Medical Education US

I'm not personally too experienced with the advantages and disadvantages of a post-bacc program, but we did have a discussion on post-bacc pre-medical programs here a few years back. I think Corpsman-Up did make some good comments that you may find helpful. Basically, the post-bacc programs provide additional structure and pre-med advising compared to doing it on your own. Most people are able to set things up on their own and can save money in the process. For people who do need more structure, a post-bacc program is maybe a good idea.

Again - I would suggest you direct your questions towards an international student advisor at one of the colleges you would consider attending. They can provide you with specific instructions on what you need to do in order to apply to a program in the US, and they can also advise you on whether you should pursue a post-bacc program or just take the coursework on your own.

there are mainly certificate premed courses and there are special masters courses and there are traditional masters courses... which one is the most suited ?

If you are sure you are going to medical school, then I don't think it makes any difference which course you do. If you may not go to medical school, then I would think a traditional masters degree may help you out in another field.

In order to get accepted into medical school, most schools require a bachelors degree - which you already have. Another degree does little to add to your application. The schools are more concerned with your GPA and your MCAT scores. Again, this is my opinion only and a medical school advisor may think differently.

well which of these degrees would help out my GPA the best ?
i am focussing only on med school

Your GPA is helped by getting A's in your classes. It doesn't matter which program you are following, as long as you get A's in your classes.

i was interested in this program
www.science.psu.edu/premedcert/
whats your advice on that?

Being a public university do they accept international students ?
Whats te entrance exam i need to take up ?

I am not familiar with individual programs. You should direct your questions towards the contact person at that school.

i did but its the holidays so no reply as of now...
But i just wanted to know if theres any reservation against out of state or international residents

Let me know what they say. If they say they don't accept international graduates, be sure to ask them if they have any suggestions of programs that may fit your needs.

and as for financing for med schools and residency guidelines...
are international students allowed to attend residency and obtain fellowships or do they have to get some work permits or different class of visa ?

I'm not very familiar with the process for international students. There seems to be some good information along the lines of what you are seeking on this page at University of Georgia's website relating to international students looking to go to medical school in the United States.

everywhere in that link it is said that it is not possible for international students to join an MD program
my profile in a gist is tht my Engg GPA is about 3.1
consider i do a postbac premed certificate program and have a GPA of over 3.5
i have to apply for an international student loan for med school...
Is it possible ?
Do they accept international students who have applied loans ?
Whats the deal with an escrow account ?

ssgodspeed,

-- I strongly suggest that you should direct all you numerous questions to the medical school that you would like to attend. Make an effort to list all of your questions before you email or call them.

-- Most post-baccalaureate premed programs require US citizenship or permanent residency.

-- Before you apply to any US premed or medical schools, you need to assess your financial status first because you will be required to show proof of financial capability to the US immigration for your student visa application. Otherwise, you will be denied in attaining a student visa, even if you are accepted by a US school.

-- Take into consideration that there are few US financial institutions that will provide student loans to any international students. I suggest you to ask international students from India on how they financed their US education including medical school, if applicable.

-- Be realistic.

Here's one of your options:

You need to apply for an H1B visa for your engineering experience and work for any US company until you get your greencard. While working, you could also save money for your medical school including application fees, post-baccalaureate premed tuition fees, etc. Remember, medical school is very expensive especially for a private institution.

Eventually, you will get a US permanent residency (greencard) or even a US citizenship. You will also be eligible for various federal/state student aid/grants. In this regard, it will be easier for you to get into any medical schools due to your permanent residency status, provided that you will have an excellent post-baccalaureate premed GPA (>3.5), MCAT(>10), interview, and reference letters.

Again, you need to be realistic with your dream to be a US educated medical doctor. Good luck.


BTW, I was also an engineering grad (BSEE/MSEE) who went to a prestigious medical school in CA.