99.00+ MD Guaranteed pathway

[stonecold]

Well firstly I have an undergrad scholarship, secondly I would do GAMSAT to try and get a CSP place, thirdly it's not all that much in the scheme of things. You'd make it back in a few years as a doctor.

This, and your interview for CSP is guaranteed as well because they have to give it to you because of the FFP guarantee.

Actually about that, unless they changed it I'm pretty sure you do not get a CSP interview unless you do the GAMSAT. I know someone has asked the faculty and seems to have gotten a response that supports what you said but I'm still skeptical. This year when I got my interview, I was told I got a CSP interview even though I had a FFP guarantee, but this was because I had done the GAMSAT.

I guess, but isn't it a moot point?  You need the GAMSAT to get a CSP anyway, so it is technically a guaranteed interview.  They use the same interview for both your FFP guarantee and for considering your CSP place I am pretty sure...

What I am saying is, is that there is no point in having a guaranteed interview if you haven't done the GAMSAT anyway...

[Sellingman]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

lol, take the 200k FFP  if you want. If you're well-off which from what you are saying is obviously is the case, don't see why you wouldn't. Just saying, considering a 100k loan +100k Fee-Help is something I'd talk to my parents about first.

[stonecold]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

Exactly.  The decision is yours.  I know I am very strongly considering the FFP.  Not to mention with our ATARs, if they see that we are serious about taking FFPs and our grades are pretty close to getting a CSP, I imagine they may just bump us up anyway.

And tbh, to all the people whinging...I don't see how it is any different to peoples parents spending upwards of 25k each year sending their kids to elite private schools... except that spending 230k on med is actually a more solid investment...

[funkyducky]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

lol, take the 200k FFP  if you want. If you're well-off which from what you are saying is obviously is the case, don't see why you wouldn't. Just saying, considering a 100k loan +100k Fee-Help is something I'd talk to my parents about first.

I wouldn't let my parents PAY for it - they can't afford that. I'd try to pay back the loan myself while working. But anyway, I'm just hoping for MBBS @ Monash right now - if I get it, this conversation doesn't matter. If I don't get Monash MBBS, I'll get a job and start saving up in anticipation.

[Sellingman]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

Exactly.  The decision is yours.  I know I am very strongly considering the FFP.  Not to mention with our ATARs, if they see that we are serious about taking FFPs and our grades are pretty close to getting a CSP, I imagine they may just bump us up anyway.

And tbh, to all the people whinging...I don't see how it is any different to peoples parents spending upwards of 25k each year sending their kids to elite private schools... except that spending 230k on med is actually a more solid investment...

That's my point, I have no problem with the VALUE of that 200k.

All I'm saying is I don't think you'll be able to meet the cost of loan+living without parents help. As far as I know, you don't just waltz up to the bank and say, "gimme 100k yeh?", you need to provide a deposit of about 20k on that 100k + pay interest + you'll be 25 so you'll be paying for other stuff too.

It just doesn't seem possible to me for someone to support themselves without parents paying a great deal.

[Sellingman]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

lol, take the 200k FFP  if you want. If you're well-off which from what you are saying is obviously is the case, don't see why you wouldn't. Just saying, considering a 100k loan +100k Fee-Help is something I'd talk to my parents about first.

I'd try to pay back the loan myself while working

That's my point, when you're a third year MD student, you'd have about 75 grand debt and when you're a fourth about 125 k debt.

How the hell is one going to support themselves for those two years with deposit on loan, interest on loan, living expenses and hectic university schedule. Just doesn't seem possible to me. I remember reading about a student who's parents took a second mortage to help her through FFP medical school.

[taiga]

How much do you earn starting out after your degree? isnt it only like 50-60 K ?

[Sellingman]

How much is your scholarship worth?

2. I think it is a lot of money in the scheme of things, that's my point. If you're supporting yourself when you're 24, still studying medicine, most people struggle just to get by, let alone paying interest on a 100k loan. It just seems undoable without parents help to me.

Scholarship will cover undergrad hecs. Also, I have these wonderful things called parents-who-will-let-me-live-with-them-until-I-can-support-myself-properly. And a brother who earns more than he can spend.

Exactly.  The decision is yours.  I know I am very strongly considering the FFP.  Not to mention with our ATARs, if they see that we are serious about taking FFPs and our grades are pretty close to getting a CSP, I imagine they may just bump us up anyway.

And tbh, to all the people whinging...I don't see how it is any different to peoples parents spending upwards of 25k each year sending their kids to elite private schools... except that spending 230k on med is actually a more solid investment...

"I imagine they may just bump us up anyway"

Someone else can confirm, but this would be the exact same as someone applying to a Uni, saying, 'my scores were good in year 9, help me out here a bit?' I personally doubt they'd give a flying fuck about your ATAR but I may be wrong, Russ can probably confirm you're right/wrong.

