So I'm halfway through 1st semester, and like many of you thinking about applying here I was in the same seat as you - checking out the various schools' forums, generally being scared to my mind with all the negative opinions that lay rampant in many of these Caribbean schools. I didn't know if this was because these are posts from students who were dismissed and have a general vendetta against the school, or if they were indeed true. But, I've been here for some time now, and I think I can talk about a few things:
Anyway:
CONS:
Although the tuition is generally less expensive than some other schools at around 10,000 per semester, loans are not offered. You can do DAVENPORT which is a viable option some of my classmates are doing.
No California approval. I have absolutely no interest to practice in California, so this doesn't affect me. This is something you have to decide for yourself on how much it's going to impact you. The other States such as Texas, New York, and Florida have recognized and licensed SMU grads, so it really just comes down to California. This concern is up to you.
Uniform requirements.
Grand Cayman is a gorgeous island. Probably the most developed out of the islands which houses a Med School, but things are expensive here.
PROS:
As far as 1st semester goes, fantastic professors. Office hours are always open, and they are willing to help. I'd even go as far as to say my anatomy professors on the island are better than many of the science professors I had back in undergrad.
Great environment to study in. In all regards, the living standard on this island is equivalent to that of the States. I find it safe, and there are ample areas to study throughout campus. For me, this is one of the most important things in determining what school I choose, the comfort that I have actually living there. If you aren't comfortable, then good luck studying.
The resources and tools required to help you study are there. There is plenty of room and spots to study. Nothing feels too cramped and I've never had any problems getting a study group together.
Luxuries. Restaurants, bars - grocery stores are all walking distance from campus or from the Residence Halls. There is also a World's Gym that is next to the Residence Halls. And yes, great beaches - things like that. But I haven't had too much time to indulge in those kinds of things.
I can't comment on many things since I'm no too far in, but you have so many people saying so many different kinds of things and seemingly so many different Caribbean schools have these stigmas toward them, I can understand what some of you may be going through when you peruse the forums. But from my experience thus far, I've had no problems with this school. Exams are tough, they are people failing who probably won't be back semester, but from what I hear high attrition rates is just the name of the game when it comes to Caribbean schools. Having said that, I think the system is fair, and the professors do their best to make sure you have the best shot at passing the exams.
Anyway:
CONS:
Although the tuition is generally less expensive than some other schools at around 10,000 per semester, loans are not offered. You can do DAVENPORT which is a viable option some of my classmates are doing.
No California approval. I have absolutely no interest to practice in California, so this doesn't affect me. This is something you have to decide for yourself on how much it's going to impact you. The other States such as Texas, New York, and Florida have recognized and licensed SMU grads, so it really just comes down to California. This concern is up to you.
Uniform requirements.
Grand Cayman is a gorgeous island. Probably the most developed out of the islands which houses a Med School, but things are expensive here.
PROS:
As far as 1st semester goes, fantastic professors. Office hours are always open, and they are willing to help. I'd even go as far as to say my anatomy professors on the island are better than many of the science professors I had back in undergrad.
Great environment to study in. In all regards, the living standard on this island is equivalent to that of the States. I find it safe, and there are ample areas to study throughout campus. For me, this is one of the most important things in determining what school I choose, the comfort that I have actually living there. If you aren't comfortable, then good luck studying.
The resources and tools required to help you study are there. There is plenty of room and spots to study. Nothing feels too cramped and I've never had any problems getting a study group together.
Luxuries. Restaurants, bars - grocery stores are all walking distance from campus or from the Residence Halls. There is also a World's Gym that is next to the Residence Halls. And yes, great beaches - things like that. But I haven't had too much time to indulge in those kinds of things.
I can't comment on many things since I'm no too far in, but you have so many people saying so many different kinds of things and seemingly so many different Caribbean schools have these stigmas toward them, I can understand what some of you may be going through when you peruse the forums. But from my experience thus far, I've had no problems with this school. Exams are tough, they are people failing who probably won't be back semester, but from what I hear high attrition rates is just the name of the game when it comes to Caribbean schools. Having said that, I think the system is fair, and the professors do their best to make sure you have the best shot at passing the exams.