Post by: TheAspiringDoc on April 19, 2015, 09:28:04 am
So I know I'm a little way of the end of year eleven (I think that's when all the summer schools are held, right?), But I'm wanting to figure out which summer schools are the 'best' for someone who is into both maths and science and is wanting to get into medicine. My criteria would be things such as; which are most relevant to VCE studies; which is the most fun and gives the most rounded experience; which one is the most advanced and will provide the greatest learning experience; and which one is the most financially suitable.
So far I've found:
National Maths Summer School
National Youth Science Forum (daddy, I want a
TSFX Summer School (three negative reviews, one positive)
TSSM Summer School
NEAP Summer School
Harry Messel International Science School
Australian Science Olympiad Summer School
University of Melbourne Student Union Summer School
Access Education Summer School
If anyone has an opinion or any past experiences with any of these (or others, which I may have missed,) I'd love to hear your experiences :)
Post by: Callum@1373 on April 19, 2015, 09:40:48 am
trust me on this...i swear to freaking god please trust me. Ask other people on this forum, they will agree with me i swear.
Let me quote tsfx 'we do not believe in superficial overviews'
That is EXACTLY what they do.
You'll pay like $120 or something to hear some sad looking teacher skim the unit 1/3 study design
What I would recommend, is to go to the cheap places. Why? Because it suggests that the company is more interested in your own VCE success than their profit gain. It's true I swear. Those more professional ones you listed such as australian science olympiad summer school seem a lot more legit than anything else....but tssm i've heard are alright.
tl;dr - don't go to tsfx just no. May as well pick up the textbook, read one word on every page and then put it down. that's what it's like going to tsfx. and your bum will get bloody sore going there.
Post by: cosine on April 19, 2015, 09:47:34 am
Let me also add emphasis on it. Do... not... go... to... tsfx...
They are money orientated. Their notes are exactly the same as what you'll find in the textbooks, and they say their notes is what we pay the money for, that the lectures are just there as a backup. Notes are decent, if you can utilise your textbook well enough the notes are useless. Oh and if you love receiving spam emails about future sessions, sign up to tsfx, because no matter how many times I unsubscribe from their weekly spam, I still receive their emails.
You can get some really good sessions from other companies, not all are like tsfx. I would recommend TSSM and NEAP over the others!
Post by: keltingmeith on April 19, 2015, 10:06:50 am
National Maths Summer School
National Youth Science Forum
AFAIK, both of these require application about 1/3 of the way through year 11, so make sure you're aware of the dates so you don't miss out.
I can't talk about the NMSS (never went, but it seems fairly good), I can more than recommend the NYSF.
It's a fantastic experience that not only makes you realize that there's more to science than what you currently think there is (you might find that after it you don't want to go into med.
), but it creates a great network of friends at the same time. The NYSF provides very little help in terms of VCE (minus the new network of friends who you can study with), but the actual experience will stay with you for your life, as opposed to the VCE lectures that stay with you for a year. (Not to mention NYSF looks much better on your resume than a TSSM lecture would)
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on April 19, 2015, 10:10:48 am
Never!!!!
I can't talk about the NMSS (never went, but it seems fairly good), I can more than recommend the NYSF.
It's a fantastic experience that not only makes you realize that there's more to science than what you currently think there is (you might find that after it you don't want to go into med.
On their website they said they take in students hoping to follow a Science/Engineering type career - does that include medicine?
Post by: keltingmeith on April 19, 2015, 10:13:09 am
Never!!!!
On their website they said they take in students hoping to follow a Science/Engineering type career - does that include medicine?
Never say never.
They say science/engineering, they actually mean STEM. When I went, about 1/3 of the students participating wanted to do med.
Post by: S33667 on April 19, 2015, 10:26:55 am
For example - a recent day at Monash offered:
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Workshop
Building 13F, Lab G01
The BioEYES program is an innovative, hands-on approach to learning about developmental biology, stem cells, genetics and
regenerative medicine through the use of live zebrafish. Students will learn about the rapid development of zebrafish embryos
and observe the transparent embryos of zebrafish change from a single celled zygote to a larval fish.
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on April 19, 2015, 10:32:48 am
Is there anything I should start doing now to elevate my chances of being accepted (i.e. community service or submitting science videos into competitions such as the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?)
It seems like everyone on AN has been... Only like 100 students are accepted though, right?
Post by: keltingmeith on April 19, 2015, 11:08:44 am
NYSF is relevant towards toward medicine (you get put into streams on the program depending on your interest). After the program is January they have there nextstep program at different university campuses
For example - a recent day at Monash offered:
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Workshop
Building 13F, Lab G01
The BioEYES program is an innovative, hands-on approach to learning about developmental biology, stem cells, genetics and
regenerative medicine through the use of live zebrafish. Students will learn about the rapid development of zebrafish embryos
and observe the transparent embryos of zebrafish change from a single celled zygote to a larval fish.
Wait, you went to the next step session at Monash? Because I was one of the helpers for that LOL.
