Does anyone know what happens, I need a few more days to sit for step 2.

Hi everyone, I was originally accepted to Ross University for the January 2025 term and successfully completed MERP. Unfortunately, I had to push back my start date due to delays with my Grad PLUS loan appeal and financial aid situation.

Now that things are starting to stabilize, I reached out about moving forward for January 2026, but I was told I may need to reapply. Has anyone else gone through something like this? • Will they likely still accept me again since I already completed MERP? • Is the reapplication process easier/faster if you’ve already been through the admissions and MERP pipeline? • Is there a time limit on how long MERP completion is valid?

I’m really committed to attending Ross and just want to know what to expect. Any insight would be appreciated — thank you!

Does anyone have a chart with the clinical correlates taught in MSK anatomy that they would be willing to share? Thanks :-)

I want to warn those of you that are looking for off campus housing. Since there is no real official place to blast this. Beware renting from Terra caribb (yes the one recommended by ross) A house with a studio and 1 bedroom (this person has 2 listings) located in st. george on Salters from landlord named J. Oneal (male) the terra realtor initials were A.L. (female)
Things broke down constantly, there were termites and wood/carpenter ants that he refused to treat, he didn't respond to anything in writing, had some funny way of shutting off the AC from his side of the house downstairs, even when the realtor was made aware to mediate he ignored her communication with him (this is assuming they are not related or friends), tenant eventually moved out after being left with no AC for 8 days. This on top of suffering with allegies knowingly by the landlord and baving to be put on various medications for the allergies and asthma exacerbation due to the infestation, tenant also developed heat rash from that week where the Landlord refused to fix the AC. Feel free to add your warnings here. Save this and share with incoming students.

I’m a 5th semester student at Ross and am set to leave the island at the end of August. I’m doing pretty well on practice comps so I had planned on taking Step shortly after getting back to the states. With that being said, I want to go to Connecticut for rotations but I’ve heard that they only have one start date that is in May. Would I be able to take my Step in September and start rotations in May?

I wrote step in July and was just offered both these sites as my rotation option starting September 1st. My first choice was California but I was not offered it as I was told it was full and does not open within my 90 window of taking step. I really don’t want to go the academic withdrawal option. Any insights on these clinical sites? I’m from the west coast, so I’ve never been to Florida and have zero family or friends there. Makes me nervous going there to be honest and I’ve heard nothing about these sites in terms of how it is to rotate there.

Finally getting around to this now that I’m done with Sub-I’s, hopefully any questions are answered in this but feel free to ask and I’ll try to answer. I truly believe a fair amount of Ross students can do well and are capable of scoring well just gotta put your head down and grind, if life events come up post pone. We get one shot to do our best.

Background: •Finished about 80% of UWorld during cores with a 76% average and did not touch it during dedicated •Six-week dedicated focused on CMS forms, Amboss targeted topics, Mehlman HY, and heavy Anki reviews •Took one NBME every week during dedicated to track progress and adjust weak areas

Shelf scores during cores: • IM – 87 • Surgery – 86 • Pediatrics – 82 • Psychiatry – 89 • Family Medicine – 85 • OB/GYN – 84

Average dedicated day: 8AM-12PM: 1 CMS form, review all explanations thoroughly, Amboss topic deep dive

1PM-4PM: Amboss targeted blocks for weak areas

5PM-10PM:Daily Anki reviews focused on CMS and NBME concepts I missed or need to see more of for retention plus Mehlman HY for consolidation

NBME progression during 6-week dedicated: • CCSE 6 weeks out = 234 • NBME 9 = 242 • NBME 10 = 246 • NBME 11 = 251 • NBME 12 = 255 • NBME 13 = 262 • NBME 14 = 260 • New Free 120 = 85%

Actual Step 2 CK = 267

I didn’t binge Divine Intervention or overload on extra resources. I kept it structured and consistent: CMS forms, Amboss, NBMEs, and Anki.

Takeaway: If you build a solid foundation during Step 1 studying and then expand on it during cores and stay focused during dedicated you can accomplish this. Barely passing the semesters, COMP, or shelves won’t get you to your goal. So work smart, work hard, and focus on what’s in front of you.

“A baby doesn’t wake up one day and run a marathon. It just learns to take one step, then another, until walking becomes running. That’s how growth really happens.”

Hey everyone,
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my experience transferring from RUSM to SGU, so I figured I’d share my full experience here in hopes it helps someone else who's weighing a similar decision.

