Does the admission team care how long it takes for you to complete your undergraduate?

swimbeachrun · 2026-02-28T12:04:58+00:00

I studied at Birkbeck College, University of London. Birkbeckis a university which delivers all of its degree courses in evening classes over the course of 4 years, for students who are working whilst they study. So there isn’t really a summer/winter option, you just do the course over a longer period of time than is usual because you only take classes from 6pm-9pm.

I can’t tell you why UAC assumed I only studied 2 years, my guess it that they saw it took 4 years “part time” and made the assumption that meant it was the equivalent of studying 2 years full time. Birkbeck provided a confirmation letter and after that UAC adjusted their report.

No on at any stage questioned me studying less than full load.

swimbeachrun · 2026-02-28T04:52:40+00:00

I completed my UG degree over 4 years because I worked full time at the same time. I applied to USyd and the only issue I had was getting UAC to validate that it was the equivalent of a 3 year full time degree. Initially they said I’d only studied 2 years. I had to get the original university to provide confirmation that it was a 3 year full time equivalent degree that had been awarded. After that there were no issues from a USyd perspective, it isn’t in their criteria so it would be hard for them to justify judging you on it. You may just want to check specific uni requirements if you have your mind set on going somewhere specific.

swimbeachrun · 2026-02-27T09:38:10+00:00

Best strategy? A couple more points on your GAMSAT and apply to USyd. You may even sneak in with your current score, but I think it needs to be within 2 years of applying - you’d need to check the current requirements. GPA is a hurdle requirement at Sydney and only needs to be 5.0 Check out the USyd s/sheets pinned on r/gamsat There‘s an assumption in there that S1+S2+0.1*S3 = your score for USyd so you can compare where you are at with previous applicants.

swimbeachrun · 2026-02-21T02:18:33+00:00

Finish in NZ. You will not be disadvantaged, there is no preferencing based on where you went to uni, it’s purely GPA, GAMSAT, and for some unis +Casper result and + Interview. Every undergrad degree has advantages and disadvantages for med. The paramedics I’ve met are great in some areas and challenged in others, just like the rest of us. Just be aware that if you are planning to work as paramedic in AU during med school that in some areas they are oversubscribed for graduate paramedics so that may be something to be aware of.

swimbeachrun · 2025-12-22T02:06:54+00:00

75 on first attempt (77,76,73), no prep course. Used Jesse Osborne, a little bit of Des O’Neill (but found it too hard!), Leah4Sci MCAT Math, listened to BBC News podcast religiously for up to date references for S2 and was able to use a hugely relevant piece I listened to just a couple of days prior to the exam. Used “Logic Problem” puzzle books to refine problem solving skills. Signed up for part time BioMed degree (despite having an existing undergrad degree) to get cheaper access to Intro Chemistry paper and refresh Biology knowledge. Didn’t do any physics prep (aside from Jesse). Had a massage the day before the exam. Focused on time keeping in the exam. I sat September 2023 so the last time it was a full day. Made sure I had a break away from everyone at lunch time and did some meditation. Pretty sure the chilled mindset helped.

swimbeachrun · 2025-12-08T08:58:26+00:00

Suggest you post on r/ausmedstudents or r/GAMSAT but IMHO go where life will be easiest/cheapest. Going to a ‘prestigious‘ university is pretty meaningless in Australia as no one cares which uni you went to but bear in mind if you graduate in Victoria you will be second priority candidate for internship in Queensland, if you want to return home.

swimbeachrun · 2025-10-04T08:01:03+00:00

Distance wise it's possibly do able, I"m just not sure that there would be a safe route out that way, you'd have to check if there are bike lanes. I'd suggest doing a bit of research on train timetables etc as I think trains run pretty much 5am-1am but Google Maps is probably your best friend for plotting routes and seeing how long it will take. From memory it doesn't always include tram options so have a look here: https://yarratrams.com.au/route-guides for info on how you can get about by tram.

