General Medicine Entry Discussion and Advice Requests

[DrDrLMG!]

I just joined this forum to get some advice as I've seen some really great and realistic advice given to people.

I graduated high school in 2015 with an ok ATAR. I did 1.5 years of psychology at UNSW and didn't enjoy it and then decided to look towards medicine. I started medical science in 2018 (don't kill me) not to get into medicine particularly but to do post graduate studies in some allied health field, particularly sonography, audiology or orthoptics. I'm currently in my last year of med sci and I've decided to do a masters of audiology. Long term plan is to work as an audiologist while I study and sit for GAMSAT. My GPA is currently 6.2 and I sat UCAT last year and received 2740. I plan to sit UCAT again this year and also do GAMSAT in September.

I've been doing a lot more research into med and basically I'm feeling pretty disheartened since I've seen so many people say getting into post grad med is basically impossible without a minimum GPA of 6.5. I'm convinced med is the right path for me and I will keep trying to get in every year until I do but if my GPA of 6.2 isn't enough, should I even keep trying? I know some unis look at only GAMSAT and use GPA for hurdle like USyd but I'm not even sure how I will go with GAMSAT, especially the physics section in it. I'm basically asking is it impossible/ very very difficult for me to get into med with my GPA and maybe a GAMSAT of 60? What GAMSAT mark would compensate for my low GPAin some/ most unis?

I can’t give you GAMSAT/grad Med advice (others here definitely can though), but your GPA is competitive for non-standard entry at JMP, WSU, Curtin, JCU, and Bond (if feasible), so definitely don’t put all your eggs in the grad Med basket. It’s good you’re doing UCAT again and, given you’ve done it before, you’re best placed to identify what the areas were that you found trickiest and to do some targeted prep and analysis of how to maximise your performance when you do it again.

Good luck!

With regard to grad Med, what kind of masters will you be doing? Research or course work? This could be relevant for Griffith, UQ, and UWA (Crow and Sherlock can confirm).

 

[dotwingz]

I just joined this forum to get some advice as I've seen some really great and realistic advice given to people.

I graduated high school in 2015 with an ok ATAR. I did 1.5 years of psychology at UNSW and didn't enjoy it and then decided to look towards medicine. I started medical science in 2018 (don't kill me) not to get into medicine particularly but to do post graduate studies in some allied health field, particularly sonography, audiology or orthoptics. I'm currently in my last year of med sci and I've decided to do a masters of audiology. Long term plan is to work as an audiologist while I study and sit for GAMSAT. My GPA is currently 6.2 and I sat UCAT last year and received 2740. I plan to sit UCAT again this year and also do GAMSAT in September.

I've been doing a lot more research into med and basically I'm feeling pretty disheartened since I've seen so many people say getting into post grad med is basically impossible without a minimum GPA of 6.5. I'm convinced med is the right path for me and I will keep trying to get in every year until I do but if my GPA of 6.2 isn't enough, should I even keep trying? I know some unis look at only GAMSAT and use GPA for hurdle like USyd but I'm not even sure how I will go with GAMSAT, especially the physics section in it. I'm basically asking is it impossible/ very very difficult for me to get into med with my GPA and maybe a GAMSAT of 60? What GAMSAT mark would compensate for my low GPAin some/ most unis?

There isnt much data about grad entry med on here. But there is an excel document floating around pagingDr with a bunch of stats every year on grad entry GPA/GAMSAT scores

 

[Sherlock]

I've been doing a lot more research into med and basically I'm feeling pretty disheartened since I've seen so many people say getting into post grad med is basically impossible without a minimum GPA of 6.5. I'm convinced med is the right path for me and I will keep trying to get in every year until I do but if my GPA of 6.2 isn't enough, should I even keep trying? I know some unis look at only GAMSAT and use GPA for hurdle like USyd but I'm not even sure how I will go with GAMSAT, especially the physics section in it. I'm basically asking is it impossible/ very very difficult for me to get into med with my GPA and maybe a GAMSAT of 60? What GAMSAT mark would compensate for my low GPAin some/ most unis?

There are lots of factors besides GAMSAT and GPA that will determine whether you will be competitive enough for entry to graduate medicine. With regards to your GPA of 6.2, is that your university calculation? GEMSAS has their own way of standardising GPAs from across universities and they have a calculator online that you can play around with. GEMSAS is very generous in their calculation of GPAs and you may very well have a much higher GPA than 6.2. Some universities (UOW and UNDS/F) heavily consider portfolio when applying as well. Have you looked into that? The other factor that plays a role is rurality. Are you rural? I strongly suggest that you read through GEMSAS application guide.

