Hi ConfusedK,

Do you have the money to fund your studies without taking much loan? PMS option can cost a lot more money than Monash Sunway option..

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Added on February 12, 2012, 10:05 amBtw if you plan to work in Australia after graduation, better to take IMU-PMS option.

Hello cckkpr.

I actually studied my Year 11 and 12 in Australia. Last year when I enquired about studying medicine in a select few universities in Australia as an international student that offers an undergraduate MBBS program, they only mentioned that I needed to sit for the International Students Admissions Test(ISAT) rather than the Undergraduate Medicine Admissions  Test(UMAT). Later on when it was too late, I found out that I need to have taken the UMAT. Now, the only programs I could possibly apply for is to do a basic undergrad degree in biomedicine or science and then apply to do a postgrad in medicine. It would take approximately 7 years which is too long for me and is beyond what I can afford. I am strongly thinking of the aspect of being able to study overseas for a significant period of time. Although the IMU PMS program does offer me that, as I mentioned to Syd G I am worried about the uncertainty of the partner university that I'm am matched with. Do you have any other pros and cons regarding either university? Just so you know, thank you for your thoughts on this matter

ConfusedK

Hello Syd G again.

I do not have an Australian PR. However, I was told that I needed to have sat for the UMAT and done extremely well in it in order to be considered. Whether or not the information I received initially or after that regarding the UMAT is accurate or not, it's too late to apply for an undergraduate medical program in Australia itself. One of my other concerns include the time at which each other the courses commences. The IMU PMS program starts in August which is a little too long for me to wait as my mind rebels in stagnation while the Sunway Monash University program starts very soon in February. Do you think this is a valid concern of mine which makes me favour Monash slightly more although I'm so eager to continue studying overseas again?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 12:59 pm

Hello podrunner again.

The thing is that because I was told about having to sit for the UMAT, I did not apply to any of the universities that offer undergrad medicine as I thought it was too late. By the way, what is a PQA? I will let mum know about this. Thank you for the information. My ISAT overall score of 170 and my ATAR is a 99.

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 1:01 pm

Hello zeng again.

Thank you for the information. I didn't know that. Any other concerns you think I should take note of?

ConfusedK

Hello podrunner again.

Thank you for understanding. I did not go through an adviser. Mum and I personally called the universities that offer undergrad medicine in Australia. We were given conflicting information which resulted in an unfortunate circumstance. I will consider to do so once I have talked with mum. Once again, thank you for all your help so far. If you have any other concerns or opinions about the IMU PMS program or the Sunway Monash University program, please comment further as I will take note.

ConfusedK

Hi Podrunner,

With TS Isat 170 and ATAR scores of 99 -- what's your assessment of his/her probability of gaining direct entry to Oz medicines ? 

Hello podrunner again.

I studied in a college in Western Australia. We did not have a career guidance counsellor. However at my college, I did seek help from a teacher who was the Director of Teaching and Learning. The teacher also did make some phone calls on my behalf to enquire to the select few universities in order to find which piece of information I received at the time was apparently true.

ConfusedK

Hello cckkpr again.

I appreciate your sympathies. Regarding Limeuu's advice, I think it is a matter of confidence and control for me. How much am I willing to put my future studies in some one else's hands? I agree with your sentiments about moving forward. I just have to consider people's opinions however the decision is entirely up to me. Thank you for the feedback. If you want to further comment about which program you think is better, please do as every opinion counts.

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:11 pm

Hello limeuu again.

So are you stating that your relative only chose the IMU PMS program because it had more cohorts of graduates rather than because of the program's merits? Regarding housemanship placing, I understand that it will get even harder to obtain an place in Australia as the situation changes. Thank you for your opinion about on shore graduates who stand a greater chance that offshore graduates. About applying to a university in Austalia from undergrad medicine, I think I have almost washed my hands off that idea. I just need to decide which of the two offers I have now is most suitable for me. So please don't hesitate to let me know more pros and cons about the IMU PMS program or the Sunway Monash University program.

ConfusedK

Hello everyone again.

Here are some of my other concerns regarding both the IMU PMS program and the Sunway Monash University program:

- Accommodations locally as I plan to stay either in a Type B, Room 1 which is a single ensuite near IMU or a single ensuite in the Sunway Monash Residence depending on which program I choose.

- How the timetable is for each program as I prefer a more structured, organised program.

- The type of environment at which I will be exposed to locally while studying as I prefer a less chaotic environment.

Does anyone have any thoughts regarding my other concerns?

ConfusedK

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Added on February 12, 2012, 2:24 pm

Hello podrunner again.

I really need to check with mum. I'll let you know by tonight. Mum seems to have more faith than me that a miracle will happen, somehow.

ConfusedK

Hello zeng again.

Those were my initial thoughts too. Mum did contact Monash Malaysia to enquire of that possibility. However, the staff mentioned that due to the fact that lots of people are on the waiting list for the February intake this year, Monash wants all students to pay a full semester's worth of tuition. I cannot afford to waste that much of money while thinking of which university to chose. So, this suggestion is out of the option for me. The Monash offer expires in a few days while the IMU offer expires in March. Point 3 is something I will consider and check with mum. Ever since the mention of this Competent Authority Pathway, I am feeling more confident about being able to accept being matched to a university in the UK if I chose the IMU PMS program and still be able to possibly end up working in Australia. Any other suggestions about my predicament?

ConfusedK

This arises out from the diferrence between the two governments/consumer ministries.

Aussie government is pro business, conditons being not at the expense of citizens. But if being forced into a corner like mining tax

issue or something, they had taken decisions to be pro citizens , not to the satisfaction of Business.

In Malaysia, generally business = cronies ......... so our  consumer acts of parliament is something citizen cannot depend on!

You mean pro consumer........

hence if i were thinking about doing my housemanship in oz, i might as well put that aside? 
huhu, oh well, 
thanks limeuu! 

Over the weekend had a chitchat with an official of Mabecs and was informed that it was a norm that most students applying for med in UK will not get places. Those who manage to get an offer will be lucky and for those who manage to get two offers will be considered very good. Basically, she is saying that there are only abt 15 to 20 places per uni and you have to complete with other internationals on a global basis. I do feel that internationals doing A levels in UK stand a better chance as your mentor recommendation letter comes from someone familiar with the local requirements. Do you think the Mabecs official info is true?

Academic excellence not a major influence. If called for interviews, maybe can blame interviews. What abt those no need for interviews? Have to concede that some of the others ps are sooooo impressive with social work n related experience. Really no idea to tell whether an applicant stand a more than good chance from his resume. Looks like those wishing to go overseas hv to depend on Imu-pms. But the no of pms getting less n less; maybe eastern Europe is the answer.

What do they look for when they are no interviews and you are among the top at your A levels? Presumably quite a number of these applicants have also applied to Oxbridge.

Most students will meet the UKCAT requirements. PS? The point is even experienced mentors who has assist students getting into prestigious unis previously cant seem to pinpoint what are the key requirements in the PS. Its easier to plan 2 or 3 years if you know what they look for.

A friend's son who is a top student in Taylors A levels sitting for his A2 this coming May has 3 of his choices rejected outright without even an interview being called. The father is getting desperate!

work experience is not easily secured in Malaysia unless one is from a medical family. Planning ahead is therefore essential for kids intending to study med in UK.
For malaysians who intend to do a 5 year undergraduate med programme in Aust which is  recognised by SMC,only 2 unis ,Monash Clayton and UTAS are available.Correct me if I am wrong.