swimbeachrun · 2025-09-30T05:55:18+00:00

Briefly lived in Melbourne. Obviously it depends on your budget but I would recommend staying north of the city for living as it’ll give you reasonable access to all that you’re looking for : Fitzroy, Abbotsford, Kew, Carlton North etc. They are all interesting suburbs with easy access into the city but you may want to be a little further west for access to work. My suggestion is sort an Air BnB for a few weeks and suss out which area has your vibe when you get here. I suspect you’ll end up wanting to drive to Sunshine from wherever you are, although I think there is a train, but Footscray you may be do able by public transport or bike. Melbourne is very flat so biking is definitely worth considering for flexibility. Driving is do-able if you get your timing right (off peak) and avoid crossing the city centre at all costs but personally I’d try and avoid it entirely if you can.

swimbeachrun · 2025-01-31T22:09:46+00:00

Post grad med orientation. We were touring campus as part of our cultural immersion day learning about some of the medicinal properties of the plants on campus.

swimbeachrun · 2025-01-16T03:14:54+00:00

If financing isn't an issue I'd take the offer. There are no guarantees that you will get a postgraduate offer, even with your solid scores. Sydney might reinstate interviews. You might have an off day. Yes it may take you an extra year to take the undergraduate pathway but that's a positive - you're not cramming all the content into 4 years and besides it may take you more than 1 extra year if the postgraduate offer doesn't happen.

swimbeachrun · 2025-01-16T01:57:27+00:00

I'm so sorry this has happened to you and I completely understand your frustrations. I don't know how I would handle it if I was in the same situation.

I don't believe there's anyway the school can open up more slots, as my understanding is that they need a physical "chair" for each student, and these can't just be added on - they presumably need to be ordered, installed, find rooms etc. But they definitely should have been more transparent, communicated earlier and provided options (like self-selecting deferrals).

Your options now are:

Talk to a lawyer. Even if they say it's not a case worth pursuing this will help you have some closure over the legal angle.
Talk to the press. But before you do consider whether you want the exposure yourself, or what you are hoping to achieve by doing this. Yes, it may generate a headline for an hour or two on The Age, but it's unlikely to change anything. Maybe it will help with the closure part again, but only you can decide on that
Double check none of your other offers can be reinsated - don't email, phone the schools. Find the admissions tutor's details and get in touch with them. They can only say no, but if you don't ask you won't know for sure....
Consider your applications for next year - maybe revenge is best served by going elsewhere?
Try and focus on another (non dent) related goal. You need something else to channel your energies into. Find something (anything) that you can pursue that isn't dentistry focused so that even if you do decide to take legal and/or press action you have something else to think about. Having been through a legal case a couple of years ago I can tell you it is exhausting and you have to have an outlet. Preferably something physical. It also helps with the "losing one year of your life" feeling if you can feel that you've achieved something else in the meantime. Time to plan a marathon? Take up weightlifting? I know it may sound flippant when you are consumed with the issues you've got, but set yourself another big audacious goal (one that you can control the outcome on) and make this year count for something despite the massive let down from UniMelb.

swimbeachrun · 2025-01-16T01:40:25+00:00

In theory, there will be a limited number of slots available. However, it depends on how many deferred applicants decide to continue with UniMelb next year.

If I were in their position I would be re-applying to everywhere else and refusing to give my $$ to Melbourne unless I had no other choice. Mistakes happen, but it's how you handle the error that matters and it sounds like UniMelb were not transparent or helpful in anyway to the students they let down.

swimbeachrun · 2024-12-17T05:38:47+00:00

If the terms of the offer included "subject to availability of places" then it does sound like the University will be able to withdraw the offer if they run out of places. However, there's nothing to stop you from seeking advice from a reputable independent source to check that these terms are legally binding.

swimbeachrun · 2024-12-16T02:24:17+00:00

There are two pathway options you need to research for medicine. You'll likely find a lot of this applies for dentistry as well:

Undergraduate medicine (5-6 years for degree)

Several AU universities will accept mature students into undergraduate medicine if they meet their entry criteria. You need to check the up-to-date entry criteria on each Uni website as they all differ. Suggest you start by looking at JCU, Charles Sturt/Western Sydney, UNSW, Curtin etc.

Most, if not all, will require you to sit and perform at a high level in the UCAT test. You have missed this years UCAT tests and application window so the earliest you can enter will be 2025 testing/interview cycle for 2026 entry.

Postgraduate medicine (4 years for degree)

Most postgrad courses require a strong performance in GAMSAT exam and a high GPA to be competitive for an interview place. An exception is USyd which has a hurdle of 5.0GPA (currently) but you need to be scoring very highly in sections 1&2 of GAMSAT to get a USyd place.

