<p>Can someone describe the University of St. Andrews to me? I am an American high school student, and am considering the undergraduate medical school of St. Andrews. I have read a lot about this university and it seems like a fantastic school, however one common thread seems to be that most students come from affluent families and wealthy private schools. I come from neither of those. Does that mean that my experience there won't be as good? I don't want to feel like an outsider and hate my 4 years there. I would just like as much information on this university as possible because being an international student, I don't have as much knowledge on it. Also, what is job outlook after graduation for an American student? Do Americans tend to stay in Scotland for jobs or return to the US? How does medical school work in Scotland? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>All UK universities are under a certain amount of government pressure to widen access and admit more students from lower economic brackets. I’m not sure what the current mix is, but I don’t think you’d feel too out of place. However, St Andrew’s does have a high proportion of overseas students, especially Americans, and because financial aid is hard to come by, the vast majority of these will be well off. They have to show they can pay for the course in order to get a student visa.</p>
<p>Two less positive comments, though. Staying on in the UK after university means in most cases you need to qualify for a work visa. At present there is an option for students to get a special visa for starting up a business, but most will need a working visa, for which the employer needs to show that no one in the EU can do the job. Having said that, requirements seem to be in a frequent state of flux; if Scotland does vote for independence next month, who knows what their approach will be to immigration (it may well be more welcoming).</p>
<p>Medical schools in the UK have very very few places for international students because they are part funded by the National Health Service. I understand that if you did get into a medicine course (which is usually as an undergraduate) you would be able to get the visas for the later stages of training and probably to work. There is a graduate entry scheme, but this is even more competitive than starting as an undergraduate, and I don’t know offhand whether there are any spots for internationals. Translating a British medicine degree to working back in the US as a doctor will probably entails some jumping through hoops, possibly some additional training. If you want to practice as a doctor in the US, you are generally better advised to train there too. </p>
<p>Unless you are an you are an outstanding test-taker there is virutally no chance that you will get into a UK medical school. The limits on non-national students are extremely tight, and there are a lot of people competing for them. If you need financial aid, St As is probably not your best bet.</p>
<p>The information regarding medical schools was very helpful. So should I rule out St. A’s entirely? Does it not make sense for me to do undergrad medicine there and then come back to the States? Thanks for your help. </p>
<p>I am able to afford to attend St. A’s, I just don’t come from some of the top private schools in the country as other Americans attending St. A’s, so I wanted to know if the social experience would be worse for me than for those students.</p>
<p>If you want to be a doctor in the US, the most sensible route is to train there too.</p>
<p><em>sigh</em> St. A’s is a great school that I’d love to go to but yes, I guess it’s better to elect a school in the States . Thanks again. </p>
<p>There are a fair # of US students at St Andrews for Med School. You spend 3 years at St Andrews and then 3 years at a teaching hospital elsewhere in the UK (Edinburgh, Manchester, etc)as part of the program. It is my understanding that it is not harder to get into than a six year program in the states (which are exceedingly hard to get into). The challenge is getting back to the states for residency. Yes-you need to be a great test taker to get into any Medical School. There is a special test you need to arrange to take. You should have AP Calc, Bio and Chem with “5’s” but if you are not at that level, Med school way not be the best option for you in the US or UK. Although some of the Americans are well to do and it is a popular choice amongst the Prep school kids (often because it is better known), you don’t need to hang out with them. 70% are UK residents and the Scots pay nothing so many are from families that could not afford tuition. If you live in a major city, the admissions people will likely visit your city. Check with them.</p>
<p>I’m a Canadian student at St Andrews for med school. It is possible OP to get in, its about as difficult as getting into a 7 year BS/MD program in the US. However, you need to write the UKCAT and the deadline for application is Oct 15. </p>
<p>wcrcmom is right. If you want to go back to the US for residency it is tough you will need to write the USMLE independently and it will be more difficult to get residency than if you graduated from a US medical school. However, its doable. </p>
<p>It is also true that if you do study medicine in the UK you can get a visa to stay and train in the UK. However if you do your residency in the UK you won’t be able to come back to the US without redoing residency. </p>
<p>Its a lot to think about. Good luck. </p>
<p>I also will be applying to St. A’s, does anyone know how much financial aid or scholarships are available for US students? </p>
<p>@tenrose there’s basically none. They won’t give out much because they expect international students to pay as they use international tuition to make the school better since home students basically pay nothing. The cost as estimated on St. A’s site for international students is around $52,000 per year (all expenses included) and multiply that by 4 for your degree. That being said, it is cheaper than the ivies but you may have a higher chance of financial aid at an ivy (check the financial aid calculators).</p>