Xavier University Aruba: Programs and Admission Requirements

Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM) offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for careers in medicine and nursing, with a focus on providing a comprehensive and supportive educational environment. The university employs a holistic approach to admissions, considering a wide range of factors beyond just academic metrics.

Medical Program Overview

XUSOM's medical program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of medicine. The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in basic sciences, followed by clinical training and preparation for residency.

Pre-Medical Program

For students who are certain about their desire to pursue a medical career, XUSOM offers a 5½ year program. The initial four semesters are dedicated to pre-medical studies. Typical high school graduates who complete the 5½ year program are fully prepared to enter residency before the age of 23.

Pre-Clinical Program

The pre-clinical program consists of twenty months of bio-medical sciences courses. These courses are combined with a Clinical Board Series that utilizes patient and physician educators.

Clinical Training

Third-year students rotate through clerkships in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics, and Gynecology. This hands-on experience allows students to become directly involved in patient management.

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USMLE Step 1 Preparation

XUSOM offers a unique semester to prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 Exam and facilitate a smooth transition into clinical medicine in the United States.

Residency Preparation

After completing the coursework and clinical training, students are prepared to enter any residency program in the United States.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Xavier University Aruba also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The BSN program complements the medical school and addresses the demand for well-trained nurses. The BSN program integrates a minimum of 58 semester hours of liberal arts educational programming that includes natural sciences, mathematics, communications, socio-behavioral science and humanities.

Pre-Med Program

The Pre-Med program consists of one year (three semesters) of English, followed by two semesters of core classes, and four semesters of concentration classes. Students have the option of testing out of the third semester of English and advancing straight to their first core semester. Year 1 will be the same for all majors. Students may test out of advanced English by taking the TOEFL after semester 2.

Admission Requirements and Process

Applying to medical school can be an exciting and stressful time. Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba aims to alleviate concerns by providing a streamlined admissions process. XUSOM accepts applications on a rolling basis for three intake periods throughout the year-January, May and September. The university does not require an application fee.

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Holistic Review

XUSOM employs a holistic approach to selecting medical students. This approach considers an applicant’s experiences, attributes, and academic metrics.

General Criteria

XUSOM considers applicants who meet academic and nonacademic criteria and demonstrate the ability to perform the required skills, with or without accommodations, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. The Admission Committee requires that all students possess the intellectual, physical, and emotional capabilities necessary to complete the curriculum independently and achieve the required levels of competence.

XUSOM aims to educate a diverse group of medical students. This includes qualified students who have impairments, functional limitations, or disabilities. The medical school seeks candidates who will be best able to serve society's needs.

Application Process

Complete the application: The admissions application can be found at the XUSOM Office of Admissions or on the Web Site.
Upload supporting documents: Additional supporting documents should be uploaded to the applicant's profile.
Schedule an admissions interview: The next step is to schedule the admissions interview.
Attend the admissions interview: A faculty member will discuss the applicant's academic history and review their transcript.

Applicants are encouraged to take the MCAT examination, but it is not required. Once the application is complete, it is referred to the Admissions Committee. Committee evaluation includes overall academic performance measured by cumulative GPA, science GPA, shadowing or volunteer experience in a medical facility, results of an in-person or telephone interview, and an overall assessment of readiness and ability to undertake a medical education.

Applicants will receive an admissions decision within one-to-two weeks after the interview.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should tell the applicant's story, including any challenges faced. It should provide insight into who the applicant is. Applicants should be honest and genuine, providing specific details about experiences that changed their perspective on medicine, mentors that inspired them, or obstacles that changed their educational pursuits. Applicants should proofread and revise their personal statements.

Admissions Exceptions

Xavier University has a program for providing exceptions to its usual admissions requirements. Highly motivated students who do not meet the traditional admissions criteria are interviewed in-depth by the admissions committee. If chosen for admission, they are monitored beginning from the start of the first semester and may be given assistance in terms of tutoring or a decreased course load. Once the Pre-Med application is complete, it is referred to the Admissions Committee. Committee evaluation includes overall academic performance, shadowing or volunteer experience in a medical facility, results of an in-person or telephone interview, and an overall assessment of readiness and ability to undertake an accelerated medical education.

Additional Information

Xavier University School of Medicine is located in Aruba. Those who have specific questions can schedule a 1:1 Zoom meeting with the Director of Admissions.

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