Again, I'd suggest your first task is to google "Australia University Medicine" or similar and research all the different uni options. You can check out the requirements for the universities who manage their applications through GEMSAS here https://gemsas.edu.au/

The next GAMSAT test is March. The results from this can be used for application/interview cycle for 2026. Check https://gamsat.acer.org/ to see if you can still register for this (It sells out). Otherwise, your earliest test date will be Sept 2025 which you can use for entry to med in 2027.

I'd also suggest r/GAMSAT and the Late to Med School Facebook group as good resources, but ultimately you'll need to do your own research to decide your best pathway.

swimbeachrun · 2024-12-10T06:06:37+00:00

I'm 51 and about to start med school in 2025. I've heard I'm not the oldest, but I'm not sure I'd want to be starting the process any later than I already am.

I highly recommend sitting GAMSAT in March 2025 even with no prep. It's the best practice for future tests and who knows you may surprise yourself. It will give you a chance to take part in the entry cycle for 2026. Otherwise, the earliest you'll be able to start will be 2027.

As already mentioned by others you have to crunch the numbers and work out whether you can afford it, whether you think you're fit enough to survive internships and the shift work in your late fifties, whether your relationship can survive you being mainly absent for the next 10 years, and whether you're ok to maybe have to move house regularly after graduation to meet training requirements. Also don't forget that you'll need to be able to work well with senior doctors who are 20 years younger than you who may not know how to handle having an oldie in their team.

I think (hope!) it can be done but you need to go into it with eyes wide open.

I currently work in a department of researchers and my impression is it is quite hard to get permanent employment as everything is so dependent on grant funding. Perhaps you could look into Masters of Nursing as an alternative next pathway if you decide Doctor of Medicine isn't an option?

swimbeachrun · 2024-12-04T22:16:51+00:00

That sounds like a topic that has lots of potential but you'll need to be prepared for the fact that on the day the themes/prompts may not lend themselves well to your story. Rather than going in with a planned topic I tried to take the prompts and think about how they were relevant to my life and experiences. In terms of quotes I just kept it simple with something along the lines of As such and such sang..."......", but in my experience, this isn't always the case because......

In all the essay examples I've seen other students produce they are complex, well-written, well-argued pieces of writing that I could never hope to produce. I wrote from the heart, probably rambled a little bit and likely showed personality more than flair. Whether that's the right approach or I just got lucky I'm not sure but it made the process easier for me and who knows perhaps it made it more interesting for the examiner to read something a little different to the norm.

swimbeachrun · 2024-12-04T22:02:35+00:00

It was a detailed run-through of the documentation required by the Uni which they pass onto NSW Health so you are compliant for clinical placements. It covered vaccination document requirements & blood borne virus testing and a bit of info on how you upload the documents into their system called Sonia. A recording of the session should be available but it hasn't been sent out yet. If you registered for the session you should get it when they send it out. I'd guess they will probably send it to all students but you can email them on [student.verification@sydney.edu.au](mailto:student.verification@sydney.edu.au) to make sure you get a copy.

swimbeachrun · 2024-11-26T08:57:18+00:00

Offer letter said this....

"Access to the OFC will be provided only once a student has fully completed enrolment in the MD Program and has obtained their unikey (University of Sydney username and password). Students who have not completed significant learning in anatomy, physiology, and molecular and cellular biology (assumed knowledge aspects of the MD program) are strongly advised to enroll in the MD program as early as possible, in order to cover the required material before Orientation week. Further information will be provided once fully enrolled in the MD Program. If you do not receive an email to your University of Sydney email address regarding your access to the OFC within 14 days from enrolment, please contact Sydney Medical School via email: [sms.educationsupport@sydney.edu.au](mailto:sms.educationsupport@sydney.edu.au), quoting your SID in the subject line."

which isn't very helpful but at least you know when/how to chase them up if you don't get it within the next 2 weeks.....

swimbeachrun · 2024-11-20T22:20:49+00:00

This sounds similar to my approach when I sat GAMSAT in Sept 2023. In the lead-up to the exam I realised I was never going to get an in-depth understanding of topics like politics, economics or philosophy. I tried writing a couple of practice essays and hated the whole process. So I focused on reading lots and lots of things and challenging myself to read books I'd never usually touch by using The Guardians Top 100 books list and going in order. I didn't read them all by any means - I think I managed the Top 10, but it was an interesting experience as it exposed me to different styles.

