Choosing Between Universities and Offers

[pi]

My GP told me that it is harder get into a "good" specialty in UNSW because it is very competitive, and it will be easier in QLD because everyone is more "relaxed" (I don't know what he meant by good speciality... Or what more relaxed means...)

Wouldn't put too much weight on that. When you graduate every specialty will be competitive everywhere.

The way I see it from your options, is that if you're keen to move out, why not? This is the optimal time - you'll have money to do it. If you're not keen to move out, you've got a great chance to stay at home as well. Keep in mind that you'll be working in the same state you graduate from for at least the first year out as a doctor as well.

In terms of quality of courses, probably not a huge difference. Perhaps UNSW is associated with some larger hospitals for clinical years, but that doesn't necessarily mean those are better clinical placements.

As with all big decisions, ask around broadly Let us know what you end up choosing!

 

[Sonya Lee]

Wouldn't put too much weight on that. When you graduate every specialty will be competitive everywhere.

The way I see it from your options, is that if you're keen to move out, why not? This is the optimal time - you'll have money to do it. If you're not keen to move out, you've got a great chance to stay at home as well. Keep in mind that you'll be working in the same state you graduate from for at least the first year out as a doctor as well.

In terms of quality of courses, probably not a huge difference. Perhaps UNSW is associated with some larger hospitals for clinical years, but that doesn't necessarily mean those are better clinical placements.

As with all big decisions, ask around broadly Let us know what you end up choosing!

I have decided to stick around the Gold Coast a little longer and go with Griffith- my inability to make this decision proved that I should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to live by myself...
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread!!

 

[Crow]

JMP - year shorter, closer to home, don't have to maintain a certain GPA, don't have to compete with your peers for bonded/unbonded. Other factors come into play but with the limited info JMP is the obvious choice.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

if I have to choose among these two (UNE/JMP and Griffith/Gold Coast), which one should I pick. I am from Sydney, so travelling is inevitable.

Just FYI, you do need to achieve at a certain level in the JMP to move from the BMedSci portion of the degree to the MD. I’m not sure what that level is, but it’s definitely not a guaranteed progression and it’s possible that students not achieving at that level will be “encouraged” to graduate out with a BMedSci. I suspect this will be less common than the probably already uncommon failure to progress in a true provisional setting, but just something to keep in mind.

That said, failure to complete the degree occurs in all degree types, including the definitely non-provisional MBBS pathways so... grain of salt, and all that.

 

[chinaski]

My GP told me that it is harder get into a "good" specialty in UNSW because it is very competitive, and it will be easier in QLD because everyone is more "relaxed" (I don't know what he meant by good speciality... Or what more relaxed means...)

You don't "get" any specialty at a university student level, nor does your alma mater factor into selection further down the track when you are actually eligible to apply.

 

[goldmoon]

Hey, so I got offers for Monash bonded and UNSW unbonded but now I have no idea which to choose and feel I've reached a stalemate and was hoping for some more info about each/advice/personal experiences etc.

Basically, I'm an ACT kid so UNSW is kinda closer but it's a move anyway and travel times aren't bad for either so distance isn't too much of a factor in my decision - I have family in melb too. I really like and am heaps more favourable and hyped about life in the UNSW campus having done camps there and stuff. (But people say after first few years we'll probably be somewhere in the city for hosp. placements anyway), but also growing up in clayton behind the hospital and virtually on the monash campus it feels less fresh and fun to 'delve into the childhood I left behind.' I'm maybe slightly more inclined to working in NSW after graduation but I seriously feel like this is a trivial reason too because both are great cities and I'll probably like living/working in both cities.

But I keep feeling like Monash has a great 5 year course (so I'll be working sooner) with a really active MUMUS thing which maybe would help me, even if I have a return of service (which would sort of even out with unsw 6 year course, although I could break it up or delay the return so maybe better?). Also I kind of feel like the whole 'unsw cool life' thing is going to matter absolutely zero once i start the course so im left with no idea which uni (for me) has one-upped the other

Basically I feel like my whole decision is crystal balling how I'd like each uni and based on nothing too solid so I seriously would appreciate any advice

Thanks a ton!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Hey, so I got offers for Monash bonded and UNSW unbonded but now I have no idea which to choose and feel I've reached a stalemate and was hoping for some more info about each/advice/personal experiences etc.

Basically, I'm an ACT kid so UNSW is kinda closer but it's a move anyway and travel times aren't bad for either so distance isn't too much of a factor in my decision - I have family in melb too. I really like and am heaps more favourable and hyped about life in the UNSW campus having done camps there and stuff. (But people say after first few years we'll probably be somewhere in the city for hosp. placements anyway), but also growing up in clayton behind the hospital and virtually on the monash campus it feels less fresh and fun to 'delve into the childhood I left behind.' I'm maybe slightly more inclined to working in NSW after graduation but I seriously feel like this is a trivial reason too because both are great cities and I'll probably like living/working in both cities.

