[한글자막] How to get into post-graduate medical school in Australia - everything you need to know :)

Summary

Ava, a third-year medical student at the University of Melbourne, shares valuable insights about applying to postgraduate medical schools in Australia. She explains the application process through GAMSAT and direct university applications, detailing the importance of GPA, GAMSAT scores, and interviews. Ava discusses the different types of medical school places, including CSP, BMP, full-fee paying, and international student options. She also touches on special pathways, including scholarships and rural pathways. Ava encourages students to take care of their well-being while navigating this competitive process, providing a helpful resource for prospective medical students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The application process for postgraduate medical schools in Australia can be complex, but it's manageable with the right information.
• 😀 GAMSAT is the primary admissions test for most medical schools in Australia, focusing on critical thinking and applying knowledge, rather than pure content recall.
• 😀 You can apply to medical schools through GEMSAS (for 10 out of 13 universities) or directly to some universities like Sydney, Monash, and Flinders.
• 😀 GPA is an important component of the application, calculated from your last three years of study, with different universities applying different weightings to these years.
• 😀 Some universities, like the University of Sydney, don’t weigh GPA heavily, while others use it more significantly to assess applicants.
• 😀 GAMSAT scores are crucial, and section 3 (science) carries extra weight in the scoring. Universities may calculate either a weighted or unweighted GAMSAT score.
• 😀 Medical schools in Australia offer various types of places: CSP (government-subsidized), BNP (bonded), full-fee paying, and international student spots.
• 😀 There are specific bonuses for applicants with rural backgrounds, clinical work experience, or financial disadvantages, which can improve their chances of receiving an offer.
• 😀 The interview process is significant, usually involving a multi-mini interview (MMI) with several stations assessing different skills.
• 😀 International students must apply directly to universities and provide additional documentation like proof of English language proficiency and certified academic transcripts.
• 😀 Some universities offer guaranteed entry pathways for exceptional students based on high school exam results (ATAR) or special rural and other pathways.
• 😀 The application process can be stressful, so it’s important to maintain your well-being throughout, prioritizing self-care along the way.

Q & A

What are the two main ways to apply to medical schools in Australia?

The two main ways to apply to medical schools in Australia are through the GAMSAT system (which oversees 10 out of the 13 medical schools) and by applying directly to individual universities.

What is the GAMSAT and what sections does it consist of?

The GAMSAT is the Australian equivalent of the US MCAT. It tests the ability to manipulate information and apply knowledge rather than factual recall. It consists of three sections: reading comprehension, essay writing, and science.

How is the GPA calculated for medical school applications?

The GPA for medical school applications is calculated based on the last three years of a student's education, with different universities applying varying weightings. For example, some universities like the University of Melbourne use a 1:2:2 weighting for first, second, and third-year grades.

Can students use grades from further studies, such as honors or a PhD, to improve their GPA?

Yes, further studies like honors or a PhD can be included in the GPA calculation if completed by the time of the application, with some universities, like UWA, offering automatic 7.0 GPA for PhD holders.

How are GAMSAT scores calculated and what is their validity period?

GAMSAT scores are weighted, with the science section (section 3) being doubled. Scores are valid for two application cycles, meaning a score from a March exam can be used for both that year's and the following year's application.

What types of bonus marks are available for medical school applicants?

Some universities offer bonus marks for various factors such as clinical work experience, financial hardship, rural residency, or if the applicant is from a disadvantaged background or has a history of disability.

What are the different types of places available in medical school, and how do they affect the application process?

The four types of places in medical school are CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), BMP (Bonded Medical Place), full-fee paying, and international student places. These affect the application process as each type has different thresholds for receiving interview offers, with rural applicants often receiving priority for certain spots.

How do universities determine which applicants to offer interviews to?

Universities rank applicants based on their combined GPA and GAMSAT scores. Additional factors like portfolios or bonus marks may also be considered, and applicants are selected for interviews accordingly.

What is the format of medical school interviews in Australia?

Most universities use a multi-mini interview (MMI) format, where applicants rotate through stations, each with a different scenario or question. Some universities, like Melbourne, use 8 stations, each lasting around 5 minutes.

What options exist for international students applying to medical school in Australia?

International students must apply directly to universities and submit various documents such as academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS), and GAMSAT or MCAT scores. Universities may also require portfolios or supplementary forms, depending on the institution.