Monash Medicine

[angrybiscuit]

Hey guys!
I'm in the process of filling out my course preferences and there are three course codes for medicine. I'm not really sure if I have to apply for all or if there are any significant differences between the three. I'm not really sure what a 'Bonded Medical Place' entails. Also, might be a ridiculous question but what does CSP degree mean?

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/som/direct-entry/vtac-course-codes

[K888]

Hey guys!
I'm in the process of filling out my course preferences and there are three course codes for medicine. I'm not really sure if I have to apply for all or if there are any significant differences between the three. I'm not really sure what a 'Bonded Medical Place' entails. Also, might be a ridiculous question but what does CSP degree mean?

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/som/direct-entry/vtac-course-codes

That page basically provies all the info, but:
CSP = Commonwealth Supported Place. Which is the standard thing Australian students go for, because it basically means the government pays for your degree and then you pay it back through HECS.

Bonded Medical Place means you sign a contract that means you agree to work a certain amount of years (used to be 5, might now be 3 I think?) in an area of need once you qualify in your area of specialisation (eg: GP, orthopaedic surgeon, neurologist, etc.) - this is usually a rural area because metro areas tend to have no workforce shortage in specialisations.

ERC (extended rural cohort) means you'll do most of your placement in the 3rd/4th/5th years of your degree in a rural area, but there isn't the obligation to work in a rural area once your degree is done (you haven't signed a contract, unlike with the BMP), however most people who are in ERC select it because they're interested in rural health and will end up working rurally.

[Chocolatemilkshake]

Definitely consider applying for both bonded and unbonded as it increases your chance of getting a place in medicine! It would absolutely suck to have scored high enough in the three sections for a bonded place (but not high enough for an unbonded placed) and miss out because you didn’t put it in your preferences! Usually people will put the School Leaver (unbonded) preference first and then the Bonded School Leaver preference.

Also for reference, out of around 273 direct entry medicine places at Monash, 60 are bonded and 30 are ERC (see handbook here for more information)

EDIT: typo

EDIT 2: (added word consider) Sorry I may have got a bit overenthusiastic and I agree with Lear, only put bonded down if you are aware of what it means and are are happy to sign an agreement with the government.

[Lear]

While it is great to increase your chances of getting in if you are keen for Medicine, applying for a bonded spot isn't something that should be taken lightly. It is a highly formal agreement you sign with the government to spend 3 years of your life working in areas of need. There is a chance that bonded may impact your career pathway given the highly competitive nature of certain specialties and even after that with jobs. It is really important to do your research regarding whether bonded is worthwhile for you. Individuals are even recommended to have a personal lawyer look over the agreement.

For anyone considering bonded, I HIGHLY recommend having a read of the below thread among others.

https://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/threads/2020-entry-and-beyond-guide-to-bonded-medical-places.35314/

[K888]

While it is great to increase your chances of getting in if you are keen for Medicine, applying for a bonded spot isn't something that should be taken lightly. It is a highly formal agreement you sign with the government to spend 3 years of your life working in areas of need. There is a chance that bonded may impact your career pathway given the highly competitive nature of certain specialties and even after that with jobs. It is really important to do your research regarding whether bonded is worthwhile for you. Individuals are even recommended to have a personal lawyer look over the agreement.

For anyone considering bonded, I HIGHLY recommend having a read of the below thread among others.

https://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/threads/2020-entry-and-beyond-guide-to-bonded-medical-places.35314/

Definitely second the sentiment that it's very important to be aware of what you're signing up for, but just want people to know it's not a huge deal if you have to spend a few years working rurally. It ends up being a really small part of your career and you might find that it's something you're passionate about and want to do long-term. Plus, working rurally does present some really great learning opportunities.

[Failingvce]

While it is great to increase your chances of getting in if you are keen for Medicine, applying for a bonded spot isn't something that should be taken lightly. It is a highly formal agreement you sign with the government to spend 3 years of your life working in areas of need. There is a chance that bonded may impact your career pathway given the highly competitive nature of certain specialties and even after that with jobs. It is really important to do your research regarding whether bonded is worthwhile for you. Individuals are even recommended to have a personal lawyer look over the agreement.

For anyone considering bonded, I HIGHLY recommend having a read of the below thread among others.

https://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/threads/2020-entry-and-beyond-guide-to-bonded-medical-places.35314/

isn't it one year now?

[ThunderDragon]

Yeah choosing Unbonded may or may not be a good idea depending on your preferences. While it does increase your chances, it could delay the time and preference for your specializations and getting a job in your desired area. It is something that you can't really avoid and get out off. It's ultimately up to you to weight the pros and cons tho and see what the best solution is.

[Lear]

isn't it one year now?

Nope. It used to be one year and now has been made three years.

[ThunderDragon]

Hey everyone

UCAT Percentiles just got released and I am so shocked by how all the scores shifted up by about 100. This means that my score which would've been an 84-85th Percentile based on last year has now dropped to 77th Percentile.

I think I qualify for Monash Guarantee. Is there any way possible for me to gain an interview or is there a minimum UCAT needed for MG such as applicants with UCATs below 80th Percentile are unable to get an interview offer?

Thanks