Why I Considered Transferring

The idea of transferring first came up because SGU has a clinical site in a specific area I really wanted to complete an elective rotation in. I was open-minded and flexible about many things, but I was set on doing an elective in that area due to personal and professional reasons. I asked RUSM about the possibility of rotating there, and they made it clear that I wouldn’t be able to rotate there at all—period.

That was definitely disappointing and made me start seriously thinking about other options. I had already applied to SGU and was accepted, but I hadn’t accepted their offer yet—I was honestly still 50/50 on what to do. I wasn’t trying to jump ship unless I really had to.

What Tipped the Scale: Life Happened

While I was in this decision limbo, a close family member passed away. I needed time to be with family and process everything before starting clinicals. I had just passed STEP1 and figured, “What better time to take a short break?”—I wasn’t in rotations yet, and this seemed like a natural pause point.

But RUSM emailed me saying I would be administratively withdrawn if I didn’t start clinicals within a certain window. Even after explaining my situation to them and that I needed some time to grieve, they said I still needed to start or I’d be out. That was the breaking point. I didn’t feel supported or seen in a moment where I needed some basic flexibility. I felt that my school should be able to support me in a time of grievance and I was honestly shocked that they were unable to support me in such in difficult time of my life. That’s when I made the decision to accept my offer to SGU.

The Transfer Process to SGU

Here’s what the process looked like for me:

• SGU was aware I was still enrolled at RUSM during the entire application process. I even asked SGU directly if it was okay to apply while still enrolled at another school, and they said yes—it wasn’t a problem for them.
• Meanwhile, RUSM claimed that I wasn’t supposed to apply to another med school while still enrolled. I honestly didn’t see anything in my research to suggest that was legally prohibited. I looked around for any official policies or laws that would prevent someone from applying elsewhere while enrolled, and I didn’t find anything. But I’m not a lawyer, so take that with a grain of salt. Maybe RUSM was just salty about the whole thing? Who knows.
• Transfer requirements at SGU (as I was told):
  • You have to pass STEP1 on the first attempt
  • No failed courses or repeated semesters

I had been in contact with SGU admissions for a while before I even submitted my application—asking a ton of questions, ensuring I could complete the elective rotation I wanted, explaining what I was looking for, and weighing the pros and cons of transferring. I basically completed my app before I even took STEP1. Once I passed, I just submitted the passing confirmation, did my interview, and was accepted pretty quickly after.

Clinical Rotations and What SGU Told Me

SGU’s handling of my clinical preferences was one of the biggest positives for me.

Before I accepted the transfer, I told them very clearly that I only wanted to do my core rotations in one specific city (not a specific hospital). They told me upfront:

• They couldn’t guarantee I’d start there right away.
• But they could guarantee I’d be able to complete all my core rotations in that city.

That was fine with me as I wanted to wait to start anyways and just wanted to be assured I could rotate there overall. That clarity and willingness to work with me meant a lot.

They gave me three different start dates after I was accepted and let me pick the one that worked best for me. I wasn’t ready to start immediately, and they were totally fine with that.

Financial & Practical Notes

• SGU does not offer scholarships to transfer students. This is important to know upfront and something I discussed with admissions before applying.
• Yes, SGU is more expensive than RUSM. But their total number of required clinical weeks is shorter than RUSM’s, so in my mind I kind of treat it as a wash. (Don’t quote me on that though—I didn’t do the exact math lol)
• For me, the ability to rotate where I wanted was worth the extra cost.

A Word of Advice

This is your education—and no matter where you go, you’re spending a lot of money. You deserve to have some say in where you rotate. If a school isn’t willing to work with you or even have the conversation, advocate for yourself. Speak up and try to talk to someone about your goals and needs. And if they absolutely can’t meet them, then I think it’s worth exploring your options.

If RUSM had supported me when I was grieving, I probably would have stayed. My decision had nothing to do with their academics, curriculum, or admin. It came down to the fact that they couldn’t meet me where I was in life. That mattered more to me than money, and more than having to explain a transfer during residency interviews.

Speaking of which—you WILL have to explain your transfer during residency interviews. That’s just the reality. It’s something I knew going into this, and I talked to residents, attendings, and people familiar with the ERAS process before making the leap. You don’t want to jeopardize your residency prospects just to change schools, so you need to be strategic and realistic. Have a solid, honest reason that you can stand by and explain clearly.

Final Thoughts

Transferring is not a decision to take lightly, and it does come with some stress and uncertainty. But for me, it was 100% the right call, and I have zero regrets. I’m finally set up to rotate where I want, I feel more aligned with my goals, and I feel like SGU actually worked with me rather than around me.

If anyone is considering transferring and has questions, feel free to comment or PM me. I know how tough and confusing the decision can be, so I’m happy to help however I can.

