Ross University School of Medicine is becoming a popular option for many medical school hopefuls, as medical schools across the United States and Canada are becoming increasingly competitive, making it challenging for students to matriculate. One option that students might be interested in learning more about is the possibility of attending a Caribbean medical school. Advantages of seeking out these offshore medical schools include more relaxed admissions requirements and more available spots.
Currently, there are over 60 different medical schools located throughout the Caribbean. Of them, Ross University School of Medicine is one of the four best and reputable medical schools in the Caribbean.
Learn everything there is to know about its requirements, statistics, and how to get into Ross University School of Medicine to boost your chances of admission.
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Mission Statement
The Ross mission is to prepare highly dedicated students to become effective, successful physicians. We do this by focusing on imparting the knowledge, skills, and values required for our students to establish a successful and satisfying career as a physician.
Available Programs
At Ross University School of Medicine, students have the option of pursuing a traditional Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) or choose to combine it with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
MD
The Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) provides students with a hands-on and rigorous medical education. Unlike other medical schools, Ross University School of Medicine offers a global health perspective throughout the curriculum. Each student works with a dedicated team of advisors to help provide answers to questions ranging from the clinical application of medicine to financial aid.
MD/MPH
Working in partnership with Chamberlain University College of Health Professions, Ross University School of Medicine offers a combined MD/MPH degree. The MD/MPH program can be completed in as little as four years, and the 42-credit MPH program offered 100% online.
Academic Curriculum
The curriculum that Ross University School of Medicine follows enables students to master basic sciences concepts while preparing to integrate the knowledge acquired from school into clinical care. The curriculum is designed for graduates who plan on practicing within the United States and Canada. Students of Ross University School of Medicine follow the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) three-step requirements.
Step 1: Basic Sciences Curriculum
Another unique feature offered by Ross University School of Medicine is the option to choose between two curriculum tracks during your Basic Sciences or Medical Sciences portion of the medical education program.
All students will have the same first-semester curriculum. Towards the end of this semester, you will be able to see if you are qualified for the Standard Accelerated Curriculum.
Ross+ Curriculum
The Ross+ curriculum has you studying on campus for approximately 20 months. All of your modules occur across five semesters. You can anticipate integrated study breaks and completing the same coursework as students in the accelerated curriculum. The total length of the Ross+ program is 165 weeks, including Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Standard Accelerated Curriculum
The Standard Accelerated Curriculum allows you to complete your basic sciences program and move onto your clinical sciences in approximately 16 months. This track is a four-semester option that does not include any integrated study breaks. The total length of the Standard Accelerated Curriculum program is 150 weeks, including Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Step 2: Clinical Sciences Curriculum
Regardless of their Medical Sciences curriculum track, all students will complete the same length of their Clinical Sciences portion, lasting a total of 90 weeks. The Clinical Sciences curriculum occurs during years three and four of the program. Students will complete their United States Medical License Exams (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 (CK and CS) during this portion.
The Clinical Sciences Curriculum is broken up into six core rotations:
To complete the Clinical Sciences Curriculum and move onto clinical core clerkships, students must complete the 48 weeks of core rotations and an additional 42 weeks of electives.
Step 3: Residency
Students of Ross University School of Medicine must successfully complete their medical school curricula, clinical rotations, and all three steps of the USMLE. Once this has been achieved, students receive their Doctor of Medicine degrees and move on to their residencies. In most recent years, Ross graduates attained 565 residencies across 14 disciplines.
Application Timeline
Ross University School of Medicine’s application process varies as the school admits students three times a year, in January, May, and September, and accepts applications until all the seats have been filled each semester.
As most medical schools start in September, the process at Ross University School of Medicine generally mirrors the standard medical school application timeline.
Unlike most medical schools within the United States that utilize the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), Ross University School of Medicine allows you to apply for admission through this service or directly via their website.
Since admissions are constantly updating this critical information, it is recommended to check exact dates and timelines directly through the school’s portal.
Admissions Statistics
The average profile of the entering class for Ross University School of Medicine looks as follows:
For any students who fall below the average total GPA or MCAT score, it is highly recommended to reach out directly to the admissions office to determine enrollment eligibility. The school does reserve the right to accept students below the average threshold based on other determining factors.
Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduate studies completed in countries with an educational system that differs from the United States or Canada will be evaluated on merits. However, a completed pre-medical curriculum that is comparable to that of the United States or Canadian institution is a medical school requirement for Ross University School of Medicine.
Recommended Courses
Any prerequisite coursework to be considered by the Ross University School of Medicine admissions office must not have been completed beyond ten years ago. Of this coursework, the following should be included:
Substitutions and exceptions can be made but are handled on a case-by-case basis, specifically by the Admissions Dean and Faculty Admissions Committee.
Tuition and Debt
The estimated average graduate indebtedness for Ross University School of Medicine is $318,071.
Annual Tuition and Fees
The basic medical school tuition at Ross University School of Medicine is: $48,340.
Total Cost of Attendance
The total medical school costs of attendance, including additional expenses such as room and board, supply, transportation, and health insurance, are approximately: $77,302.
Funding Opportunities
Ross University School of Medicine understands that attending medical school requires a significant financial commitment from students. As such, the school seeks to provide resources to students to find ways to help fund their education. Generally speaking, students who attend Ross University School of Medicine combine funding that includes family resources, institutional student loans, medical school scholarships, and loans from other sources.
Student Loans
Both new and current students of Ross University School of Medicine can apply for financial aid through institutional or private programs. Current students must maintain satisfactory academic progress standards in order to maintain their status of financial assistance.
