Applying to Murdoch University

[LizC]

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I am applying to Murdoch University to start in 2011 and am having trouble writing a personal statement. It has to be under 500 words but other than that I haven't found any information about what they want. Does anyone have any ideas on what I need to include?

Also, I was wondering what peoples experience with applying to Murdoch is. I don't quite have the grades to make it into most US schools and I don't have as much vet experience as is probably preferred but I have a lifetime of animal experience including competing internationally with horses. I have done almost all vet work on our horses but my hours with an actual veterinarian are not that many.

Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas of things I could do to improve my application?

Thank you so much!
Liz

 

[tamsdivision]

I was wondering the same thing!

 

[Nexx]

I pulled this from VSNA.com as the Murdoch website is a bit annoying for finding any info.

Your PS should be approximately 500 words indicating why you wish to become a veterinarian; how you consider their past study and experiences to be relevant to this; and why you think they will succeed in the course. A curriculum vitae and written references are also invited if relevant.

I don't know if you are applying through VMCAS or straight to the uni so you may have a VMCAS restriction on actual word/character count. When I submitted my PS in 2006/7 I had a little over 700 words chopped down from almost 1000. Just make sure you are near the word count as I doubt they want to read several pages of PS. In 700-ish words I was able to put in most aspects of what they asked for above but had to go over to try and explain a bit some detrimental aspects of my previous university grades and that required a couple extra sentences. Also I would try to submit references (from vets especially) and a CV with your relevant animal/vet work.

As for experience applying to Murdoch, it's hit and miss apparently. Competition for spots has been increasing and if you search for posts I think there was someone with a fairly decent, if not good, GPA who was denied. It really depends on when you get your application in (rolling application system), the other people applying at the same time, and your experience, age, and grades.

I still think it's free to apply (at least directly) so you aren't really out of pocket except the expense of mailing in the application. If I recall correctly you are running out of time for applying as the last round of applications for entry into the program in February 2011 is towards the end of September (possibly october). Please keep in mind that the Murdoch website is misleading in mentioning entry into Semester 2 in August. That option is not available to international students entering the 5 year vet program due to course timetabling (Anatomy 1 is done in the first semester, followed by anatomy 2 both VERY unlikely to be exempted from)

 

[Tobysgirl81]

I applied last year and was rejected. I have a ton of veterinary and animal experience, and a good GRE but my grades were "so so" at best. I was rejected on basis of academic performance.

I had actually more expected to get IN based on experience as I figured they looked at the whole applicant and not just grades. When I found out I was rejected I assumed I wouldn't get in anywhere this year (I ended up getting accepted to VMRCVM). Don't apply assuming you will get in because you have well rounded experience. Apply because you are a strong applicant.

 

[Drbooge2be]

Hi, I applied to Murdoch in march of this year and I got my acceptance email in may. I didn't have the "best" grades, but I do have veterinary clinical experience, I sent in 2 letters of recommendation from vets I work for, and of course the statement (just over 500) words. I don't know if it helped, I'm sure it did, but I do have a bachelors degree in animal science. I am also 24, so I'm a little older than I'm sure alot of their applicants. I start in February. Also in reference to the semester 2 for Murdoch, it's not in august but in July. February is their fall semester and July is the winter semester.

 

[sunshinevet]

Also in reference to the semester 2 for Murdoch, it's not in august but in July. February is their fall semester and July is the winter semester.

Just wanted to clarify - there seems to be a lot of misinformation and people thinking you can, especially internationals -

You cannot enter the veterinary program starting semester 2 (August). You used to be able to, but the restructuring of the degree takes out the very basic units, and so now you MUST start at semester 1 of first year.

There seems to be tons of people who still think this is possible - maybe murdoch hasn't changed their website?

Also, Drbooge2be, don't worry about your age - I'd say 24 is about average for the American/Canadian students in our class, if not a bit younger than average. theres going to be plenty of people your age 🙂 (but us young'uns are cool too!!!😳)

 

[Nexx]

Just wanted to clarify - there seems to be a lot of misinformation and people thinking you can, especially internationals -

You cannot enter the veterinary program starting semester 2 (August). You used to be able to, but the restructuring of the degree takes out the very basic units, and so now you MUST start at semester 1 of first year.

There seems to be tons of people who still think this is possible - maybe murdoch hasn't changed their website?

... murdoch hasn't changed their website to reflect the change.

 

[jazzmaple]

Thanks for clearing up the start times for Murdoch, I will be applying there soon and going by the website I was going to apply for semester 2.

Are GRE scores required for Murdoch? From the website and VMCAS it seems they are not, but if I'm going to take it anyway and my scores are good should I submit them?

 

[sunshinevet]

... murdoch hasn't changed their website to reflect the change.

that sure is annoying!

 

[Nexx]

Thanks for clearing up the start times for Murdoch, I will be applying there soon and going by the website I was going to apply for semester 2.

