Getting into Med...

[geminii]

Hi everyone,

So it is my DREAM to become a doctor once I leave school; however, I'm not the best student (I'm not terrible, either - I'd say a bit above average) and I'm really worried. I can definitely see myself being a doctor in the future, but I have a question;
Is there a way to get into medicine WITHOUT getting a 99 ATAR and 99 UMAT, or getting top undergrad results and a 99 GAMSAT?
Is there any alternate way to becoming a doctor?

My plan right now is:
1. Get a really high ATAR (98+, if possible) and a very high UMAT, and if I get into undergrad Med, go to Monash University and continue on from there.
2. If for any reason I don't get into Monash undergrad Med, go to Melbourne Uni and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required), and get very high grades and an extremely high GAMSAT. Then get into postgrad Melbourne Med.
OR
Go to Monash University and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required) and get into one of the 25 places for postgrad med that are not reserved to Monash students doing a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
3. BUT what if I don't get into either?

This is really tearing me apart because I can't imagine being anything else except a doctor - I want it so so bad but I don't know whether I'm going to be able to do it, and that really hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

EDIT: Was browsing the forums and I saw this:

For Monash after 2017 - it's weighted average mark and interview, no GAMSAT.

Does this mean that Monash will only look at marks in university and no GAMSAT will be required to do Monash Med?

[Litigator]

So it is my DREAM to become a doctor once I leave school

Good. You have a goal.

My plan right now is:
1. Get a really high ATAR (98+, if possible) and a very high UMAT, and if I get into undergrad Med, go to Monash University and continue on from there.
2. If for any reason I don't get into Monash undergrad Med, go to Melbourne Uni and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required), and get very high grades and an extremely high GAMSAT. Then get into postgrad Melbourne Med.
OR
Go to Monash University and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required) and get into one of the 25 places for postgrad med that are not reserved to Monash students doing a Bachelor of Biomedicine.

Good. You have a plan.

BUT what if I don't get into either?
This is really tearing me apart because I can't imagine being anything else except a doctor - I want it so so bad but I don't know whether I'm going to be able to do it, and that really hurts.

You dont think you can do it because you either (a) deep down you know that you arent gonna work for it (b) think that you are just not good enough against the competition out there.

If its case (a). If you really want it then you need to go all out for it. Develop discipline. Get your priorities right.
You said you are above average. That can easily change. I've never seen somebody work their ass off and stay 'above average'. Get a study routine. Study.

If its case (b) This can actually get into somebody's head. Your competition out there isn't worrying about you, there are too busy focusing on themselves. You just need to work hard man, most things that are worthwhile arent free. You are good enough to compete for a place, however,  to grind that potential out of you, you need to be prepared to work your ass off.

The bottom line is this: You just need to study and focus to the extent where you start to pull away from the crowd. Its that moment when u start to pull away that you yourself realize that you arent 'above average' and that you can in fact achieve your goal.

[mtse]

Hey Geminii
I am a med student at Monash Uni and I'm currently sitting on the med society committee which means I work with the faculty a fair bit and know the ins and outs of medical admissions pretty well. Also currently involved in UMAT/med interview training so I've had some experience with students in similar situations to you.
I'm a little too lazy to type everything out to answer your questions right now (sorry), but if you'd like to talk, feel free to shoot me an email (in my signature) and I can explain a few things/give tips about UMAT etc
(same goes for anyone else reading this post hahahah)

[vox nihili]

Hi everyone,

So it is my DREAM to become a doctor once I leave school; however, I'm not the best student (I'm not terrible, either - I'd say a bit above average) and I'm really worried. I can definitely see myself being a doctor in the future, but I have a question;
Is there a way to get into medicine WITHOUT getting a 99 ATAR and 99 UMAT, or getting top undergrad results and a 99 GAMSAT?
Is there any alternate way to becoming a doctor?

