What are Pros/Cons of Applying for a Prospective Student?

valuemd (Admin)

Open discussion, prospective students, share the pros and cons you've found.

dokafor (Student)

The biggest pro is that it's a real path to an MD and a US residency. It's longer and more expensive than the traditional route but it's not a dead end. I'm matched and practicing. That wasn't supposed to be possible according to some people in my life.

scottk (Student)

Agree with dokafor (Student) on this. The biggest con is the cost. You'll likely graduate with more debt than a US MD grad and you'll enter the match at a disadvantage for competitive specialties. Be honest with yourself about whether the math works for your financial situation.

ronalda (Alumni)

Adding to dokafor (Student) point. One pro that doesn't get mentioned enough is the diversity of your classmates and the international clinical perspective you build. Some residency programs genuinely value that.

larry_brown (Student)

to what scottk (Student) said above. I'd add the attrition risk as a real con that gets undersold during admissions. Not everyone who starts finishes. That's not unique to AUA but it's real and you should go in knowing it.

rodriguezd (Student)

Do not apply just because you didn't get in anywhere else and you're panicking. That mindset makes the hard parts of the program unbearable. Apply because you've thought it through and you're ready to commit fully.

bettyd (Student)

Talk to actual recent graduates before you decide. Not admissions reps. Find people two or three years out and ask them directly what they'd do differently. Most are willing to be honest if you reach out.

lius (Alumni)

Adding to bettyd (Student) point. If you go in with realistic expectations about the road, the cost, and what it takes to match, AUA can absolutely work. It's worked for a lot of people. Just don't go in with a fantasy version of what the experience will be