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Choosing Between Universities and Offers

Crow

Staff | Junior Doctor
Moderator
Trying to decide between JCU med and Griffith provisional entry medicine for top preference. I received an atar of 99.90. I currently have Griffith GC as no. 1. I have interviewed for JCU and I am also a regional student, however will have to move for uni no matter where I go. I have been reading all the posts and still am undecided. Is it better to take the direct entry into med? If I put JCU as number 1 and don’t get a place, will I still get an offer for Griffith? Thanks for any advice 😊
Personally I’d do this: have JCU first and wait until place offers come out. If you get a bonded position at JCU, switch the preferences and put Griffith first. You’d be in with an almost certain shot at a second round Griffith offer if they do them given your ATAR.

Personally I think JCU’s program is excellent and if I were a school-leaver applicant it would be my top preference in the country, particularly over provisional entry programs like Griffith, but it’s really up to the individual and what they’d prefer at the end of the day.
 

Gopro1

Member
Thanks for the advice 😀 just to clarify, you would accept the JCU offer conditionally if bonded and then hope for a second round offer?
 

Crow

Staff | Junior Doctor
Moderator
Thanks for the advice 😀 just to clarify, you would accept the JCU offer conditionally if bonded and then hope for a second round offer?
Correct :) You could also hope for an upgrade to a CSP from JCU while awaiting the Griffith second round offers as well (they’re rare, but I would hold off on enrolling at JCU until the latest possible time just in case you get upgraded). It could be worth contacting Griffith to check if they’re planning on participating in second round offers this year for some extra security too.
 

DrDrLMG!

Resident Medical Officer
Administrator
Just a reminder to please use the following format to ask questions in this thread:


Home state:
Offer 1:
(including offer type, ie. CSP/BMP)
Offer 2: (including offer type, ie. CSP/BMP)
(Offer 3, 4 as necessary.)
Any scholarships offered:
Any accommodation secured:
(family, Uni, Private)
Internship location preference:
Other important information: (ie. keen on integrated research component, keen on tropical Med placements, etc)
 
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D

Deleted member 42871

Guest
Hi,

Lots happening. I am trying to weigh my options after getting rejected from UNSW. I got two offers so far

1) Melbourne Chancellor Scholarship MD program

2) Newcastle Bonded Offer


3) usyd round 2 interview on 18th,

I am from sydney so prefer usyd if I get it there. If I dont get usyd then have to choose between twos

I am bit scared of Mel Uni MMI condition after provisional degree, If I don't get through these MMI everything will be collapsed, dont wana get into position where there is no way out.

On another hand, Newcastle bonded condition is also punching me. Could anyone help me to narrow down the option? Any current Mel Uni student can comment on MMI condition, is this really going to be challenged or just a formality.

I am also waiting on Flinder, JCU, UoQ though.

Thanks in advance.
 

Caffeine

Regular Member
Hi,

Lots happening. I am trying to weigh my options after getting rejected from UNSW. I got two offers so far

1) Melbourne Chancellor Scholarship MD program

2) Newcastle Bonded Offer


3) usyd round 2 interview on 18th,

I am from sydney so prefer usyd if I get it there. If I dont get usyd then have to choose between twos

I am bit scared of Mel Uni MMI condition after provisional degree, If I don't get through these MMI everything will be collapsed, dont wana get into position where there is no way out.

On another hand, Newcastle bonded condition is also punching me. Could anyone help me to narrow down the option? Any current Mel Uni student can comment on MMI condition, is this really going to be challenged or just a formality.

I am also waiting on Flinder, JCU, UoQ though.

Thanks in advance.

