Apart from the stuff of 60 minutes at St Marks (which I've heard to have been a bit exaggerated), I've met plenty of people from St Marks, and they seem to be full of very 'party' orientated people that study 'pharmacology' in their spare time.
St Marks is the premium college, perfect if your dad and mum are cardiologists and are happy to pay extra for you to socialise with the elites of the state.
All the colleges in SA offer some form of scholarship, and will accept you if you study med or dent.
One of the considerations you should make is the people you want to surround yourself with, so I recommend getting in touch with someone that stays in a college or PM someone in this thread.
As someone who lives at St Marks, I can vouch for several things:
1. 60 Minutes was over-exaggerated, and as a result, there has been a 'cultural renewal' among senior staff, and positive cultural shift in response, and everything I have ever experienced has been welcoming, safe, nurturing & beneficial for all individuals.
2. Yes, St Marks may be the premium college- including better food, an incredible gym, beautiful study spaces, amazing tutorials and support from older Med students, and a whole bunch of people that I'm lucky to call friends. It is so NiCe that you consider us 'the elites of the state'
hahaha !! However, we are all from super hardworking families, the vast majority are rural, regional or farming. Students and parents alike have worked their butts off to have the opportunity to live there. As someone who has worked multiple jobs on my gap year and saved to support myself 100% financially, I know that there are many in the same shoes. We are all people who know how to work hard, and also have a good time!
I acknowledge that there are select individuals who don't align with this, however, there are these types of people anywhere in the real world. I would be wary of slander and snap judgements founded off playground gossip and stereotyping.
3. Apply for any scholarships you can get!! The colleges all have terrific funds to support you with, and Adelaide Uni also has scholarships which often receive very few applications, meaning your chances of getting them are high.
And finally- don't forget to find somewhere with people you want to surround yourself with, as SSRI Saint has said. I've been fortunate to find that at St Marks, however everyone is different, so definitely explore all your options, and don't forget to have fun!