I just wanted to post a quick review for those that may be considering going to AUA. I just recently graduated from AUA and have just also matched. I would like to start off by saying that if you consider going to a caribbean school, AUA is just as good as the other big 4 schools. Many would now say that AUA has become better than some of those that were the original top 4 schools (SGU, SABA, AUC, Ross). The opportunities to make it through AUA are there. Whether or not you work hard to get what you want, is up to you. The school itself is about 4.5 years in length if you go straight through and don't take much time off for the steps. I would also highly recommend not taking much time off either because you really don't need it.
Basic sciences on the island is just what you make of it. You can attend class and learn what you need to know. However, on top of classes you have to be smart and supplement with a textbook/main study tools that you need for the steps. It all comes back to being a smart student. If you ask US med students, they'll tell you that most of their learning comes from independent studying and not from the classes. With that said, you have to be on top of your work. The exams are very fair and the professors take a lot of time to make exams. There is no cheating your way through the system. Take the time to learn the material and you'll do well. On top of that there are many opportunities to get involved as teaching assistants, tutors, etc.
Clinical years are the last 2 years of your medical school training. The clinical coordinators are there to help you schedule all of your clinicals. I don't care what anyone says, if you need your clinicals back to back, the school is there to help you. Not only that, if you ever find yourself in a jam, the clinical dean is very much willing to stick his neck out to help you. As with any school, there are some sites that are better than others. You have a choice to pick which rotations/electives are most important to you to do at a certain location. Most of our rotations are green book which are good.
Please do not listen to the negativity from the students who failed out. AUA is what you make of it. It can be a great experience if you work hard and really give it your all. It can also be a negative experience if all you care about is going to all the parties, going to the beach or just not studying that hard. AUA will give you the opportunity to do well, match at a great program and fulfill your dreams. The island of Antigua itself is beautiful and has all of the amenities that you need. Our match this year has been the best one yet and it continues to become better. We are 50 state approved which is amazing as we keep expanding our match numbers in California.
All in all, I went out to AUA, put in all of the blood, sweat and tears that I could give and I made it. I don't regret coming to AUA and am so grateful for the opportunity. Because of AUA, I've lived out my dream and I couldn't be happier with my future.
Basic sciences on the island is just what you make of it. You can attend class and learn what you need to know. However, on top of classes you have to be smart and supplement with a textbook/main study tools that you need for the steps. It all comes back to being a smart student. If you ask US med students, they'll tell you that most of their learning comes from independent studying and not from the classes. With that said, you have to be on top of your work. The exams are very fair and the professors take a lot of time to make exams. There is no cheating your way through the system. Take the time to learn the material and you'll do well. On top of that there are many opportunities to get involved as teaching assistants, tutors, etc.
Clinical years are the last 2 years of your medical school training. The clinical coordinators are there to help you schedule all of your clinicals. I don't care what anyone says, if you need your clinicals back to back, the school is there to help you. Not only that, if you ever find yourself in a jam, the clinical dean is very much willing to stick his neck out to help you. As with any school, there are some sites that are better than others. You have a choice to pick which rotations/electives are most important to you to do at a certain location. Most of our rotations are green book which are good.
Please do not listen to the negativity from the students who failed out. AUA is what you make of it. It can be a great experience if you work hard and really give it your all. It can also be a negative experience if all you care about is going to all the parties, going to the beach or just not studying that hard. AUA will give you the opportunity to do well, match at a great program and fulfill your dreams. The island of Antigua itself is beautiful and has all of the amenities that you need. Our match this year has been the best one yet and it continues to become better. We are 50 state approved which is amazing as we keep expanding our match numbers in California.
All in all, I went out to AUA, put in all of the blood, sweat and tears that I could give and I made it. I don't regret coming to AUA and am so grateful for the opportunity. Because of AUA, I've lived out my dream and I couldn't be happier with my future.