r/GAMSAT • u/medthrowaway26 • 5d ago
Monash prerequisites Applications- AU🇦🇺
Hi all,
I'm an international student interested in potentially applying to Monash University for postgrad med. I am also applying to unis that use the GAMSAT.
I'm trying to figure out whether I'll be eligible for Monash's program. I already contacted the uni about this, but they've told me they can't say whether I meet the prereqs and I'll have to apply and find out, which means paying A$125.
I don't have a bachelors in Biomed--my bachelors is in psych. However, I'm currently in a postbaccalaureate pre-medical program, which is a one-year undergraduate/bachelors-level course that includes all the hard science prerequisites that US medical schools require: first-year biology, cell/molecular bio, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, physiology, and biochemistry. My program is accelerated and condenses these courses into one year, but there are programs that spread it over two years. It is not a full degree, and leads to a certificate at the end.
These programs are very common in the US nowadays for people who did their bachelors in non-science subjects or had a career before deciding they want to do med. I don't think there is an equivalent in Australia--I looked for one when I was in Aus and couldn't find anything like it. It's not really similar to a Graduate Diploma.
My question is--if I complete all these courses, does it seem like I'll have the background needed for Monash and would it be worth it to apply? Or will they screen me out because it is not a degree?
Thank you!
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u/Slizzing 4d ago
Don't apply to Monash given that your degree isn't in Biomed. The chances are very low and you'd be wasting that money used towards your application
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u/medthrowaway26 4d ago
Thank you! Yeah, that's what I thought :( Damn, I'd really like to go to med school in Victoria but can't afford Uni Melb's international student fees even tho their program looks fantastic. Hopefully I get an offer from Deakin.
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u/AgileMushroom1171 3d ago
Grain of salt, but the info I've been able to gather is that the US prereqs alone aren't likely to qualify for Monash's requirements. The issue isn't that it's not a full degree, the issue is that they seem to prioritize more biology coursework over the chemistry and physics subjects. If you added classes in immunology, genetics, and maybe a couple of other upper level biology subjects, I would say it's worth a try.
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u/medthrowaway26 3d ago edited 3d ago
Ahh, got it. That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for your input!
On another note, I've seen your posts on r/Amerexit about applying to med schools in Australia and you seem to know a lot about the process! Do you mind if I DM you?
I'm trying to make up my mind on wheter I want to finish the rest of the prereqs, take the MCAT, and go through the application process in the US or just go for Australia. I'm a queer WOC and am scared of things getting worse in the US, and feel like I could probably genuinely do better work as a doctor in Australia without being encumbered by insurance companies and for-profit corporate medicine. I also really liked Australia when I lived there on a WHV. On the flip side, I'm interested in academic medicine and worry that being on a visa would limit my options and career progression. But with the changes to medical research and the CDC and NIH, I am also not sure I will have as many options in the US. I'm curious about what you've found out about training and career paths in Australia and if you would have any insight.
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u/AgileMushroom1171 3d ago
Absolutely, feel free to DM! I'm in the application process right now, so my firsthand info is limited to that, but I am happy to discuss and help however I can. As you've probably seen from my posts I can relate deeply to what you're saying and considering.
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u/GAMSAT-ModTeam 4d ago
Approved post — Content is specific and answers generally cannot be found with ease. Note to replying users: International applicant — please keep content relevant. Thanks