@Taiga, according to my Method's teachers girlfriend, by 5th year, you can make 100k a year if you work overtime, before that 50-60k max.

[dc302]

^ Currently the minimum wage for 1st year intern amounts to about 60k a year.

Source: http://amavic.com.au/icms_docs/94189_AMA_DiT_Agreement_2008-2012_member_booklet.pdf

page 74

edit: @sellingman, back in her day it was probably closer to 50k, but as with everything, prices/wages have been rising

edit2: I am almost 100% sure they don't look at ATAR. at least they're not supposed to.

[taiga]

My mate who is a telemarketer earns more than that

[dc302]

My mate who is a telemarketer earns more than that

I'd still rather be a doctor

[Sellingman]

My mate who is a telemarketer earns more than that

@dc302, I agree, I just can't fathom someone missing out on a CSP spot and then getting it because they had 99.85 ATAR.

[stonecold]

@ Sellingman...I know they couldn't give a flying fuck about my ATAR.  But they are going to look at it because of the FFP guarantee.  The uni loves international students, and they are always looking to give away as many of these international spots as possible.  If they can squeeze in a few more international students, they will always find a way to do it.  This may mean bumping up a few locals into CSPs.

I spoke to Carl at the MDHS Student Centre earlier this year, and they are always trying to squeeze in more internationals.  When the number of FFPs was 60, he said although that there were 30 available for internationals, but the uni could easily bump it up to 35 if they wanted to.  The international fee place costs more than the Australian fee place, so it is more profitable for the university.  The number of these FFP places has now been increased to 80.

Also, if they have too many FFP guarantee applicants, then they aren't really left with much of a choice than to either bump people up or knock them back, which would have some rather pissed off.

[nubs]

I guess, but isn't it a moot point?  You need the GAMSAT to get a CSP anyway, so it is technically a guaranteed interview.  They use the same interview for both your FFP guarantee and for considering your CSP place I am pretty sure...

What I am saying is, is that there is no point in having a guaranteed interview if you haven't done the GAMSAT anyway...

sorry could you please explain that a bit more for me? I don't think I understood

And yeah I was the guy dc302 was talking about before

In summary, pretty much the guy I called at UoM told me that the GAMSAT score is only considered for offering an interview, and it's the interview + the GPA that is considered for a CSP, not the GAMSAT
He told me that if my grades are above 75% and I pass or do well on the interview I am guaranteed a FFP (I got 99.00+), BUT I am still in contention for a CSP without having to do the GAMSAT, and whether or not I did do the GAMSAT would have no effect on my chances of getting a CSP, because like I said, as far as he is aware, the GAMSAT is only considered for offering an interview, and whether or not I'd get a CSP would be entirely dependant on the GPA and the interview itself

I wasn't entirely convinced, especially as he said 'as far as I'm aware' and a few people on here disagree with him too

[stonecold]

@ Nirbaan

I don't know who you've spoken to, but most of the things that they are told you are complete and utter rubbish.

In summary, pretty much the guy I called at UoM told me that the GAMSAT score is only considered for offering an interview, and it's the interview + the GPA that is considered for a CSP, not the GAMSAT

WRONG!  Interviews are given out by weighting both GPA and GAMSAT 50% each.  Offers are then determined by weighting GPA, GAMSAT and Interview 33% each.

http://mdhs-unimelb.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mdhs_unimelb.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4753&p_created=1233534979&p_sid=aiHLP3Mk&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD05MCw5MCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1

He told me that if my grades are above 75% and I pass or do well on the interview I am guaranteed a FFP (I got 99.00+)

This is correct, see here:
http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/guaranteed-entry/guaranteed_entry_pathways_by_course

As you mentioned, you still have to pass the interview and have 75%+ average to receive the FFP.  No GAMSAT is required.  As long as your average is 75%, you will receive an interview.  Hence, it doesn't matter what happens with your GAMSAT.  You will definitely get an interview.  The same interview is used for both FFP guarantee and CSP selection.

What I am saying is, pretend your GPA/GAMSAT is not quite good enough for an interview, you are lucky enough to still get one because of the FFP guarantee.  If you score really well on the interview, it could bring you back into contention for a CSP offer which you otherwise never would have had a shot at.

BUT I am still in contention for a CSP without having to do the GAMSAT, and whether or not I did do the GAMSAT would have no effect on my chances of getting a CSP, because like I said, as far as he is aware, the GAMSAT is only considered for offering an interview, and whether or not I'd get a CSP would be entirely dependant on the GPA and the interview itself

This is complete nonsense.  The university FAQ answers how interviews and offers are determined, and it is done nothing like this.
There is no chance of a CSP without guaranteed entry unless you sit the GAMSAT.