School Name: Saba
Location: Netherlands Antilles
Basic Science Tuition:
$4,950.00/semester
Clinical Science Tuition:
$5,450.00/semester
USA Clinical Rotations: Yes
Time required for MD: 40 months
I was one of the few who made it through the admission list for this coming term.
I have a bike that I like very much, and I wuould like someone to grab the mike and tell me whether or not this is a good idea to take The Cannondale with me.
From what I've heard, contrarily to Florida,
Saba is far from being flat. There are hills(mountains) almost all over. And I'm wondering how that would interfere with one's idea of relying mainly on a bike to move from point A to point B.
Would anyone be kind enough to address this issue?
Thank you!
Boozthethird2000, MDA
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 2:10 PM from IP address 66.176.69.248
I would discourage you from taking your bike. While you may be able to bike the hills fine, the other drivers are your main concern. One small mistake and you are taking the celestial dirt nap at the bottom of a large mountain. While in actuality there are few serious accidents on Saba, I would not put yourself in added risk.
Posted on Feb 24, 2003, 8:52 AM from IP address 64.154.125.122
I took my trusty bike down to Saba and loved using it as my primary means of going to and from class and home in St. John's. Be advised, I grew up in Utah doing gonzo hills and Saba's hills still kicked my butt. I would recommend it IF you only live as far as St. John's. I did go on rides to Windwardside but only in the early morning before there was much traffic. Not many bikes means drivers aren't looking out for you. If you decide to take your bike, be advised that it is expensive to get it to the island and there are no bike supplies. Trisport bike shop on St. Maarten helped me out several times putting tires and tubes on The Edge for me to pick up. Happy Trails!
Marc Hyde
Posted on Feb 26, 2003, 8:27 PM from IP address 207.191.230.125
From my reading between the lines, it would be way better for me to keep my bike at home where it belongs.
Mike, I really admire your unequivocal way of saying things, and perhaps you should consider surgery. You would be a great cutter. You're sharp!
Marc, I appreciate how you enact the whole scenario. To me this is rather hectic.
My conclusion is no bike for now...
Claude
Known as Boozthethird2000
Posted on Feb 28, 2003, 12:39 PM from IP address 66.176.69.248
Hi,
I applied to all my state schools (texas) as a shot in the dark I would get in. I am hispanic and a female applying also to the MD/PhD programs so I thought I may have a slim chance. I havent heard back from any schools and I am starting to consider carribean med. I have already spent a lot of money applying in the US so I want to know my chances before throwing more away. What Carribean chances do I have a shot at with a 2.8 GPA and 17 MCATS? Should I try to take the April MCAT and improve scores? I want to start school as soon as possible, I am already 27 and am running out of time.
Please Advise!!
Posted on Jan 7, 2003, 6:53 PM from IP address 67.200.204.252
Rosey, I am in very a very similiar situation. I am 27 also, and I know how it feels like time is slipping away. I am also from Texas, and my undergrad GPA is the same as yours. I will be sitting for the MCAT in April myself for the first time.
The dean of admissions of Texas Tech's school of medicine recommended to me in person 3 years ago that I get a graduate degree to bolster my application, which I did. Have you perhaps considered getting a graduate degree?
As for re-taking the MCAT, go for it!
I don't know what your volunteer experience or job experience looks like...if you have lots of clinical experience I think this will help you.
I will be applying for the Jan. 2004 semester at SABA.
Right now I am rating SABA as my #1 choice for med school, as I feel Texas schools won't admit me unless I score extremely high on the MCAT.
Feel free to e-mail me if I can help in any way.
"Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still."--Chinese Proverb
Posted on Jan 10, 2003, 12:10 AM from IP address 64.216.32.70
First, I would call the Saba office in the US and talk to them. They have about 13 factors that they use to determine admission status. The application fee is only $50...I would go ahead and apply. I would think your chances are pretty decent. Give it a shot!
