Offers UTAS 2017 (Discussion)

[LBoG]

I want to send everyone who's been contributing to this thread a very big thank you for passing on what little info has come trickling out of UTAS admissions. My medicine ambitions emerged later than most, and I applied as an interstate nonstandard, originally thinking UTAS was my best shot (OK average in last 3 semesters of study, 98th percentile UMAT with an 81 in S2). The chemistry prerequisite was an issue for me—I'm currently enrolled in the online foundation subject UTAS runs. At every stage I've asked for clarification/reassurance that I'd still be eligible for consideration in the 2017 intake and no one I spoke to or emailed suggested anything to make me think otherwise. But like everyone else I've heard nothing further. And the reports that all offer rounds were complete, leaving only fill-in-the-gap opportunities dependent on refusals, made me a little angry, coming as it did *after* the financial census date for the online subject I've always been clear I'm only doing for MBBS eligibility. I've been lucky enough to get an offer from the UoN JMP and all this confusion surrounding the fate of my fellow nonstandards has dissuaded me from hanging out for any future news from UTAS. I'll suck up the HECS debt without sinking any more money/time/effort in a largely pointless prerequisite (I was already working through a chemistry textbook independently as I needed to convince myself it wasn't totally delusional to think medicine might be something I could do). I'm sure I speak for other lurkers when I reiterate my gratitude for the posters who've battled opaque university bureaucracy and reported back, and sincerely wish everyone still waiting the best of luck.

(Especially you, @LMG . Massive thanks)

I feel your pain/frustration. I also have an S2 81 (99th, 204 total) and no UTAS offer - we really don't know what's going on for non-standards as you can tell from the threads!

However, congrats on JMP! I'll be seeing you at UoN this year. Head over to the Newcastle/UNE forum if you haven't already: Newcastle / Armidale (UNE) | Med Students Online

 

[Yooxs]

I want to reiterate Caffeinated's thanks. I too have been really appreciative of you guys and all the information you've been kind enough to share. Hopefully I'll get to say thanks again with an offer in my inbox.

Although maybe not that important, I can share that central domestic admissions (or something of the sort) meets with the school of medicine fortnightly, and that next week there is going to be another meeting. I don't know if this is when offers are chosen, but if it is, maybe more offers coming out as the rejections come through.

As for Myst's question about the weather:

I've lived here two years now, and in my subjective experience it's been really variable. The first year here I felt like it was cold often. I felt like winter lasted the whole year, autumn was just winter with another name, spring was like a cold autumn, and there was a month of summer.
To be honest though, I had just come from the NT, so I wasn't accustomed to seasons let alone cold weather, so my experience may not give you a reliable feel for the weather unless you live in a hot clime.

My second year though, I think I've gotten used to the weather here, and it has been absolutely beautiful. Perfect weather all year pretty much! Fresh, windy days where the sun is hot but the breeze is cool were the norm. Long summers with plenty of sun, and just enough winter to appreciate the snow-capped peak of Mt. Wellington.

Take that as you will, perhaps a local with more years experience of Tasmania may be able to help answer this better!

 

[sht]

I want to send everyone who's been contributing to this thread a very big thank you for passing on what little info has come trickling out of UTAS admissions. My medicine ambitions emerged later than most, and I applied as an interstate nonstandard, originally thinking UTAS was my best shot (OK average in last 3 semesters of study, 98th percentile UMAT with an 81 in S2). The chemistry prerequisite was an issue for me—I'm currently enrolled in the online foundation subject UTAS runs. At every stage I've asked for clarification/reassurance that I'd still be eligible for consideration in the 2017 intake and no one I spoke to or emailed suggested anything to make me think otherwise. But like everyone else I've heard nothing further. And the reports that all offer rounds were complete, leaving only fill-in-the-gap opportunities dependent on refusals, made me a little angry, coming as it did *after* the financial census date for the online subject I've always been clear I'm only doing for MBBS eligibility. I've been lucky enough to get an offer from the UoN JMP and all this confusion surrounding the fate of my fellow nonstandards has dissuaded me from hanging out for any future news from UTAS. I'll suck up the HECS debt without sinking any more money/time/effort in a largely pointless prerequisite (I was already working through a chemistry textbook independently as I needed to convince myself it wasn't totally delusional to think medicine might be something I could do). I'm sure I speak for other lurkers when I reiterate my gratitude for the posters who've battled opaque university bureaucracy and reported back, and sincerely wish everyone still waiting the best of luck.