The MMI for Melbourne's Chancellor Scholars has different pass criteria compared to the standard MMI for graduate applicants for the MD program. I believe in Melbourne you have to have satisfactory performance at the MMI & pass it (Don't quote me on the exact terms) , which is different to a normal MMI where you have to come in the top X to get a spot. If Bonded is unsatisfactory then Melbourne is the obvious choice out of the two offers. Whilst it is a risk I think the majority of chancellors have passed the MMI since it has an easier pass criteria. You should weigh the bonded offer carefully as obviously it is a longer commitment of 3 years now & working rurally does not suit everyone, generally I would advise avoiding Bonded unless your prepared to work rurally.

In terms of the location if that matters , based on what I've been told both places are quite nice but Melbourne is generally more attractive to live in .The placements in the Melbourne MD I've been told are also quite goods. Newcastle was more of a hit & a miss. (These are opinions & vary based on personal experiences so take that as you will) . If I was in your position personally, I would choose Melbourne over Newcastle

(Obviously if you get another offer from the other places and it's not bonded I'd say choose that)
 

bigyikes

WSU MD II
Hi,

Lots happening. I am trying to weigh my options after getting rejected from UNSW. I got two offers so far

1) Melbourne Chancellor Scholarship MD program

2) Newcastle Bonded Offer


3) usyd round 2 interview on 18th,

I am from sydney so prefer usyd if I get it there. If I dont get usyd then have to choose between twos

I am bit scared of Mel Uni MMI condition after provisional degree, If I don't get through these MMI everything will be collapsed, dont wana get into position where there is no way out.

On another hand, Newcastle bonded condition is also punching me. Could anyone help me to narrow down the option? Any current Mel Uni student can comment on MMI condition, is this really going to be challenged or just a formality.

I am also waiting on Flinder, JCU, UoQ though.

Thanks in advance.
In my opinion for choosing between the two, I'd say go Newcastle all the way. Yes, Melbourne might have higher 'prestige' and undoubtedly Melbourne is probably a lot nicer to live in than Newcastle, but the fact is going to Newcastle means you will start medical school right away, whereas Melbourne you will not. Not only does the Chancellor's scholarship carry the risk that you might not (however low the possibility) be accepted into their MD program, but it carries a delay of 3 years while you complete your bachelor's. That's 2 years of missed potential income as a doctor, which can be a lot of money, despite the fact that Newcastle is bonded. Furthermore, Melbourne's MD is 4 years, with 1 year pre-clinical and the rest clinic (like USYD is now) and that 1 year I've heard can be hell - fitting all of the preclinical content into 1 year is nightmarish. Whereas Newcastle splits that preclinical content into 2 years while maintaining 3 years of clinical studies. What I'm trying to say is that you need to think long-term as well; in terms of income, in terms of studies, in terms of clinical skills going into internship (which will can potentially be much more improved with an additional year of med school under your belt). Also if you intend to complete internship in NSW and you go to Melbourne, you will be much lower ranked on the HETI system, and it is unlikely you'll be able to return for internship, whereas if you go Newcastle you will be guaranteed an internship spot in NSW.

Having said that, if you really are turned off by 3 years of rural work, then choose Melbourne. But if I were you, the benefits of staying in NSW for medschool far outweighs the 3 years of rural work.
 

Crow

Staff | Junior Doctor
Moderator
In reality, a bonded position means more than just "three years rural work". The minimum 18 months post-fellowship RoS requirement is a pretty big deal given its big potential to limit career opportunities as well as your life outside of medicine. It's definitely worth researching this in sufficient detail so that you understand the implications before selecting it over a CSP at another university.
 
