Ponce, PR
Allopathic Medical Schools | Private For-Profit
Application Cycle: 2009-10
⭐ Overall Impressions
How did the interview impress you?
Positively 🙂
What was the stress level of the interview?
2 out of 10
0 = Low Stress, 10 = High Stress
How you think you did?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
6 out of 10
0 = Below, 10 = Above
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
6 out of 10
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What are your general comments?
Ponce performs better than the rest of the island schools in the USMLE Step 1. The school really emphasizes on integrating the knowledge taught to you so each month a medical case is presented for students to analyze with their current knowledge. It is a beautiful island with many things to do if you are willing to take the 1 hour drive to San Juan. All the beaches are nice and the mountains are amazing. Ponce is in the driest place in the island so the heat, although it's really hot, won't suffocate you. You have to be carefuly where to go, however, because crime rates aren't dropping anytime soon. Also, you will need your own transportation, either a second hand car, a bike, or a new car. Ponce does not have public transportation. Thank Ford and another american car manufacturer for that (they bought out the stocks of the railroad being constructed in the island many years ago).
💬 Interview Process
How did you prepare for the interview?
SDN, AMCAS, wiki
What impressed you positively?
Location offers a very laid-back environment for you to concentrate on studies. The island offers a wide range of activities, however, for those who love and embrace new cultures. Small class size offers a very cooperative/supportive environment instead of a competitive one.
What impressed you negatively?
Facilities were small and not state of the art compared to other medical schools. However, this is an LCME accredited school, so you learn the same things. It's the residency that matters, so do well in your board examinations.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
No tour was going to be given, so you have to ask around (cafeteria, how to take taxis, etc) Also, there are flights that arrive to Ponce (Airport Mercedita) directly so you have to research/plan your trip accordingly. There's that saying that goes: Preguntando se llega a Roma.
🤝 Campus and Facilities
How do you rank the facilities?
6 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this school's location?
6 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
10 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
7 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Give a tour of the facility!
📍 Travel and Logistics
What is your in-state status?
Out of state
What were your total hours spent traveling?
2-3 hours
What was your primary mode of travel?
Airplane
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
$501+
What airport did you fly into?
PSE
Where did you stay?
With students at the school
How would you rate the hotel?
10 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
yes
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