(Especially you, @LMG . Massive thanks)

How about you send this to UTAS. They probably need the kick in the ass.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Although maybe not that important, I can share that central domestic admissions (or something of the sort) meets with the school of medicine fortnightly, and that next week there is going to be another meeting. I don't know if this is when offers are chosen, but if it is, maybe more offers coming out as the rejections come through

Firstly, thanks for the thanks! Much appreciated.

Secondly, oooh, fingers crossed. I really am baffled by the fact that there almost zero students reporting to MSO who are actually going to ACCEPT their UTAS offer. If, as is the case with other Universities, UTAS over-offers in the first round to a degree that means subsequent offers are minimal, then WHERE ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE?! Haha! Admittedly, we have no local school leavers reporting here, but those spots are largely irrelevant to us anyway as there's a quota and we're not eligible for it. But we HAVE had quite a few offers reported, that none of them are by students intending to accept them (largely) is so surprising. UNLESS UTAS doesn't over offer in the same way other Universities do OR unless they've largely scrapped non-standard entry and are refusing to admit this. Who knows at this point!

As for Myst's question about the weather:

I've lived here two years now, and in my subjective experience it's been really variable. The first year here I felt like it was cold often. I felt like winter lasted the whole year, autumn was just winter with another name, spring was like a cold autumn, and there was a month of summer.
To be honest though, I had just come from the NT, so I wasn't accustomed to seasons let alone cold weather, so my experience may not give you a reliable feel for the weather unless you live in a hot clime.

My second year though, I think I've gotten used to the weather here, and it has been absolutely beautiful. Perfect weather all year pretty much! Fresh, windy days where the sun is hot but the breeze is cool were the norm. Long summers with plenty of sun, and just enough winter to appreciate the snow-capped peak of Mt. Wellington.

Take that as you will, perhaps a local with more years experience of Tasmania may be able to help answer this better!

I've lived here for many, MANY years and this is an accurate (and lovely!) description. I'm sitting in my lounge room at the moment with my sliding door wide open towards the waterfront which meets my front lawn. There's not a scrap of wind, and the sky is pale pinky/orange with a smattering of purplish clouds. There's an open air concert happening close by and those people will be having a ball (I can hear the music from here). It's an amazing evening!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

I want to send everyone who's been contributing to this thread a very big thank you for passing on what little info has come trickling out of UTAS admissions. My medicine ambitions emerged later than most, and I applied as an interstate nonstandard, originally thinking UTAS was my best shot (OK average in last 3 semesters of study, 98th percentile UMAT with an 81 in S2). The chemistry prerequisite was an issue for me—I'm currently enrolled in the online foundation subject UTAS runs. At every stage I've asked for clarification/reassurance that I'd still be eligible for consideration in the 2017 intake and no one I spoke to or emailed suggested anything to make me think otherwise. But like everyone else I've heard nothing further. And the reports that all offer rounds were complete, leaving only fill-in-the-gap opportunities dependent on refusals, made me a little angry, coming as it did *after* the financial census date for the online subject I've always been clear I'm only doing for MBBS eligibility. I've been lucky enough to get an offer from the UoN JMP and all this confusion surrounding the fate of my fellow nonstandards has dissuaded me from hanging out for any future news from UTAS. I'll suck up the HECS debt without sinking any more money/time/effort in a largely pointless prerequisite (I was already working through a chemistry textbook independently as I needed to convince myself it wasn't totally delusional to think medicine might be something I could do). I'm sure I speak for other lurkers when I reiterate my gratitude for the posters who've battled opaque university bureaucracy and reported back, and sincerely wish everyone still waiting the best of luck.

(Especially you, @LMG . Massive thanks)

Many thanks for your very kind words, and I'm actually so sorry (and, at times, a little embarrassed) that I've not been able to bring accurate information to the table, and that so much of what I've reported has been almost immediately contradicted by Real Life! I've been a long time student at UTAS but never really dealt with Admissions staff previously. I was clearly naive to have the faith that I did at times.

I'm also with you re. your med ambition emerging later than for most. If this year (admittedly my first year of applying) doesn't happen (as it looks like it won't) then I'll try once more (and probably expand my options a little as I only applied to UTAS this year), but that will be it. No one wants a geriatric intern*! Least of all the Commonwealth of Australia! (*including Alex Karev. #gratuitousGrey'sAnatomyreference).

Very best of luck at UoN! I'm jealous you get to study with @LBoG! Maybe I'll see you there next year and you can show me the ropes!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

I heard from someone the highest it got last year was 25 ? Wasn't quite sure about that. Haha

They are having you on. It often gets above 30 in summer, and the record temp is 42ish.

 

[aam]

Just thought I would post this seeing as there are a few people waiting on UTAS offers. My son will be taking up WSU (home state) & he has rejected the UTAS offer.