Are GRE scores required for Murdoch? From the website and VMCAS it seems they are not, but if I'm going to take it anyway and my scores are good should I submit them?

You can't apply for semester two (In case you missed the three posts about it 😛 ) for direct entry into the veterinary program despite what Murdoch's website says.

Semester 2 will actually start on August 1st but the date for the start of each semester varies each year as it does in the states. Semester 1 starts Feb 14th, new students have orientation week the previous week.
http://www.murdoch.edu.au/admin/dates/calendar.html

I doubt that Murdoch will look at your GRE scores, but submitting won't hurt your application.

 

[jazzmaple]

I was wondering if current international Murdoch students could share a little about their experiences? Murdoch is my #1 choice and I have millions of questions.

Did you get accepted your first try / is it possible to reapply?

Did you apply directly to Murdoch or through VMCAS?

Where were you from?

How much time after your acceptance offer did you have to move and get settled?

Are you able to work to supply some income?

If you are from the US, could you receive federal sub. loans? Did you need unsub loans as well?

How long did it take to receive your loans?

Did you bring any pets with you? How was the quarantine experience?

How long did it take to get a student visa?

Any responses to any of these or any other info at all would be greatly appreciated. Living in Australia and studying veterinary medicine have been two of my lifetime goals.

Thanks! =)

 

[jazzmaple]

I doubt that Murdoch will look at your GRE scores, but submitting won't hurt your application.

Does anybody know where I could find the Murdoch school code to submit GRE scores?

 

[Nexx]

When I applied in 2006 I had been living in Gainesville, FL for the previous 8 or so years. It was my first time applying to vet school and at the time I only applied to the Australian schools. I used an agent to apply (don't actually recc that method as staff at some of the agencies have been giving out incorrect info) but you can apply through VMCAS or directly to Murdoch and it should be about the same. Since I used an agent and accepted to my offer to Murdoch almost immediately I never heard back on a yes/no from the other schools. It should be possibly to reapply the next year, but the same conditions apply as for US schools, they would want to see improvement on weak areas of your application

My acceptance came towards the end of November and I arrived in Australia the following July (mid-to-end). It was a whirlwind 8 months of preparation as I had to sell off most of my possessions an then drive across country with a carload of stuff to drop off with my parents. Not to mention organize loans, health checks, visa stuff, and a host of other things that go along with the move overseas.

At Murdoch, Melb, and Sydney you can definitely receive federal loans. Unless you have savings/parents/family to pay for most of your tuition you will need to take out both subsidized and unsub loans as well as GradPLUS or potentially private loans if need be. The loan system has just changed for the US and over here so I can't comment on how that process works as of yet.

Loans however will not be dispersed to you until the start of classes (often times well into the semester) so budgeting is important. Be prepared to pay for a semester of tuition in advance shortly after your acceptance. It is potentially possible to talk to the school officials about postponing this and only paying a couple thousand in advance, but the government put new regulations in place about being able to show that you have the money to support yourself and pay for your education. -- Basically your mileage may vary in regards to this.

It is possible to work over here on a student visa. You can work up to 20 hrs/wk during school and whatever you want during inter-semester breaks (not intra-semester, those still follow the 20/hr rule).

Bringing pets isn't the easiest or cheapest task. It is pretty much set up so that you HAVE to use a pet transport agency. I can't make specific recommendations other than to AVOID IPTLAX. (Long story). If you are bringing one animal, expect to pay at least $3000 + any associated costs for labwork, etc. Adding additional pets allows you to 'save' money (3 dogs may cost you $6,000) Quarantine is for a month over here provided everything was done correctly prior to shipping (which is why you should use an agent) and costs additional. Quarantine facilities in Perth are not supplied with aircon and so the best times to travel for pets are mar-october (roughly) as the heat can get quite toasty over here. Otherwise the facilities are fairly nice at least in Perth and similar to many boarding facilities in the US. They aren't anything too flash but they definitely are not trashy. You can visit your pets daily if you like but you must book in advance and it is only during certain short period of time during the day (12:30-1:30, etc).

I should say that at least in Perth, finding pet friendly housing isn't always easy. Also in most suburbs here you are not allowed by the local council to have more than 2 dogs on the property without special permission which also requires your neighbours signing off that they are okay with the amount of dogs on the property.

 

[jazzmaple]

Were you a second semsester start then? I had been planning to apply for Aug. but now that I know it's not an option I would have to apply for Feb. If I were to get accepted for Feb 2011 do think it would be possible? I would have to take out a personal loan because I don't have much or any family help. Do you think that would be enough time to get a visa and a place to live? My boyfriend and 3 cats would have to wait until July/Aug to join me. Do you know anyone who has accepted an offer and only had a month or 2 to make the journey?