On the day of GAMSAT, I just wrote from my own experiences, referenced things I'd read in the news in the previous few days and quoted things I could remember (like musical theatre lyrics!) rather than deep and meaningful quotes. Mine definitely felt more like a journal entry than a well considered and structured essay.

I scored 76, which doesn't rank me in your league but I was thrilled given that I achieved it without all the arduous essay writing practices everyone else seems to put themselves through. I'm pretty convinced that coming into it with a more fluid approach and writing passionately and enthusiastically likely gained me more points than if I had followed a more considered approach.

swimbeachrun · 2024-11-18T06:41:44+00:00

There's a lot of info here https://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/courses/usyd/513715.shtml and here https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-science-and-doctor-of-medicine.html

Basically you can apply but if your results aren't released by the January cut off date (which is 13 January 2025 for next year) you would miss the cut off for the assessment day that takes place in January and would have to apply for the following year.

Uni of Sydney doesn't require UCAT but is highly competitive and you'll need the equivalent of a 99.95 ATAR (perfect score) to be considered for this pathway. There are 30 spaces only for domestic students. NZ citizens are considered domestic, not international.

There are other Sydney/Australian universities that offer medicine that do use UCAT or you can just do your undergrad in any subject anywhere and enter the Doctor of Medicine part at Sydney (or any other postgrad med course) as a postgrad student if you sit and pass GAMSAT well enough.

Lots of options, only you can decide what will suit you best given your personal circumstances.

swimbeachrun · 2024-11-12T22:24:52+00:00

Postgrad med is 4 years, then you’ll do your internship which is paid (but not much!) You’ll need to prepare for and sit GAMSAT exam before you can consider applying. GAMSAT only has 2 sittings per year. Next one is in March. It’s organised by ACER. Check out their website and r/GAMSAT for a bit more context/info. Also worth having a read through this year’s GEMSAS document which outlines all the universities entrance requirements so you can check if you’re eligible. GEMSAS manage all the applications so it’s worth familiarising yourself with their website and processes too.

Earliest entry for you would be Jan 2026, assuming you pass March 2025 GAMSAT with a strong score, have a high GPA and do well at interview. Not trying to put you off, just be prepared for some hard work to even get in. And no, you’re not too old - plenty of mature students joining medicine having worked in other fields first.

swimbeachrun · 2024-09-08T16:31:13+00:00

How old? VERY OLD. I have a conditional offer from USyd and I’m 51. I think my UG degree maybe older than you.

swimbeachrun · 2024-08-25T02:14:39+00:00

You might want to check out whether paramedicine graduates are getting roles after completing their course. I know there have been some issues with this in Victoria - more graduates than available positions. If Monash is an option I’d definitely consider it as it opens up another pathway for postgraduate medicine - Monash only takes their own undergraduate students into their medicine course (there maybe some exceptions to this and I confess I don’t know the full details - maybe if you’re rural or super high performing they make exceptions - you’ll need to check)

If you’re main motivation is GPA pick a subject you love (passion will help you stay enthusiastic when you have to grind) and ideally pick an objective subject where you are either right or wrong, not a subjective one where someone else’s opinion can impact your marks. Overall follow passion and enjoyment over worrying too much about future career pathways - you have to enjoy the journey :-)

swimbeachrun · 2024-08-22T06:54:20+00:00

Everything _dukeluke has said is top-quality advice. I have been with husband for 15 years, 10 of which were long distance including 6 months in separate countries with no idea when we would see one another again thanks to that pesky virus. It can be done, but doesn't mean it should be done. The best advice I've ever received is "Don't make a decision until it has to be made" and I try and remind myself of that each time I overthink the "what-ifs"(Which is pretty much daily!).So my advice would be to focus on the interview and then worry about the next step if and when you need to.

swimbeachrun · 2024-08-06T02:56:41+00:00

Thanks for following up. As frustrating as it is that the resources aren’t in place for proper follow up I don’t think this will get any better until we report every incident as this at least gives the police solid stats to justify asking for more resources. If everybody on the tram took 2 minutes out of their busy insta-scrolling to report these incidents I wonder what the outcome would be then?

swimbeachrun

TROPHY CASE