Applying to medical school is a daunting process. Caribbean medical schools offer a unique opportunity for students that are looking for a unique medical school experience or who have been rejected by schools in the United States. Many Caribbean schools will accept students with lower GPAs and MCAT scores but still produce high-performing physicians. If you want to apply to a medical school in the Caribbean, there are a few things to keep in mind.

“If the medical field doesn’t look in the least interesting, don’t go for it.” This is a common unsolicited advice that most hopefuls hear from fellow students who have spent years in medical study and most professionals who have been in their field of specialty for years. Most people think a medical course is one of the most difficult educational journeys and only the toughest successfully make it through. Indeed, it is a reality faced by several medical students in the Caribbean.

Attending a medical school in the Caribbean and other locations may equate with prominence and prestige. It’s no secret, however, that a lot of students actually struggle with their studies. According to MedicalSchoolSuccess.com, new medical students make the common mistake thinking the experience will be much like the usual college, or even high school. This, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Arguably one of the most challenging educational feats involves the healthcare field. Students aspiring to become doctors know this for a fact, but go on and take the challenge nevertheless, confident and happy. But in the end, many students decide to drop all their efforts and ultimately, give up. According to TheGuardian.com, this is a common situation faced by many medical students in the Caribbean and everywhere else because in general, medical school elicits a roller coaster of emotions such as excitement and fulfillment that, without warning, can turn to fear, anxiety and even depression.

Attending Caribbean medical schools can be a dream come true for many students. In addition to being admitted to medical school and studying to pursue the career path you desire, you also get the added benefit of enjoying an exciting, vibrant culture in a beautiful area of the world for a few years. While attending a Caribbean medical university is desirable for many aspiring medical students, you do not want to make a hasty decision about which school you will attend or which location you will live in. By exploring these three factors carefully, you can be a more educated applicant.

In the Caribbean, a medical student’s skills and experience are vital to actual practice. As such, it is imperative that the next step to deciding to pursue a medical course is to attend the right institution that prepares a student for it all. To this end, that life-changing decision to pursue a career in the medical field hinges on one big factor: choosing the right medical school.