BEST COURSE FOR ME?

[91.35]

Hi guys, got an atar of 91.35 got into Bachelor of Science at UoM. Unfortunately didn't make it into Biomedicine as it was my first preference. I would just like to know whether doing science at melbourne is the best course for me if i am planning to get into medicine in the future. Most of friends think science at melbourne isn't that great and i could get into something better.All of my friends got around the low 90's and are all studying engineering at monash. So whats the best course for me with my atar that is a pathway into medicine? My umat was great either got 52 53 50, so any chance interstate for direct medicine perhaps? Its a bit late to be asking this, but i was overseas when i got my offer.

[Greatness]

You can structure your science degree so it is very similar to the biomed degree and it is more flexible, so i would say stick with science
Also what is their reason for it being 'not that great'?

[aes_999]

^Don't want to diss Melb. science course, ofc, but I reckon his friends said that because its really hard to get into postgraduate med at Melbourne. There's not a lot of spaces available (I think it was around 200 - 250 ish per year), so its really competitive and understandably, its quite hard to compete with the UoM biomed people for those medicine spots.

Don't give up OP, best bet is to study hard doing biomed subjects in the science degree, best of luck for postgrad med.

[funkyducky]

TBH there's not a lot of difference between a BSci and a BBiomed at Melbourne except for the name. There are one or two majors only available to biomed students, but for the most part, you can structure your BSci exactly like a BBiomed and graduate with the same major. In fact, you have more freedom in Science to study subjects that aren't in biomed (eg. some maths, physics...) which would be fun if you're interested in that stuff. If you majored in something like bioengineering systems in your science degree, you would be able to cover prereqs for postgrad med and engineering, so if med doesn't work out for you, you have another career path to fall back on.

There's nothing wrong with a science degree, but in terms of careers, it's highly competitive to get into postgrad courses, so you really need to work your butt off if you're not a top student. I think that's where most of the complaints arise from - kids are often stranded at the end of their degree. For the most part, though, you can do it if you put in the work.

[91.35]

what major should i take if i want the option to go into med or engineering at the end of my science of degree? Just incase if medicine doesn't work out? And as for the best course, what would you guys recommend i get into with my atar 91.35? is science the best option for me or could i do biomes else were with my atar?

[funkyducky]

...If you majored in something like bioengineering systems in your science degree, you would be able to cover prereqs for postgrad med and engineering, so if med doesn't work out for you, you have another career path to fall back on...

[aes_999]

Might as well take a Masters of Engineering after the B. Sci if you don't get into med.

[paulsterio]

I think it's just as likely that you'll get into MD from a BSc as a BBioMed, the only reason people think that it's easier to get into it off BBioMed is because the BioMed cohort is generally stronger (higher ATAR) and hence, more of them will get through. However, it's based on GPA, GAMSAT and Interview. I still reckon it's easier to get a higher GPA in Science as you can choose subjects which are "easy" (i.e. choose like Calculus instead of Accelerated Maths)

[Planck's constant]

the only reason people think that it's easier to get into it off BBioMed is because the BioMed cohort is generally stronger (higher ATAR) and hence, more of them will get through.

The UoM Biomed cohort is the strongest Undergrad cohort bar none. Anywhere.
It contains no fewer than 40 Chancellor's Scholars who are guaranteed entry into the MD
Many of the remainder have declined opprtunities to do undergrad Medicine elsewhere and have even torn up scholarship offers at other Universities.
They have proven themselves at VCE they are CONFIDENT that they can COMPETE and prove themselves again as undergraduates.

This is what it takes to compete for a spot at Australia's only World Class Medical School.
As it should be.

[aes_999]

But the MHS twins gave up their chancellor scholar's to do Monash Med? Sure Melbourne Biomed is good and all, but I reckon MonashClayton MBBS is on par with the Melbourne Biomed.

[JinXi]

Let me say this, even though getting into postgrad Med is hard, with hard work and persistence, you should be able to get into it. My sister and a bunch of her friends all did a Bsc. They weren't people who had photographic minds, or people who could pick up new content extremely quickly. They were just a bunch of really hardworking people, in that throughout their course, especially the final year, they could be seen studying at the library until closing time. (Even the guards knew their names....)

All 5 out of 5 of them got into postgrad med, although only 2 of them got it at Melb. Others got a place at usyd, or other unis. (Can't Remember) The friend that was offered a place at Usyd had a H2B average (which I believe should be achievable if work is put into it), but with a good GAMSAT and interview. (which they also practised heaps for).

When they started uni, a couple of them were in a similar scenario as you, doubtful of getting into postgrad Med. (One of them had a 85+ ENTER, and I remember that my sis flunked the UMAT with a really low percentile). However, after 3 years of hard work, their efforts were paid off.

So, just try and believe that postgrad Med is a possible course for you, and work really really hard towards this goal. With enough effort, you will see the results of it =)

[Panicmode]

But the MHS twins gave up their chancellor scholar's to do Monash Med? Sure Melbourne Biomed is good and all, but I reckon MonashClayton MBBS is on par with the Melbourne Biomed.

Monash MBBS > Melbourne Biomed.

If I'd got an off I'd be going there. It takes less time and you don't have to waste your time worrying about your GPA or GAMSAT.

[Planck's constant]

But the MHS twins gave up their chancellor scholar's to do Monash Med? Sure Melbourne Biomed is good and all, but I reckon MonashClayton MBBS is on par with the Melbourne Biomed.

There are some who did, and I can understand that Monash MBBS suits certain types.
But UoM has an army of Chancellor's Scholars at Biomed plus  many more who chose the UoM BSc/MD path (good choice).

Because as I said, Australia has ONLY one World Class Medical School, the UoM School of Medicine
(or perhaps 1.5 World Class Medical schools if you count  Sydney University).
Thats how it is

[pi]

the only reason people think that it's easier to get into it off BBioMed is because the BioMed cohort is generally stronger (higher ATAR) and hence, more of them will get through.

The UoM Biomed cohort is the strongest Undergrad cohort bar none. Anywhere.

Actually, Latrobe Dentistry would take that title, if by "strong" you mean solely by ATARs (I think the new cut-off became 99.05?). The Monash MBBS isn't far off either (not as high as Latrobe Dent), we have a median of ~99.30 ATAR, that's that's pretty strong too. With the amount of SEAS applicant UoM Biomed takes in, it's median would be lower than both of those cohorts.

[funkyducky]

Because as I said, Australia has ONLY one World Class Medical School, the UoM School of Medicine
(or perhaps 1.5 World Class Medical schools if you count  Sydney University).
Thats how it is

...says who?