American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) offers three start dates—September, January, and May. Ultimately, exactly when you choose to begin your medical school journey is up to you, but know that you may get added strategic value out of enrolling right now for our January 2024 class.
“January is an ideal time to start medical school,” says Pedro L. Delgado, MD, dean of AUC. “It’s an eight- to nine-month head start over students who begin later in the fall.”
Why wait? Get started on your application for AUC’s January 2024 class.
Is it time for you to begin your journey toward becoming a physician? To help you make an informed decision, we sat down with Dr. Delgado for a quick Q&A to dive deeper into the benefits of a January start at AUC.
Q: What are classes like for students who start in January?
Dr. Delgado: Expect smaller incoming classes than the traditional AUC fall start — something I see as a great benefit for students. They may have the opportunity to get more individualized attention from professors, and more intimate classes foster closer relationships with peers. That’s especially important for a school like AUC, where we emphasize collaboration and camaraderie among our learners — we think students with these experiences adjust better to real-world professional medicine. In addition, with less students and small incoming classes, there may be more opportunities for leadership positions within the class.
Q: Will a January start affect study time for important exams, like the USMLE?
A: It will, but in a good way. Students who start in January and proceed through the program on schedule may have more flexibility and time to study for Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®). Similarly, January students may have more time to schedule clinical electives. Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the AUC medical and clinical sciences curriculum without failing or repeating any course and pass applicable USMLE Step exams.
Q: What about residency? If I enroll at AUC for January 2024, will that delay my match?
Dr. Delgado: January students, if they proceed through the program on time, may be eligible to enter the match at the same time as May 2024 or September 2024 students — this year, that will be 2028. The key benefit here of a January start is that you could finish academic study and clinical rotations earlier than traditional September students, freeing you up to schedule residency interviews without having to think about the next lecture or exam.
Q: Is there anything else I should consider about a January start at AUC?
Dr. Delgado: In general, you could have more opportunities, flexibility, and options. For example, if you stay on time with your studies, you’ll be back home in September through December of your second year, enjoying time with family and friends while you’re studying for the USMLE Step 1. Additionally, if you graduate in October 2027 after completing the Clinical Sciences curriculum, you’ll have a nice break to work, reconnect with family, and prepare for your training before July, when most residency programs begin.
Q: Any parting words or thoughts?
Dr. Delgado: If you’re not fond of chilly winter months, you’ll love January in sunny Sint Maarten.
