Hey there BlueIvy!
Going into year 12 I'm aspiring to get into dentistry in either Adelaide Uni or Latrobe. What atar are we looking at for in. Also, is UMAT requires? Do these unis look at extracurricular activities?
For almost all courses, extracurriculars will not necessarily be looked at, however they can boost your VTAC personal statement or applicability for scholarships (and your resume for jobs). We also advocate for continuing the ones you love especially because you'll need them to relax throughout Year 12.
LaTrobe: Bachelor of Health Sciences/ Master of Dentistry (apply through VTAC)
First two questions can be answered for LaTrobe by a quick search of
VTAC Course Search or at
this website.
To give you the lowdown, it's a 5 year course in Bendigo with a clearly-in ATAR of
98.90 (will likely be lower if you're going via SEAS) or 97 if you're successful at entering the
ASPIRE program. It
does not seem like you'll need the UCAT (formerly known as the UMAT) for this course. You must be doing English (or equivalent and receive a raw 35+ SS), Bio (25+ raw SS) and Chem (25+ raw SS).
Adelaide Uni: (apply through SATAC)
There are two degrees, although I assume you want the Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (
course info link here)
Clearly-in ATAR: 90
UCAT required: Yes (says "second ranking level" -
more info here)
Prereqs: SACE Stage 2 Science subjects x 2 of Chem, Math Methods (previously Maths Studies), Spesh, Physics
and one of Biology, Geology, Chem, Physics (please do your research or contact the uni about the VCE equivalents)
Other info: There are a number of additional requirements. Please check
here > Entry Requirements > Additional Entry Requirements for them.
Bachelor of Oral Health (
course info link here)
Clearly-in ATAR: 70
UCAT required: Doesn't look like it.
Prereqs: SACE Stage 2 x 1 20-credit from the Mathematics or Science Learning Areas (again, do your research or contact the uni about the VCE equivalents)
Other info: There isn't a first year 2019 intake (i.e. students who will start their first year in 2019), but seems to have had a first year 2018 intake due to an overhaul of the curriculum.
I'm only completing 5 VCE subjects (which I just realised is a bad idea if I'm trying to aim for the highest possible atar).
It's totally fine. There are actually a number of students on here that completed 5 subjects (sometimes 4) that still do really well (talking 90+, sometimes 95+ ATARs) and go on to study high ATAR-requiring courses. Six subjects just helps you maximise your potential to get said high ATAR. Also, it's no hassle if things don't always go to plan; there are usually several pathways to dentistry (or whatever you want, if you ever change your mind) and SEAS (special consideration). Might take a little longer with the other pathways though.
What's the best way to study? Should alot of the content be familiarised in the summer holidays so the year can be a jump start?
This will vary from person to person, so the "best way to study" is super subjective. A good idea is to browse the forums for your subjects for resources, tips and tricks, articles and notes to help you achieve your goals. This will also include tips on whether it's best to familiarise content in the summer holidays or not.