My plan right now is:
1. Get a really high ATAR (98+, if possible) and a very high UMAT, and if I get into undergrad Med, go to Monash University and continue on from there.
2. If for any reason I don't get into Monash undergrad Med, go to Melbourne Uni and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required), and get very high grades and an extremely high GAMSAT. Then get into postgrad Melbourne Med.
OR
Go to Monash University and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required) and get into one of the 25 places for postgrad med that are not reserved to Monash students doing a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
3. BUT what if I don't get into either?

This is really tearing me apart because I can't imagine being anything else except a doctor - I want it so so bad but I don't know whether I'm going to be able to do it, and that really hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

EDIT: Was browsing the forums and I saw this:Does this mean that Monash will only look at marks in university and no GAMSAT will be required to do Monash Med?

Of course it's difficult to get into medicine; however, I think you perhaps overestimate its difficulty a little bit.

Obviously you're feeling really overwhelmed by this and are looking for some comfort. The pathways you've identified are sensible. If you work hard towards your goal—and don't lose the plot trying—you'll be fine. Relax

[sweetcheeks]

I had a discussion with one of the faculty members from Monash during the open day, giving me some fantastic and valuable insight. She said that it is not all about attaining the highest scores in your coursework and GAMSAT, there is a lot more to it. Whilst you do need a good mark for the GAMSAT/UMAT and coursework, there is the other side of it, being able to handle stress and most importantly your ability to understand emotions, feel empathy and your ability to communicate.

If you don't get in to undergraduate medicine, don't fret. She told me that there is no rush, that those years of doing the undergraduate degree helps build character and life experience, something that you can't be taught, plus you have science degree that can open many other doors. And who knows, you may find that there is a different pathway that you want to take, during your undergraduate studies you do a subject that you really like and choose to go down that path instead.

To confirm the changes to postgraduate medicine at Monash, I was informed that their program was changing in that they would only accept Monash students with the required subjects, using their grades as an indication rather than the GAMSAT.

If you don't get in, you can apply to other universities, they all teach by the same standards.

From one prospective doctor to another, good luck.

[ChickenCh0wM1en]

Agreed with what has been said so far.

I don't think med is impossible to get in but in saying so, it's not an easy road.

From what I've learnt going through undergrad (science) and finishing my 1st year of post-grad, don't let it define who you are. this year has shown me that you should invest time in your interests, still maintain contact with friends outside of med.

I know at this time it looks like you're super passionate about medicine and that you can only imagine yourself as a doctor and nothing else. I don't see a problem with hard work, dedication and passion but again, don't let the title of a doctor define who you are.

The ones that let their title define who they are might become very intelligent doctors, but I'd be questioning how honestly happy they are.

In answer to your original question, if I'm anything to go by my ATAR was <99 and I got <50 for the UMAT and I'm content with where I am in post-grad med.

All the best.

[Orb]

Everyone's posted great advice above, just wanted to chime in with a nice "case study" or "success story" if you want to call it:

A close family friend of mine tried to get into med when she was 18. Failed. (with an ATAR of ~95)

Redid the UMAT, tried again when she was 19. Failed.
20? Failed.
21? Failed.
22? Failed.
23? Made it.

She sat the UMAT six times, redid the interview process at least three times, went through hundreds of hours of intense preparation despite being told that maybe 'med wasn't for her' or 'your ATAR is not high enough for it without special consideration'.

Determination gets you a long way in life. You have nothing to fear, just don't give up

[jamonwindeyer]

Genuinely inspirational, what an awesome story! Goes to show that there is always a way to get where you want to go best of luck to your mystery friend!

[tashhhaaa]

Everyone's posted great advice above, just wanted to chime in with a nice "case study" or "success story" if you want to call it:

A close family friend of mine tried to get into med when she was 18. Failed. (with an ATAR of ~95)

Redid the UMAT, tried again when she was 19. Failed.
20? Failed.
21? Failed.
22? Failed.
23? Made it.

She sat the UMAT six times, redid the interview process at least three times, went through hundreds of hours of intense preparation despite being told that maybe 'med wasn't for her' or 'your ATAR is not high enough for it without special consideration'.

