Frequently Asked Questions
To see an answer, simply select the question below.
Is St. George’s University accredited?
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at St. George’s University School of Medicine has been accredited by regulatory bodies in the US.
How many graduates get a residency after graduation?
Our graduates find postgraduate positions (residencies) through a variety of ways. Many of our graduates attain US residencies through the Match program a few months prior to graduation. Some seek US residencies outside the Match and others look for postgraduate training elsewhere—in their home country, in research, or elsewhere. 95 percent of eligible US 2019 graduates attained a US residency position within one year of graduation. This year, 95 percent of eligible US 2020 graduates who applied for a postgraduate position obtained one at the time of graduation.*
*Data as of September 2020
How do SGU students perform on the USMLE?
St. George’s University students continue to flourish on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam, with first-time takers registering a 94 percent pass rate in 2019. The more than 1,250 SGU students taking the exam for the first time hailed from 48 countries over six continents. They posted an impressive mean score of 221, with a mean score of 227 for SGU’s Canadian students.
Where do students do their clinical rotations?
SGU’s clinical program is delivered at 70+ affiliated hospitals and clinical centers in the United States, Grenada, and the United Kingdom, ensuring a wide patient population base with a breadth of clinical exposure within a cohesive, centrally managed clinical curriculum. SGU has faculty members and program directors at each affiliated hospital.
Can students choose where they do their rotations?
All core rotations must be done at one of our affiliated hospitals or clinical centers. Electives may be done with prior approval at any teaching hospital. Students work with the clinical office and fill out a preference form. The student’s preference is given precedence whenever possible in placement.
What is the average MCAT and GPA of MD entering students?
The average cumulative GPA is a 3.3 and the average Science GPA is a 3.2. The average total MCAT score is a 498. These are our averages, we do not have minimums. The School of Medicine Faculty Student Selection Committee does a full review of each applicant and seeks students who show both academic and non-academic skills to be successful in medical school and the subsequent practice of medicine.
How do you calculate your science GPA? Are math courses included?
Yes, math courses are included. Science GPA is calculated using biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses.
How do we calculate repeated courses? If I retake a class, is the GPA averaged or is there "Grade Forgiveness"?
If the class is repeated at the same institution, or at a sister institution with the same course number, the grade of the prior attempt is forgiven. If you resit the class at another institution we do not allow for grade forgiveness
Is an MCAT score required?
Students educated in North America and all US citizens and permanent residents are required to submit an MCAT score.
Update for January 2022:
In response to the continued impact caused by COVID-19, the MCAT requirement will be waived for those who have been unable to secure a test date. For the January 2022 application cycle only, we will consider and accept applicants without MCAT scores.If you already have an MCAT score, or you have a pending MCAT score, it must be submitted as part of your application.All students who apply to SGU without an MCAT score or a pending test score date will be asked to sign a declaration indicating that they have been unable to secure a timely sitting for the examination.
Is a bachelor’s degree required?
A bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) is required, which includes all the required science coursework.
Does SGU accept transfer students?
It is rare that the Faculty Student Selection Committee considers advanced standing students for admission to the four-year MD program. Prospective applicants interested in transferring with advanced standing into the Four-year MD program are required to complete the transfer request form and submit it via email to admissions@sgu.edu. The request will be reviewed to determine whether you are eligible to apply for advanced standing into the Four-year MD program.
If my academic profile is not as competitive as the average candidate, does SGU take into consideration work, research, and extracurricular activities?
The Faculty Student Selection Committee considers each applicant holistically. Besides academic achievements, the committee reviews an applicant’s entire personal history – including but not limited to work–both during and after studies, volunteer activities, research, and extracurricular activities – when discussing and determining a student’s application to medicine.
What is the interview process?
After an initial review, those that are selected to continue in the application process will be invited to an interview.
View further information on the SGU School of Medicine Interview.
Does St. George’s University accept letters that are sent through Interfolio, Docufied or Virtual Eval?
Yes, we subscribe to these services. To take advantage of these services, please speak with your undergraduate institutions.
Are there specific forms that are needed for the letters of recommendations?
There is no form for the letters of recommendation. The letters should speak to the applicant’s attitude and capability in academic endeavors, sense of community, ability to work in teams, and overall suitability to the study and practice of medicine. Two letters are required; we suggest a maximum of five letters. We suggest that rather than submit testimonials from family friends and old acquaintances, the letters will have more impact if they are from professors with whom the applicant has studied or conducted research, or managers/supervisors for whom an applicant has worked.
How long does the admission process take?
Your admissions counselor will contact you to confirm receipt of an application and fee and will let you know if you are missing any documents to complete your application. A determination of a possible interview will take place within two weeks of when your application and supporting documents are all verified. After the interview, the candidate should hear within two weeks about a final decision. Even if a final determination has not been made, your admissions counselor will stay in touch.
Where do I send all my admission documents? What address do I use?
If applying to the School of Medicine, preclinical, postbaccalaureate, or any graduate programs, please send all documents to:
St. George’s University
c/o The North American Correspondent
University Support Services, LLC
Office of Admission
3500 Sunrise Highway
Building 300
Great River, NY 11739
What is the application fee?
The application fee for the School of Medicine is US $75 made payable to University Support Services, LLC