Entry Options
Entry into Clinical Training (Year 3)
Students who are in the process of completing or have completed their pre-clinical coursework at another medical school and who are either eligible to take or have passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE Step 1) can be considered for transfer into the beginning of SGU Year 3: Clinical Training.
Students must be in the process of completing or have successfully completed all pre-clinical coursework at an accredited medical school within a four-year curriculum.
Successful passing of USMLE Step 1 may occur before or after acceptance into SGU as a transfer student but must occur prior to matriculation into SGU Year 3. Start dates into SGU Year 3: Clinical Training are rolling and occur at six-week intervals throughout the year.
Passing is defined as receiving a passing score on the first attempt. If a student failed the USMLE on any previous attempts, they are not eligible for admission.
All SGU students, including applicants accepted for transfer into Year 3, are required to complete 80 weeks of clinical studies comprised of forty-two weeks of core rotations, 12-14 weeks of additional required rotations and 22-24 weeks of electives. SGU students complete clinical training at SGU-affiliated hospitals and clinics across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Grenada. Core clinical rotations include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Psychiatry and Family Medicine.
Students who complete all academic requirements in Year 3 and 4 will be eligible to receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from St. George’s University.
Entry into Basic Sciences (Year 1)
Students who have completed a small portion of their pre-clinical (Basic Sciences) coursework at another medical school and who have not yet passed the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE Step 1) are eligible to be considered for transfer into SGU’s Basic Sciences Term 1.
Advanced standing is not granted for entry to Term 1, and no credit is awarded for prior coursework taken at another medical school.
Students who are accepted will be enrolled in Term 1 and will need to complete the full Basic Sciences curriculum and all other academic requirements.
How to Apply to SGU as a Transfer Student
STEP 1: Complete the Request for Transfer form on this page.
STEP 2: Complete an SGU application
STEP 3: Submit your supporting documents
- Official transcripts from each College/University and or professional school that you have attended
- Two letters of recommendation or 1 Health Committee Letter of Recommendation
- Dean’s letter from current medical school
- Official USMLE transcript with Step 1 scores** (if available at time of application; otherwise admission offer may be contingent on eventual passage of USMLE Step 1)
- Official Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) Scores* (if taken prior to admission to medical school)
*Who needs to submit an MCAT score?
US applicants must submit a Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) score as part of their application.
Canadian applicants are not required to submit an MCAT score unless an MCAT exam has been previously taken or you have a date to take the MCAT.
Applicants from outside North America are not required to submit an MCAT.
** Transfer students are required to pass the USMLE Step 1 exam on their first attempt. If a student has failed the USMLE during any previous attempts, they are not eligible for admission.
State Licensure Information
Students who successfully graduate from SGU’s medical program and seek to complete post-graduate medical education or obtain a permanent license to practice as a physician in the United States must satisfy the minimum requirements of the state in which they seek to practice at the time they apply. Such requirements include minimum requirements that relate to your medical education program, among others. If you have questions regarding state licensure, you should ask your admissions counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SGU accept transfers?
Yes. SGU considers applications from students seeking transfer from another medical school into our Four-Year Doctor of Medicine program. Students are considered for entry into Year 3 (Clinical Training) or Year 1 (Basic Sciences).
Are there specific times in the program that I can enter SGU?
Yes. Transfers can enter SGU Year 1 (Basic Sciences) or at the beginning of Year 3 (Clinical Training).
Applicants will be considered for admission into Year 3 if they have successfully completed all pre-clinical coursework at another medical school that is accredited by an agency recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Students wishing to transfer into Year 3 must be preparing for or have already passed the USMLE Step 1 exam. Admissions are rolling and there are multiple start dates for the Year 3 students throughout the year.
Advanced standing is not granted for entry to Term 1, and no credit is awarded for any coursework taken at another medical school. Students who are accepted will be enrolled in Term 1 and will need to complete the full Basic Sciences curriculum and all other academic requirements.
Can I be considered for a provisional acceptance pending my USMLE Step 1 results?
Yes. If you haven’t yet taken your USMLE Step 1, you may still be eligible for transfer to SGU Year 3 via a provisional admission offer. Successful passing* of USMLE Step 1 may occur before or after acceptance into SGU as a transfer student but must occur prior to matriculation into Year 3. Contact us at Admissions@sgu.edu for more information.
*Passing is defined as receiving a passing score on the first attempt. If a student failed the USMLE during any previous attempt, they are not eligible for admission.
Does SGU accept transfers for all start dates?
Yes. SGU offers you the flexibility to begin Year 1 (Basic Sciences) medical training in August, January, or April. Students may begin Clinical Training at eight (8) different points in the year. We operate on a rolling admission cycle, which means our committee on admissions—the Faculty Student Selection Committee—reviews transfer applications and makes admissions decisions throughout the year.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Although there are no absolute application deadlines, we encourage students to submit their application as early as possible to be considered for the next term or clinical start point.
What are the requirements for transfer students?
Transfer applicants into the third-year clinical program must have successfully completed or be in the process of completing all pre-clinical coursework at an accredited medical school with a four-year curriculum. The accreditor of the medical school must be recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Transfer students must be in good academic standing (with no failures or repeated courses, no academic or behavior-related discipline) at current medical school or any medical school previously attended. Transfer applicants are reviewed in the same manner by our Admissions Committee as other applicants to SGU. Please see the admissions webpage.
Is Financial Aid available for Transfer Students at SGU?
For eligible US citizens and permanent residents, US federal student loans may be available. In addition, other loan programs may be available depending on the student situation. SGU Scholarship funds may also be available for transfer students. See link to Financial Aid webpage.
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