Posted on Jan 10, 2003, 6:13 AM from IP address 63.52.33.152
you probably will get accepted either to the january or the may class, but september is tough. i was in a similar situation as you, they accepted me in jan2004 class, but their sister school, mua, was offering me a seat for the sep2003 class. i chose mua because i didnt want to waste any time and its almost the same as saba. well, good luck.
Posted on Feb 28, 2003, 11:24 AM from IP address 152.163.188.8
If you have enough clinical experience/volunteers you have more then 80% to get in. SABA looks beyond your MCAT/GPA. You have nothing to loose for just trying. Good luck
Posted on Feb 28, 2003, 12:14 PM from IP address 147.64.150.130
Just a simple question. Are there any waves down there. I am an avid surfer and am planning on attending Saba in September. Ive been all over the web trying to get some info on this, and keep coming up empty handed. Oh, also, if there are any waves, is there anyone else surfing down there? If so drop me a line. AOL SN swellisgood. Thanks,
Scott
Posted on Feb 10, 2003, 9:06 PM from IP address 64.12.107.166
I am a saba grad who moved to saba from hawaii and was looking for waves. The only ridable waves break in the winter at Well's Bay when it is really big (12+ faces). It is really deep offshore there so they are very heavy. The problem is that there is that it breaks like a beach break on these big rocks that will fu$$ you up. Also you might want to look at Fort Bay when there is hurricane surf. It looked longboardable a couple of times, but unfortunately I didn't have one. To get to that spot go to the end of the road at Fort Bay, take a right and walk about 200 yds.
The best thing to do is bring enough money to travel to other islands. St.Maarten has some good spots if you happen to be lucky enough to be there when there is swell. And Puerto Rico goes off.
Posted on Feb 27, 2003, 8:50 PM from IP address 4.42.102.239
I am wondering if anyone knows how available medication is on the island. My 3 year old son has asthma and needs Pulmicort and Singulair. I can get plenty of albuterol samples to bring but he will need the other meds, too. Also, what about antibiotics? This is a concern for my wife and me as we will be bringing 2 children under 3 years old. Perhaps a current or past student or admin can reply? Thanks in advance.
Posted on Feb 26, 2003, 2:05 PM from IP address 63.52.33.109
Hi Dennis-
I know for sure that the island pharmacy has albuterol. I do not think they have Pulmacort or Singulair. If you tell your pediatrician that you are going to med school where the meds may not be available, he may be able to give you samples. Another option is to call and talk to one of the nurses in the hospital on Saba. They can tell you for sure what they have and how much it costs in guilders. As for antibiotics, anything you should need for routine illness is available. I hope this helps.
Mike
Posted on Feb 27, 2003, 2:59 PM from IP address 64.154.126.36
Does MSN and AOL work on Saba? What about
Roadrunner internet service? Can most students
access the internet using their internet service
which they had in the US?
Posted on Feb 20, 2003, 9:21 PM from IP address 207.221.158.20
This is what I have heard:
at saba, you get taught by senior students and other teaching assistants. Someone please respond and clear this up, preferably someone at SABA. thx
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 2:28 PM from IP address 128.100.247.120
It is incredible that you could believe something so absurd!! You have applied, been accepted yet believe that professors don't teach the courses?!? I am shocked. You're intelligence is lacking my friend. You think the administration responded because they are hiding it? They responded because that is the most ridiculous thing they have ever heard. Don't believe everything you hear. If that were true then Saba has pulled off the greatest scam of the century. Why would Saba be an open book about everything pertaining to the curriculum and faculty if it were untrue. They wouldn't have lasted one month. Read through the list of graduates in your area and talk to someone in person. Get your facts from a legitimate source and by God don't listen to some of the rumors that circulate. Half the people passing that stuff on heard it from someone else and don't have the slightest clue.
