Non-standard Medicine Entry

[DrDrLMG!]

Hey all, I'm currently doing a first year undergraduate degree in radiography, and looking to apply to all med schools that take non-standard applicants. I got an ATAR of 96.90 last year in my HSC and got interviews at UAdel and JMP (but didn't pass the interview stage). I was just wondering what my options would be for entry, and realistically what my chances would be for each of those options. Thanks

With one FTE year of uni under your belt, you can apply to JCU, JMP, WSU, UNSW, and Bond.

In order of least likely through to most likely...! I can't give you more detailed information on chance (ie 1/4 or 1/7) as that's only really possible once you've reached interview stage, so the below is just... generally speaking!

UNSW: Realistically, given they will continue to use ATAR as 50% of your academic rank, you won't be able to reach a competitive combined total for UNSW so you can unfortunately probably rule this one out (though you should definitely include it on your UAC application just in case! It is the first year of UCAT after all, so who knows what will happen!). But yeah, probably don't count on UNSW.

Bond: will also use your ATAR in combination with your GPA to determine whether you land a psychometric test invite. If this university is financially feasible for you, then it can't hurt to give it a go given you'll be doing a QTAC application anyway for JCU.

JCU: The emphasis here will be on your written application. I am not sure whether JCU continue to use your ATAR for any component of your academic rank or if it will just be GPA. If you did a JCU application as a school leaver, then you can probably learn from what didn't work as you don't report having received an interview - tbh, it's likely your ATAR was too low regardless of your written application, but it might still be worth reviewing your written application, if you did one, and ensuring you have truly addressed the questions and then add in what experiences you've had in the last year and how these have solidified your desire to study and practice rural/tropical medicine - bolding definitely intentional!

WSU: will use whichever of your ATAR or one year FTE GPA gets you over their academic hurdle. Given your ATAR achieves this, you don't have to worry about your GPA it will largely be irrelevant for WSU. You'll then need to sit UCAT and score quite highly to be competitive enough to secure an interview invite. As it's the first year of UCAT, we don't know how high... but it will likely be quite high (especially if you are not from GWS). Definitely worth a shot though as they tend to take quite a number of non-standards likely due to interview performance and you will have had a bit of experience with this now (given your UAdel and JMP interviews last year) so will be a little more prepared.

JMP: is definitely your best shot due to academic hurdle and generally lower UMAT (and presumably UCAT) requirements and no GWS-like bonus working against you. If you've done a year FTE of study, then you'll need to make sure your GPA is above the JMP hurdle, but this is very achievable. As with WSU, you'll then use your UCAT score to hopefully land an interview and from there, with the experience you've gained from doing it last year, be able to go in a little more prepared this time and hopefully be successful.

As an aside: I personally think you made a great choice with radiography as your back up degree. If non-standard entry doesn't work, then it gives you a solid career option while you pursue graduate entry options, and then, if that is successful, a viable skill to use for part time employment while you study. And if med never happens (statistically, unfortunately, the most realistic outcome given applicants to place offers each year), then radiography seems (to me!) an interesting alternative /random

GOOD LUCK

ETA: I forgot to mention: if you happen to be a current Curtin student, then you can also apply there! But if you're doing radiography anywhere else in the country, then you need to wait until you've graduated before you can apply.

 

[octagu]

With one FTE year of uni under your belt, you can apply to JCU, JMP, WSU, UNSW, and Bond.

In order of least likely through to most likely...! I can't give you more detailed information on chance (ie 1/4 or 1/7) as that's only really possible once you've reached interview stage, so the below is just... generally speaking!

UNSW: Realistically, given they will continue to use ATAR as 50% of your academic rank, you won't be able to reach a competitive combined total for UNSW so you can unfortunately probably rule this one out (though you should definitely include it on your UAC application just in case! It is the first year of UCAT after all, so who knows what will happen!). But yeah, probably don't count on UNSW.