 

[Intissar]

Cheers guys!
Just so you know,
I am a interstate school leaver applicant
I will definetly give undergrad med a shot this year but pretty happy that I have a back up if I am unsuccessful.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

The chemistry prerequisite was an issue for me—I'm currently enrolled in the online foundation subject UTAS runs. At every stage I've asked for clarification/reassurance that I'd still be eligible for consideration in the 2017 intake and no one I spoke to or emailed suggested anything to make me think otherwise. But like everyone else I've heard nothing further. And the reports that all offer rounds were complete, leaving only fill-in-the-gap opportunities dependent on refusals, made me a little angry, coming as it did *after* the financial census date for the online subject I've always been clear I'm only doing for MBBS eligibility. I've been lucky enough to get an offer from the UoN JMP and all this confusion surrounding the fate of my fellow nonstandards has dissuaded me from hanging out for any future news from UTAS. I'll suck up the HECS debt without sinking any more money/time/effort in a largely pointless prerequisite (I was already working through a chemistry textbook independently as I needed to convince myself it wasn't totally delusional to think medicine might be something I could do).

I meant to ask you about this; I did the Chemistry Foundation unit this time last year and the course itself didn't cost me a cent, only the associated student union fee of about $70.00. It was fully Commonwealth funded (though not particularly clear and it was only when I rang to make my payment that they confirmed I didn't actually need to pay anything). I've just double checked the UTAS website, and it's clearer now than I remember, to be honest, and definitely states that Foundation courses are HECS free and that you just need to fill out the appropriate form.

"Domestic Applicants: Foundation Units are HECS/HELP free. Therefore an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) will need to be completed via eStudent once admitted into K3Z Bachelor of General Studies."
KRA001 Chemistry Foundation Unit - Chemistry - University of Tasmania, Australia

Are you a domestic applicant?

 

[biom]

They are having you on. It often gets above 30 in summer, and the record temp is 42ish.

OK.... but understand it is not Townsville!! The weather is cool and windy for much of the year. It is what it is. You dress accordingly. It is a beautiful place to live.

 

[Caffeinated]

I meant to ask you about this; I did the Chemistry Foundation unit this time last year and the course itself didn't cost me a cent, only the associated student union fee of about $70.00. It was fully Commonwealth funded (though not particularly clear and it was only when I rang to make my payment that they confirmed I didn't actually need to pay anything). I've just double checked the UTAS website, and it's clearer now than I remember, to be honest, and definitely states that Foundation courses are HECS free and that you just need to fill out the appropriate form.

"Domestic Applicants: Foundation Units are HECS/HELP free. Therefore an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) will need to be completed via eStudent once admitted into K3Z Bachelor of General Studies."
KRA001 Chemistry Foundation Unit - Chemistry - University of Tasmania, Australia

Are you a domestic applicant?

Welp, better choke back some of my righteous indignation...I am a domestic applicant, and I totally misinterpreted that, thinking it only meant the standard loan/tax repayment arrangement didn't apply. I needed to fill out the pink hardcopy government form before being enrolled and just assumed I was liable for some kind of debt. Thank you again!

I sent a few words of feedback along with an explanation for my decision to accept the JMP offer, politely pointing out how much waste and angst could be saved with just a little better communication and expectation management. It might fall on deaf ears considering the planned revision of the non-standard entry pathway but who knows—hopefully it adds to a collective attempt at at least guilting admissions into a bit more clarity, ASAP.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Welp, better choke back some of my righteous indignation...I am a domestic applicant, and I totally misinterpreted that, thinking it only meant the standard loan/tax repayment arrangement didn't apply. I needed to fill out the pink hardcopy government form before being enrolled and just assumed I was liable for some kind of debt. Thank you again!

I sent a few words of feedback along with an explanation for my decision to accept the JMP offer, politely pointing out how much waste and angst could be saved with just a little better communication and expectation management. It might fall on deaf ears considering the planned revision of the non-standard entry pathway but who knows—hopefully it adds to a collective attempt at at least guilting admissions into a bit more clarity, ASAP.

Yes! So pleased I could be of ACTUAL, USEFUL, TRUTHFUL HELP to someone!! Day made.

And thank you so much for sending your feedback into admissions. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we are hugely grateful, regardless of outcome.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Okay, so, time to regroup and see who of us is 'left'!