D

Deleted member 42871

Guest
In my opinion for choosing between the two, I'd say go Newcastle all the way. Yes, Melbourne might have higher 'prestige' and undoubtedly Melbourne is probably a lot nicer to live in than Newcastle, but the fact is going to Newcastle means you will start medical school right away, whereas Melbourne you will not. Not only does the Chancellor's scholarship carry the risk that you might not (however low the possibility) be accepted into their MD program, but it carries a delay of 3 years while you complete your bachelor's. That's 2 years of missed potential income as a doctor, which can be a lot of money, despite the fact that Newcastle is bonded. Furthermore, Melbourne's MD is 4 years, with 1 year pre-clinical and the rest clinic (like USYD is now) and that 1 year I've heard can be hell - fitting all of the preclinical content into 1 year is nightmarish. Whereas Newcastle splits that preclinical content into 2 years while maintaining 3 years of clinical studies. What I'm trying to say is that you need to think long-term as well; in terms of income, in terms of studies, in terms of clinical skills going into internship (which will can potentially be much more improved with an additional year of med school under your belt). Also if you intend to complete internship in NSW and you go to Melbourne, you will be much lower ranked on the HETI system, and it is unlikely you'll be able to return for internship, whereas if you go Newcastle you will be guaranteed an internship spot in NSW.

Having said that, if you really are turned off by 3 years of rural work, then choose Melbourne. But if I were you, the benefits of staying in NSW for medschool far outweighs the 3 years of rural work.
Thanks heaps for the great feedback. In Melbourne, living cost would be also high. While studying at New Castle, I can visit to home on the weekends and even first year might be studying at home and on/off can visit Uni, living in the hills sydney doesn't take more than 2 hours.

Thanks again
 

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A1

Rookie Doc
Moderator
Having said that, if you really are turned off by 3 years of rural work

Dare I mention the taboo option in bonded?
(My view is if it exists for human rights reason then you are within your human rights to exercise it)
 
D

Deleted member 42871

Guest
Dare I mention the taboo option in bonded?
(My view is if it exists for human rights reason then you are within your human rights to exercise it)
Sorry didn't get this taboo thingy, could you please explain
 

garmonbozia

Membered Value
Valued Member
Sorry didn't get this taboo thingy, could you please explain
A1 is referring to the possibility of 'buying out' your rural service requirement by repaying the government the amount they subsidised your medical degree by. This is an option permitted by the terms of the BMP contract that you sign, but (in my understanding) it is a provision intended for people who cannot serve out their rural requirement due to extenuating circumstances, not for those who simply don't want to. Most people on here are of the view that taking a BMP spot with the intention of just paying your way out of the rural service requirement is unethical.
 
D

Deleted member 42871

Guest
A1 is referring to the possibility of 'buying out' your rural service requirement by repaying the government the amount they subsidised your medical degree by. This is an option permitted by the terms of the BMP contract that you sign, but (in my understanding) it is a provision intended for people who cannot serve out their rural requirement due to extenuating circumstances, not for those who simply don't want to. Most people on here are of the view that taking a BMP spot with the intention of just paying your way out of the rural service requirement is unethical.
Thanks to explain this and it makes sense
 

A1

Rookie Doc
Moderator
Sorry didn't get this taboo thingy, could you please explain
In the BMP contract the gov makes you sign before starting the med course there's an out-clause describing what happens if you renege on the bonded RoS (return of service). The BMP Act goes at length to mention it complies with human rights guidelines, so I think this out-clause exists to not violate the student/doctor's human rights (of freedom to choose where to work).

The penalty for not serving the RoS is you have to repay the gov subsidies for your med course, for a 5-year program it's about 90k-100k. A compromise is you serve half of the RoS, the 1.5 years before specialist training. Leave the 1.5 years after specialist training as flexible, if you find it would impede so much on your career progression then (I believe) you are within your human rights to opt out. And having served half the RoS I believe you'd only have to pay back half of the gov subsidies = 45k-50k.
 

AMED1201

Member
Hi everyone!
Home state: Northern Territory
Offer 1: UTAS (CSP)
Offer 2: Western Sydney University - Campbelltown (CSP)
Accomodation: would prefer to live on campus
Scholarships - none
Internship location preference: Not entirely sure as I haven't really been to either state

I'm absolutely ecstatic that I've received offers for medicine, but now, I have to choose which offer to accept. Both degrees are 5 years, unbonded + CSP, and quite far from home. I don't really know where I would prefer to intern post-degree as I haven't really been to either state. if any one could offer some insight on either university (such as social life, specialty career options etc.) that would be awesome! Thank You!
 