Bond: will also use your ATAR in combination with your GPA to determine whether you land a psychometric test invite. If this university is financially feasible for you, then it can't hurt to give it a go given you'll be doing a QTAC application anyway for JCU.

JCU: The emphasis here will be on your written application. I am not sure whether JCU continue to use your ATAR for any component of your academic rank or if it will just be GPA. If you did a JCU application as a school leaver, then you can probably learn from what didn't work as you don't report having received an interview - tbh, it's likely your ATAR was too low regardless of your written application, but it might still be worth reviewing your written application, if you did one, and ensuring you have truly addressed the questions and then add in what experiences you've had in the last year and how these have solidified your desire to study and practice rural/tropical medicine - bolding definitely intentional!

WSU: will use whichever of your ATAR or one year FTE GPA gets you over their academic hurdle. Given your ATAR achieves this, you don't have to worry about your GPA it will largely be irrelevant for WSU. You'll then need to sit UCAT and score quite highly to be competitive enough to secure an interview invite. As it's the first year of UCAT, we don't know how high... but it will likely be quite high (especially if you are not from GWS). Definitely worth a shot though as they tend to take quite a number of non-standards likely due to interview performance and you will have had a bit of experience with this now (given your UAdel and JMP interviews last year) so will be a little more prepared.

JMP: is definitely your best shot due to academic hurdle and generally lower UMAT (and presumably UCAT) requirements and no GWS-like bonus working against you. If you've done a year FTE of study, then you'll need to make sure your GPA is above the JMP hurdle, but this is very achievable. As with WSU, you'll then use your UCAT score to hopefully land an interview and from there, with the experience you've gained from doing it last year, be able to go in a little more prepared this time and hopefully be successful.

As an aside: I personally think you made a great choice with radiography as your back up degree. If non-standard entry doesn't work, then it gives you a solid career option while you pursue graduate entry options, and then, if that is successful, a viable skill to use for part time employment while you study. And if med never happens (statistically, unfortunately, the most realistic outcome given applicants to place offers each year), then radiography seems (to me!) an interesting alternative /random

GOOD LUCK

ETA: I forgot to mention: if you happen to be a current Curtin student, then you can also apply there! But if you're doing radiography anywhere else in the country, then you need to wait until you've graduated before you can apply.

Thank you so much, really appreciate the thoughtful answer I'm currently a USYD radiography student so it looks like the Curtin pathway isn't viable for me at the moment, but thanks for the heads up ^^ (just a side note, it was actually Mana 's post about common pitfalls for year 12 school leavers that made me decide to go with radiography instead of medsci at the last minute, and I'm glad I made that decision. Thanks Mana !). Not from GWS either, but hopefully my UCAT score will be decent enough for an interview for WSU (probably my first preference atm). Will give it my best shot again this year and see how it goes

 

[unknownuser123]

what about students who are non-standard and have done >1/2 years at uni, which universities accept non-standards? Also do they consider most recent GPA or continual GPA over the years? A1

 

[DrDrLMG!]

what about students who are non-standard and have done >1/2 years at uni, which universities accept non-standards? Also do they consider most recent GPA or continual GPA over the years? A1

Read through this thread.

 

[unknownuser123]

Read through this thread.

I understand, however the question of how universities calculate non-standard GPAs is unclear to me.

If student did 2 years incomplete in a bachelors degree at university X, then transferred into a new bachelors degree at university Y fresh from first year 1 year FTE (without credits), is the GPA calculated culminatively over both degrees from university X and Y or is the GPA for applying the following year (after 1 yrFTE @ university Y) just based on university Y GPA (i.e. university X GPA is disregarded).

this is an important question for many non standards. I called several universities, with some saying its culminative and others saying its most recent new bachelors. Still have no decisive answer. I hope the question makes sense LMG!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

I understand, however the question of how universities calculate non-standard GPAs is unclear to me.

