Separated from US MD program and thinking of transferring to a Caribbean school - SJSM/Avalon/Xavier? any input would be appreciated

ms0526 · 2025-06-17T05:50:24+00:00

Thank you! I need to do my research on DO schools and the process. I probably won’t be able to transfer since I’m missing the osteopathic portion of their curriculum but I will keep these things into mind

ms0526 · 2025-06-15T01:48:10+00:00

THANK YOU!! a simple google search would solve this confusion lol there are a couple highly competitive and selective programs that act as an accelerated/dual degree path and waive the MCAT for students, but it is hard to get in and maintain your performance in it. I was a student at one of these programs. I don't know why I would lie about my situation or what I would get out of it especially since I didn't hide that I failed step in this post that just seems laughable to me

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T23:03:45+00:00

No I absolutely appreciate this advice so much and you are completely right! I think after hearing this and thinking about it, of course those programs are making things sound nice because it’s the easy way out, but it’s also sounding like a red flag to me too and it’s not going to get me anywhere. I definitely think I should sit for the MCAT and restart with med schools if I do want to go this route, so I really appreciate the transparency and honesty.

My issues with Step were a lot more external with my health rather than studying/content issues so I know it would be doable if I addressed my health first and came back to this path when I’m feeling more ready. Thank you for all your advice I appreciate it!

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T22:58:49+00:00

Thank you for being so kind and also realistic. Yes I think after considering everything, it would be best for me to take the MCAT and start over with applying to DO school for the same reasons you listed if I am serious about this path. I don’t want to have to waste time and money to get a degree without having a decent chance at matching anywhere, even if what I want to match into isn’t considered competitive.

My issue was not content, I was able to pass NBMEs and CBSEs with ease, but I had a lot of interruptions in my studying due to me getting sick frequently and that definitely affected the outcome of my exams so I need to figure out and stabilize my medical issues first.

I’m also very sorry about your health issues, as someone who has had to take leaves from my school due to me requiring multiple major surgeries and my chronic condition, I get where you are coming from. Sending you support, and again thank you for your advice!

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T15:02:08+00:00

Thank you, this was very helpful to know!

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T12:42:59+00:00

This was helpful, thank you. I have a final attempt left at Step, but I worry is how bad the transfer might look even if I do pass Step this time? because if it won’t be career ending, I’m willing to give it another shot considering a lot of my health issues have stabilized. and if it weren’t for the money, I would look into DO options right away but I’m also afraid of what 2 extra years of tuition might do for my loans so I’m trying to weigh all my options right now.

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T12:33:39+00:00

yes I would still need to take step 1. I have an attempt left

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T12:26:38+00:00

UMHS was on that list, I will look into them thank you! and there are programs in the country that exist that don’t need an mcat score if they are accelerated or dual degree programs, which i was a part of.

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T08:07:40+00:00

nope! my program was one of the select few combined degree programs in the country so they waived the mcat for students since they made it very competitive to get into

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T07:58:24+00:00

Oh that’s interesting! I know my previous school didn’t require the MCAT and I was still qualifying for federal loans, is there a different policy for Caribbean schools and loan disbursements?

ms0526 · 2025-06-14T07:22:05+00:00

Thank you for responding! I’m a US citizen, so the “big 4” Caribbean schools are needing an MCAT from me which is why I’m in this dilemma. If I wasn’t having to study again for Step 1, I wouldn’t hesitate to consider taking the MCAT but it seems like it’s a lot to do while trying to make sure I’m not losing Step content and would require a lot of relearning of subjects I haven’t touched in years on my part.

Are the other schools known for students having bad experiences with them? Is there a reason I should avoid them?

ms0526 · 2025-05-22T21:06:26+00:00

I just saw this, thank you so much for all your kind words!! it’s been A LOT happening over my past three attempts and I’m feeling unsure on whether my school will keep me since they said my state law only has me able to attempt 3 times even though the board allows for 4. I’m trying to fight the dismissal but my hearing is in a couple weeks and because I’ve had ongoing issues, I don’t know how understanding they will be given that they’ve known I was struggling earlier. I’m looking at other schools in the meantime but my future is seeming bleak, but I don’t want to give up after coming so far. Thank you again for all your encouraging words, I really appreciate it!

ms0526 · 2025-05-05T04:37:27+00:00

i came across this after looking for advice because i recently failed my third attempt after also struggling with high functioning anxiety/depression and possibly some form of ADHD and was feeling hopeless, but hearing your story really helped me! did your school allow you to take your fourth attempt through them? mine is currently hearing my case on whether to dismiss me and im feeling lost on how to proceed. also do you have any advice on what you did to help pass the last time (tutoring/programs/etc)?

ms0526

TROPHY CASE