Just to give you some idea, to get an interview at UOW, they'll look at Portfolio/GPA/GAMSAT with following weightings: 50/25/25 and then after interviews, it is Portfolio/Interview score 50/50. As you can see, GPA and GAMSAT mean very little in the whole process and I know there are some people with GAMSAT scores lower than 60 who've been selected into the program. It is definitely possible. Good luck.

 

[rjexik97]

I can’t give you GAMSAT/grad Med advice (others here definitely can though), but your GPA is competitive for non-standard entry at JMP, WSU, Curtin, JCU, and Bond (if feasible), so definitely don’t put all your eggs in the grad Med basket. It’s good you’re doing UCAT again and, given you’ve done it before, you’re best placed to identify what the areas were that you found trickiest and to do some targeted prep and analysis of how to maximise your performance when you do it again.

Good luck!

With regard to grad Med, what kind of masters will you be doing? Research or course work? This could be relevant for Griffith, UQ, and UWA (Crow and Sherlock can confirm).

The masters of audiology I'll be doing is considered masters by course work. I don't see myself working in the research field for an extended period of time if med doesn't work out. I know some unis use honours in GPA calculation but I haven't seen any with masters though I will do more research thank you!

 

[rjexik97]

There are lots of factors besides GAMSAT and GPA that will determine whether you will be competitive enough for entry to graduate medicine. With regards to your GPA of 6.2, is that your university calculation? GEMSAS has their own way of standardising GPAs from across universities and they have a calculator online that you can play around with. GEMSAS is very generous in their calculation of GPAs and you may very well have a much higher GPA than 6.2. Some universities (UOW and UNDS/F) heavily consider portfolio when applying as well. Have you looked into that? The other factor that plays a role is rurality. Are you rural? I strongly suggest that you read through GEMSAS application guide.

Just to give you some idea, to get an interview at UOW, they'll look at Portfolio/GPA/GAMSAT with following weightings: 50/25/25 and then after interviews, it is Portfolio/Interview score 50/50. As you can see, GPA and GAMSAT mean very little in the whole process and I know there are some people with GAMSAT scores lower than 60 who've been selected into the program. It is definitely possible. Good luck.

6.2 is my university calculation. I estimated my scores for this year and used the GEMSAS calculator and it was just slightly higher from what I remember. I did super well during my first year and not so well in second year and I'm estimating I will do well this year. I have looked into portfolio applications but I don't think I have anything significant to put in that portfolio and I've also seen people say it can take years to build up a decent portfolio. I am not rural but I am also considering applying for bonded places.

Just wanted to ask (not sure if you know the answer) if I can continue to do UCAT and apply for under grad med during my masters and post masters potentially? Thank you!

 

[Crow]

6.2 is my university calculation. I estimated my scores for this year and used the GEMSAS calculator and it was just slightly higher from what I remember. I did super well during my first year and not so well in second year and I'm estimating I will do well this year. I have looked into portfolio applications but I don't think I have anything significant to put in that portfolio and I've also seen people say it can take years to build up a decent portfolio. I am not rural but I am also considering applying for bonded places.

I’d strongly suggest you apply to the portfolio schools and get working on your portfolio(s) ASAP - as a non-rural applicant, unfortunately a GPA of 6.2 will not be strong enough for most schools even with a GAMSAT of 70 (I.e. very high). Remember to calculate both unweighted and weighted GPAs, as different schools calculate GPA differently and you may find you have different results.

Your best bet for graduate entry schools at this stage would be to aim for a very high GAMSAT and try and land an interview at UQ/USyd/Flinders or work on your portfolio and get that up to scratch. If you do end up in the masters degree, take it as an opportunity to lift your GPA as high as you can.

Just wanted to ask (not sure if you know the answer) if I can continue to do UCAT and apply for under grad med during my masters and post masters potentially? Thank you!

Yes, you can, and this is definitely an advisable course of action if you’re serious about medicine!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

The masters of audiology I'll be doing is considered masters by course work. I don't see myself working in the research field for an extended period of time if med doesn't work out. I know some unis use honours in GPA calculation but I haven't seen any with masters though I will do more research thank you!

When I was looking at grad entry Med (with a doctoral degree under my belt, however), I noted that some unis used post graduate results* (though this was about 4 years ago now, so there may have been changes). Definitely worth double checking. Good luck!

