The Guru Method GAMSAT Preparation Blog

Hi tedch89,

From the 2012 Acer Admin Guide:
ANU - Generally applicants should have a GPA of 5.5 or higher. It is unlikely that applicants with a weighted GPA of less than 34 (roughly equivalent to an average GPA of 5.6) will be invited to inter view.
Deakin - A weighted GPA of 5.0 is required.
Flinders - does not set a minimum GPA, but weighted GPA is a significant component in ranking applicants (after interview) for offers, and a Distinction/Credit average is generally needed to be competitive.
Griffith - GPA is not included in calculation of the overall ranking of applicants for offers; however, all applicants receiving an offer must have achieved a minimum GPA of 5.0
Melbourne - 2011 was the first intake for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and no minimum GPA or GAMSAT has been set.The minimum will be determined on the basis of the ranked list.The indicative minimum for 2011 was 5.0. Applicants with a 5.0 GPA had a high GAMSAT result.
Monash - Applicants should have achieved a weighted Grade Point Average of 5.0
Notre Dame - Grade Point Average of 5.0+
Queensland - Applicants must have achieved a minimum converted GPA of 5.0 in their most recent key degree.
Western Australia - Applicants must have achieved a GPA of at least 5.5 at time of interview selection.
Wollongong - All applicants must have a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0

You have a tough road ahead of you because although a lot of universities have a GPA minimum of 5.0 you need to have a great Gamsat to compensate. For example Flinders use your Gamsat result alone to shortlist for the interview so although your GPA is fine you have to have a Gamsat of at least 64 to be eligible for an interview. Read the guide p17-27 to get more info. Also take a look at this thread where people recorded their GPA, Gamsat and what Uni made them an offer. It will help you work out what sort of combined score is required.
http://pagingdr.net/forum/index.php?topic=1478.0

Otherwise have another go at getting your Gamsat up. If you can get into the mid to high 60's a lot of doors will open up.

Hi,

I am just wondering which university to apply to if my wGPA is calculated to be 5.29 and my gamsat from last year is 60 with all sections above 50. Also since I did a bachelor degree in medical research and I have a rural background, would I have any advantage for specific univeristies?

Kind regards

Nice to meet u. I live in Glen Waverley. My boys are 3 and 6 years old. so they demand lots of my time. I actually have been thinking to sit for gamsat 5 years ago when I was working in Flinders in Adelaide. I gave up because I had my 2nd child and the whole family moved to Mel in 2009.

I am now starting to reading some physics and chemistry. I hope I could catch up with you after I have some basic ideas about the science. Besides I dont know from where to start about essay. I am very poor at it.

Hi Nora,
My name is Nikki and I am a 45 year old Naturopath, my husband is also a doctor and studied post grad med as a mature aged student at Flinders.
I have also been thinking about this for years but have been tied up with family. I am interested in a study group in the South Eastern suburbs. I am in Warburton, but work in Warranwood and my youngest is now 12 so I am not too tied down by kids, so am happy to meet in the south east, which suburb are you in?
Warm regards Nikki.
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n!c@l

Hi, everyone, I am a RN in ICU for many years. I have planned to sit Gamsat 5 years ago but gave up because of family reasons. Now after all these years I pick up my dream again (mainly with the support of my husband who is a doctor.)

I am planning to sit the 2013 gamsat . I plan to prepare it for one year since I dont have much science background and English is not my first language. I have to start everything from the beginning. Two of my boys are below 8 and quite demanding. I only can find time after send them to bed. Am I too crazy? I regret I didn't do it when I was young. But if I give up again I will regret all my life. So I am serious this time.

I live in south eastern suburb of Melbourne. Hope anyone interested to form a study group to contact me.

Hey Lovebite,

Yep your absolutely correct. Thanks so much for your advice I really appreciate it. :)

Hi Eli.

Good on you for crunching your numbers....

I think you're right to be nervous about a GPA of 5.5, but that depending on which university you apply to, it may be less of a factor.

Look for universities with GPA hurdles, rather than using it specifically for ranking, and you'll be in with a better chance.

What I would say, is that you BEST bet, is to use this last year of uni to boost your marks as best you can. Its great to aim for credits, but if you're really keen for medicine, you have to be prepared to dig deep, and aim much higher.

A couple of distinctions would make a good deal of difference to your GPA, especially if its a weighted GPA.

Personally, I think that once you make the decision that you want to study medicine, its best to start preparing yourself for medical school straight away. Focus your efforts on boosting your GPA and achieving the best GAMSAT you can.

Its also a good idea to start developing solid study and time managment skills..... they'll serve you well in First year
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"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.... Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad"

Hey all I know heaps of questions have been asked on GPAs but I need a little clarification.
I have just completed my third year of a four year degree. I have undertaken 20 units and from those units i have received 7 passes and 13 credits.
Considering I have 1 more year left and if I obtain all credits in my future subjects will it be enough to get me over the line for a good enough GPA and what gpa will i be sitting at with those grades?

I no a gpa of 5.5 is credit average but what exactly does this mean like the majority of your units have to be credits and is their room to get passes in any subjects?

Its just for the majority of universities require a minimum gpa of 5.5 for consideration into med so im just curious as to what grades one needs to achieve.

Thanks everyone so much in advance :)

Hi everyone

I'm new to this forum. My name is David and I am a medical graduate from a nursing background. I finished my medical degree at Flinders in 2010 and am currently completing my internship in South Australia before starting prevocational training in emergency medicine next year.

My wife is also a nurse and is trying to get into medical school after a few unsucessful attempts at GAMSAT. This has prompted a large personal interest in GAMSAT techniques, preparation courses and learning in fluid intelligence. I currently do some freelance work for one of the providers of GAMSAT prep materials and I am seeking to launch my own training program in time for the 2012. I'll post further details shortly if the boards rules permit.

Look forward to starting a dialogue with anyone who is interested in exchanging some ideas.

Cheers
David

Hello Everyone!

Canadian Mom will be moving to Melbourne next year. Currently working as a Nurse however looking to expend into medicine. Hoping to gain some insight and tips on how to do so. Can't wait to talk with you all further!