GAMSAT 2014?

HopefulGEM · 10-07-2014 9:30pm

DroghedaTutor wrote: »

Tell me about it. I keep checking the calendar in the hope the time has passed. I am also hoping 56 gets me a place at UL. Oh lord, to go through all this and not get an offer.

I know... Three weeks tomorrow ha:P with 56 I'd say your more than safe for UL so don't worry:D

DroghedaTutor · 10-07-2014 9:41pm

HopefulGEM wrote: »

I know... Three weeks tomorrow ha:P with 56 I'd say your more than safe for UL so don't worry:D

Oh i really hope so. going through gamsat once was bad enough, especially with a broken shoulder, arm and on crutches ... a method i do not recommend ... memorable for all the wrong reasons but if i get my place, then it's all good.

Wishing everyone the best.

Cymini Sectores · 11-07-2014 12:47pm

But what about the fees guys? If the bank says no finance to me, then it'll all have been in vain. I have tried to keep a positive outlook, it's not working.

letsdothis · 11-07-2014 2:18pm

HopefulGEM wrote: »

22 days until offers, the last 10 days have seemed like a year:/

CAO website says offers on the 31st, so just 20 days now

letsdothis · 11-07-2014 2:20pm

Cymini Sectores wrote: »

But what about the fees guys? If the bank says no finance to me, then it'll all have been in vain. I have tried to keep a positive outlook, it's not working.

Has anybody contacted any of the banks to see if they are offering packaged this year or if the terms and conditions or if amounts offered will be the same?

Mecci · 11-07-2014 3:46pm

letsdothis wrote: »

Has anybody contacted any of the banks to see if they are offering packaged this year or if the terms and conditions or if amounts offered will be the same?

Yes BOI are offering the (max) 60k loan again this year for GEM entrants

DroghedaTutor · 11-07-2014 4:08pm

UB are offering the max 60k for UL students again this year. Once you have your offer make an appointment with the UB UL branch. It will take one week for their underwriters to confirm whether it is approved. Three weeks for the funds to be available.

tk09aag · 13-07-2014 7:34pm

Guys I'm really starting to worry, I'm on 54 so I'm hoping cut offs stay the same! Any one got any more information

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 3:40pm

Hey guys, I sat the GAMSAT this year in Dublin (first time) and not happy with my result. The science section really threw me considering the stark difference in the shear quantity of some of the texts, I come from a science background and did quite a lot of science prep. I am taking it again in Sep in the UK and I was wondering does anyone who excelled in section 3 have any advice on how to improve my score, I've done the usual read my college books on chem, bio, physics and bought organic chem for dummies. If anything I thought the chem wasn't that bad but the bio was extremely tough to get through considering the time frame. Like I said any advice would be really appreciated and congrats to everyone who did well this year.

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 4:45pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Hey guys, I sat the GAMSAT this year in Dublin (first time) and not happy with my result. The science section really threw me considering the stark difference in the shear quantity of some of the texts, I come from a science background and did quite a lot of science prep. I am taking it again in Sep in the UK and I was wondering does anyone who excelled in section 3 have any advice on how to improve my score, I've done the usual read my college books on chem, bio, physics and bought organic chem for dummies. If anything I thought the chem wasn't that bad but the bio was extremely tough to get through considering the time frame. Like I said any advice would be really appreciated and congrats to everyone who did well this year.

What score did you get in section 3? Makes it easier to advise how to improve.

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 4:55pm

Hi DroghedaTutor, I got a 47 (quite bad)! I honestly don't know what happened because I'm quite good at science and I enjoy it but the passages associated with the questions were just nothing remotely like the past papers; in terms of quantity. It was like a reading comprehension based on scientific article extracts.

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:00pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Hi DroghedaTutor, I got a 47 (quite bad)! I honestly don't know what happened because I'm quite good at science and I enjoy it but the passages associated with the questions were just nothing remotely like the past papers; in terms of quantity. It was like a reading comprehension based on scientific article extracts.

Ha! I did worse (42) in section 3 and found it exactly the same. Felt like i'd studied for a french paper, whixh turned out to be in russian. I was completely thrown. I gave up after about an hour of looking for questions i could answer with somr confidence and just picked random answers for the rest of the paper. My pet dog could have been sitting the test. Overall i got 56 (go on thr 81 in section 2) and UL is my first choice, so i'm crossing my fingers that's what i see on july 31st.