Determination gets you a long way in life. You have nothing to fear, just don't give up

not being sarcastic that's a great story and I feel proud of her even though I don't know her hahaha

if you don't mind me asking, in all those years of redoing the UMAT, was she studying another course or??

[Russ]

Anxiety about the future is normal and natural but as some people above have commented on, keeping things in perspective should help you not become overly distressed about future prospects (especially when they're many years away!). My 2c specifically regarding what happens if you don't get in, is that amongst my colleagues, none are regretful that they took too long to enter the workforce. The consensus is that we all would rather have done other things before committing to medicine than not. If you're unsuccessful on your first attempt, the experiences you have along the way will be beneficial.

[Orb]

not being sarcastic that's a great story and I feel proud of her even though I don't know her hahaha

if you don't mind me asking, in all those years of redoing the UMAT, was she studying another course or??

Thanks! She studied a different degree but always had med pencilled down

[peterpiper]

Thanks! She studied a different degree but always had med pencilled down

You give me warm fuzzy feelings and hope :") . Thanks for sharing it.

[geminii]

Good. You have a goal.

Good. You have a plan.

You dont think you can do it because you either (a) deep down you know that you arent gonna work for it (b) think that you are just not good enough against the competition out there.

If its case (a). If you really want it then you need to go all out for it. Develop discipline. Get your priorities right.
You said you are above average. That can easily change. I've never seen somebody work their ass off and stay 'above average'. Get a study routine. Study.

If its case (b) This can actually get into somebody's head. Your competition out there isn't worrying about you, there are too busy focusing on themselves. You just need to work hard man, most things that are worthwhile arent free. You are good enough to compete for a place, however,  to grind that potential out of you, you need to be prepared to work your ass off.

The bottom line is this: You just need to study and focus to the extent where you start to pull away from the crowd. Its that moment when u start to pull away that you yourself realize that you arent 'above average' and that you can in fact achieve your goal.

Thank you so much for this! I think it's more the second one - I am definitely prepared to work hard and do whatever I can to get into med, it's just that I'm always worried I won't be good enough. I think I just have to stop focussing on other people and do whatever I can to improve, from what you've suggested.

Hey Geminii
I am a med student at Monash Uni and I'm currently sitting on the med society committee which means I work with the faculty a fair bit and know the ins and outs of medical admissions pretty well. Also currently involved in UMAT/med interview training so I've had some experience with students in similar situations to you.
I'm a little too lazy to type everything out to answer your questions right now (sorry), but if you'd like to talk, feel free to shoot me an email (in my signature) and I can explain a few things/give tips about UMAT etc
(same goes for anyone else reading this post hahahah)

Thank you so much! I'll be sure to send you an email sometime soon!!

Of course it's difficult to get into medicine; however, I think you perhaps overestimate its difficulty a little bit.

Obviously you're feeling really overwhelmed by this and are looking for some comfort. The pathways you've identified are sensible. If you work hard towards your goal—and don't lose the plot trying—you'll be fine. Relax

Thanks so much vox nihili - I'm going to work very hard, and try to relax!

I had a discussion with one of the faculty members from Monash during the open day, giving me some fantastic and valuable insight. She said that it is not all about attaining the highest scores in your coursework and GAMSAT, there is a lot more to it. Whilst you do need a good mark for the GAMSAT/UMAT and coursework, there is the other side of it, being able to handle stress and most importantly your ability to understand emotions, feel empathy and your ability to communicate.

If you don't get in to undergraduate medicine, don't fret. She told me that there is no rush, that those years of doing the undergraduate degree helps build character and life experience, something that you can't be taught, plus you have science degree that can open many other doors. And who knows, you may find that there is a different pathway that you want to take, during your undergraduate studies you do a subject that you really like and choose to go down that path instead.

To confirm the changes to postgraduate medicine at Monash, I was informed that their program was changing in that they would only accept Monash students with the required subjects, using their grades as an indication rather than the GAMSAT.

If you don't get in, you can apply to other universities, they all teach by the same standards.

From one prospective doctor to another, good luck.

