Sarangiya's 사랑하는 VCE Journal

[sarangiya]

Also, an FYI, you can't apply for a BMP separately for Monash.

Thank you so much for the information!
And also thank you for the well-wishes. I just have my fingers crossed for now!
Would you happen to know if I'm mistaken in thinking some first year biomed(?) students at Monash have an increased chance to be accepted in Monash med? Like via a transfer or just preferential basis for non-school leaver?? I swear I read it somewhere but now I can't find anything on it...
Sorry and thanks so much!!

[cookiedream]

Thank you so much for the information!
And also thank you for the well-wishes. I just have my fingers crossed for now!
Would you happen to know if I'm mistaken in thinking some first year biomed(?) students at Monash have an increased chance to be accepted in Monash med? Like via a transfer or just preferential basis for non-school leaver?? I swear I read it somewhere but now I can't find anything on it...
Sorry and thanks so much!!

Haha, always happy to help

Yeah, with the post-grad entry in Monash med, there are in total 75 places which are only open for Monash graduates. There are 50 places specifically for biomed and 25 places for non-biomed (e.g. science, pharm, physio) and this is why there is an increased chance if you try via the biomed pathway. However, I can safely say that the competition is absolutely intense as far as I'm aware (biomed students reading this, feel free to correct me on this and that you can pretty much assume that around 90% of the 600+ biomed students are going for the biomed pathway.

Also, whenever I talk to my biomed friends, it feels like they're under so much pressure with the sheer amount of theory, packed schedule and late hours - a lot of them don't have a day off (at least the med faculty has organised all our Wednesdays to be completely off, except for assessments). Last year, I remember avoiding the biomed pathway like the plague, whereby my preference - if I had the privilege of a preference - was: Monash, interstate undergrad, interstate guaranteed, Dentistry @ Latrobe, Biomed @ Monash.

[sarangiya]

VTAC applications open today!
It is a weird feeling… finally we’ll be taking that first step towards the transition process!

Monash Open Day
I had a great day today at the Monash Open Day!
First, as per our plan, we went to the Caulfield campus. We had some coffee in the Caulfield Library before exploring Building D. We looked at all the student work on display, listened to my mum reminisce about art school, and lied to the teachers about wanting to do Fine Art. I even said I was doing Studio Art at school lmfao. Even though I'm not in any way meeting the prereqs doesn't mean I don't fantasize about taking a creative journey instead of medicine!

I actually had a blast doing the Fine Arts workshop.

There were some stools and ladders in the centre of the room, to be drawn. Not in their static idleness, but with movement as the teachers hurled them around the room. The challenge was to capture movement in a still image. I started off using different colours to try to represent time - the darker the colour, the more recent the movement. I then went into ”tracking” the ladder foot with a single line, eventually opting to having a mixture of line and superimposed shape.
After we had completed the exercise, we had to project our image to the wall with coloured tape. I really enjoyed this. I used my original lines and superimposition combined with the colour of the tape to capture dynamics and change. My image looked very graphic-design, with a set colour scheme, clear geometry and sharp angles.
We then had to integrate the images to the left and right of the wall into our own, to create continuity around the room. It was fun to decide how two interpretations could reach a common ground of style.
So awesome. I signed myself up for a September workshop even though I'm probably not the main audience. I just had such a good time.

We then were able to get student prints from the Student Market for a donation. We got a strong, red and black, 1984-esque image depicting surveillance and exposure through eyes, doors and bold colour. Really cool.
After, we made our own lino prints! Unfortunately the design was already done, but using Monash’s facilities was a good experience and getting to take the work home was a bonus.