But I keep feeling like Monash has a great 5 year course (so I'll be working sooner) with a really active MUMUS thing which maybe would help me, even if I have a return of service (which would sort of even out with unsw 6 year course, although I could break it up or delay the return so maybe better?). Also I kind of feel like the whole 'unsw cool life' thing is going to matter absolutely zero once i start the course so im left with no idea which uni (for me) has one-upped the other

Basically I feel like my whole decision is crystal balling how I'd like each uni and based on nothing too solid so I seriously would appreciate any advice

Thanks a ton!

Given you’ve already asked yourself (and answered!) all the questions we would usually prompt in this situation, we are probably going to struggle to provide you exactly what you want/need because none of us have studied Med at both Monash and UNSW so have no way of comparing the two and any info we can provide on the experience of studying at both will necessarily be biased.

pi is our most active Monash alumni, and he certainly appears to have loved his study experience there. He’s just started his intern year though, and may not have the time to reply. We don’t currently have a super active UNSW student to provide much of a contrast. A1 may be able to provide some insight.

The only other question I have is, did you receive a scholarship for either?

My preference would be 5 years at Monash, but my priorities are possibly very different to yours and in the scheme of things for a school leaver, a year is really neither here nor there.

Congrats on your offers. This is a good problem to have.

 

[Tomato]

Hey, so I got offers for Monash bonded and UNSW unbonded but now I have no idea which to choose and feel I've reached a stalemate and was hoping for some more info about each/advice/personal experiences etc.

Basically, I'm an ACT kid so UNSW is kinda closer but it's a move anyway and travel times aren't bad for either so distance isn't too much of a factor in my decision - I have family in melb too. I really like and am heaps more favourable and hyped about life in the UNSW campus having done camps there and stuff. (But people say after first few years we'll probably be somewhere in the city for hosp. placements anyway), but also growing up in clayton behind the hospital and virtually on the monash campus it feels less fresh and fun to 'delve into the childhood I left behind.' I'm maybe slightly more inclined to working in NSW after graduation but I seriously feel like this is a trivial reason too because both are great cities and I'll probably like living/working in both cities.

But I keep feeling like Monash has a great 5 year course (so I'll be working sooner) with a really active MUMUS thing which maybe would help me, even if I have a return of service (which would sort of even out with unsw 6 year course, although I could break it up or delay the return so maybe better?). Also I kind of feel like the whole 'unsw cool life' thing is going to matter absolutely zero once i start the course so im left with no idea which uni (for me) has one-upped the other

Basically I feel like my whole decision is crystal balling how I'd like each uni and based on nothing too solid so I seriously would appreciate any advice

Thanks a ton!

Congrats on your offers. I think you need a coin but choosing either side cannot be wrong so there is no risk.

 

[med4lyf]

Hey, so I got offers for Monash bonded and UNSW unbonded but now I have no idea which to choose and feel I've reached a stalemate and was hoping for some more info about each/advice/personal experiences etc.

Basically, I'm an ACT kid so UNSW is kinda closer but it's a move anyway and travel times aren't bad for either so distance isn't too much of a factor in my decision - I have family in melb too. I really like and am heaps more favourable and hyped about life in the UNSW campus having done camps there and stuff. (But people say after first few years we'll probably be somewhere in the city for hosp. placements anyway), but also growing up in clayton behind the hospital and virtually on the monash campus it feels less fresh and fun to 'delve into the childhood I left behind.' I'm maybe slightly more inclined to working in NSW after graduation but I seriously feel like this is a trivial reason too because both are great cities and I'll probably like living/working in both cities.

But I keep feeling like Monash has a great 5 year course (so I'll be working sooner) with a really active MUMUS thing which maybe would help me, even if I have a return of service (which would sort of even out with unsw 6 year course, although I could break it up or delay the return so maybe better?). Also I kind of feel like the whole 'unsw cool life' thing is going to matter absolutely zero once i start the course so im left with no idea which uni (for me) has one-upped the other

Basically I feel like my whole decision is crystal balling how I'd like each uni and based on nothing too solid so I seriously would appreciate any advice

Thanks a ton!

Hey, congrats on your offers!! I'm just going to add a more personal perspective that might help you make your decision. I really wanted to get into UQ (despite it being provisional and 2 years longer than undergrad med) because it's relatively close to my parents. I think it's still around a 1.5 hour drive, but at least I don't have to get on a plane to see them. This, to me, is a really big advantage because I'm a family person. My parents are only getting older and sicker by day, and I'm not sure how much I'll be able to see them once my career begins, so it was important to me to make the most of my time with them while I can.

If family and parents are not such a big factor for you, I think either option is great. Monash and UNSW are equally respected as far as I know, and the bonded offer at Monash offsets the 6 years at UNSW. To get out of the bond you do have to pay a fair bit, so do take that into consideration. Also, I don't know if this is true, but I read on MSO that placements in Vic are based on merit, whereas in NSW they're random (or something like that). Maybe you want to look into that? Good luck and congrats once again!

