Direct entry medical schools in Australia provide a unique opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Unlike traditional medical programs, direct entry medical schools allow students to study medicine straight out of high school without having to complete an undergraduate degree first. This pathway is highly competitive, with a limited number of spots available each year (the acceptance rate ranges from 4% to 10% depending on the medical school).
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get into direct entry medical school in Australia by current Monash, University of Queensland and University of Melbourne medical students.
Research the different medical schools in Australia
Before applying to a direct entry medical program, it’s important to do your research and determine which schools offer the program. There are a few different medical schools in Australia that offer direct entry programs, including the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Monash University, and the University of Western Australia.
Another blog post about the requirement for each individual medical school is coming soon.
Meet the prerequisites
To be considered for admission to a direct entry medical program, students must meet certain prerequisites. These usually include a minimum ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score and a certain level of achievement in high school science and math courses. Usually, you need a 99+ ATAR or equivalent to be competitive. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each school and make sure you meet all of the prerequisites before applying.
Take the ISAT (International Student Admission Test)
In addition to meeting the academic prerequisites, students must also take either the ISAT or UCAT. These tests assess a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and are used to determine a student’s readiness for a medical program. It’s important to prepare for these tests well in advance and take them seriously, as they can greatly impact your chances of being accepted into a direct entry medical program. For example, Monash University requires a minimum of 170 in ISAT but realistically a 180 for its candidates to be considered. While most of Direct Entry Medical School Programs still uses the ISAT to assess the candidates, some universities such as the University of Adelaide now uses the UCAT.
Medict offers the most thorough ISAT preparation courses and materials at an affordable price (25% cheaper than most companies). All the resources are created and regularly updated by current or graduated medical students to ensure the relevance and helpfulness of the course. Visit https://medict.com.au/isat/ to learn more. Early bird discount only applies until the end of February.
Gain relevant experience
Direct entry medical programs are highly competitive, and having relevant experience can set you apart from other applicants. This can include volunteering at a hospital or medical clinic, shadowing a doctor, or participating in a medical research project. Not only does this experience demonstrate your commitment to the field of medicine, but it also gives you a better understanding of what the job entails and whether it’s the right career path for you.
Write a strong personal statement
When applying to a direct entry medical program, some universities require the candidates to submit a personal statement (e.g. James Cook University). This is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee why you’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine and why you would be a good fit for the program.
As Medict is made up of medical students from various schools, we have the experience and knowledge to assist you to write an outstanding personal statement for the JCU medical program. Just book a consultation session here: https://medict.com.au/product/consultation/
Prepare for the interview
If you make it through the initial application process, you may be invited to an interview. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, decision-making, professionalism, and knowledge of the field. It’s important to prepare for the interview by researching the school and the program, practicing your responses to common interview questions, and dressing professionally. You will also need to check whether the Medical Shcool uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format or a Panel interview format. For example, Monash University and University of Newcastle (JMP) requires the candidates to complete the MMI whereas UNSW continues to use the traditional Panel format.
Interview is usually equally weighted or even more heavily weighted than ISAT/ATAR combined, so it is pivotal to not let your guard down for this final step.
Medict is consisted of medical students who were accepted to UNSW, Monash, Newcastle (JMP), UQ, Usyd, JCU, Flinders, Macquarie, and Unimelb (with an above 80% interview pass rate). So it is fair to say that we have the insight and knowledge to help you to ace this final step in your application. Visit https://medict.com.au/interview/ to learn more about our Interview course and Mock interview at an extremely affordable price.
Consider alternative pathways
If you don’t meet the prerequisites for a direct entry medical program, or if you’re not accepted into the program, there are other pathways you can take to become a doctor in Australia. For example, you could complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as science or health, and then sit the GAMSAT and apply to a graduate medical program.
If you have further questions about the application process, feel free to visit https://medict.com.au/product/consultation/ to book a private 1-on-1 consultation with one of our team member to chat about your current situation and what you can do to maximise your chance of being accepted. Our experts have gained entry to more than 6 medical schools on average, and we are here to help you!