Common pitfalls to avoid for year 12 school leavers and other medicine applicants

[Crow]

The unis I am going for are WSU and Newcastle. I will also apply to every other undergrad med course aswell, but those two are my main (and I believe obtainable!) universities.

Sounds like you’re going to have a productive year so that plan sounds good. Though I’ll point out for completeness that both of these universities are able to be applied to through non-standard entry, so delaying tertiary studies to apply to these is essentially useless (obviously your gap year will be worthwhile if you’re working and doing other things beyond preparing for UCAT/interviews etc, though).

 

[TYTCML20]

Very often people will say that their situation is unique or the advice doesn’t apply to them. In almost all circumstances I disagree with this. There’s nowhere in Mana’s posts that say “l’d support gap years more if people did more interview prep” because everything in the posts still apply. Of course the decision is up to you, but I just like to make people aware of these things before they go ahead with it.

I greatly appreciate your replies, and I believe you are doing an excellent deed for the future med hopefuls like myself
I am blown away by the extent to which you all care about just another post by an anonymous user. Thank you.
I do agree that in most situations (perhaps including myself) the gap year is a difficult option to pursue, and may be wasted completely (@2019 me).
However, I know that my interviews last year could be greatly improved, and I find it a much easier option than the graduate route. Plus there are all the benefits of having an entire year to myself before the long haul of medicine.
Once again, I appreciate your concern towards myself and the wider medical community, you are a hero.

 

[TYTCML20]

Sounds like you’re going to have a productive year so that plan sounds good. Though I’ll point out for completeness that both of these universities are able to be applied to through non-standard entry, so delaying tertiary studies to apply to these is essentially useless (obviously your gap year will be worthwhile if you’re working and doing other things beyond preparing for UCAT/interviews etc, though).

Yep that is a good point to note. It is just that assuming I enter medicine after my second gap year (which in itself is quite problematic to assume) I would much rather have spent all that time working and pursuing my other interests full steam ahead.
Worst case scenario, I have not made medicine, but I will still have gained a disproportionate amount of value from one full productive year for my interests (as most students simply leave highschool and jump straight into university). And so if this is the case, I will have no regrets starting tertiary studies one year later.

 

[ucatboy]

Oops I should have provided more context. My bad!

ATAR: 98.15

UCAT: 3360 (99 Percentile)
VR - 790
DM - 800
QR - 880
AR - 890
SJT - 650

The unis I am going for are WSU and Newcastle. I will also apply to every other undergrad med course aswell, but those two are my main (and I believe obtainable!) universities. These two do not look at ATAR for final selection, and base interviews off UCAT performance.
If the saying goes ucatboy , (past performance is the best indicator of future performance), it is safe to say I will receive a competitive enough UCAT to snag an interview!

Thanks for all the fast replies (what a fantastic and supportive community!), and perhaps these stats will provide a little context to the ambiguous question.

Woah!

If you get any score even remotely similar to what you got last year, it goes without saying that you'll almost certainly receive interviews to your preferred unis JMP and WSU. You just gotta work on your interview skills and you're set!

Your ATAR might be a little on the low side but I reckon you'll be able to snag an Adelaide offer (if you're interested, of course) if you do a really good interview there - it's not unheard of for 98 ATARs to get CSP offers with 100%ile UMATs/99%ile UCATs. I'm not too well-versed in your chances at other universities sorry.

 

[TYTCML20]

Woah!

If you get any score even remotely similar to what you got last year, it goes without saying that you'll almost certainly receive interviews to your preferred unis JMP and WSU. You just gotta work on your interview skills and you're set!

Your ATAR might be a little on the low side but I reckon you'll be able to snag an Adelaide offer (if you're interested, of course) if you do a really good interview there - it's not unheard of for 98 ATARs to get CSP offers with 100%ile UMATs/99%ile UCATs. I'm not too well-versed in your chances at other universities sorry.

Thanks for your support, I hope I will report back on this platform with good news in a year!
That is good to note, I will most definitely apply to Adelaide aswell

 

[TKAO]

Thanks for your support, I hope I will report back on this platform with good news in a year!
That is good to note, I will most definitely apply to Adelaide aswell

Did you get a curtin interview invite this year? If you didn't then you probably won't be able to get one next year either which really limits down your options to UoN and WSU. Quick thing to note is that you might as well apply to JCU as well because while they do look at your ATAR and they won't look at your UCAT, you can make an absolute banger of a written application that would make up for the lackluster ATAR. Smash that interview too and then you'd be on your way as well. I can't reasonably see yourself getting in anywhere else unless you are Vic student (in which case you might be able to snag a Monash offer) or you have financial/school disadvantage that you could apply for at SATAC to use to get into Flinders.

