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?
93% US residency placement rate for graduates over the last three years1
1Average of 2020, 2021, 2022 residency placement rate
Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of May 2022.
960+ US residencies in 2022. The largest provider into first-year US residencies for the last 8 years.1
1Data as of April 2022
How do SGU students perform on the USMLE?
92% USMLE Step 1 pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years1
1Average of 2019, 2020, 2021 scores
First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time.
In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.
92% USMLE Step 2CK pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years1
1Average of Academic Years 2019, 2020, 2021 scores
First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 2CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2CK for the first time.
USMLE Step 2CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations.
Where do students do their clinical rotations?
SGU’s clinical program is delivered at 75+ 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.
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?
All US applicants must submit an MCAT score as part of their application. (The University’s MCAT code is 21303.)
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?
There is no application fee required.
Graduation and Federal Loan Credit Default Rates
What is SGU’s School of Medicine graduation rate?
SGU’s School of Medicine Graduation Rate
SGU’s School of Medicine graduation rate1 is 84% for all students who began in 2016.1Based on the number of students who have completed the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program as of August 2022.
What is SGU’s School of Medicine student loan default rate?
SGU’s School of Medicine US Title IV federal student aid cohort default rate1 is below one percent (0.9%) for federal fiscal year 2018, the most recently available data, which is below the “national cohort default rate” at schools participating in US federal loan programs (7.3%)2 for that year.
1The US Title IV federal student aid cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s US Title IV eligible borrowers who enter repayment during a particular federal fiscal year and default on their federal student aid obligations. SGU students who are US citizens or permanent residents and are enrolled in the 4-year medical degree program are eligible to receive US federal aid.
2Most recent data available at Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools. The default rate for schools participating in US federal loan programs is inclusive of all eligible federal aid programs at such institutions (undergraduate, certificate, graduate, and professional). SGU’s School of Medicine cohort default rate represents its 4-year medical degree program.