Thank you very much! This info was really helpful, thanks for posting!

Agreed with what has been said so far.

I don't think med is impossible to get in but in saying so, it's not an easy road.

From what I've learnt going through undergrad (science) and finishing my 1st year of post-grad, don't let it define who you are. this year has shown me that you should invest time in your interests, still maintain contact with friends outside of med.

I know at this time it looks like you're super passionate about medicine and that you can only imagine yourself as a doctor and nothing else. I don't see a problem with hard work, dedication and passion but again, don't let the title of a doctor define who you are.

The ones that let their title define who they are might become very intelligent doctors, but I'd be questioning how honestly happy they are.

In answer to your original question, if I'm anything to go by my ATAR was <99 and I got <50 for the UMAT and I'm content with where I am in post-grad med.

All the best.

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that someone with an ATAR of less that 99 and an UMAT of less than 50 (it's out of 100, right?) can get into med! Thanks again!!

Everyone's posted great advice above, just wanted to chime in with a nice "case study" or "success story" if you want to call it:

A close family friend of mine tried to get into med when she was 18. Failed. (with an ATAR of ~95)

Redid the UMAT, tried again when she was 19. Failed.
20? Failed.
21? Failed.
22? Failed.
23? Made it.

She sat the UMAT six times, redid the interview process at least three times, went through hundreds of hours of intense preparation despite being told that maybe 'med wasn't for her' or 'your ATAR is not high enough for it without special consideration'.

Determination gets you a long way in life. You have nothing to fear, just don't give up

Wow, this is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this story, it really gives me hope that I can get into Med!

Thanks! She studied a different degree but always had med pencilled down

Wow, so you can keep trying to get into med while studying a different degree, and once you get in you can start your Bachelor of Medicine? So even though you've started a different undergrad degree you can still go back and start a med one? That's great! 

[Shenz0r]

If you're going to need to study another degree before post-grad medicine, try use it as an opportunity to explore other fields as well. I know you probably will always keep medicine as your first priority but you
might also come to enjoy research during your undergrad years. It'll give you less pressure psychologically if you apply for medicine and your backup courses, which you will no doubt find after three years at uni!

[J.B]

Hi everyone,

So it is my DREAM to become a doctor once I leave school; however, I'm not the best student (I'm not terrible, either - I'd say a bit above average) and I'm really worried. I can definitely see myself being a doctor in the future, but I have a question;
Is there a way to get into medicine WITHOUT getting a 99 ATAR and 99 UMAT, or getting top undergrad results and a 99 GAMSAT?
Is there any alternate way to becoming a doctor?

My plan right now is:
1. Get a really high ATAR (98+, if possible) and a very high UMAT, and if I get into undergrad Med, go to Monash University and continue on from there.
2. If for any reason I don't get into Monash undergrad Med, go to Melbourne Uni and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required), and get very high grades and an extremely high GAMSAT. Then get into postgrad Melbourne Med.
OR
Go to Monash University and complete a Bachelor of Science (85+ ATAR required) and get into one of the 25 places for postgrad med that are not reserved to Monash students doing a Bachelor of Biomedicine.
3. BUT what if I don't get into either?

This is really tearing me apart because I can't imagine being anything else except a doctor - I want it so so bad but I don't know whether I'm going to be able to do it, and that really hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

EDIT: Was browsing the forums and I saw this:Does this mean that Monash will only look at marks in university and no GAMSAT will be required to do Monash Med?

I am also a year 12 student wanting to get into medicine. I understand your stresses and worries completely as I have the same!! I am in NSW so I am looking at other universities.
My main things that I focus on when I get stressed, is that if I want it badly enough I will get there in the end, some way through hard work.
You could also maybe look at other universities as they have different requirements, like some require a higher umat and a lower atar. So it depends on your strengths to which one you might have the best chance of getting in to.
I have also talked to someone who is now a doctor and she told me that she has a friend who didn't get into medicine until their 7th try, but that they are an amazing doctor today. So just try your best and see where that gets you.
Good luck!