 

[TYTCML20]

Did you get a curtin interview invite this year? If you didn't then you probably won't be able to get one next year either which really limits down your options to UoN and WSU. Quick thing to note is that you might as well apply to JCU as well because while they do look at your ATAR and they won't look at your UCAT, you can make an absolute banger of a written application that would make up for the lackluster ATAR. Smash that interview too and then you'd be on your way as well. I can't reasonably see yourself getting in anywhere else unless you are Vic student (in which case you might be able to snag a Monash offer) or you have financial/school disadvantage that you could apply for at SATAC to use to get into Flinders.

I did not receive a Curtin interview this year, no.
Thanks for the tips, I will most definitely apply to JCU as well, and pretty much all Australian medical unis possible.
However, I recognise that my only realistic chances are WSU and UoN, as I am a NSW student with no special considerations at all.
Thank you again for your concern and help, I hope to be back with good news.

 

[chinaski]

Yep that is a good point to note. It is just that assuming I enter medicine after my second gap year (which in itself is quite problematic to assume) I would much rather have spent all that time working and pursuing my other interests full steam ahead.
Worst case scenario, I have not made medicine, but I will still have gained a disproportionate amount of value from one full productive year for my interests (as most students simply leave highschool and jump straight into university). And so if this is the case, I will have no regrets starting tertiary studies one year later.

....Hence why "gap year" is a misnomer. "Getting on with the business of living life as a grown up" is more accurate, and indeed, a so-called "gap year" can last for much longer than 365 days! Life is not as linear as school leavers perceive it to be.

 

[Crow]

However, I recognise that my only realistic chances are WSU and UoN, as I am a NSW student with no special considerations at all.

That’s not quite how it works. Yes, there are some preferential entry schemes by a few of the universities, but on the most part you should be on equal footing with your interstate counterparts. Definitely apply widely to give yourself the best chance if you’re willing to study interstate!

 

[theskyisblue]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here is able to help. I went back to WSU half a year ago to complete 4 units and overcome my 11 year old bachelor’s degree. I managed a 7gpa and now the next hurdle is UCAT. In your experience or knowledge does WSU consider professional experience in their selection for mature age students?
If the UCAT result is not competitive, could I do it again in 2021 without the need to study an additional 4 units? Thank you.

 

[TKAO]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here is able to help. I went back to WSU half a year ago to complete 4 units and overcome my 11 year old bachelor’s degree. I managed a 7gpa and now the next hurdle is UCAT. In your experience or knowledge does WSU consider professional experience in their selection for mature age students?
If the UCAT result is not competitive, could I do it again in 2021 without the need to study an additional 4 units? Thank you.

Professional experience in not considered in the WSU selection process, however you can use your professional experience as a talking point in the interviews. Your maturity and experience may give you an edge over fresh year 12 graduates that you would be competing again. For your second question, i don't have an answer for you so it would be best if you waited for a mod to answer that question.

 

[A1]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone here is able to help. I went back to WSU half a year ago to complete 4 units and overcome my 11 year old bachelor’s degree. I managed a 7gpa and now the next hurdle is UCAT. In your experience or knowledge does WSU consider professional experience in their selection for mature age students?
If the UCAT result is not competitive, could I do it again in 2021 without the need to study an additional 4 units? Thank you.

I suggest you should try for JMP as well so will answer your second question for both schools.

Iirc WSU doesn't have the 10yr rule. Irrespective of that I think they will use the GPA of your latest study program provided it's 4+ units, as such you don't have to study more units. (As an aside I think if you didn't do these 4 units you would still be eligible if your 11yo degree's GPA was 5.5+).

For JMP I am more certain they don't have the 10yr rule, however they are different from WSU in that they count your latest study program only if it's 8+ units. If you stay at 4 units they will count the GPA of your previous degree, the requirement is "Better than Pass" = roughly 4.3+.

 

[tiger1]

Hi everyone, hope you're all well. I was hoping someone could offer their opinion.

