Medicine via Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship, or direct entry Monash?

[merri-moonee]

This dilemma is one I always thought I'd be glad to have, but it's still tricky!
I received a 99.95 ATAR in 2016, and now I'm trying to judge whether to take the Melbourne biomed-med guaranteed path (via the Chancellor's Scholars program) or the direct entry Monash med path (had my interviews the other day and they seemed to go well enough).
I am requesting the insight and help of people taking either of these paths. Why did you go down one path and not the other?
My thinking process is like this: I naturally prefer Melbourne's setting and opportunity for 'breadth', and the idea of coming to know the health sciences through biomed (as I have very little experience so far) seems beneficial enough. Plus, I won't have to deal with the dreaded GAMSAT due to the guaranteed entry of the Scholars program (I know it's conditional but I should be ok).
However, the fact that the Monash path is two years shorter in duration (5 years compared to 7 years) is alluring - surely it's better to be out in the wider world sooner, rather than hanging around studying for an extra two years?
So, if anyone could help then I would be most appreciative! I'm interested in how the workload would differ between the two options, as well as what the student culture is like in each. Thanks.

[heart]

If you want to do medicine direct pathway as its quicker - there is also the option to do a research year at monash which will add an extra year to you degree. Knowing your already in your desired course is much better then the 3 year wait where it isn't guaranteed as some Chancellor's have not gotten in from what I know.

[guest123]

I know of many people who chose to go for the chancellors route. Despite it being longer, the experience you gain and maturing you do during this time is extrodinary and helps make you a better doctor. Plus Melbourne medicine is ranked top 10 in the world so it looks good if you wanted to go interstate or international to work. Can I ask which one have you preferences higher currently?

[drake]

i was in a similar predicament, and chose monash. my reasons were:
1. quicker course
2. better scholarship (lasts for entire 5 years, whereas melbourne only lasts for undergrad degree)
3. wanted to make new friends - most of my friends were going to melbourne

i don't really have any regrets, but i like the fact that melbourne has a better international reputation, and the fact that the melbourne course is MD (compared to the MBBS that i am currently studying). the research component of MD can be attained via a bachelor of medical science at monash (adds one extra year).

[Russ]

I don't think there's much reason to want to finish your degree faster, especially if you're going to do the extra year to get the BMedSci through Monash.
Most of the people I know would rather have spent an extra year at uni than hit the workforce sooner. If you absolutely hate theoretical learning then I guess you might crave the real world, but it's unusual in my experience.

[klippo]

Hi there, just a question to add to this discussion: how many scholars don't pass the interview in 3rd year? And what do they do if they don't? Because they wouldn't have sit the gamsat due to the guarantee at melbourne and therefore wouldn't be able to apply to other postgrad degrees, hence would be slightly stranded. Thanks!

[deuce]

I was in pretty much the same position, and ended up choosing Monash. Quite a few people I know who had the option of Chancellors also chose Monash over Melbourne.

I had Med firmly set in my sights, so getting to study it from day one, and in a course 2 years shorter was a big plus. I was also not keen on studying some of the Biomed subjects focused more on chem and physics. The Monash course obviously deals with clinically-focused content right away, and it's been great learning about physiology, anatomy, pharmacology etc, as well as about the broader social and political context of medicine and the healthcare system. Another great aspect of the course has been learning clinical skills every week. The cohort at Monash is very very close-knit and supportive, and no experience in the health sciences is no problem at all - everything you need to know is taught to you, and he only assumed knowledge is very basic chemistry.

In my opinion, Monash med is a great option if you definitely know you want to study medicine - its scholarship ends up being worth roughly the same at Chancellor's, you get to study medicine right away, and it's 5 years. However, Monash med doesn't offer much opportunity for breath (except for a Diploma of Liberal Arts or Languages) - so Melbourne would be good if you don't have a concrete ambition to study med or if you want to experience other study areas etc. You just have to be wary that, with Melbourne's interview in year 3 now, getting into med isn't guaranteed - and honestly it would suck to not get in after the 3 years of study.

All the best with whatever path you choose 

[mtse]

i don't really have any regrets, but i like the fact that melbourne has a better international reputation, and the fact that the melbourne course is MD (compared to the MBBS that i am currently studying). the research component of MD can be attained via a bachelor of medical science at monash (adds one extra year).

Just wanted to add that, from 2017 (inclusive) onwards, Monash medicine is now MD/BMedSci. (Technically, class of 2020 will be the first MDs from Monash).
In other words, you get the SAME qualification as Melbourne but the course is still 5 YEARS. The research component is now integrated into Year 5 of the course. And you will still have the option to do a BMedSci Honours for one extra year if you really like research.