Crow

Staff | Junior Doctor
Moderator
Hi everyone!
Home state: Northern Territory
Offer 1: UTAS (CSP)
Offer 2: Western Sydney University - Campbelltown (CSP)
Accomodation: would prefer to live on campus
Scholarships - none
Internship location preference: Not entirely sure as I haven't really been to either state

I'm absolutely ecstatic that I've received offers for medicine, but now, I have to choose which offer to accept. Both degrees are 5 years, unbonded + CSP, and quite far from home. I don't really know where I would prefer to intern post-degree as I haven't really been to either state. if any one could offer some insight on either university (such as social life, specialty career options etc.) that would be awesome! Thank You!
I'd honestly be thinking UTAS here (*firstly because LMG! will be there but also) on the basis that it's less likely to be impacted by COVID than studies at WSU would. Congrats on the multiple offers!

*mod note: fixed that for you ;)

ETA: Removing that cost of living comment as I am apparently out of touch with reality hidden away in QLD!
 
Last edited:

bigyikes

WSU MD II
I'd honestly be thinking UTAS here on the basis that it's less likely to be impacted by COVID than studies at WSU would.... not to mention the cheaper cost of living. Congrats on the multiple offers!
Is this even true though? Isn't Hobart one of the most expensive cities in Australia, whereas Campbelltown is...far from it
 

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DrDrLMG!

Resident Medical Officer
Administrator
Is this even true though? Isn't Hobart one of the most expensive cities in Australia, whereas Campbelltown is...far from it

I was 100% going to comment on this, and it’s true that Hobart is the actual most expensive HOWEVER... those calculations are based on %age of income that goes to rent and are heavily impacted by the fact that our wages are quite low and unemployment/underemployment/disability/older age population is much higher. So for someone moving from interstate, especially if their parents are going to be funding/contributing to the cost of accomm based on mainland wages/income, it’s not necessarily that expensive, comparatively. That said, the OP is from the NT so I’m not sure how income converts. It could be quite similar.
 

Crow

Staff | Junior Doctor
Moderator
Isn't Hobart one of the most expensive cities in Australia
Is there data to support this? Everything I've seen has not indicated this at all so I am genuinely interested! I must have been living under a rock if that's a well accepted fact.....
 

DrDrLMG!

Resident Medical Officer
Administrator
Hi everyone!
Home state: Northern Territory
Offer 1: UTAS (CSP)
Offer 2: Western Sydney University - Campbelltown (CSP)
Accomodation: would prefer to live on campus
Scholarships - none
Internship location preference: Not entirely sure as I haven't really been to either state

I'm absolutely ecstatic that I've received offers for medicine, but now, I have to choose which offer to accept. Both degrees are 5 years, unbonded + CSP, and quite far from home. I don't really know where I would prefer to intern post-degree as I haven't really been to either state. if any one could offer some insight on either university (such as social life, specialty career options etc.) that would be awesome! Thank You!

UTas doesn’t have on-campus accommodation because the Med school is literally in the middle of the city (and right opposite the Royal Hobart Hospital). However, there are several mid-city Uni accommodation options within 5 minute walk to the campus. If you pop over to the UTas forum, there’s a page about the accommodation options. I’ve also been putting together a more general UTas guide and am happy to answer any other questions you (or your parents) might have.

That said, back when I was applying I also got a WSU offer and it was a very tempting one. I don’t think you could go wrong either way.

One thing I’d personally consider is how easy it will be to get home for a weekend visit. And as much as I hate to say it, it wouldn’t be a straightforward journey from Hobart. You’d spend a lot of your weekend sitting on a plane. So if you think you’d be keen to travel home regularly (Covid permitting), that’s something I’d factor in.
 

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