning a new language!
FAQs
1. Are Caribbean medical schools easier to get into?
In short, yes. Caribbean medical school acceptance rates tend to be higher than medical schools in the US and medical schools in Canada. Based on admissions statistics, Caribbean medical schools are among the “easiest” medical schools to get into.
2. Are Caribbean medical schools competitive?
Contrary to popular belief, Caribbean medical schools can be quite competitive. Admissions can be competitive since there are many premeds who choose to apply since they are considered “easier” to get accepted to. Some Caribbean medical schools can also be just as selective as their US counterparts.
3. Why do so many students go to medical school in the Caribbean?
Some students apply to medical school in the Caribbean because they have faced medical school rejection, or they are worried their grades and applications are not competitive enough for US medical schools. Other students might choose Caribbean med schools because there is a belief that getting their MD there is easier. However, some students might choose to study in the Caribbean because a school is the best fit for them.
4. Do Caribbean medical schools accept everyone?
Caribbean medical schools do accept a higher volume of international students, but that does not mean they have no admission standards. All applicants need to meet the minimum admission requirements to be accepted, and some Caribbean schools can actually be quite competitive and selective in admitting students.
5. Can I become a doctor in the US or Canada if I graduate from a Caribbean medical school?
Yes, it is possible. It is more difficult, since you would be considered an IMG and will have to go through a lengthier process to get certified and licensed as a physician. Getting matched to a residency program in the US and Canada is also more challenging for IMGs.
6. What GPA do I need to get into Caribbean medical schools?
Most Caribbean medical schools have a minimum GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.0, but some do not have a minimum GPA cut-off at all.
7. What MCAT do I need to get into Caribbean medical schools?
Many Caribbean medical schools do not require the MCAT at all, but those that do generally have a lower minimum score requirement. Average MCAT scores accepted at Caribbean medical schools fall between 490-500.
8. Should I study medicine in the Caribbean?
You may still be deciding whether or not to apply to medical school, or you may have heard that Caribbean medical schools are a good (or bad!) option for premeds. At the end of the day, your choice of medical school should come down to where you stand the best chance of getting accepted, your personal preferences and career goals. You should explore all of your options when choosing where to apply, and if you decide to apply to Caribbean medical schools, just be sure you do thorough research and select the best school for you.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
Disclaimer: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at [email protected] with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.
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