Wow! NYSF Looks sooo cool :)Not really. Get good grades (debatable requirement), be able to show that you're interested in STEM and don't be a jerk gives you a pretty good chance of getting in.
Is there anything I should start doing now to elevate my chances of being accepted (i.e. community service or submitting science videos into competitions such as the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?)
It seems like everyone on AN has been... Only like 100 students are accepted though, right?
Also, they accept ~400 people a year, so just a bit more than what you think.
Post by: S33667 on April 19, 2015, 11:21:47 am
Wait, you went to the next step session at Monash? Because I was one of the helpers for that LOL.
Nope I missed it sadly - short story: flying back from France, missed the connecting flight at Dubai, ended up delayed in Kuala Lumpur! I did go to Melbourne Uni the next day.
Here's some feedback for you from my NYSF friends .... apparently "we" are all going to Monash because their nextstep day was awesome and Melbourne not so much.
So thanks for being a part of deciding where I'm going to be doing my future studies EulerFan lol (even though I haven't sussed it out myself) :o
Post by: S33667 on April 19, 2015, 11:29:45 am
Wow! NYSF Looks sooo cool :)
Is there anything I should start doing now to elevate my chances of being accepted (i.e. community service or submitting science videos into competitions such as the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?)
It seems like everyone on AN has been... Only like 100 students are accepted though, right?
I think the best thing about NYSF is that you meet so many like minded science geeks. In fact I'm surprised how close we've all become and we all still catch up socially.
TheAspiringDoc if you're 15 check out ysa.org.au/melbourne/ - I only joined after NYSF but some people were members before they got selected for NYSF. If you're interested to coming to one of the social days; feel free to message me I know how daunting it can be rocking up not knowing anyone - I'll hold your hand :D
Post by: mahler004 on April 19, 2015, 12:37:15 pm
But yeah, it's still a few years away but keep the application deadlines in mind - I was fortunate enough to have a teacher that was involved locally with the NYSF (so she pushed us all to apply,) but at some schools if there's not a teacher like that it can fly by. It's at a pretty random time iirc.
Not really. Get good grades (debatable requirement), be able to show that you're interested in STEM and don't be a jerk gives you a pretty good chance of getting in.
Also, they accept ~400 people a year, so just a bit more than what you think.
Without going into doxxable details, I was involved in selection for the NYSF from my rotary district the year after I went. We generally looked for personable people who were interested in STEM. Good grades didn't hurt (poor grades would set you back) but were at most a secondary consideration. That said, selection is largely at the rotary district level, so it will change across the country. My rotary district had a few unusual things about it (about 50% city/country, so we had to adjust for that).
Post by: thushan on April 19, 2015, 01:07:28 pm
Hi!
So I know I'm a little way of the end of year eleven (I think that's when all the summer schools are held, right?), But I'm wanting to figure out which summer schools are the 'best' for someone who is into both maths and science and is wanting to get into medicine. My criteria would be things such as; which are most relevant to VCE studies; which is the most fun and gives the most rounded experience; which one is the most advanced and will provide the greatest learning experience; and which one is the most financially suitable.
So far I've found:
National Maths Summer School
National Youth Science ForumTSFX Summer School(Following negative reviews)
TSSM Summer School
NEAP Summer School
Harry Messel International Science School
Australian Science Olympiad Summer School
University of Melbourne Student Union Summer School
Access Education Summer School
If anyone has an opinion or any past experiences with any of these (or others, which I may have missed,) I'd love to hear your experiences :)
They have different purposes:
- TSFX
- TSSM
- Access Education
These are just a series of head-start lectures on VCE subjects. Also, I disagree with what was said about TSFX; I have been to their Biology and Physics lectures and both have been quite excellent. However, TSFX is quite pricey.
There's also the ATARNotes HeadStart lectures (which are currently free).
- ASO Summer School
- Harry Messel International Science School
- Australian Science Olympiad Summer School
- NYSF
- NMSS
These are all residential summer schools if you want to extend your knowledge of science beyond the VCE level; the ASO summer school is specifically to get you into one of the Australian Science Olympiad teams. These schools are NOT VCE-focused.
- Melbourne Uni Summer School
This is basically a residential summer school run by university students that take you through a head-start through VCE subjects over a number of classes.
Post by: S33667 on April 19, 2015, 06:16:11 pm
Wow! NYSF Looks sooo cool :)
Is there anything I should start doing now to elevate my chances of being accepted (i.e. community service or submitting science videos into competitions such as the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?)
It seems like everyone on AN has been... Only like 100 students are accepted though, right?
In regards to trying to increase your chances of being accepted, there's not particularly much you need to do. From my experience, highlighting that you're a respectable individual interested in STEM is enough.
Please, don't be one of the people, more commonly referred to as 'resumé fillers', that joins/participates in a plethora of activities for the sole purpose of achieving something/being accepted for something. Only participate in those sorts of things if you're honestly interested in them/have a legitimate interest in them.