We then caught the shuttle bus to Clayton and had lunch. It was pretty average and kind of expensive. Oh well. The focus was then on residential services. We visited Briggs Hall, Roberts Hall, Turner Hall and then Logan Hall. We kind of established that the extra $50 a week is worth going to UC over RV. Out of the UC halls, Briggs or Jackomos is the likely choice since it is under NRAS. Otherwise, I like Logan, then Turner.
All the UC halls are similar but slightly different which was actually pretty interesting and made each worth seeing.
Roberts was a different experience in itself, and I just couldn't see myself getting in with the 'puppies' mentality and all that :/

It was a great day - I saw lots of what I wanted to, and more.

English Language
We had our practice SAC last week. Feedback is due this week. I think I did okay for my Sec C. But, our teacher completely botched Sec A, making it a useless exercise.
Hopefully I'll do okay. I still feel like I've learnt nothing in EL for the past six months.

Chemistry
We did the practical component of our volumetric analysis SAC task, which will be completed next week. I went to a parent teacher interview to see my teacher. He was pretty complimentary but I was taken aback when he asked “so what do you want to do next year??” … “you probably won't even need science to do Japanese, right?”.
Jesus.
I'm used to it but mannn… science IS important¡
Still no updates re the award.

Psychology
We are now full steam ahead in mental health, which is likely the least boring area of study so far.
But, I will share this anecdote with you because I know Term 3 is an awful time for most people.

Try not to slack off

One of my classmates in psychology is busy. Well, pretty busy, I guess. Especially recently, demands on her have been pretty hard to meet. But for her research poster, none other than a Unit 4 SAC, she hands in ｕｎｆｉｎｉｓｈｅｄ. The title reads: Under Title Here. The references, bare. I was shocked and saddened.
To be honest, Term 3 is the “make-or-breaker”. Some people learn to strive in the face of pressure and stress. Some people give into it and give up. If it's for a good reason, I can empathise. But to hand in an unfinished SAC, even though a title and reference list are the easier points to make… I don't know what to say.

Keep it up. If you think T3’s a breaker for you, step back and find some armour. If it is a battle you can  fight, fight it.

Methods
I saw my teacher for a parent teacher interview. I expected to be positively roasted, but he basically said he can see that my scores fluctuate based on my level of motivation. He encouraged me to find some more, and buckle down for the last spurt. I hope to take his advice. I may as well give my best to methods, as hard as it may be.
Integration isn't bad but I suck at it. More practice needed!

Hope you all had a great week !

My mother said to me, 'If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.' Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.

[sarangiya]

I've gotten used to opening these entries with a countdown to something... but I can't think of anything especially topical.
I hope you are all enjoying Term 3.

I had a pretty ordinary week last week. I successfully registered my preferences into VTAC:

My VTAC preferences

1. 2800311231 - Medicine - School Leaver Entry (Monash University, Clayton)
2. 2800311261 - Medicine - CSP Extended Rural Cohort School Leaver Entry (Monash University, Clayton)
3. 3800539051 - Science (Chancellor's Scholars) (University Of Melbourne (The), Parkville)
4. 3800538271 - Science (University Of Melbourne (The), Parkville)
5. 2800328451 - Science (Monash University, Clayton)
6. 3800538001 - Arts (University Of Melbourne (The), Parkville)
7. 2800328131 - Arts (Monash University, Clayton)

A few things changed. I put the Chancellor's Scholars course in almost purely because it would fill a space. Science at Melb is still my 'backup'. I already planned it out because it was my dream course for a good while. Most importantly, BSc might be vigorous but probably not enough so to warrant living in Melbourne. I could have the choice to commute if I went to UoM. It's a tough decision but ultimately I think I will always prefer UoM to Monash.
Arts degrees are next because I figure I could transfer. Arts might not be so bad anyway, but definitely better with other disciplines (sciences, commerce, business, fine arts, etc.) which is the appealing aspect of UoM. Most importantly without being a double degree.
I do have an 8th preference, but it is too identifying (a dare from friends who would instantly recognize it lol) so I left it off.