How did you score overall?

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:07pm

Oh and in case you're wondering i studied science at uni level (vet med), so i'm no science dummy. Just couldn't believe how much was expected to be read, digested and answered per question in 90 seconds in section 3. I couldn't even answer the genetics questions. My fall back stuff. I knew i was a gonner then.

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 5:07pm

I scored a 50 overall, so there is not a chance ill get in this year. I got 55 in section 1 and 52 in section 2; I know how to improve on my essays because the ones I was practicing prior to the exam were quite good so I know I'm capable of writing a good essay I just need to try a new approach towards answering them. I am hoping to improve the scores of both my first two sections and try my best to increase the section three score. How I will actually manage to increase my science score still remains a mystery haha

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 5:10pm

The fact that everyone always says "oh I answer the bio qs first because they're the easiest" - I nearly blew a blood vessel when I saw them on the day. I was like "This is the easy part? ....S**T" haha

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:12pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

I scored a 50 overall, so there is not a chance ill get in this year. I got 55 in section 1 and 52 in section 2; I know how to improve on my essays because the ones I was practicing prior to the exam were quite good so I know I'm capable of writing a good essay I just need to try a new approach towards answering them. I am hoping to improve the scftores of both my first two sections and try my best to increase the section three score. How I will actually manage to increase my science score still remains a mystery haha

Well for a first attempt you did well. Very close. with practice you could quickly bring your essays up to the 70s. Easiest way to get through gamsat too.

As for section 3, i'd say keep revising,the basics then close your eyes and jump again.

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:17pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

The fact that everyone always says "oh I answer the bio qs first because they're the easiest" - I nearly blew a blood vessel when I saw them on the day. I was like "This is the easy part? ....S**T" haha

I know. I was looking around the room in cork and noone else was breaking into a sweat like me. In fairness i probably looked a right crazy person, flicking back and forth in despair, freaking out as the clock zoomed along and oh yeah, sitting there with a broken shoulder and arm. The worst exam of my life. I came out thinking,"i thought i was smart. I'm not so sure now. Maybe people have been protecting me from the truth?" Lol. I was depressed for about 3 weeks afterwards. Hopefully though i only have to do it once and my 56 will see me sitting in ul very soon.

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 5:18pm

Thanks will do, just one quick question though considering you did so well on your essays; what style did you approach them? I know there are loads of options, the one argumentative and one personal or two argumentative. I did the gradmed prep course and he recommended the first option but his personal essays where extremely personal; in the first person talking about a theme based around a situation which happened to you/someone you know. Any thoughts on that?

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 5:21pm

Btw I think its extremely safe to say that you got UL with a 56, I know you don't want to think like that until you know for definite but I'd say your pretty safe. So congrats on getting your first choice in advance, hopefully I'll be as lucky as you next year haha

Durf · 14-07-2014 5:25pm

One tip, if you dont know an answer... dont guess randomly!! I am sure someone here can point to an article explaining the mathematical probability/logical reasoning...But with MCQ's if in doubt pick "C"

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:26pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Thanks will do, just one quick question though considesenering you did so well on your essays; what style did you approach them? I know there are loads of options, the one argumentative and one personal or two argumentative. I did the gradmed prep course and he recommended the first option but his personal essays where extremely personal; in the first person talking about a theme based around a situation which happened to you/someone you know. Any thoughts on that?

One argumentative, one reflective. About a third of the time including the reading time at the start went on planning. I had about 8 good points for each (current affairs examples, philosophical theory, persobal.opinion ... Bit of everything), then i spent a few minuted thinking out a great opening sentence and then i lashed down the rest using my planning list. Tight for time but a list of points makes it much easier to write under pressure. Can turn off your brain and just go into keep writing mode. I wrote 3-4 pages for both. This is required if you want to score really well on essays.

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:29pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Btw I think its extremely safe to say that you got UL with a 56, I know you don't want to think like that until you know for definite but I'd say your pretty safe. So congrats on getting your first choice in advance, hopefully I'll be as lucky as you next year haha

Thanks! I hope you're right!

lawlesp4 · 14-07-2014 5:31pm

Durf haha I did hear about that but didn't know if it was actually a reliable thing or not. DroghedaTutor that sounds like a good plan especially the way you used a bit of everything, my main problem with the essays has always been that I am a slow writer, I've been working on improving it and it has slightly but I suppose like you said having all your points clearly laid out in front of you will curb the time you will have to spend thinking while trying to write.