As far as I'm aware, the following non-standard MSOers are (stilllllll) waiting on a response of some kind from UTAS and have not (yet) indicated that they've received preferred offers elsewhere:

@LMG (GPA 7.0/UMAT 92nd%ile/S266/rural)
@EJM (GPA ?/UMAT 93rd%ile/S2??/rural)
@May (GPA ?/UMAT ?/S266)
@katerpillar123 (WAM 75/UMAT 98th%ile/S281)
@Samuel (GPA 6.2/UMAT 96th%ile/S268/rural)
@syzygy (GPA 6.4/UMAT 96th%ile/S266) - received BMedRes offer
@shamel (GPA ?/UMAT 72nd%ile/S268/rural)
@Figjam17 (GPA 6.6/UMAT 97th%ile/S268)
@Watermelon (GPA 6.3/UMAT 90th%ile/S261)
@vetmegaussie (?/?/?)
@Yooxs (GPA 6.7/UMAT 89th%ile/S261/rural)
@Vina (GPA 6.7/UMAT 94th%ile/S2??)
@mnm (GPA 6.5/UMAT 95th%ile/S271)

• Have I missed anyone?
  
• Is any of the above incorrect? Please let me know if it is! (ie. wrong scores, rural status, or you've received and accepted an offer elsewhere already)
  
• Any lurkers out there happy to have me add their details?
• Any standard applicants still waiting to hear something?

 

[syzygy]

I'm not rural, but thanks for the summary stats!

 

[DrDrLMG!]

I'm not rural, but thanks for the summary stats!

Edited! Thank you

 

[MD]

Okay, so, time to regroup and see who of us is 'left'!

As far as I'm aware, the following non-standard MSOers are (stilllllll) waiting on a response of some kind from UTAS and have not (yet) indicated that they've received preferred offers elsewhere:

@LMG (GPA 7.0/UMAT 92nd%ile/S266/rural)
@EJM (GPA ?/UMAT 93rd%ile/S2??/rural)
@May (GPA ?/UMAT ?/S266)
@katerpillar123 (GPA ?/UMAT 98th%ile/S281)
@Samuel (GPA 5.9/UMAT 96th%ile/S268)
@syzygy (GPA 6.4/UMAT 96th%ile/S266)
@shamel (GPA ?/UMAT 72nd%ile/S268/rural)
@Figjam17 (GPA 6.6/UMAT 97th%ile/S268)
@Watermelon (GPA 6.3/UMAT 90th%ile/S261)
@vetmegaussie (?/?/?)
@Yooxs (?/?/?)
@tmkarp (WAM 84/UMAT 93rd%ile/S268)

• Have I missed anyone?
  
• Is any of the above incorrect? Please let me know if it is! (ie. wrong scores, rural status, or you've received and accepted an offer elsewhere already)
  
• Any lurkers out there happy to have me add their details?
• Any standard applicants still waiting to hear something?

URGENT ADVICE NEEDED- What path to take? | Med Students Online
Seems like @tmkarp has decided to accept his Chancellor's Scholarship for Biomedicine at University of Melbourne.

 

[Yooxs]

I suppose I can share my stats for your post LMG, and for everyone else:

GPA 6.7
UMAT 55/61/62 179 89%
Non-standard UTAS student in BBioTechMedRes
Rural RA3 4 years RA2 1 year (at the time of application

No offer from UTAS yet, I have been informed by the Deputy head of admissions that my application has been considered.

UTAS is and would be my first preference.

I received a first round interview offer at JMP which I pushed back to today.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

I suppose I can share my stats for your post LMG, and for everyone else:

GPA 6.7
UMAT 55/61/62 179 89%
Non-standard UTAS student in BBioTechMedRes
Rural RA3 4 years RA2 1 year (at the time of application

No offer from UTAS yet, I have been informed by the Deputy head of admissions that my application has been considered.

UTAS is and would be my first preference.

I received a first round interview offer at JMP which I pushed back to today.

Thank you!! Just checking, were those 5 years of living in a rural location consecutive? And best of luck with your JMP interview today

 

[biom]

Is there any info as to what sort of a UMAT and/or WAM leg up rural status gives non-standards at UTAS?

(yes I know this begs the more general question)

 

[EJM]

I suppose I can share my stats for your post LMG, and for everyone else:

GPA 6.7
UMAT 55/61/62 179 89%
Non-standard UTAS student in BBioTechMedRes
Rural RA3 4 years RA2 1 year (at the time of application

No offer from UTAS yet, I have been informed by the Deputy head of admissions that my application has been considered.

UTAS is and would be my first preference.

I received a first round interview offer at JMP which I pushed back to today.

Well this is just fishy because I have friends who I graduated biotech Med res with who received offers for the pathway with umat scores as low as 79%ile LAST YEAR. Both of which rejected their offers to take up graduate places meaning they must have offered them to students with at least those scores. They also received their offers in December too. So UTAS really have thrown out the rule book this year as I would have thought that score in the pathway was practically garuanteed a position! Hopefully you hear something soon @Yooxs!