Other than that nothing much special has happened. I did my English Language U4 AOS1 SAC which was... a mess.

the mess

So, we did the SAC in two halves (Sec A then Sec C later). We did the practice SAC the week before. The other class was originally meant to do their Sec C first (weird logic, I know...) but only got their feedback from the practice SAC in the period before sitting it. A few of my friends cried in class and organised to have most of the class 'back them' and have the date changed. The teacher eventually agreed and they had more time to go over the feedback. However, the feedback was the problem for both classes. We had notes throughout the responses, and some had a universal response ('good job' type of thing) but noone received a mark for either section of the practice SAC. Essentially, we took the SAC blind.
There are even rumours that the teacher won't last until the end of the term due to health problems - though they are still groundless. If it is true, it works out that we will have had a different teacher each term. I don't know how on earth that's meant to be fair. It's not like it is some meaningless subject that will fall to a 10% increment.
So, well, I am really less than impressed. Does anyone have any advice?

This week we have a chemistry SAC and a methods SAC that got dropped on us with one week's notice. Great.
We should be having our Psych SAC the week after.

I'm not super concerned about the SACs. I mean, they have to be done. I'm concerned about my lack of motivation and effort.
I'm now carrying around my checkpoints books so hopefully that well motivate me to actually use them and begin exam preparation.

We have our school formal later this month, which is exciting. I have my outfit bought and ready so I guess at least I'm not using it to procrastinate anymore lol. August seems to be non-eventful. The only thing I'm looking forward are to my phone contract expiring lmao.
Anyone have android handset recommendations? I was originally waiting for the Note 9 but it's too expensive. I'm now thinking of getting the Note 8 anyway, or purchasing a handset outright. For example, the Vivo Nex or Oppo Find X. The Chinese versions don't concern me because I'd probably root them anyway. Any advice would be appreciated! My S7's battery capacity is completely shot and I'd like a decent camera for our Asia trip later this year.

Hope you all have a good week.

I don’t wanna admit it
But I keep looking next to me
Just cuz someone’s ahead doesn’t mean they’re first, baby
Look at the big picture and take your time

No need to rush, my pace
Don’t compare
It’s alright to go slowly
Go on your own path, my lane
Put down your impatience
Just keep looking forward

_{Not a massive fan of the song but I thought the lyrics were relevant hahaha. Credit to colorcodedlyrics.com}

[sarangiya]

We’re coming to the last weeks of August. Unbelievable, right?
I spent this weekend out of town to see my extended family. It was a good vacation but it was pretty emotionally demanding(?)… which means I didn’t get any resting or any work done. Hmmm.

English Language
Good news - the mess has been partially cleaned up. I won’t go into detail but essentially we no longer have a teacher. So the school got us the best teacher they could to fill that space and are organising things left, right and centre to support us. It’s long overdue but hey, at least it’s happening!
We haven’t got any results for the AOS 1 SAC back yet, but that’s to be expected. I just hope I did okay.
We have tried to start AOS 2 now. Like all English Language units, it is really vague and frustrating for someone like me. I think the best course of action now is to begin practice exams, get quality feedback and try hard.

Methods
We did our first of two SACs for methods last week, too. I studied more than I usually would have. I thought in some ways it was harder than the first SAC, but somehow easier at the same time. In the first, there were things I just couldn’t answer - in this one, I was able to give every question a go. Fingers crossed but hopes aren’t too high.
We should be getting into the harder stuff in probability this week. Not long till we wrap things up, I guess! Exciting!

Chemistry
We also did our AOS 1 SAC for chemistry. I did slightly worse than usual but I don’t think it was such a big deal. I mean, I’m really frustrated because I want to be doing better than this. At the same time, though, I’m happy that I’m doing okay. It’s a weird feeling, like that I’m pleased but still unsatisfied.
We should be starting AOS 2 now! Our teacher reckons AOS 2 is easy and just requires memorisation. I hope he’s right. I’m going to binge the Edrolo videos for Food Chemistry after this

Psychology
We still haven’t got our Unit 4 AOS 3 SAC results back (the research poster). That’s alright, I guess. I think I would have done alright.
Our AOS 2 SAC is this week, I think. I ought to study for this a bit more than usual because it is very different to the previous study design. We are starting AOS 1 after it, which should be a nice, easy end to Unit 4.