* there’s a chance this was at unis that use GPA as a hurdle, in which case your 6.2 will probably be enough anyway and you’d need a huge GAMSAT to be competitive. The huge GAMSAT requirement could even be part of the reason I ditched the grad med route !

ETA: that said, I just looked at UQ’s criteria and it indicates they look at masters and PhD and that GPA makes up a portion of the entry offer criteria, so from that I’d think if you can max out your masters GPA, it’d be beneficial for UQ at a minimum.

ETA2: UWA will also use post graduate level results, though I’m not sure whether GPA is a hurdle or not for entry there as it wasn’t as clear as UQ made it.

ETA3: (Sorry!) just checked Griffith too and they will also use your masters GPA and not only as a hurdle but as an active part of your application (like UQ).

ETA4: ANU will use a masters by coursework GPA.

I think the TLDR of my multiple edits is, your masters GPA will absolutely count for quite a few unis so this is a great opportunity to boost it while still doing something meaningful (and still trying for non-standard entry, too, which is the path I ended up taking).

 

[rjexik97]

When I was looking at grad entry Med (with a doctoral degree under my belt, however), I noted that some unis used post graduate results* (though this was about 4 years ago now, so there may have been changes). Definitely worth double checking. Good luck!

* there’s a chance this was at unis that use GPA as a hurdle, in which case your 6.2 will probably be enough anyway and you’d need a huge GAMSAT to be competitive. The huge GAMSAT requirement could even be part of the reason I ditched the grad med route !

ETA: that said, I just looked at UQ’s criteria and it indicates they look at masters and PhD and that GPA makes up a portion of the entry offer criteria, so from that I’d think if you can max out your masters GPA, it’d be beneficial for UQ at a minimum.

ETA2: UWA will also use post graduate level results, though I’m not sure whether GPA is a hurdle or not for entry there as it wasn’t as clear as UQ made it.

ETA3: (Sorry!) just checked Griffith too and they will also use your masters GPA and not only as a hurdle but as an active part of your application (like UQ).

ETA4: ANU will use a masters by coursework GPA.

I think the TLDR of my multiple edits is, your masters GPA will absolutely count for quite a few unis so this is a great opportunity to boost it while still doing something meaningful (and still trying for non-standard entry, too, which is the path I ended up taking).

Thank you so much for finding all that! I'm definitely going to try harder in the next few years and keep trying to get in.

 

[jamesatwestbeach]

I just joined this forum to get some advice as I've seen some really great and realistic advice given to people.

I graduated high school in 2015 with an ok ATAR. I did 1.5 years of psychology at UNSW and didn't enjoy it and then decided to look towards medicine. I started medical science in 2018 (don't kill me) not to get into medicine particularly but to do post graduate studies in some allied health field, particularly sonography, audiology or orthoptics. I'm currently in my last year of med sci and I've decided to do a masters of audiology. Long term plan is to work as an audiologist while I study and sit for GAMSAT. My GPA is currently 6.2 and I sat UCAT last year and received 2740. I plan to sit UCAT again this year and also do GAMSAT in September.

I've been doing a lot more research into med and basically I'm feeling pretty disheartened since I've seen so many people say getting into post grad med is basically impossible without a minimum GPA of 6.5. I'm convinced med is the right path for me and I will keep trying to get in every year until I do but if my GPA of 6.2 isn't enough, should I even keep trying? I know some unis look at only GAMSAT and use GPA for hurdle like USyd but I'm not even sure how I will go with GAMSAT, especially the physics section in it. I'm basically asking is it impossible/ very very difficult for me to get into med with my GPA and maybe a GAMSAT of 60? What GAMSAT mark would compensate for my low GPAin some/ most unis?

If you want to see the general entry scores for grad med in 2020, check out the data on PagingDr. It is outlined in a spreadsheet in this forum here: Login

Regarding physics in the GAMSAT. The GAMSAT is not a test of knowledge, or, hopefully it doesn't turn out like that this year, with the online format change - rather it tests you ability to reason critically and understand the volume of information you are given. Often physics questions won't directly assess the core concepts, say momentum and impulse, rather they will assess you ability to interpret graphs, apply unseen formulae, or will test this knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. Background knowledge in the sciences is only relevant to a certain degree, a very basic level can get you through; however, of couse, the more you know the better.