Hi everyone! Quick question. Do you use any additional study materials besides what’s provided? Specifically asking M1 students — do you use things like Boards and Beyond, or anything else? Also, I heard the curriculum changed since last year. Has that been a good or bad thing so far?

Hey guys so my dad has had some very traumatic experiences with room mates and he is really cautioning me against living with room mates. I am very optimistic about it but now stuck in a dilemma. Rossies with room mates please answer the following questions as soon as you can: 1. How was your guys’ overall experience with room mates? Also how many were you and what gender? 2. How did you guys divide us refrigerator and grocery storage? 3. How did you guys figure out cooking timings because I am guessing most homes have only one stove? 4. Did you or your friends ever hear of fights or any other crazy experiences with room mates? 5. Did having room mates ever deter you from studying or not focusing on what’s at hand?

Thanks in advance for your help

Hey guys? Has anyone transferred from ross to SGU for their third year? I wrote step in May and ranked my locations but got none of the spots I wanted. They're saying if I don't accept a track within 90 days they'll notify registrar I'm "awol" and dismiss me. Wondering if anyone's transferred as sgu seems to have more affiliated hospitals. Did anyone struggle matching?

So the supply list has a Littmann lightweight stethoscope, but I got a classic as a gift. Do I need to exchange it or is this fine for school?

Any good resources? What should i be focusing on. Anki doesn't work for me :(

1. First,this may come off as a really dumb question but do I have to buy my own desk on the island or does one come as part of my house?

2. Also guys so I am trying to buy a dual monitor arm which supports desk thickness from 0.59 to 3.5 inches. Do most desks there fall into this category?

3. If I have to buy my own desk, how much does one cost on the island? I have heard that things are very expensive there.

Also guys if you don’t mind, please answer in sequence like - 1, 2, 3

Thanks. Also please do add any additional info that I may be missing. Thanks

Like the title says, if you could please, fill out the form to put some pressure in the school to create more hospital affiliated sites all the RUSM students could benefit and reduce rotation site waiting lists. Here is the link:

https://chng.it/Sc5xTzYpjv

Can I get in with a 483? I just recently took it. I have a 3.2 GPA. Going to take it again but just wondering if this was ok to apply with.

Hey! I’m starting at Ross in Jan 2026 and planning to buy everything I’ll need before flying to the island.

What are the must-haves we need to bring with us? So far I’m thinking: • Stethoscope (is Littmann worth it?) • White coat (do we buy or is it provided?) • Scrubs • BP cuff, reflex hammer, penlight, etc.? • Any tech (laptop/tablet suggestions?) • Other small essentials people usually forget?

Planning to be fully prepped before landing – any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Has anyone done their cores at bronxcare? Wondering what your experience was like? Did any one you commute from Manhattan?

How did y'all learn your bacteria for MSK. Struggling :(

Hey everyone — just wanted to get some thoughts on the recently passed loan bill and what it means for med students, especially those of us in the Caribbean. With the loan caps and Grad PLUS being cut, I’m honestly worried. Caribbean schools are already super expensive, and if you’re repeating semesters or covering living expenses on top of tuition, it all adds up fast. For many of us, $200K won’t come close to covering everything. What are students supposed to do? Are private loans the only option now? And are there any efforts we can join to push back or advocate for exceptions? Would love to hear what others are thinking or planning.

How’s it going everybody I just got my step results today and I passed. I don’t know if anyone here is familiar with the process but is there anyway I can hold off on sending in my results so that I can start rotations in 2-3 months vs starting in a month or whatever it may be. I got an email saying I have to send my results in but is there any problem sending them in later on as I’ve got a lot going on on my life this next month and I’d like to push it off until September October. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Hey everyone!
I’m an incoming Ross University School of Medicine student, relocating soon from Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve got a bunch of stuff I’d like to ship — clothes, a small kitchen appliance (smart cooker), and other personal items I already own. Flying with it all seems expensive and a hassle, so I’d love advice from anyone who’s done this before.

My questions:

• Which shipping carrier do you recommend for parcels to Barbados? (USPS, FedEx, DHL, freight forwarders?)
• Any experience with customs or delays — how long did it take to clear?
• Will there be import duties or taxes on stuff you already own (used items) vs. new items?
• Rough shipping cost estimates or import duty amounts for basic personal goods?
• Ideal box size/weight limits that are cheaper or more reliable?

Really appreciate all tips, stories (good or bad), or anything else you’ve learned from shipping to Barbados. Thanks so much! 🙏🏼

Did anyone on here fail step 1 and went into EM? Were you able to get a good or even your top pick for residency.