If student did 2 years incomplete in a bachelors degree at university X, then transferred into a new bachelors degree at university Y fresh from first year 1 year FTE (without credits), is the GPA calculated culminatively over both degrees from university X and Y or is the GPA for applying the following year (after 1 yrFTE @ university Y) just based on university Y GPA (i.e. university X GPA is disregarded).

this is an important question for many non standards. I called several universities, with some saying its culminative and others saying its most recent new bachelors. Still have no decisive answer. I hope the question makes sense LMG!

The different answers would likely be because different universities calculate it differently. There won't be a definitive answer. And then you have UNSW that will also continue to use your ATAR for 50% of your academic rank.

 

[unknownuser123]

The different answers would likely be because different universities calculate it differently. There won't be a definitive answer. And then you have UNSW that will also continue to use your ATAR for 50% of your academic rank.

Yes good point, I should've been more specific.

Does anyone know how it works for UAdel Dent, JCU Dent, Griffith Dent, UQ dent & Newcastle Med? LMG!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Yes good point, I should've been more specific.

Does anyone know how it works for UAdel Dent, JCU Dent, Griffith Dent, UQ dent & Newcastle Med? LMG!

You mentioned that you contacted some of the universities and that some responded. Which did you contact, and what responses did you get?

For UoN/JMP, anecdotally, I believe they only use your current degree. I know someone who started a new degree after completing a previous degree, and only used the new degree GPA to apply (and they received an offer). That said, JMP also have a very reasonable GPA cut off which means it's usually quite accessible, regardless of tertiary history.

 

[unknownuser123]

You mentioned that you contacted some of the universities and that some responded. Which did you contact, and what responses did you get?

For UoN/JMP, anecdotally, I believe they only use your current degree. I know someone who started a new degree after completing a previous degree, and only used the new degree GPA to apply (and they received an offer). That said, JMP also have a very reasonable GPA cut off which means it's usually quite accessible, regardless of tertiary history.

the dent universities are very blunt in their responses. I was hoping if anyone had insight here.

The only university that was straight up was UQ dent in which case they said they did take culminative gpa across degrees, but the dude also seemed like he wasnt 100% on it. IDK the situation as of yet.

 

[Sir Topham Hatt]

Hi,
I was just wondering whether someone could please provide some assistance regarding submission of my GPA as a non- standard applicant for 2019-20. To give some background I graduated Year 12 in 2018 and have commenced tertiary study this year in 2019. I'm just not sure what to do, considering applications need to be made to these unis from around the end of September and I anticipate I'll receive my Grades for Semester 2 at around the mid/ end of November. As far as I'm aware, I don't think this will be an issue for WSU- as they take either the ATAR/ GPA that passes their threshold. But I am just a bit stumped as to what I should do for JMP/ JCU/ UNSW. Would I be required to just submit Sem 1, but then what happens to Sem 2 grades?
Thanks.

 

[Sherlock]

Hi,
I was just wondering whether someone could please provide some assistance regarding submission of my GPA as a non- standard applicant for 2019-20. To give some background I graduated Year 12 in 2018 and have commenced tertiary study this year in 2019. I'm just not sure what to do, considering applications need to be made to these unis from around the end of September and I anticipate I'll receive my Grades for Semester 2 at around the mid/ end of November. As far as I'm aware, I don't think this will be an issue for WSU- as they take either the ATAR/ GPA that passes their threshold. But I am just a bit stumped as to what I should do for JMP/ JCU/ UNSW. Would I be required to just submit Sem 1, but then what happens to Sem 2 grades?
Thanks.

Hello there, you don't really have to do anything in terms of supplying your ATAR or GPA scores. Once you apply through UAC and QTAC, your results will be obtained by them on your behalf. Places of offers for all the unis you've listed above are not released until January and by that time they'll have your results.

 

[Sir Topham Hatt]

Awesome thanks, what do they use for the basis of interviews then, because won't interview invites be given before GPA/ ATAR results are released? Do they do this on the basis of UCAT?

 

[Crow]

Awesome thanks, what do they use for the basis of interviews then, because won't interview invites be given before GPA/ ATAR results are released? Do they do this on the basis of UCAT?