 

[goldmoon]

Hey, thanks all for your replies, this forum is seriously a massive help I totally did draw unis out of a hat but I kept going for best out of 3 and then 3 sets of three but I reckon I'll go for UNSW just because i feel they somehow measure up equally and its that bit closer to home (a 3 hour drive but wont have to go for plane) which will make it a bit easier to visit particularly in the long run living in nsw. I did get an AAA scholarship at UNSW so its not one of the uni transforming grand prizes (and monash is cheaper anyway) so it just came down to family although i suspect how much i (somewhat blindly) like unsw is playing a bias.

Anyway thanks heaps, and good luck to all of you starting uni too!

 

[Panda111]

hey! I had one offer for dent and one offer for med
Both degrees are spectacular and very interesting which is why I'm finding this decision very difficult
What do you guys think?

 

[hpfanfiction]

Congratulations on your offers

I guess it comes down to which one you want to do more /which of those careers is your dream one?

If they’re both exactly equal , then perhaps consider other factors such as location , time and costs .

All the best

 

[Tomato]

hey! I had one offer for dent and one offer for med
Both degrees are spectacular and very interesting which is why I'm finding this decision very difficult
What do you guys think?

I think you should think about the following factors: your personal preference, dexterity, duration of study, costs, location, reputation of the program (not the reputation of the ranking), etc. I don't know your personal preference and dexterity (esp. important for dentistry). Since you live in Sydney, if you are ok with dentistry, I think to choose CSU Dent makes more sense because it's close to your home, it has shorter study time (therefore less costs), and no night work or on-calls , ............ However, if you are a sort of Med-minded person, it's worth to study 8 yrs in UTas Med. I think Tassie is a nice place to study In addition, medicine offers more choices in terms of choosing specialties if you want to specialize later on. Finally, if you really cannot decide, use a coin

 

[Numerouno]

Absolutely correct A1. I had to get my wisdom tooth extracted last year and I went to the Maxfax surgeon who seemed to be a younger person. On discussion and going through the degree certificates in his room I found that he passed Dentistry from Sydney and then did his medicine soon after in Newcastle. Apparently, he worked as an Intern and RMO for a couple of years in the hospital and then went to the UK and specialised in Maxfax surgery and put up a practice in Australia. $$$ rolling in as you said for sure.

 

[Logic]

It helps you become a billionaire Maxfax surgeon faster than those without both Med+Dent qualifications

Do we have to preference both dentistry and medicine for this? I have become curious about it.

 

[Perplex]

Do we have to preference both dentistry and medicine for this? I have become curious about it.

No. You must do one before the other. No university offers concurrent med/dent. UQ provisional seems to be the most seamless pathway (5 years dent + 4 years med). That being said, I would strongly (I mean strongly) research into Maxfax before taking this plunge. From what I am aware the field has an excess of applicants. Doing both degrees only to find out you missed out on a spot is...tough..to say the least. Not to mention that you need to have current registration in both fields to be considered eligible for a spot. It's not easy....

 

[1234med]

My friend deferred her offers last year and she worked this year to save up. But now she needs to decide between the two! And ASAP.

Both unbonded

Adelaide:
Adelaide is a cheaper city to live in
Graduate 1 yr earlier- less HECS debt!

Pros:
From Melbourne so ~$50 cheaper to fly back home
Good to have a 3 yr science degree in first, so the rigours of med come later
UQ might be better if she wants to pass the degree. She's heard of the failure rates (in 5th year), but some friends studying at Adelaide said that it was because Adelaide accepted too many students (lowering the ATAR, UMAT and interview scores needed) back when the report was published.
MD if she wants to work internationally
Bigger cohort, more likely to find people she clicks with?

 

[DrDrLMG!]

My friend deferred her offers last year and she worked this year to save up. But now she needs to decide between the two! And ASAP.

Both unbonded

Adelaide:
Adelaide is a cheaper city to live in
Graduate 1 yr earlier- less HECS debt!

Pros:
From Melbourne so ~$50 cheaper to fly back home
Good to have a 3 yr science degree in first, so the rigours of med come later
UQ might be better if she wants to pass the degree. She's heard of the failure rates (in 5th year), but some friends studying at Adelaide said that it was because Adelaide accepted too many students (lowering the ATAR, UMAT and interview scores needed) back when the report was published.
MD if she wants to work internationally
Bigger cohort, more likely to find people she clicks with?

It will depend on what factors (individual to her) are involved. If, financially, things are tight, then the question is already answered. If she likes the idea of doing an undergrad degree first and getting a feel for university life before starting Med, likewise, the question is answered. If both of these are factors, she needs to decide which is more important.

The other question to ask is where she’d prefer to work as an intern/junior doc, because it will likely be in the state she studies.

 

[1234med]

Thanks a lot! Will pass it on. Do you know if it's easier to pass at Adelaide or UQ (including the first degree)? She's using the money she earned from work her gap year, so she wants to make sure it's worth it.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Thanks a lot! Will pass it on. Do you know if it's easier to pass at Adelaide or UQ (including the first degree)? She's using the money she earned from work her gap year, so she wants to make sure it's worth it.

Neither are "easy" to pass and attempting to predict whether a complete stranger will do so is impossible! There are so many factors to consider. She needs to make the choice on the basis of the factors mentioned and then commit to doing her best. That is all she can do.