Posted on Feb 26, 2003, 5:56 PM from IP address 65.239.64.191
hi,
i'd like to apply for january 2004.knowing that i have to wait for my canadian permanent residency for july 2004 in other to get financial support by the governement, do you think that it is to early to apply?
all advice will be appreciated
thank you all
Posted on Feb 11, 2003, 7:02 PM from IP address 132.204.47.84
you said that you've been accepted for fall 04, congratulations.
i 'd like to know how you proceeded chronologically please, did you send them information and required documents once , from time to time, i mean when you were gathering documents you sent all ,or week after weeks you sent each time some pieces?
thanks.
Posted on Feb 15, 2003, 1:37 PM from IP address 132.204.183.104
Admissions was great to work with. I sent the application as soon as I had it complete and I had taken time to review it then shipped it out Fed-Ex. My comfort zone was to make arrangements for most other items even those to be submitted by others to also be sent in via Fed-Ex. Again, my comfort zone. Good Luck.
Posted on Feb 16, 2003, 4:35 PM from IP address 63.156.84.86
Youcef,
When I applied, I sent in my application separate from my letters of recommendation and trascripts. The transcripts have to be official from the schools you attended so you can't send those with your application. The school will have to. The same goes for the letters of recommendation. The professors who write you a letter should send it to the school directly too. I would try to have everything sent in a timely manner so that SABA receives your whole file within a two week time frame. They won't consider your file until your file is complete with all the information they need from you. I hope this helps. If you have any more quest., I'm willing to help.
Posted on Feb 16, 2003, 9:04 PM from IP address 146.163.215.86
My husband is attending MUA, and he is a Cdn citizen. We did look at Canada Student Loan, but I don't think MUA and Saba are eligible for the student loan, maybe we miss sth??? You may want to recheck it. If Saba is not eligible anyway, you don't need to wait for the permanent resident status. On the other hand, please do share the info, if you are sure SABA is eligible.
Posted on Feb 18, 2003, 2:47 PM from IP address 200.50.77.45
here is what is said in saba website about canadian fancial aid, hope this help.
CANADIAN STUDENT LOANS
Canadian students are eligible for Federal Loans through the Ministry of Education Student Support Branch in the province of residence. Student may apply for up to 52 weeks of financial assistance annually. Work directly with your individual province for information regarding requirements. SABA University's school code for applying is NUBP.
Posted on Feb 21, 2003, 12:25 PM from IP address 132.204.47.83
TO all future students. DO NOT deal with a woman named Trish in finding a place to live when you come to Saba. She is dishonest, and will find you housing at prices well beyond the original price asked by the land owner. Who pockets the difference? Trish. I know people who have wasted hundreds of dollars.
She is not from Saba, she is from the US, and owns the restaurant Brigadoons with her "husband" Michael.
Again, DO NOT TRUST HER. SHE HAS SCREWED MANY STUDENTS, AND THE WORD NEEDS TO GET OUT.
Censors, please do not omit this message.
Posted on Jan 26, 2003, 4:27 PM from IP address 216.152.164.90
When is admin going to take this problem seriously. Many students who come to the island get taken advantage of by Trish in many ways....housing, gym memberships, and selling drugs. Admin needs to inform innocent students to ensure the safety of fellow students.
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 8:07 AM from IP address 24.142.125.34
I agree that the administration of SUSOM needs to get involved with the Trish situation. It disgusts me when I see her coming to campus to advertise her "gym" memberships, her apartment listings, and her restaurant Brigadoon's and acts like she is everyone's friend.
She is nothing but trouble to every student, and everyone needs to be aware of her before coming to Saba. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY A "FINDER" TO LOCATE HOUSING ON THE ISLAND. Anyone who tells you this is a crook, an idiot, or a lier. All anyone has to do is make a few phone calls to save a ton of money. Alida at the school office is very helpful in finding a place, or just post on this forum. (That's how I found my place.) Trish has screwed many students, and continues to do so every semester.