However, if you are struggling with physics I suggest you use: The Physics Classroom

Especially, if you intend to apply to Usyd you'll need to give as much focus to S1 and S2 as S3, with all three scores being equally weighted.

Edit. I removed any information on entry scores, but I'll also add working as a health professional (audiologist) as you intend to will provide a bonus for Deakin.

 

[rjexik97]

If you want to see the general entry scores for grad med in 2020, check out the data on PagingDr. It is outlined in a spreadsheet in this forum here: Login

Regarding physics in the GAMSAT. The GAMSAT is not a test of knowledge, or, hopefully it doesn't turn out like that this year, with the online format change - rather it tests you ability to reason critically and understand the volume of information you are given. Often physics questions won't directly assess the core concepts, say momentum and impulse, rather they will assess you ability to interpret graphs, apply unseen formulae, or will test this knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. Background knowledge in the sciences is only relevant to a certain degree, a very basic level can get you through; however, of couse, the more you know the better.

However, if you are struggling with physics I suggest you use: The Physics Classroom

Especially, if you intend to apply to Usyd you'll need to give as much focus to S1 and S2 as S3, with all three scores being equally weighted.

Edit. I removed any information on entry scores, but I'll also add working as a health professional (audiologist) as you intend to will provide a bonus for Deakin.

I can't seem to access that website as registrations for accounts are locked. That's really good to hear about the physics section as I just can't seem to memorise all the formulas and grasp a lot of the questions though I do need to spend more time on it and I'll be sure to use that website you linked.

 

[neverknow]

Just need a bit of guidance.

I attempted UCAT last year and got 63rd Percentile. Knowing this was too low, I did not apply to any medical schools. My ATAR was between 94.5-95. I commenced a USYD engineering/commerce double degree on a scholarship at the beginning of this year because I wanted to do a degree with its own merits and as a stable fall-back. So, the scholarship pretty much means it does not set me back on HECS, hence being a better option than a Gap Year.

Since I am GWS as well, I meet the requirement for WSU's 93.5 ATAR and also meet Newcastle's 94.3 entry requirement. UNSW is pretty much not an option for me regardless of my WAM/GPA. I do not mind going interstate, but as far as I know, only UNCLE and WSU will be taking me on the basis of my ATAR, others either do not take interstate students or are WAM-based. If there is any first-year WAM accepting Uni's can someone please let me know.

I would also like to know about CSU's dentistry program. Do they only look at UCAT or WAM is a requirement as well. I do not find my degree particularly hard and can maintain a Distinction WAM if I put in the work for it. However, at the moment, if my WAM is not really required for medicine or dentistry entry, I do not want to put too much work towards it and instead direct my focus on the UCAT.

Thanks.

 

[Crow]

If there is any first-year WAM accepting Uni's can someone please let me know.

It’s important to make the distinction between WAM and GPA. You’ll be assessed by your GPA, not your WAM, when applying to non-standard entry and graduate entry medical schools.

In addition to WSU and JMP, you can also apply to JCU (does not consider UCAT - only GPA and a written application to select for interview) and Bond (if you have lots of money - also doesn’t consider UCAT in selection process).

However, at the moment, if my WAM is not really required for medicine or dentistry entry, I do not want to put too much work towards it and instead direct my focus on the UCAT.

If you really want to get into medicine or dentistry then I’d strongly recommend you maintain the highest GPA you can - this is important for JCU, Curtin, Bond, most of the undergraduate entry dentistry schools, and all of the graduate entry medical and dent schools. The higher the GPA you have, the more competitive you’ll be.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Just need a bit of guidance.

I attempted UCAT last year and got 63rd Percentile. Knowing this was too low, I did not apply to any medical schools. My ATAR was between 94.5-95. I commenced a USYD engineering/commerce double degree on a scholarship at the beginning of this year because I wanted to do a degree with its own merits and as a stable fall-back. So, the scholarship pretty much means it does not set me back on HECS, hence being a better option than a Gap Year.

Since I am GWS as well, I meet the requirement for WSU's 93.5 ATAR and also meet Newcastle's 94.3 entry requirement. UNSW is pretty much not an option for me regardless of my WAM/GPA. I do not mind going interstate, but as far as I know, only UNCLE and WSU will be taking me on the basis of my ATAR, others either do not take interstate students or are WAM-based. If there is any first-year WAM accepting Uni's can someone please let me know.