VET
Last week, I was able to go into theatre again! It was really cool this time, too. I was able to see plastics - which, as I’ve mentioned, is one of my specific (but tentative) interests within medicine. Most of the procedures were excisions of lesions (specifically, skin cancers). They were removed from the bridge of the nose, eyebrow, back and neck. The most interesting excisions were from the ear and lips. With the ear, the surgeon would remove the affected tissue and then have to sew two parts of the ear lobe back together. I found that interesting because the ear really did look quite regular after careful stitching and positioning. By far the most interesting were the lips, though. What I believe is called a ‘vermilionectomy’ was performed on the bottom lips of two women. The general idea (as far as I can tell) is that when someone has sun-damaged lips, the whole visible lip ‘vermillion’ is removed carefully and what I can only describe as the ‘inner lip’ is stretched to the ‘vermillion border’ and sewn in place. Apparently, it doesn’t take that long to heal and the reconstructed lip looks very regular. Pretty cool.
I was also pleased because I got to do more things than usual. For example, I took out the rubbish, cleaned down the surfaces, kept a patient steady while under anaesthesia, put away instruments, collected a tissue specimen (the excised eyebrow lesion!) and tied up surgical gowns etc.

Actually, I’m not sure for how much longer I’ll be at the clinic. VET should finish up at the end of Term 3, and I guess placement should too. I’m quite sad to leave. I have become attached to the staff (I even went out to a movie with them, and I’ll be going to a stage play with them in October), and of course the patients. I heard that while I was in theatre last week a lady was asking for me, worried that I had already left. I keep thinking that I could come back as a med student or something. I’d really like to. The sad reality is some patients won’t be there if I come back - either possibly having died, or even by going into remission and not needing chemotherapy anymore. The latter is of course fantastic and I guess letting go is a part of the whole industry itself. One thing is for sure: it’ll be hard.

Other news
I made a decision with the phone, finally. At the end of the month the plan is to get a new Note 8 on a plan. There are also some noteworthy countdowns. In 11 days, the Monash Residential Services applications open. I think it is kind of unfair to have first-in-best-dressed. But then again, I guess lecture and tutorial times are the same, so it’s good to get used to. Then, what is predicted to be the date UMAT results are out is in 24 days (the 14th of September). Apparently there has been a pattern of ‘teens’ and Fridays. And, as begrudgingly predicted, it is extremely close to my birthday - go figure.
Also, totally unrelated but am I quite literally obsessed with Meteor Garden. I have only watched two Chinese dramas but this is the best by far. I love, love, love Wang He Di. He is an absolute blessing to the world istg.
Lastly, I just wanted to leave a sentiment because while writing this, it is that much more obvious everything is coming to an ‘end’. We have started, and not far off finishing, the last Area of Study for the whole year. It’s mad. VET is coming to a close, our school formal and graduation dinner are coming up soon, the new school captains will be elected in about a week, there is literally but one SAC remaining in every subject I’m doing… wow. And I thought it would never end!

Anyway, hope you all have a great week and reflect on just how quickly things are coming to a close. All the best!

So normally during my exam… I will pray to the Buddha, after that I will… select an answer randomly… I will leave it to fate. It’s also not leaving it to fate. It’s that when you select an answer randomly, you have to feel that it’s the right one. Yes, that’s right. Randomly selecting seriously. It’s like “this question… err what is this answer? Err blah blah okay I don’t understand. I will choose B. I think it is B.