Don't be the next sucker!!!!
As for her "gym" memberships: I have never been in the place because I can't justify being identified with anything that woman is a part of, but from what I have heard from the many friends and aquaintances I have with memberships, the place is mediocre at best, and is definitely not worth the over $100 dollars she charges for memberships. She tells people that she is just "supervising" the place and she is just a go-between between the customers and the owner. She always resort to that when students question her about the ridiculous prices she charges for the actual services. Don't believe it for a second. She pockets every cent. The old owner of the place actually died some time ago.
Cocaine is a definite presence among very few students and locals of Saba (like it is basically anywhere in the world). However SUSOM is now doing "random" drug tests on all students, so anyone who is silly enough to be doing illegal drugs while in medical school needs to take heed. Hopefully, that message will make it to Trish.
By the way, I would not want to insult the fine citizens of Saba by implying that Trish is a Saban. She is originally from the US (Indiana, I think).
She is an absolute thorn in the side of each and every SUSOM student. Anyone who wishes to support her by joining her joke of a fitness center, eating at her restaurant, or buying her "other products" needs to keep in mind that they do so at the risk of injuring themselves and their colleagues. Remember that in spite of all our differences, we all come here to follow our dreams of becoming physicians. Don't allow Trish to tarnish these dreams and opportunities of current and future Saba students by supporting her with one red cent!!
To potential students: Don't let this warning scare you away from Saba. 99.9% of the population here are fine upstanding individuals. It is truly a wonderful place that provides great experiences. The faculty is great, very personal, approachable, and helpful. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in the world, and would have never chosen my medical school differently.
Censors, please post this important message! The word needs to get out and this is the ONLY way!
Posted on Feb 24, 2003, 2:57 PM from IP address 216.152.164.87
Please note that the "Trish Matter" has the attention of the government of Saba. As Housing Coordinator of Saba University, I have asked the ones that complain about Trish, to please please please put it in writing, sign it and submit it to me so I can take further action. Unfortunately, I have received only one complaint in writing.
I will not accept any complaints that are not signed, because the government will not accept these. Please know that all letters will be dealt with confidentially and by the way, Trish does not have the power to make life miserable for you on the island if she finds out that you wrote a letter of complaint. I think this is what most students are afraid of. You need to know that you do have the power to put an end to her activities, though.
So, to all students that have complaints, please do not hesitate to hand it to me, or email it to me.
To all students, future and current: if you have questions about a place that you intend to rent or just would like to know if there is anything you need to know about the place or landlord, please do not hesitate to contact me. I have been the Housing Coordinator for Saba University for over 8 years now and I know most if not all available houses, I personally know most if not all landlords/caretakers so do not hesitate to contact me.
Alida
Posted on Feb 26, 2003, 5:48 AM from IP address 24.142.125.34
Wow, 7 more months and September will roll around the corner. Getting excited! Right now, let's say i hate Organic Chem. II. Hey, anyone else got accepted for the September class?
Posted on Feb 3, 2003, 5:58 PM from IP address 146.163.215.69
hi, im planning to attend on september, i have a phone interview on thursday, how was the interview like, what is your stats, i have a 2.9 gpa and still have to take the MCATs on april. wish me luck on the interview.
Posted on Feb 8, 2003, 10:47 PM from IP address 152.163.204.77
Hi Josh. Just be yourself and honest during the interview. They will ask you questions like why you chose SABA, why you want to become a doc, if you can withstand a small island, if you're flexible with moving, and talk about yourself. They're very friendly, and will gladly answer your questions.
I think you have a chance, as long as you can show them you have a solid background, and you're serious about this. What do you have to lose...just try and see what happens.
I'm thinking about heading to SABA a few weeks early...anyone else thinking about that too?