DroghedaTutor · 14-07-2014 5:44pm

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Durf haha I did hear about that but didn't know if it was actually a reliable thing or not. DroghedaTutor that sounds like a good plan especially the way you used a bit of everything, my main problem with the essays has always been that I am a slow writer, I've been working on improving it and it has slightly but I suppose like you said having all your points clearly laid out in front of you will curb the time you will have to spend thinking while trying to write.

Think of it from the point of view of the examiner.

1. They have to mark your essays: make it easy for them to read. No scrawl. Go a few seconds slower and write as neat as you can, while still writing quickly. Leave a line between paragraphs. Keep parqgraphs short (max three sentences). Use link words (on the one hand, on the other hand, similarly, conversely, ultimately, in conclusion etc. learn off a list of these links words, then use them in the same format, regardless of the essay topic. This will give you an automatic structure, cut out the need to think and cut out stress.

2. Give them something interesting to read. They'll be reading essays on the same topic all day (imagine how repetitive that is!) and they still have to rank tge essays (gamsat is a bell curve afterall), so write something different e.g. if the topic is travel, 99% of people will talk about going overseas broadening our mental horizons. Be in the 1% and talk about an unchartered walk you took in a lane near your house and how it cemented your link to home. You get the idea. Doing this will automatically push you up a lot of marks and it id easier than trying to write better than others. Score better by thinking better.

Durf · 14-07-2014 6:03pm

Research it a bit. The main point to take away is that if one has no idea and is 100% guessing then picking a different option each time diminishes the mathematical probability. However, picking the same letter for each guess improves probability.

It is then suggested that "B" and "C" are most likely for various reason (particularly "C"). But that seemed more based on a logiccal process of elimination than maths.

I wasnt sure myself, but after a bit of research and reading Dr Griffiths preparation book I was reassured.

letsdothis · 15-07-2014 10:06am

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Hey guys, I sat the GAMSAT this year in Dublin (first time) and not happy with my result. The science section really threw me considering the stark difference in the shear quantity of some of the texts, I come from a science background and did quite a lot of science prep. I am taking it again in Sep in the UK and I was wondering does anyone who excelled in section 3 have any advice on how to improve my score, I've done the usual read my college books on chem, bio, physics and bought organic chem for dummies. If anything I thought the chem wasn't that bad but the bio was extremely tough to get through considering the time frame. Like I said any advice would be really appreciated and congrats to everyone who did well this year.

If you have a good basis in Science then you focus has to be on practicing GAMSAT style questions to improve your timing. Get your hands on as many GAMSAT practice papers as you can. The sample papers are never the same as the ACER tests but they will certainly help in timing. I had no science background and the first GAMSAT style questions that I worked on were the MCAT 101 Passages in Verbal Reasoning. Once I got my science up to the level of answering Sec 3 questions, I found that the 101 papers had really helped with my timing and techniques for digesting large amounts of information and making quick, confident answer choices. There are plenty of resources available online, particularly for MCAT. Again, it's about working on timing rather than precise papers. I used the KAPLAN papers for practice last summer. They presuppose more science knowledge than is required for GAMSAT, so keep that in mind if you use them. It's been said here before but taking full day sample papers under exam conditions and breaks is also vital. I saved 2 of the ACER papers and did them the week before sitting the GAMSAT last September. It may seem obvious but go through each paper after you do it, checking your answers (both right and wrong!) and get an idea of exactly which types of questions you are struggling with.

letsdothis · 15-07-2014 11:11am

I'm considering cycling to UCD from town in September. Is anybody familiar with the facilities in and around the health sciences building? Is there adequate bike parking? Are there lockers for overalls, etc.? Shower facilities? Thanks.

RainBow_xo · 15-07-2014 5:37pm

letsdothis wrote: »

I'm considering cycling to UCD from town in September. Is anybody familiar with the facilities in and around the health sciences building? Is there adequate bike parking? Are there lockers for overalls, etc.? Shower facilities? Thanks.

There are plenty of spaces to park your park and there are lockers outside the sports centre. The only showers I know of are in the gym, I'm not sure if there are others anywhere else.