_{Credit to @dylanwangdaily (I think?) You can watch it here!!}

My primary strategy during the UMAT xoxo

[Bri MT]

Hey, re:

I think it is kind of unfair to have first-in-best-dressed. But then again, I guess lecture and tutorial times are the same, so it’s good to get used to.

Lecture and tutorial times isn't first in best dressed at Monash, it's sorted through Allocate -  a preference based system that tries to minimise clashes for all students and then looks at preferences to decide what time slots you have. It's only after this initial sorting that the first-in-best-dressed system applies, as you are able to swap into any slot that still has room in it.




Hope that you start to see significant improvements in English Language soon!

[sarangiya]

Hey, re:
Lecture and tutorial times isn't first in best dressed at Monash, it's sorted through Allocate -  a preference based system that tries to minimise clashes for all students and then looks at preferences to decide what time slots you have. It's only after this initial sorting that the first-in-best-dressed system applies, as you are able to swap into any slot that still has room in it.




Hope that you start to see significant improvements in English Language soon!

I see! Thanks for the information!!

[sarangiya]

The last week of August: 6 days until September, and Monash Residential Services applications. It will then only be another month till classes finish, and yet another until it’s all over. Scary stuff.

Preferences
So I had a big revelation this week. I thought to myself: seriously, what would if I don’t get into medicine? I’ve always told myself that Science leading to post-grad med. But only recently have I rethought this. What will I do if I fail the GAMSAT, 2-3 years from now? What graduate employment opportunities are there for a Bachelor of Science? What will I do for work while doing post-grad med? Aren’t there any other ways to get into medicine, anyway?
And to answer that: (1) well, you’ll probably have to work. (2) Probably not that many, and if there I’m going to have work hard to get them. (3) Waitressing? Why, oh why, would I still not have any professional skills? (4) See below!
So, this is what happened:

My new and (hopefully) improved VTAC preferences

1. 2800311231 - Medicine - School Leaver Entry (Monash University, Clayton)
2. 2800311261 - Medicine - CSP Extended Rural Cohort School Leaver Entry (Monash University, Clayton)
3. 3800539051 - Science (Chancellor's Scholars) (University Of Melbourne (The), Parkville)
4. 2100211401 - Biomedical Science (Medical) (La Trobe University, Bendigo)
5. 2100111401 - Biomedical Science (Medical) (La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga)
6. 3200231081 - Medical Radiations-Nuclear Medicine (RMIT University, Bundoora)
7. 3800538271 - Science (University Of Melbourne (The), Parkville)
8. 2800328451 - Science (Monash University, Clayton)

And here’s some information:

La Trobe’s new Bachelor of Biomedical Science

So, this course has unexpectedly become my fourth and fifth preferences. It is a new course commencing in 2019, and has very little information available for sharing. It is somehow connected to the University of Melbourne’s new Doctor of Medicine (Rural).
I contacted a representative from La Trobe via Live Chat, and yet again struggled to get any solid details. Apparently there will be ~20 places, and places into the postgrad MD aren’t guaranteed. I’m going to have to get our careers counsellor on it.

RMIT’s accredited Bachelor of Medical Radiations

This is quite a change in direction. Not only is RMIT a university I never seriously considered, but Medical Radiations is a discipline I don’t know all that much about.
There are three different streams within the Bachelor of Medical Radiations: Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy.
I was initially interested in Radiation Therapy, because a nurse at placement recommended it to me. Looking at the different plans, though, I thought nuclear medicine - being more chemistry-orientated - could be more aligned with my interests. My only problem with both of them is the scope of practice. Radiation Therapy, as far as I know, is primarily used for treatment of cancer. Even though it is seemingly a narrow application, the idea of creating patient plans dependent on the type and location of malignancies etc. is pretty intriguing. Operating machines also seems kind of cool. Nuclear Medicine has a slightly broader scope of practice, as far as I can tell, but the application seems to be restricted. Apparently you can use radiopharmaceuticals in lung scans, cardiac stress tests and diagnostic imaging (e.g. PET scans). The theory might be interesting, but I wonder if doing the same thing over and over would be worth it.
Anyway, this one is yet again subject to my scrutiny for the next months. We shall see.

