Hi everyone,

Long time reader but never posted anything before. I figured it was time to finally get some opinion on my own personal situation.

Basic stats: Canadian, 3.0 GPA (Immunology major, Biochemistry minor), 30T MCAT (with a 6 in physical sciences), lots of national awards and volunteering, 5 years of student research and physician shadowing lined up for this summer.

Because my MCAT wasn't consistent in all sections, I'm planning to re-sit the MCAT in June or July. Also trying to get the GPA up as high as possible.

I can graduate by December 2008 or at latest, June 2009. SGU has said I'm a competitive candidate, esp with my portfolio while Queensland won't process my application until after a new MCAT score arrives (because 6 doesn't meet their requirement). I'm likely not competitive for Canadian or US schools, although getting in somewhere in North America would be aweeesomeeee.

Ideally, I want to practice in Canada as soon as possible, but I'm willing to practice in the US or anywhere else as long as it takes before I can come back.

What do you all think? Just go to SGU? Rewrite my MCAT and apply to UQ (when it could already be full?) or just rewrite my MCAT and see how American schools say? (I'm alright with financing my education as a non-American citizen)

Sorry for the blab! Thanks for all your input!

As an Aussie, i suggest u go to SGU asap, then if your still interested, apply to queensland or other states in Australia. Bond Univ may be of interest to you :P

Dear tea -You are eligible for University of Wollongong with your current results (no need to resit MCAT for us) and, as we are a school that bases a lot of weight on your other experiences (such as your awards and volunteering) you may have a very competitive application with us. Drop me a line if you need more info- I will be travelling in Canada next month and would be happy to chat, even if you are not ready to apply yet

Cheers
Lyndal

__________________
Assoc Prof Lyndal Parker-Newlyn

Associate Professor of Medical Education
Academic Leader, Admissions & Selection

Graduate School of Medicine
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW AUSTRALIA

lyndal@uow.edu.au

It would be false logic to assume Australian medical schools are backups for people who did not get into the US or Canada. The fact that you got a 6 on a section will disqualify you from many schools in Australia. If you are set on practicing in North America, SGU is a good bet.
The advantages of Australian schools are that they are real research oriented medical schools, there is a chance to practice in Australia if you like it and many take this option, the quality of life in Australia is unbeatable, and I lived in many different parts of the world.

Hi Lyndal,

I was just wondering if i would have a chance of being accepted... i have 2.6 gpa and a 24 mcat.. and a lot of volunteer work and volunteer work abroad as well. I've been volunteering at hospital and senior homes for years and i'm also on a few committees.. please let me know. Thanks in advance

Hi Princess

Thanks for your enquiry. Strictly speaking, your GPA is below our cutoff at 2.6 (we like it to be 2.8) but it is worth applying as we are keen to see applicants in their entirrty, including all their experiences and other skills.

So yes, your GPA is low and you will need to demonstrate excellence in other fields to be compettitive, but yes there is still a chance for you. If you are interested in knowing more feel free to email me or call Australaern in USA or Canada.

Cheers
Lyndal

__________________
Assoc Prof Lyndal Parker-Newlyn

Associate Professor of Medical Education
Academic Leader, Admissions & Selection

Graduate School of Medicine
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW AUSTRALIA

lyndal@uow.edu.au

greetings Lyndal

Does the University of Wollongong take into consideration of Graduate Degrees
I am in a similar position as princess (which a weaker GPA)

However I am interested in doing a graduate degree before applying (perhaps Masters and possibly PHD if things go well) Does the University of Wollongong give Graduate Students different consideration if their Undergraduate GPA isn't so high

thanks

Hello everyone, i have a 3.3/4 and a 30R on mcat
i understand that Australia is not a backup if you dont get into Canada, but regardless of that, is it a better option than the carribean schools in terms of obtaining residency in Canada? do the canadian residency programs prefer aussies over other med grads?
even though they(aus.med.schls) don't train you for USMLE/MCQEE, and obviously they shoudnt, im sure one would learn the material if he has to.
i am having to decide between Ireland, Australia and SGU. well SGU is my last option, i prefer ireland and australia.
I would particularly love to hear about the aussie experience from canadians studying there or have gone through the process. In hindsight, what do you think you did right, wrong - you know...just some advice that i can use
Thank you very much

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Does anyone know how Canada views students trained at Australian universities, in terms of residency, what exams need to be written in order to begin practicing, are there any restrictions on Australian trained MDs who come back to Canada to practice, etc...?

I have heard of Wollongong and a few others and will be happy to study and live abroad for several years, however I eventually want to settle back down in Canada (Ontario) and will want to practice here. I have worked with many foreign trained MDs (from India and Romania etc...) and even those of them who are specialists and wrote and passed the exams are still waiting.

Any information on the process of becoming a licensed physician in Canada (Ontario) with an Australian, New Zealand or any other country Medical degree would be very much appreciated.

i have read with fascination, the above posts and would like to ask, please, is it possible for a medical student from an EE country to apply for a transfer into an australian university......if yes, what qualifications are required from such an individual?