 

[Drbooge2be]

Lol,I'm not worried about the young ones, I'm sure ya'll are cool. I'm so excited I got in my first attempt!

 

[Drbooge2be]

I was wondering if current international Murdoch students could share a little about their experiences? Murdoch is my #1 choice and I have millions of questions.

Did you get accepted your first try / is it possible to reapply?

Did you apply directly to Murdoch or through VMCAS?

Where were you from?

How much time after your acceptance offer did you have to move and get settled?

Are you able to work to supply some income?

If you are from the US, could you receive federal sub. loans? Did you need unsub loans as well?

How long did it take to receive your loans?

Did you bring any pets with you? How was the quarantine experience?

How long did it take to get a student visa?

Any responses to any of these or any other info at all would be greatly appreciated. Living in Australia and studying veterinary medicine have been two of my lifetime goals.

Thanks! =)

Jazz, I got accepted on my first attempt. I definitely would think it's possible to reapply if you don't get accepted. If you don't get in, there's always room to get more experience and broaden your application. I applied directly to Murdoch, since I'm international I printed an application, and I mailed it when I was done. I submitted the app, my PS, 2 recommendation letters from vets, my resume/job experience, and of course my grades from my college courses. I did have a full Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, I'm sure that probably helped. I submitted my app in March and got my acceptance email in May (the day before I got married ! ) Since I start in February, I would think that is plenty time to prepare. In reference to financial needs, I sent in my FAFSA and I was told by the financial aid officer at Murdoch that my results should be expected in September. I don't know when I'll actually receive the money. I have a dog but I'm not bringing her. She will stay with my father in-law. I didn't want to bring her because I did not want her to be quarantined for 6months and I have no idea what they are doing to her, or running tests, etc. and the plane ride is like 20hrs and she has never been on a plane before. I have not applied for a visa yet, but I was told by my application advisor that it takes about a week to get it for internationals. Also I think a health check and chest xray are required for visa. Also you have to have overseas health insurance and you have to pay for that before you can get your visa. Cheers!

 

[tamsdivision]

Jazz, I got accepted on my first attempt. I definitely would think it's possible to reapply if you don't get accepted. If you don't get in, there's always room to get more experience and broaden your application. I applied directly to Murdoch, since I'm international I printed an application, and I mailed it when I was done. I submitted the app, my PS, 2 recommendation letters from vets, my resume/job experience, and of course my grades from my college courses. I did have a full Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, I'm sure that probably helped. I submitted my app in March and got my acceptance email in May (the day before I got married ! ) Since I start in February, I would think that is plenty time to prepare. In reference to financial needs, I sent in my FAFSA and I was told by the financial aid officer at Murdoch that my results should be expected in September. I don't know when I'll actually receive the money. I have a dog but I'm not bringing her. She will stay with my father in-law. I didn't want to bring her because I did not want her to be quarantined for 6months and I have no idea what they are doing to her, or running tests, etc. and the plane ride is like 20hrs and she has never been on a plane before. I have not applied for a visa yet, but I was told by my application advisor that it takes about a week to get it for internationals. Also I think a health check and chest xray are required for visa. Also you have to have overseas health insurance and you have to pay for that before you can get your visa. Cheers!

Just wondering if you used a specific format for your CV/resume. I've never had to hand in a resume for school applications. Can't wait to hopefully join you in Perth!

 

[jazzmaple]

I submitted my app in March and got my acceptance email in May (the day before I got married ! )

Wow! what an amazing wedding present! Congrats on the marriage and acceptance!

Just wondering, where did you print your application from? I noticed on the website there are two ways to apply. One from Tertiary Institutions Service Center (TISC) and one seems more direct from Murdoch but requires that you have all your info ready before you can register. I haven't completed/started my personal statement yet, but just wanted to go ahead and print the application. Thanks 🙂

 

[mochavet]

Hi Jazzmaple! I too am at Murdoch Uni in the same class as Nexx. I moved to Perth from rural Minnesota with my husband and my dog.

Did you get accepted your first try / is it possible to reapply?
Yes, but I got my acceptance in May and they wanted me to start in July so I deferred for a year. That allowed me to get all my finances in order.

Did you apply directly to Murdoch or through VMCAS?
I applied directly to Murdoch. It was the easiest application I have ever filled out, only 2 pages, a 500 word PS, my transcripts (BSc in Animal Science) and 2 references. VMCAS is so much work, don't do it! Best of all it only cost me postage! I think I printed it from the Murdoch website.

Where were you from?
Grew up in Iowa then lived in Minnesota for about 5 years prior to moving to Perth.

How much time after your acceptance offer did you have to move and get settled?
Well, they only gave me less than two months, which was not enough time to finish my job, sell the house, furniture, cars, find my husband a job in Perth and get my dog ready to ship. I deferred so I had over a year.

Are you able to work to supply some income?
I'm a workaholic. I work at two vet clinics and depending on the week I work from 8 hours to almost 40 hours. My husband and I got Permanent Residency (which you can get if you have a 4 year degree and have had about 4 years experience working in your chosen field and it doesn't matter if you plan to just study the whole time, makes for MUCH cheaper tuition - like $8,000 AUD per year compared to $40,000 AUD per year) so I can work as many hours as I want and I do. But, even if you are on a student visa you can work 20 hours per week and make quite a bit. Wages are much higher here than in the states. As a receptionist in a vet clinic I make $20 per hour during the week, $23.50 per hour on Saturdays and $29 per hour on Sundays. I have also been able to keep up on school work and so far haven't failed yet, although 4th year is currently kicking my butt. I have cut back on hours this year because I knew it would be more demanding. That being said, I am proof that it can be done.

If you are from the US, could you receive federal sub. loans? Did you need unsub loans as well?
You will need to take out the maximum of fed. sub and unsub. loans if you are on a student visa.

How long did it take to receive your loans?
From what I've heard from other US students, receiving your loans can be a messy process mainly because Murdoch is not very good at processing them. Some people have had to take out emergency loans just to survive until their loan checks came in. We are currently 5 weeks into the semester and no one has received their loans yet. You get used to it. It seems to happen this way every semester and the students get pretty annoyed. If you are on top of things though and keep hounding them you might have more success.

Did you bring any pets with you? How was the quarantine experience?

Yes, I brought my 26kg dog. I went through a pet travel company which was much easier and they took care of everything. Can't remember the name of the company I used anymore but they were out of Texas. It cost about $5,000 overall and she spent one month in quarantine. She did fine even though I was worried. They are resilient.

How long did it take to get a student visa?
24 hours

Good luck with everything! If you have any additional questions please feel free to ask away!

 

[tamsdivision]

I know Murdoch asks for approx 500 words. Did any of you go over the word limit. I have 650 words and I'm wondering if that is a little excessive?

 

[Drbooge2be]

Just wondering if you used a specific format for your CV/resume. I've never had to hand in a resume for school applications. Can't wait to hopefully join you in Perth!

I just gave them my regular resume that I would give to a potential employer. I don't remember if Murdoch requires work experience but I gave them one for an extra "plus" to my application since my grades aren't great. I basically just wanted to show them that I have vet clinical experience.

 

[jazzmaple]

Hey, just wanted to thank you guys for answering some of my questions! =)
Just one more, for now... what was it like learning to drive on the opposite side of the road/car? If you drive manual, is the clutch still pushed with your left foot? Just curious... =)

 

[Ausrural]

=) ha ha yes the clutch is pushed with your left foot. Perth is pretty easy to get around really

 

[Daeneryss]

Wow! what an amazing wedding present! Congrats on the marriage and acceptance!

Just wondering, where did you print your application from? I noticed on the website there are two ways to apply. One from Tertiary Institutions Service Center (TISC) and one seems more direct from Murdoch but requires that you have all your info ready before you can register. I haven't completed/started my personal statement yet, but just wanted to go ahead and print the application. Thanks 🙂

I was wondering the same thing.I am from Canada and this agency called Oztrekk offers to do everything for you but I don't really trust them.. (I know paranoid much .. 🙄)
So for Murdoch at least I would like to apply myself.

 

[lostbunny]

I was wondering the same thing.I am from Canada and this agency called Oztrekk offers to do everything for you but I don't really trust them.. (I know paranoid much .. 🙄)
So for Murdoch at least I would like to apply myself.

Just so you know this thread is super old (the last post was from 2010). I applied through OzTrekk, and had no real issues with my application getting to the uni; I was also in regular contact with the uni itself. OzTrekk is great for waiving the $100 application fee, and also the postage fee to send all your documents to Australia- you'll be sending lots of papers which can add up in cost.

OzTrekk is a legit organization, but like anything, just don't rely completely on them for everything.

 

[jazzmaple]

I was wondering the same thing.I am from Canada and this agency called Oztrekk offers to do everything for you but I don't really trust them.. (I know paranoid much .. 🙄)
So for Murdoch at least I would like to apply myself.

I contacted the school and was told there was no way to print the application and that it was best to submit it online and mail everything else separately. I just applied myself without an agency but I am about to reapply and wondering if it might be better to find an agent. Anyone have any advice?

 

[lostbunny]

I contacted the school and was told there was no way to print the application and that it was best to submit it online and mail everything else separately. I just applied myself without an agency but I am about to reapply and wondering if it might be better to find an agent. Anyone have any advice?

OzTrekk sends you all the documents (I applied to Murdoch last year so unless they've changed it in the last year) including the application form. BUT - OzTrekk I *believe* is just for Canadians. You can check the international student page on the Murdoch website that should give a list of agencies that help you apply.