Methods and Chemistry
Well, I got my results back. I definitely did worse this time around. I am now resigned to the fact that methods will probably be outside my ATAR. I thought that I may have been able to get over 35 scaled but now I am seriously doubting it.
Oh well, as long as I meet prerequisites.
I’m enjoying probability. Here’s hoping it won’t stab me in the back (read: I won’t stab myself in the back) like integration did.

Nothing new in chemistry. I really like food chemistry.

Psychology and English Language
I got my results back for the poster in psychology. No complaints.

We are still waiting for results for English Language. I haven’t done much to bring myself up to speed, but I will. Our last SAC is split up into Sec B and Sec C this time, the latter on the last day of school (rip) and the former two weeks before that. Grand.

This week
I should be getting my new phone!
We also have the Year 12 social, which is exciting.
I’ll be applying for residence at Monash this weekend.
I have to finish my ethics essay for one of our school’s compulsory religion elective.
And, well, it started last week but Virgo season is in full swing. It’s our month, fellow Virgos!

Hope you all have a great week

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

[pitabread]

Don't worry about methods lol that subject is shit as.
I failed my first unit 3 sac but I still managed a 41 scaled study score. Just don't cry over spilt milk and smash the next sac
Good luck!

[not.yet.a.nerd]

This week
I should be getting my new phone!

Ooh what phone are you getting? I've been looking in to phones recently too, and that lack of a notch and the almost full screen of oppo find x and vivo nex are just 😍. But also my hands are too small to use big phones comfortably. Hmmm...

[sarangiya]

Don't worry about methods lol that subject is shit as.
I failed my first unit 3 sac but I still managed a 41 scaled study score. Just don't cry over spilt milk and smash the next sac
Good luck!

Thanks so much for the encouragement!! (I needed it haha)
That's amazing though. I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull off such a feat but I'll keep that in mind and try hard!!
And yes, it is shit.

Ooh what phone are you getting? I've been looking in to phones recently too, and that lack of a notch and the almost full screen of oppo find x and vivo nex are just 😍. But also my hands are too small to use big phones comfortably. Hmmm...

Glad to see someone has the same phone aesthetic as me ahahah! I love the beveless look! I'm a massive fan of big phones though. My hands are tiny as well, and I agree the big screens are hard to handle, but I still love them!

I settled on the Note 8. I was pretty set on the Note 9 but instead of cheap promotional plans they just have the bigger storage model for the same price. Not my cup of tea while there is cloud computing. Hope it is a good decision. Thanks so much for asking


By the way, this is my 100th post on this thread!!
I just wanted to quickly say thank you to everyone for reading thus far!
This journal has ended up being something I look forward to writing every week. Any replies I recieve, I am also so grateful for - I have connected with so many great people.
I hope the next 100 posts will be even more fun

Thank you!!

P.S. The little article I wrote for ATARNotes has been published!! Yay! Please give it a look ❤️
Is Repeating a VCE Subject Worth it?

[vcestressed]

Congrats on your 100th post!! To be honest, I'm always looking forward to your entries. There is so much I can relate to (the pain of methods, change of teachers, overwhelming competition etc)!! It makes me feel better in the sense that I'm not the only one going through this. Sometimes, I even want to start my own journal! Anyway, thank you for sharing your life with us and I wish you the very best everything

[hums_student]

And yes, it is shit.

Relatable.

Awesome article by the way! And congrats on your 100th post! I absolutely love reading your journal, can't wait to read your future updates

[Joseph41]

P.S. The little article I wrote for ATARNotes has been published!! Yay! Please give it a look ❤️
Is Repeating a VCE Subject Worth it?

Love it.

[Maya24]

Congrats on your 100th post. I always love reading your entries.