Good luck and I wish you well on your interview :)
Posted on Feb 9, 2003, 10:35 AM from IP address 146.163.215.69
Hello. Best advice, be honest and yourself. The staff is friendly and willing to help. I was nervous at first, but that nervousness died down after a couple minutes during the interview, so you'll be ok :) Good luck!
Posted on Feb 24, 2003, 4:10 PM from IP address 146.163.215.86
The library on campus has satellite internet connection. There are about 20 computers for student use, but study tables in the library also have laptop connections. On the island itself, there is the standard dial-up connections for about $30 per month.
Good luck
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 5:47 AM from IP address 141.154.11.43
i was referring to whether or not you can use
a wireless card on saba. for example, sitting outside
the library or other building with a wireless card
and being able to use a wireless card to connect
to the internet.
thanks.
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 9:08 PM from IP address 67.192.145.76
I plan on attending Saba University School of Medicine this coming May. I was fortunate enough to get admitted last fall.
I'm literally a book worm, but there are times when one has to just relax and hit a couple of balls as I've done over the years during my undergraduate studies here in South Florida.
Are the tennis courts accessible? Does one have to have an outside membership or pertain to a club somewhere? Do students have access to any? If the answer is yes, how many?
Can anyone answer that?
Thanks in advance
Boozthethird2000
Posted on Feb 23, 2003, 1:49 PM from IP address 66.176.69.248
It has been some time since I left the island, but here goes.
Flying: Fight from Miami to St. Martin used to cost around $500, but you can get them cheaper if you work it a little. I think it costs about $90-120 to fly to Saba. Remember to add in cost of taxis, and cost of a room in St. Martin if you don't come early enough to catch WinAir over to Saba.
Cost of living: Depending on how fancy you want to live. Rent can range from $400 - 1500 per month. You also pay cable, internet, and phone in most places.
Food is more expensive that in the states ... anywhere from 20% - 100% depending on what you buy. We used to bring a lot of dry goods from the states or St. Martin every semester and our monthly food bill was around $400 (for a family of 3).
About living on Saba, it really depends on the person. Some people love it and some people endure it. It is a SMALL island. If you need a lot of space and things to do, you may want to check out MUA on Nevis. If all you want to do is go to class and study, then it is perfect.
Age of students, most will be younger than you. Still, there will be several people your age. You won't feel alone.
Good luck!
Posted on Sep 7, 2002, 6:21 AM from IP address 206.160.4.59
I AM GOING TO SABA AS A 31 YO FEMALE WITH NO CHILDREN YET. THIS IS AGAINST THE WISHES OF MY VERY TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN FAMILY. IF YOU WANT IT DO IT REGARDLESS OF AGE ETC. I MAY NOT BE 45 BUT I DEFINITELY FEEL THE PRESSURE FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. IF A CHILD IS MEANT IT WILL HAPPEN IN TIME BUT I WILL MAKE MOVES TOWARD MY DREAM IN THE MEANWHILE. HANG IN THERE
ERIKA :-)
Posted on Sep 24, 2002, 10:25 AM from IP address 205.188.209.103
I too am a 31 year old female who is starting out in Med school. Only I won't get the chance to start until I am 32 or 33. I am a little scared as I am unmarried/wthout children as well, but you should go for your dream and not worry about social pressures.
Good for you and I'm happy that there is another in the same demographic as me!
Tara
Posted on Jan 12, 2003, 10:44 AM from IP address 172.149.101.6
Although I am not going to be the medical student, I will be the wife of the student. My husband is 34 and I will be a few days shy of 27. We will also be just married in May of this year.
Very exciting changes will be happening!! Regardless of your ages, I don't think it will matter. When it comes down to it, you will all be just as scared and will form such a bond that age will not exist!
I just wanted to say Congratulations to all you and be very proud of yourselves for getting this far!
See you all in September!
xo-Adriana
Posted on Feb 22, 2003, 8:28 AM from IP address 152.163.188.8
Housing and Apartments Exchange for med students
For Sale By Owner.