I'm a graduate of Clinical Science at Macq however due to a combination of factors such as the intense nature, seeing many fellow students drop-out/fail units, and having had so many extracurricular activities (sport, national and international competitions, etc.) going on at the time, I fell into the mindset of basically trying to just 'get through'. Thus, my GPA resulted in a ~4.7. I'm more determined as ever to increase my GPA and I think starting a second bachelor would be the best option as I can basically refresh my GPA with another 3 FTE years of study. I've done a lot of research and have come up with a few options:

• Bachelor of Paramedicine at WSU
  • Here I start in autumn intake 2021. This gives more of a direction as there is an opportunity to land a job as a paramedic whilst I continue to try gaining entry into med. I also feel I'd do well in the units as they interest me more than med sci units.
• Masters of Radiography USYD
  • One of the only other career pathways I would genuinely be interested in, however, I feel like this pathway is a whole journey in itself (having to complete PDY after, etc.), and would be harder to get good marks for my GPA.
• Bachelor of Health or Medical Science USYD
  • I'd be able to start this spring intake thus can finish my bachelor sooner than if I start next year. However, I know this degree is very broad and won't lead to many career opportunities.

I've also looked into undergrad universities such as WSU and Newcastle which only have a GPA threshold, so I'll be taking UCAT next year and the year after. For WSU, I'm included in the GWS scheme so the GPA threshold would be 5.2. Also, I've sat GAMSAT once but am willing to repeat once my GPA is competitive enough. I feel like I'd also have a good portfolio by that time (for UNDS).

So basically, my aim is to possess a competitive GPA for postgrad med, whilst trying to get into WSU/Newcastle in the process for hopeful undergrad entry.

 

[A1]

Masters of Radiography USYD

Iirc most graduate med schools consider the GPA of your Bachelor degree. A Master may (or may not) add a small bonus to it but on ~4.7 won't be enough. This choice would not serve to reset your GPA.

Out of the three options I think Paramedicine appears to be the best.

 

[tiger1]

Iirc most graduate med schools consider the GPA of your Bachelor degree. A Master may (or may not) add a small bonus to it but on ~4.7 won't be enough. This choice would not serve to reset your GPA.

Out of the three options I think Paramedicine appears to be the best.

Yeah I think doing the bachelor would give me more opportunities as like you said, all uni’s accept them however only a few accept postgrad studies!
Thanks for your suggestion! )

 

[Crow]

Hi everyone, hope you're all well. I was hoping someone could offer their opinion.

I'm a graduate of Clinical Science at Macq however due to a combination of factors such as the intense nature, seeing many fellow students drop-out/fail units, and having had so many extracurricular activities (sport, national and international competitions, etc.) going on at the time, I fell into the mindset of basically trying to just 'get through'. Thus, my GPA resulted in a ~4.7. I'm more determined as ever to increase my GPA and I think starting a second bachelor would be the best option as I can basically refresh my GPA with another 3 FTE years of study. I've done a lot of research and have come up with a few options:

• Bachelor of Paramedicine at WSU
  • Here I start in autumn intake 2021. This gives more of a direction as there is an opportunity to land a job as a paramedic whilst I continue to try gaining entry into med. I also feel I'd do well in the units as they interest me more than med sci units.
• Masters of Radiography USYD
  • One of the only other career pathways I would genuinely be interested in, however, I feel like this pathway is a whole journey in itself (having to complete PDY after, etc.), and would be harder to get good marks for my GPA.
• Bachelor of Health or Medical Science USYD
  • I'd be able to start this spring intake thus can finish my bachelor sooner than if I start next year. However, I know this degree is very broad and won't lead to many career opportunities.

I've also looked into undergrad universities such as WSU and Newcastle which only have a GPA threshold, so I'll be taking UCAT next year and the year after. For WSU, I'm included in the GWS scheme so the GPA threshold would be 5.2. Also, I've sat GAMSAT once but am willing to repeat once my GPA is competitive enough. I feel like I'd also have a good portfolio by that time (for UNDS).

So basically, my aim is to possess a competitive GPA for postgrad med, whilst trying to get into WSU/Newcastle in the process for hopeful undergrad entry.

Welcome to MSO!

Just want to add my own thoughts here:

• Health/Medical Science - as per this thread, please don't do either of these - especially given you already have a basically equivalent degree!
• Radiography Masters - career opportunities wise, I actually think this is better than paramedicine (which from my understanding is heavily oversaturated, and finding a job as a grad in a metro area is pretty much impossible - it definitely is in QLD, anyways) but the issues would be a) Whether you actually meet the GPA required to enter the course - I have a feeling you wouldn't? and b) Finding a workplace to supervise you, as you need to do this yourself with this course from memory?
• Paramedicine - as mentioned, have you looked into career opportunities before you commence this course?

I always say that all degrees should be completed on their own merits, and given the competitive nature of entry into medicine, ideally any degree you complete should provide you with a viable back up career, assuming you already have one. What is your chosen career if you were to never get into medicine?

 

[TKAO]

Hi everyone, hope you're all well. I was hoping someone could offer their opinion.

