Indeed I got into Wollongong and accepted my position there.
My stats:
Graduated with a 3.69 GPA. I am a non-traditional student. I did 2-years BS biochem, moved schools did 1 more semester and withdrew. Worked for 2-years and then decided to go back to school at another university. AMCAS has my cumulative GPA at 3.0 (shows you how poorly I did prior to going back to school and finding what I wanted to do)
MCAT: 29 (only took it once)
Although price is something to consider, it was not the biggest factor that led to decide to attend Wollongong. What drew me to Wollongong was:
1) the small class size (84 total med students). I benefited from a small school my second go at college and I hope to continue the same feeling and success in medical school.
2) Case-Based Learning pre-clinical education (I feel that giving context to what you learn is the best way of learning, which CBL provides. Also, with the small class sizes, I feel you have more opportunity to interact and learn from both your classmates and your facilitator)
3) condensed 18 month pre-clinical education, which leads to extensive clinical exposure (because of the condensed pre-clinical you get something like 30 months of clinical exposure. This is where I feel you really learn and practice to be a physician. It is one thing to read about a disease or procedure, and it is an entirely different thing to actually experience it and do it.)
4) Focus on rural and undeserved populations (which is the population I want to serve). It is the only school in Australia that allows you to do 12 months placement in a rural/regional setting.
5) Ability to have 6 months to come back to the states and rotate to get needed US clinical experience and letters (Although, you largely have to schedule and set these up yourself, but it is nice that you have the option).
6) Accessibility of staff, mentoring, facilities and opportunities... You've probably noticed how friendly Lyndal is and how hard she works. The Associate Dean of the Medical School apparently flies to the different clinical placements to check on the students. Lyndal has put me in contact with alumni and current students and they have all been eager to help and answer questions. It seems like everyone wants to actually get to know you and invest in you. If you're interested in research, there seems to be lots of research going on at Wollongong.
Bonus:
- The location.. I mean have you seen the pictures of Wollongong?
- I fancy joining the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS). One of the Phase 3 rural placements is in Broken Hill, which happens to the base for the RFDS servicing the Southeastern section of Australia, so I look forward to gaining some exposure to their work.
Although Wollongong was not initially on my radar, I am glad I looked into as Wollongong seemed the best fit for me. Although I haven't started classes, and perhaps things can change, I do not regret placing my deposit and choosing Wollongong. I still wake up every morning and think about my choice, it puts a smile on my face. I really hope that feeling never leaves. I am happy that I have the opportunity to pursue my dream and passion.
What draws me to Wollongong may not appeal to everyone. In the end our medical education will really be based on what we make of it and the effort we put into it. I think for the majority of us, and students applying to medical school, we are talented and smart. No matter what school we choose, if we work hard, we can fulfill our dreams. No matter what school you look at or go to, you will find very smart and talented people doing amazing things. The opposite can also be said, there will also be those who either don't put in the effort or decide it really isn't really what they wanted/thought it would be; and either squeak by or drop/fail out.
I hope this gives you a better picture.
I am sorry to everyone for hijacking the thread. If you or anyone else has any other questions about my decision to attend or questions about Wollongong, please feel free to message me.
Kind Regards.