JMP won't consider your GPA until place offer stages (i.e. you could hypothetically be under the hurdle and they'd still give you an interview if your UCAT was high enough). For JCU, if you do get an interview it will most likely be in the second round (held in early January) once your full year's worth of results are available and they have your updated GPA. I can't recall what WSU do (whether they check you've met the GPA hurdle before or after interviews - LMG! and A1 will know) and I don't believe your results coming out in November will have any effect on UNSW.

 

[unknownuser123]

Well I think ATAR results are released in December, and most Unis release semester 2 results in november, so if anything university GPA result are released before ATAR results, so I dont see how a non standard can be disadvantaged compared to standard applicant based on timing only

 

[Sir Topham Hatt]

I think it all makes sense now. if you look at the Yr 12/ Non Standards Selection Table- I think the thing that confuses me is that it says for UNSW, "ATAR if less than 0.75 FTE" and for WSU it says you can use 1 Semester FTE with a GPA of 6.2, or 1 Year FTE with a GPA of 6. For some reason from this, I got the impression you could almost pick and choose the grades/ ATAR to use depending on what's better and the timing of results. Could someone please clarify?

 

[Sherlock]

I think it all makes sense now. if you look at the Yr 12/ Non Standards Selection Table- I think the thing that confuses me is that it says for UNSW, "ATAR if less than 0.75 FTE" and for WSU it says you can use 1 Semester FTE with a GPA of 6.2, or 1 Year FTE with a GPA of 6. For some reason from this, I got the impression you could almost pick and choose the grades/ ATAR to use depending on what's better and the timing of results. Could someone please clarify?

You can't really choose, no. Once you have 1 FTE, they'll look at your results from tertiary studies in the case of UNSW.

To answer your example about WSU, some may start university in the second semester of an academic calendar year or some may study part time and one full year of part time study may only make up 1 semester FTE. Obviously, the GPA requirements lower with more studies under the belt as this implies consistency over a longer period and thus, perhaps more reliable.

This is simply a case of different universities having variations in their selection criteria.

 

[A1]

I think it all makes sense now. if you look at the Yr 12/ Non Standards Selection Table- I think the thing that confuses me is that it says for UNSW, "ATAR if less than 0.75 FTE" and for WSU it says you can use 1 Semester FTE with a GPA of 6.2, or 1 Year FTE with a GPA of 6. For some reason from this, I got the impression you could almost pick and choose the grades/ ATAR to use depending on what's better and the timing of results. Could someone please clarify?

Both JMP and WSU send out interview invites before ATAR or year-end GPA is known, so it's based solely on UCAT. Then when they come to the place offer stage:
- WSU: if your ATAR was >95.5 you're okay, if not they will check if your GPA is > 6.0 or 6.2 depending on the FTE you have done.
- JMP: they will check your GPA if you have done 1+ FTE year, otherwise ATAR.

UNSW sends out invites after ATAR/year-end GPA is known and counted into the interview selection. If you have done 0.75+ FTE year it's ATAR+GPA combined, otherwise ATAR only.

 

[Sir Topham Hatt]

Thanks, is there a limit for the amount of times your ATAR can be used? Like if it's above 95.5 for WSU, can it be used indefinetely until your ucat is above threshold for an interview invite, or does it expire.
I'm aware JCU has a separate pool for Non- Standards, but what about UNSW, WSU and JMP, are we placed in the overall pool of applicants including School leavers?

 

[Crow]

I'm aware JCU has a separate pool for Non- Standards, but what about UNSW, WSU and JMP, are we placed in the overall pool of applicants including School leavers?

Yes, there’s only a single pool of applicants for those universities.

For WSU - there’s no “expiry” but once you have a completed degree you can’t rely on your ATAR to get you over the hurdle anymore. It’ll go off your GPA from that point.

 

[Unforgettable48]

To apply as a non-standard applicant, you need GPA and UCAT. Do you use the GPA for the first semester of uni or the final-end of the year gpa?