SwiftEagle · 15-07-2014 5:47pm

Hi guys, quick question. I have a 56 from which I am hoping is enough for UCC. However through my own ignorance I forgot to change my CAO after my results so currently I have UCD first and UCC second. Will this have a major impact on my results?? Or does the order really make a difference??

HopefulGEM · 15-07-2014 6:01pm

SwiftEagle wrote: »

Hi guys, quick question. I have a 56 from which I am hoping is enough for UCC. However through my own ignorance I forgot to change my CAO after my results so currently I have UCD first and UCC second. Will this have a major impact on my results?? Or does the order really make a difference??

Won't make the slightest bit of difference as long as you have ucc ahead of UL:)

Redser87 · 16-07-2014 10:41am

SwiftEagle, the only way it would matter is if supply/ demand changes. If the demand for UCD is significantly lower than in previous years, the required points may slip. However, it would need to be a significant difference in demand. All sorts of factors could affect the demand (cost of living in Dublin, higher numbers of people from Limerick or Cork who took the test and want to stay at home, etc). Just looking at the percentile/ points trends though from the last few years it is unlikely that UCD will slip down that far, so you are probably all right. It's just a waiting game at this stage!

SwiftEagle · 16-07-2014 11:34pm

Thanks guys I appreciate it. Does anyone have a idea of the appropriate dates for the zero/first/second rounds? I'm rather nervous about loans if I am lucky enough to ascertain a place.

RainBow_xo · 17-07-2014 7:20am

SwiftEagle wrote: »

Thanks guys I appreciate it. Does anyone have a idea of the appropriate dates for the zero/first/second rounds? I'm rather nervous about loans if I am lucky enough to ascertain a place.

Round zero offers are 31st July
Round One offers are 18th August
Round Two offers are 28th August

letsdothis · 18-07-2014 2:47pm

Eligibility email received...another hurdle passed!

Lub · 18-07-2014 3:11pm

Oh god, I just had a mini heart attack when I misread it as "...have denied you" rather than "...have deemed you eligible..."! Agh! That's a relief.

letsdothis · 18-07-2014 3:13pm

Lub wrote: »

Oh god, I just had a mini heart attack when I misread it as "...have denied you" rather than "...have deemed you eligible..."! Agh! That's a relief.

Same!

IloveGEM · 18-07-2014 8:14pm

Hi everyone,

Ive been keeping my eye on this thread for a while and there's some really good stuff! Im really stressing out because when I was filling out my CAO application i forgot to fill out the section on why I wanted this particular course as was more focused on my studying for the GAMSAT itself. I only remembered this week that I left it blank eeekkk!! I have a 56 with UCC as my first choice. Do you think that the fact that I left that section (probably the most important part of the Qualifications and Assessment Section) blank will severely effect my chances considering that the previous few years it was 56* for UCC??

Thanks!

Blue_Zebra · 18-07-2014 8:20pm

IloveGEM wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Ive been keeping my eye on this thread for a while and there's some really good stuff! Im really stressing out because when I was filling out my CAO application i forgot to fill out the section on why I wanted this particular course as was more focused on my studying for the GAMSAT itself. I only remembered this week that I left it blank eeekkk!! I have a 56 with UCC as my first choice. Do you think that the fact that I left that section (probably the most important part of the Qualifications and Assessment Section) blank will severely effect my chances considering that the previous few years it was 56* for UCC??

Thanks!

The section on why you waned the course???

"EU Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold a minimum 2.1 (second class honours, grade one) result in their first honours bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8).

For candidates who meet this requirement, GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test) will then be used as the sole instrument to select students for the programme."

IloveGEM · 18-07-2014 9:01pm

Thanks Blue_Zebra I think I will sleep tonight

. Is that for every course of would certain university's bee more picky and dive into the personal information of a couple of people on the same GAMSAT score?

RainBow_xo · 18-07-2014 9:06pm

Blue_Zebra wrote: »

The section on why you waned the course???

"EU Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold a minimum 2.1 (second class honours, grade one) result in their first honours bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8).

For candidates who meet this requirement, GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test) will then be used as the sole instrument to select students for the programme."

I don't know what to feel right now as I do not recall coming across that section when I was filling out my form

oh well:pac::pac::pac:

IloveGEM · 18-07-2014 9:12pm

It could have been part of the mature students section I really cangt recall!!

Blue_Zebra · 18-07-2014 9:29pm

IloveGEM wrote: »

Thanks Blue_Zebra I think I will sleep tonight . