Decisions-Aussie schools-a multifaceted approach

[liquid_krystale]

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I apologize if my question has been gone over 100 times before, but please bear with me on this one and I'll keep it short.

I applied to 5 Aus schools this year. I was accepted by Wollongong, will have interview with Flinders, and am waiting for my status with Queensland, which should be coming in within the next week. I also applied to USydMP and UMelbourne.

Now, my problem is that each option has its pros and cons, and I'm having trouble evaluating them objectively. I'm hoping forum members can help me with that part.

(PS..please keep in mind that for the most part I'm looking at staying in Aus after grad)

USyd
-Pros: international reputation, great research, vibrant bustling city environment, internship possible at tertiary institutions, medium sized class, boyfriend might be able to find job in city, warm climate
-Cons: EXPENSIVE tuition and living costs (money that I might have a hard time getting)

UMel
-Pros: international reputation, great research, great city with lots to do, smaller class, internship possible at tertiary institutions, boyfriend might be able to find job in city
-Cons: Starts in June (I'd like a feb start time), 4.5 years, cooler climate, high cost of living

UQ
-Pros: international reputation, great research, warm climate, great city with lots to do
-Cons: large class size (individualized attention much?), expensive place to live

U of Wollongong
-Pros: small class, affordable tuition, good teaching (heard), somewhat close to Sydney, cheaper cost of living, nice climate
-Cons: new medical school (reputation-what if I have to return to Canada/US), rural focus & clinical rotations in more rural towns (decreased competitiveness if I want to specialize in the future or practice in a larger city), lack of activities/nightlife (always been a city person)

Flinders
-Pros: smaller class, reasonable tuition, flexibility and supportiveness during USMLE study, good reputation, affordable cost of living, maybe higher chance of staying in Aus for internship (PGY1/2) upon graduation
-smaller quiet city, rural focus (see UOW)

In addition to this, I'll have to work with the deadline for U of Wollongong that I've been given (beginning of August).

I know that choice of schools is a deeply personal choice and varies according to each individual's circumstances, but I would love to hear what others think and what their decisions could hypothetically be if they were in my situation, as there might be other unconsidered factors or misguided beliefs. I appreciate any suggestions, points to consider, or nuggets of info you might be able to add to this list.

Thanks!

 

[Dr.Millisevert]

Now, my problem is that each option has its pros and cons, and I'm having trouble evaluating them objectively. I'm hoping forum members can help me with that part.

(PS..please keep in mind that for the most part I'm looking at staying in Aus after grad)


In addition to this, I'll have to work with the deadline for U of Wollongong that I've been given (beginning of August).

I know that choice of schools is a deeply personal choice and varies according to each individual's circumstances, but I would love to hear what others think and what their decisions could hypothetically be if they were in my situation, as there might be other unconsidered factors or misguided beliefs. I appreciate any suggestions, points to consider, or nuggets of info you might be able to add to this list.

Thanks!

One question.. What type of city or town do YOU think you would be happiest/most comfortable living for 4 years? Do you prefer a big city with lots to do (Sydney/Melb).

Or do you think you would actually be happier in a quiet small city (Adelaide).. or smaller town (Wollongong).

I don't think you can really "go wrong" with any of the schools to be honest. They will all allow you to achieve your goals.

... If I were you. I'd hold on tight to your acceptance from UWoll up until a few days before the deadline and see what else comes through. I do think Wollongong would be a good choice though. If you're worried about funds.. its a bit cheaper than syd.. and still only 2-3 hours by train in case you wanted to go up for a weekend or something. 👍

If it were me.. my first choice would be Sydney or Melbourne. Basically because they are the oldest most well known of the programs, they have on average the most research options, and because there is just more to do outside of med school in those cities. I think Melb is a cooler city.. but it can have pretty crappy weather and the beaches aren't as nice. Sydney has better weather, and nicer beaches.. 😀

 

[treva]

If you want to stay in Australia you have to consider your chances of getting an internship position. In a place like Sydney or Melbourne it's going to be hard for a FMG (foreign medical graduate) to get an intern spot in a hospital than if you go to a place off the beaten track like Adelaide.

 

[theunraveler]

brisbane is not an expensive place to live, if u are not a spendthrift u can keep ur budget to about 8-900 bucks a month

 

[JoeNamaMD]

If you want to stay in Australia you have to consider your chances of getting an internship position. In a place like Sydney or Melbourne it's going to be hard for a FMG (foreign medical graduate) to get an intern spot in a hospital than if you go to a place off the beaten track like Adelaide.

Someone told me this in 2004, I have friend finishing this year at USyd who just finished his final year and will complete his internship in Sydney.

 

[liquid_krystale]

Dr. Millisevert: Honestly, I do prefer the big cities because I'm one of those types who loves to be out and about exploring or socializing. I'm from Vancouver (2.5 million in metro area) so I'd be content with a city like Adelaide, but I do love the flexibility of being close to/in a city like Sydney.

Treva: I was thinking that too, so I thought that SA had a lower concentration of med grads come 2012. Pity I don't have the stats for the number of current internship positions open and projected number for 2012 in each of the two provinces (SA and NSW).

JoeNamaMD: Hm...that's encouraging to hear, but then I'd pretty much have to go to USyd. Also do you think that your friend is more the exception than the rule?

 

[JoeNamaMD]

If you are stuck on planning to stay in Oz after graduation, the best places are probably Flinders and Queensland.

No my friend was not the exception but the year he began in 2005, he would have been, because people who graduated that year did not get internships in Sydney.

Some people claim Queensland might become more difficult after 2012. There is no guarantee of anything.

There are areas of Sydney that are actually fairly priced, not walking distance to campus, but not too far by bus or car. If you plan on living in luxury in Sydney you will pay through the nose for accommodation. I think a one bedroom apartment with a harbour view can cost around $2,000 a month. A friend of mine who lives in Inner Western Sydney spends about $800AUD a month for his one bedroom.

 

[liquid_krystale]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. I've decided on Flinders b/c it satisfies most of my personal criteria.

On another note, I got a huge (unpleasant) surprise when I checked up on the exchange rates for US, CDN and AUS currencies. The AUS is apparently up from 0.85 CDN/USD in May to 0.98 CDN/USD right now!

ASDFGHJ!@#$%^!!!😱

 

[treva]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. I've decided on Flinders b/c it satisfies most of my personal criteria.

On another note, I got a huge (unpleasant) surprise when I checked up on the exchange rates for US, CDN and AUS currencies. The AUS is apparently up from 0.85 CDN/USD in May to 0.98 CDN/USD right now!

ASDFGHJ!@#$%^!!!😱

Yeah it does suck. On the plus side, at least Adelaide is cheap!