I'm a graduate of Clinical Science at Macq however due to a combination of factors such as the intense nature, seeing many fellow students drop-out/fail units, and having had so many extracurricular activities (sport, national and international competitions, etc.) going on at the time, I fell into the mindset of basically trying to just 'get through'. Thus, my GPA resulted in a ~4.7. I'm more determined as ever to increase my GPA and I think starting a second bachelor would be the best option as I can basically refresh my GPA with another 3 FTE years of study. I've done a lot of research and have come up with a few options:

• Bachelor of Paramedicine at WSU
  • Here I start in autumn intake 2021. This gives more of a direction as there is an opportunity to land a job as a paramedic whilst I continue to try gaining entry into med. I also feel I'd do well in the units as they interest me more than med sci units.
• Masters of Radiography USYD
  • One of the only other career pathways I would genuinely be interested in, however, I feel like this pathway is a whole journey in itself (having to complete PDY after, etc.), and would be harder to get good marks for my GPA.
• Bachelor of Health or Medical Science USYD
  • I'd be able to start this spring intake thus can finish my bachelor sooner than if I start next year. However, I know this degree is very broad and won't lead to many career opportunities.

I've also looked into undergrad universities such as WSU and Newcastle which only have a GPA threshold, so I'll be taking UCAT next year and the year after. For WSU, I'm included in the GWS scheme so the GPA threshold would be 5.2. Also, I've sat GAMSAT once but am willing to repeat once my GPA is competitive enough. I feel like I'd also have a good portfolio by that time (for UNDS).

So basically, my aim is to possess a competitive GPA for postgrad med, whilst trying to get into WSU/Newcastle in the process for hopeful undergrad entry.

Another thing to note about paramedicine is that the requirements and outlooks can be very different varying from course to course and state to state. For example in WA, ECU has no requirements on getting into paramedicine other than ATAR whereas Curtin requires you to be affiliated and then selected to do the course by St. Johns. This also means that those that do Curtin's course are very likely to have jobs after graduation whereas ECU does not. Refer to this link for more information: r/perth - Has anybody done the undergraduate course in Paramedicine at Curtin Uni?, https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2216977. I'd read through the requirements for paramedicine carefully to see what sort of weird and whacky requirements need to be met if any and how your state handles these kinds of things.

 

[tiger1]

Refer to this link for more information: r/perth - Has anybody done the undergraduate course in Paramedicine at Curtin Uni?, https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2216977. I'd read through the requirements for paramedicine carefully to see what sort of weird and whacky requirements need to be met if any and how your state handles these kinds of things.

Okay, thanks for the heads up! I will definitely check them out.

• Radiography Masters - career opportunities wise, I actually think this is better than paramedicine (which from my understanding is heavily oversaturated, and finding a job as a grad in a metro area is pretty much impossible - it definitely is in QLD, anyways) but the issues would be a) Whether you actually meet the GPA required to enter the course - I have a feeling you wouldn't? and b) Finding a workplace to supervise you, as you need to do this yourself with this course from memory?

The requirement for USYD is a 4.5 minimum so even though I wouldn't necessarily be a competitive applicant, I think I'd still have a chance. Also, yes I'd have to find a workplace for my PDY afterwards.

I also know someone who graduated from paramed at WSU and they were offered to do placement during the last 2 years of the degree yet still say it's nearly impossible to find a job.

 

[Crow]

The requirement for USYD is a 4.5 minimum so even though I wouldn't necessarily be a competitive applicant, I think I'd still have a chance.

Yeah, those minimum requirements don’t normally mean much. For graduate entry med the minimum is 5.0 at most schools, yet the average applicant is more like 6.8.

I also know someone who graduated from paramed at WSU and they were offered to do placement during the last 2 years of the degree yet still say it's nearly impossible to find a job.

Sounds about right, unfortunately. The school organises placements for you during your degree but that’s not related to post-graduation employment.

 

[cherryblossoms]

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot or answered before.

Personally, would you guys study undergrad Med interstate if you were given an offer or aim for postgrad in your home state? Do you recommend applying to universities all around the country? I’m trying to decide if I would rather move interstate for 6/7 years if I receive an offer or do an undergrad degree and GAMSAT in my home state (Victoria), though I know this pathway is very competitive. Also, if I don't receive an undergrad offer from any universities, would my best option be to study a degree on its own merits and try to maintain a competitive WAM and GAMSAT? And maybe do the UCAT again in first year and apply as a non-standard student?

What were your backup courses/options if you hadn't gone into undergrad Med?