Federal Loans
Ross University School of Medicine is approved for participation in the William D. Ford Federal Loan Program. Students and prospective students are also encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what other federal loans they are eligible for.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available and awarded based upon two different sets of criteria; merit-based and need-based.
Merit-Based Scholarships
There are a number of different scholarships available by selection, including:
Need-Based Scholarships
There are a number of different scholarships available by application, including:
Selection Factors
The medical school requirements for Ross University School of Medicine include:
- Undergraduate performance
- Knowledge of the medical profession
- Interpersonal skills
- Motivation
- Personal character
- Clinical experience
The following materials are required to complete your application at Ross University School of Medicine.
College Transcript
The admissions staff will review all undergraduate and pre-medical coursework. The admissions office does consider GPA scores, but they are not used to eliminate.
Letters of Recommendation
Ross University School of Medicine requires a minimum of two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the admissions office, that meets the following criteria:
- Minimum of one letter from a pre-medical professor or a recommendation from a college pre-health advisory committee
- Minimum of one letter from a physician you worked with or shadowed OR character reference from an employer or volunteer activity
All letters are required to be sent directly from the individual to the admissions office on appropriate letterhead with detailed contact information included.
MCAT Score
The admissions staff will also review MCAT scores. While the admissions office does consider MCAT scores, they are not used to eliminate applicants.
Personal Statement
Medical school personal statements should discuss the applicant’s unique perspective of why they want to be a doctor and discuss any experiences that challenged them individually regarding the medical field.
Work History
The admissions office shows preference to applicants with medical experience, whether on a paid or volunteer basis. Ideally, work history will come from a medical facility, healthcare-related organization, clinical shadowing, or lab research.
Activities
Any extracurricular activities that display diverse interests, dedication to service, and a long-term commitment to the medical field should also be included in applications.
Secondary Essays
Medical school secondary essays are responses to specific essay prompts. Ideally, applicants will choose subjects that complement their original personal statements.
Interview Formats
The interview process for Ross University School of Medicine begins within two to four weeks following the admissions office receiving completed applications from students. Once the applications have been thoroughly reviewed, the admissions office will reach out directly to schedule an interview. Not all applicants are granted interviews.
To prepare for interviews, it is recommended that applicants:
Contact Information
Ross University School of Medicine homepage
Ross University School of Medicine MD admissions website
Ross University School of Medicine MD Degree Program homepage
FAQ
1. What is the overall acceptance rate?
The overall acceptance rate at the Ross University School of Medicine is 42.7%, with applicants from the United States or Canada making up 98% of matriculants.
2. What is the average GPA?
The average GPA for acceptance at Ross University School of Medicine is 3.22, but the admissions office does not hold this as a cutoff standard for acceptance.
3. What is the average MCAT?
The average MCAT score for Ross University School of Medicine is 493, but it considers other aspects of applications and does not rely solely on this score.
4. What is the interview format?
Applicants will be contacted directly to schedule interviews for the Ross University School of Medicine two to four weeks following the submission of their completed application. Applicants can find extensive resources online on how to prepare for their interview.
5. How should letters of recommendation be formatted?
Ross University School of Medicine requires a minimum of two letters of recommendation from applicants. All letters should be sent directly from the writer to the admissions office and be formatted on appropriate letterhead with contact information included.
6. What are the minimum academic requirements for applicants?
Ross University School of Medicine requires a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, to be considered. Recommended undergraduate coursework includes: inorganic or general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology or zoology, physics, mathematics, English.
7. What is the tuition cost?
The medical school tuition cost for Ross University School of Medicine is $48,340. With additional annual fees, including room and board, supplies, transportation, and health insurance, the total cost of attendance is approximately $77,302 per year. The estimated average graduate indebtedness is $318,071 upon completion of the MD Program.
8. What is the academic system?
The curriculum at Ross University School of Medicine is based on a semester system. All students complete three full steps within their programs, including the Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, followed by their Residency. Within the Basic Sciences, or Medical Sciences, portion of the curriculum, eligible students have the option between two tracks, one of which offers an accelerated program.
9. Is Ross University School of Medicine accredited?
The Caribbean Accreditation Authority accredits Ross University School of Medicine for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) (https://www.caam-hp.org/), which is a legally constituted body.
Additional recognition received by Ross University School of Medicine includes:
- The General Medical Council of Great Britain has granted the Ross University School of Medicine MD Limited Registration status.
- The World Health Organization includes Ross University School of Medicine in its listing of medical schools approved by recognized national authorities.
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) granted full accreditation to Ross University School of Medicine’s Simulation Institute.
10. Are accreditation standards for Ross University School of Medicine comparable to medical schools in the United States?
Through the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA), the United States Department of Education has determined that the accreditation standards employed by the Dominica Medical Board are comparable with those used to evaluate programs leading to the MD degree in the United States by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
11. What are my chances of matching residency in the United States and Canada if I attend Ross University School of Medicine?
There are students who end up matching to residencies in the US and Canada after competing their medical education in Caribbean schools, but it is quite rare. However, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of matching in the US and Canada:
- Gain medical experience in US and Canada – try to participate in an elective or clinical rotation in the US or Canada during your medical school education
- Letters of reference from a US or Canada physician – form close relationship with your attending or supervisor during your elective or rotation. They can become your referee for residency
- Make sure to get stellar USMLE scores
- Participate in impressive clinical and research experience
- Write an outstanding residency personal statement
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results.
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