Like I said, just compose yourself well and you'll be fine :D
Post by: Orb on April 19, 2015, 06:34:19 pm
Please, don't be one of the people, more commonly referred to as 'resumé fillers', that joins/participates in a plethora of activities for the sole purpose of achieving something/being accepted for something. Only participate in those sorts of things if you're honestly interested in them/have a legitimate interest in them.
Alas that has been me in the past.. sometimes
It's really a poor habit :3
Post by: McMethods on April 19, 2015, 06:36:45 pm
(no offense) - I was a bit harsh before
I regret going there. Waste of money. Waste of valuable time. Full of false advertising.
I haven't tried any of the other companies but I'd definitely recommend private tuition.
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on April 19, 2015, 06:54:58 pm
I've seen about five negative reviews and then there's you. What did you like?
Cheers :)
Post by: grannysmith on April 19, 2015, 07:36:41 pm
BUT I'd thoroughly recommend AN's own headstart lectures! For the price (naught/zilch/zero/nonexistent), they're excellent (as are their notes) which kinda makes TSFX's prices questionable...
Post by: JackSonSmith on April 19, 2015, 07:55:38 pm
Post by: IndefatigableLover on April 19, 2015, 08:15:10 pm
Wow! NYSF Looks sooo cool :)Another thing with NYSF selections is that they do it based on districts/regions (since you have to undertake interviews with Rotary within districts) so hopefully there's not too many people applying from within your region/district or else it could get a bit difficult to get in :P
Is there anything I should start doing now to elevate my chances of being accepted (i.e. community service or submitting science videos into competitions such as the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize?)
It seems like everyone on AN has been... Only like 100 students are accepted though, right?
One more thing is from Year 10-12 they have this thing called Youth ANZAAS where it's a forum which you meet like-minded people interested in the sciences where the location differs from year to year (last year it was Melbourne and the year before was in Hobart)! Definitely recommend it seeing the things that my friends have done on the trip last year and the year before! It's very similar to the other science camps out there but not as huge as say NYSF.
Post by: spectroscopy on April 19, 2015, 08:22:44 pm
if you go and you are tired and not ready to learn, you will have wasted alot of money.
if your parents just force you to go because it is the thing to do, you will have wasted alot of money.
but if you go there energised, with enough sleep, and about to listen to a lecture about a subject you enjoy, and you are pumped to start studying for, it is probably the best and most efficient way you could spend 8 hours before you start units 1/2, and 100% worth the money, especially when you throw in the notes
I went to literally every single tsfx lecture for my subjects from pre unit 1/2 to pre 3/4 exam and i can state the above with confidence from my ~30 odd experiences with tsfx LOL
just make sure you get enough sleep! i never had a bad lecturer at tsfx (except for economics) and it is the bees knees compared to other tuition companies when it comes to the sciences.
good luck with whatever you do :)
Post by: JackSonSmith on April 19, 2015, 09:12:45 pm
i understand the hate people have with tsfx, but please dont let small sample lead to them being crossed off the list.
if you go and you are tired and not ready to learn, you will have wasted alot of money.
if your parents just force you to go because it is the thing to do, you will have wasted alot of money.
but if you go there energised, with enough sleep, and about to listen to a lecture about a subject you enjoy, and you are pumped to start studying for, it is probably the best and most efficient way you could spend 8 hours before you start units 1/2, and 100% worth the money, especially when you throw in the notes
I went to literally every single tsfx lecture for my subjects from pre unit 1/2 to pre 3/4 exam and i can state the above with confidence from my ~30 odd experiences with tsfx LOL
just make sure you get enough sleep! i never had a bad lecturer at tsfx (except for economics) and it is the bees knees compared to other tuition companies when it comes to the sciences.
good luck with whatever you do :)
I agree.
Post by: Callum@1373 on April 19, 2015, 09:29:41 pm
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on April 20, 2015, 07:44:02 pm
Keep in mind this is optimistic and I'm not expecting/assuming I will be admitted to them all.
Become a Youth ANZAAS Member
Participate in the NYSF
Attend the TSFX lectures for bio 1/2 and see what I think, then continue if I liked it, otherwise maybe try another tuition service..
Watch AN online lectures
Watch/listen things like Khan Academy, Bozeman Biology, Douchy's Biology Podcasts etc...
Become a KLD Young Scholar.
And finally, attack my textbooks like a devil.
Post by: spectroscopy on April 20, 2015, 09:14:53 pm
Okay, how does this sound for a plan?sounds good to me
Keep in mind this is optimistic and I'm not expecting/assuming I will be admitted to them all.
Become a Youth ANZAAS Member
Participate in the NYSF
Attend the TSFX lectures for bio 1/2 and see what I think, then continue if I liked it, otherwise maybe try another tuition service..
Watch AN online lectures
Watch/listen things like Khan Academy, Bozeman Biology, Douchy's Biology Podcasts etc...
Become a KLD Young Scholar.
And finally, attack my textbooks like a devil.