I would also like to know about CSU's dentistry program. Do they only look at UCAT or WAM is a requirement as well. I do not find my degree particularly hard and can maintain a Distinction WAM if I put in the work for it. However, at the moment, if my WAM is not really required for medicine or dentistry entry, I do not want to put too much work towards it and instead direct my focus on the UCAT.

Thanks.

Are you studying full time? If so, I don’t believe JMP will use your ATAR to determine your eligibility, they’ll use your 1FTE GPA.

ETA: “Applicants who, in the year of application, will have completed at least one year of full-time study in a program/course (full academic load) or its part-time equivalent at a university will be considered in this category.” ‘This category’ being an applicant with a tertiary study history, which means GPA not ATAR.

 

[Doradoraaa]

Hi guys,

Can I please get a rough estimate of the ATAR I should aim for to receive a guaranteed entry for Griffith med and dent?

Much appreciated

 

[A1]

Hi guys,
Can I please get a rough estimate of the ATAR I should aim for to receive a guaranteed entry for Griffith med and dent?

It's a strange situation. 2-4 years ago it was 99.75-99.80 for Griffith Med, 99.5-99.6 for Dent.

But recently there have been a lot more non-standard applicants for Dent resulting in cutoff around 6.85 GPA, which apparently is equiv to 99.80. At the same time Med cutoff dropped to 99.6-99.7 so most school leavers with 99.80 enough for Dent chose Med instead.

 

[Doradoraaa]

It's a strange situation. 2-4 years ago it was 99.75-99.80 for Griffith Med, 99.5-99.6 for Dent.

But recently there have been a lot more non-standard applicants for Dent resulting in cutoff around 6.85 GPA, which apparently is equiv to 99.80. At the same time Med cutoff dropped to 99.6-99.7 so most school leavers with 99.80 enough for Dent chose Med instead.

Hmm that's interesting
Thank you!

 

[Crow]

Hi guys,

Can I please get a rough estimate of the ATAR I should aim for to receive a guaranteed entry for Griffith med and dent?

Much appreciated

I will add - don't rely on the cutoffs from last year for Griffith provisional entry medicine. It was an abnormal year where they must've over-offered and I wouldn't expect the cutoffs to be that low again. I'd want to have a 99.75 to feel very safe, but as A1 says anything from 99.6 upwards should be competitive for at least one of the Griffith campuses - the Sunshine Coast cutoff is generally lower and has ranged from 99.55-99.6 in the last couple of years, which is significantly lower than the GC/Nathan campus cutoffs.

 

[Accurate]

Hello! Year 11 just started for me and things were off to a rough start. I would like to try UCAT and see how things end up. From my rankings in my school (Top 20 school in NSW) my ATAR estimate is around the 96/97 mark. I know for Medicine you need like 99+ to even be considered.

I have a few questions.

1) Do I have a chance at Medicine or should I just not bother.

2) What's the easiest University to get in Medicine, I'm not sure about the ATAR and UCAT requirements for some universities.

3) Should I already be starting to prepare for UCAT

4) Does University matter in Medicine I.e Will a get a job if I go to WSU or a less prestigious University

Thanks in advance.

 

[bigyikes]

1. You absolutely have a chance at medicine, as good as anyone else does. All it takes is hard work, and don't take your year 11/12 results as an make-or-break determinant of getting into medicine - I didn't get in until 2 years out of high school. Also you don't necessarily need a 99+ ATAR. Many universities such as WSU/CSU, JMP and UQ provisional only look at ATAR as a hurdle, and it's in the 94-95 range. Each university requirement is different.

2. There is no 'easiest' university to get into - they're all hard in some way or another whether they focus on ATAR, UCAT or interviews. What you should be looking at is where your strengths lie. Are you good at everything? If so, somewhere like UNSW is a good target. Are you not that great academically, but you're a great people person and you'd think you'd do well in an interview? If so, focus on the JMP at Newcastle/New England. Again, it's totally subjective and you'll have to figure it out for yourself what your goals are in terms of university.

3. No. Focus on year 11.

4. No. Prestige doesn't count at all. All Australian medical schools are the same. Internships are guaranteed upon graduation so long as you graduate from an Australian medical school as a domestic student.

 

[dotwingz]

Many universities such as WSU/CSU, JMP and UQ provisional only look at ATAR as a hurdle, and it's in the 94-95.

Whilst everything else is correct, the UQ provisional use ucat only to shortlist an applicant for an interview (with a 95 ATAR hurdle) were not sure how they consider them for a place yet.