The decision to transfer to a different medical school can be a difficult one. After all, you worked hard to get to where you are now. The good news is that transferring to Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba isn’t just possible, but it could be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

This month, we explore the reasons why students choose to transfer to different medical schools, and the process to help them find the place that’s best suited for them as they pursue their degrees. Could Xavier be the right choice for you? Let’s find out.

Why medical students transfer

There are many reasons why students choose to transfer to a different medical school, like Xavier. As much as they researched the best possible schools to pursue their education, some students discover—after the fact—that the one they’re attending just isn’t the right fit for them and they aren’t receiving the personalized attention they need and deserve. Here are some top reasons why Xavier meets those needs:

  • Cost—We already know attending medical school is expensive. But did you know attending Xavier can save you thousands in tuition in comparison to other Caribbean medical schools? We offer affordability and a variety of flexible scholarships and financial aid programs to put the possibility of earning a medical degree within reach of every student.
  • Smaller class size—Medical students thrive on more personalized attention. Xavier’s 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides students with a more intimate classroom experience, which allows for more opportunities to contribute to class discussions, absorb more material, and work hands-on with faculty.
  • Faculty and staff who will work with you—we know how busy you are, and transferring can be a time-consuming process, but our staff is willing to work with you, on your time, to answer all your questions and help you through every step of the process. That’s what makes us so unique.
  • Safer environment—Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. This is an important factor for students and parents who are—for the most part—far from home. Xavier’s residential and academic campus is fully equipped with security staff and cameras at every turn to keep its community safe around the clock. And can we talk about the weather? Not only is the weather in Aruba virtually perfect all year round, but the island lies south of the hurricane belt so any chances of being impacted are low.

Need more reasons to transfer to Xavier? Check out our blog, “Why Choose Xavier Over Other Medical Schools.”

What to look for in a medical school when transferring

There are some key points which medical school transfer students need to check off their lists to ensure the new school will be worth the switch. Some of these factors include:

  • Accreditation—Xavier earned reaccreditation by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) through December 31, 2028. Read more about our accreditations here.
  • High pass rate on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)—Xavier has a 95 percent first-time USMLE Step One pass rate (as of 7/1/21).
  • Residency matches—The journey to becoming a doctor is all about landing a great residency. At Xavier, our graduates have obtained Accreditation Counsel for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency appointments in just about every medical specialty and subspecialty at world-renowned teaching hospitals and leading medical centers across the U.S. and Canada. Read our blog which features Xavier alumnus, Dr. Abdo Aboud, on how Xavier helps its students obtain residencies. Want to learn more about “Match Day” and the residency process? Check out our blog, “What is Match Day? Breaking Down the Residency Match Process.”
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion—Part of a student’s success is based on whether he or she feels welcome and included in the campus community. Xavier welcomes students from all walks of life, spanning from countries across the globe. Read about Xavier student Michelle Mawere and why she chose Xavier to begin her journey to pursuing her passion to become a doctor.

How to apply to Xavier

We’ve streamlined the application process to be as seamless as possible for Caribbean transfer medical students who wish to attend Xavier.

Here is the application process:

  • Complete the standard application form.
  • Submit the unofficial transcripts of previous medical school, as well as the results of standardized exams.

Learn more about the policy on transferring to Xavier here.

Are you considering transferring to a different Caribbean medical school? Xavier is the answer to fulfilling your journey to becoming a doctor. Apply today!