Melbourne Commerce OR Monash Commerce Scholars Program

[annacwl]

I got an offer for the commerce scholars program at monash uni, but I'm considering to get a negotiated offer for Melbourne uni commerce instead. With the scholars program I get about $6000 each year and access to mentors etc, which is great but I've always wanted to go to Melbourne University because it has pretty buildings and its more prestigious and higher ranked than monash. I got an ATAR of 99.55 and I'm not eligible for any scholarships at melbourne, so I'm not really sure what to do. Melbourne has always been what I've wanted but I feel like the scholarship has great benefits too. In terms of employability, do you think employers would prefer a graduate from melb commerce or monash commerce scholars program? What are the differences between the two units in terms of their commerce course structure, subjects, teaching etc.?

Any advice will be appreciated! Thank you

[sin0001]

Was in the same situation a few days ago, except I was tossing up between the Scholars Program & Melb's Commerce for a negotiated offer (applications for it start at 9am tomorrow!)
I've decided to go for Melb's Comm and apply for it through a negotiated offer, with the main reason being prestige (for a major in Actuarial anyway) and apparently better employment chances with the degree from Melbourne.
Also, I was skeptical about whether the extra resources (besides money) will be worth it.
Hope that somewhat helps!

[Reckoner]

The benefits from being in the scholars program are only small perks (apart from the money...and perhaps the lounge). If you wouldn't be happy doing a straight b.comm at monash, don't expect them to transform your whole experience. So if unless you will really struggle without the money, choose the one that you would be happiest to attend. Employment differences at undergrad would be almost negligible. Course structures would be pretty similar too, apart from the compulsory breadth at Melbourne that is.   

[awesomejames]

Hey guys,

I checked on the melbourne uni website and it said it didn't offer negotiated offers for the bachelor of commerce for 2014 :/

Source: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/accept-your-offer/negotiated_offers

[spectroscopy]

it sounds like melbournes your dream
the courses are very similiar, id say to just go with melbourne if you can, the 6k a year is probably nice but you might keep thinking "oh i shoudlve gone to melbourne"
up to you, FOLLOW YOUR HEART

[ShortBlackChick]

BComm (Chancellor's Scholars Program), it says do offer negotiated offers, but only for those who get 99.90 or above.

BComm, as you said, doesnt. Some of you may have lucked out unfortunately

Never fear, come join us at Monash

The only reason you may keep thinking 'I should have gone to Melbourne' is if its closer to you travel wise.

[annacwl]

omg I'm actually so sad now do you still think theres a way I can get into melbourne comm?

[awesomejames]

Honestly, if I were in your position I'd still take the Monash offer purely due to the reasons you stated (eg: money, mentors, possible private spaces you can use etc)

You really need to think of the reasons why you'd prefer Melbourne over Monash. If its just the fact that it has" pretty buildings" and that to some Melbourne may appear "more prestigious", then they aren't good reasons to come Melbourne Uni.

For me (if I was an employer), looking at which uni you went to wouldn't be a major factor especially between such "prestigious unis" as you said. But more so about your marks and your extra-curricular activities. Even a student from deakin or la trobe would be consider over a student from melbourne or monash if they had far superior results.

Have a think, why did you choose Monash as your first preference in the first place?

[annacwl]

hmmm yeah good point. thanks so much for that. tbh i didn't even know why I chose monash instead of melbourne in the first place, it was such a last minute decision, i guess i just wanted the money?

[annacwl]

i just feel like either way, i will miss out

[awesomejames]

If its also because of the travel time, eg: one is closer than the other, that's not a really big problem as:

1. You'll eventually get used to it over time.
2. Many others have now or previously travelled in excess of 2 hours to get to uni. For example for me to get to Monash it would take me more than an hour, and that's if traffic is going smoothly.
3. You can always just clump all your lectures and tutorials into a couple of days if you do live far.

[annacwl]

i actually live much closer to monash, but i know i'd be able to get a place in the city if i did end up going to melbourne and i wouldn't mind travelling to melbourne anyway because i like the area and its not like i'd be travelling there every single day because commerce is only about 12 hrs per week.