BSc queries

[Biceps]

I am planning to do medicine after 3 years of science.
1) Is it possible to major in something else alongside it (eg geology) to be a back up plan?
2) Are prerequisite subjects for medicine difficult to get into?
3) are subjects like uni chemistry, bio, and physics (for GAMSAT) available?
4) Does my weakness in english give me a disadvantage in making it to post grad medicine?
5) Would literature subjects as breadth help me out for GAMSAT?

[Peedles]

I am planning to do medicine after 3 years of science.
1) Is it possible to major in something else alongside it (eg geology) to be a back up plan?
2) Are prerequisite subjects for medicine difficult to get into?
3) are subjects like uni chemistry, bio, and physics (for GAMSAT) available?
4) Does my weakness in english give me a disadvantage in making it to post grad medicine?
5) Would literature subjects as breadth help me out for GAMSAT?

I did a Bachelor of Science and will be doing Dentistry at Melbourne next year so I could probably answer these questions for you since the application process is almost the same.

1) Yes, Majors don't play any part in medicine. Whilst I majored in Human Structure and Function, a person who majored in Marine Biology that has satisfied the three prerequisites of Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology could get into medicine.

2) I don't know what you mean by that. I know that Anatomy for instance now has a quota for students because of the large number of students wanting to do the subject so I think a weighted average of a High H3 (where H3 = 65%-69%) will get you a place in that subject. Biochemistry and Physiology aren't quota subjects so you just enrol.

3) Yes there are subjects that would relate to the Science section of the GAMSAT. Chemistry for GAMSAT = 1st year chemistry subjects (Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2), Biology for GAMSAT = 1st year biology subjects (Biology of Cells and Organisms and Genetics and the Evolution of Life) and Physics for GAMSAT (Physics 1: Fundamentals or the Life Science Physics 1).

4) No apart from the fact that it might influence Section 1 and 2 of GAMSAT. But those two sections can be prepared for through study.

5) My Personal Opinion: "Don't select your uni subjects with the intention of thinking that it will assist you in GAMSAT at the expense of you not enjoying them and as a result, pulling down your GPA". Your GPA is just as important as your GAMSAT, as each make up 1/3rd of your overall ranking for medicine (with the other third being the interview). I'm speaking from experience because I chose to do first year physics and essay writing subjects thinking that they would help me with GAMSAT but they just pulled down my GPA because I didn't enjoy them. Just study for GAMSAT separately, you have time (if you want to get into medicine that badly, you will make the time)! You have three(*) opportunities to sit your GAMSAT during your undergraduate degree.

(*) GAMSAT AU (start of 2nd year), GAMSAT UK (end of second year), GAMSAT AU (start of 3rd year). You can select from either of these scores to use for your application as your GAMSAT results are valid for 2 years.

[VivaTequila]

I am planning to do medicine after 3 years of science.
1) Is it possible to major in something else alongside it (eg geology) to be a back up plan?
Sure. I'm doing Chemistry because I'm not sure that I want to do medicine. I'm just gonna pick the med subjects in 2nd year and if I decide it's for me, I'll sit the GAMSAT and see if I get accepted.
2) Are prerequisite subjects for medicine difficult to get into?
Nope. You only need first year biology as far as I'm concerned. Maybe some chemistry for Biochem. There are 3 second year subjects, and you would only need to pick the two first year biology and first year chemistry subjects to get into them, guaranteed.[/b]
3) are subjects like uni chemistry, bio, and physics (for GAMSAT) available?
There isn't a subject: "CHEMISTRY FOR GAMSAT". However, Chemistry 1 will cover all of the chemistry, any of the first year physics subjects will cover your physics component, and any of the biology subjects will cover the first year biology component.
4) Does my weakness in english give me a disadvantage in making it to post grad medicine?
Compared to other universities, yes. The GAMSAT has 3 components, one of which is a direct written component, and one of which tests you on humanities and social thinking and may be thought of as an "english" component. Melbourne University is the only university which ranks them all equally. Every other uni gives them half weighting and tests students more on their affinity for science.
5) Would literature subjects as breadth help me out for GAMSAT?
I wouldn't take them based on that, maybe consider trying to improve your english through other means.

[Russ]

I would also point out that, anecdotally, the students with weaker english skills tend to be weaker interview candidates as well, so you might want to look at improving your english abilities holistically rather than focusing specifically on essay writing.

[Biceps]

Thank you guys.
Any links that can help me out in choosing a breadth?

[Biceps]

I would also point out that, anecdotally, the students with weaker english skills tend to be weaker interview candidates as well, so you might want to look at improving your english abilities holistically rather than focusing specifically on essay writing.

What ways would you recommend to hone those english abilities?

[bridger]

What ways would you recommend to hone those english abilities?

Definitely read read read!! Also read the newspaper! Make sure you have a wide range of reading resources, not just one type (i.e. only reading novels).

[Biceps]

will do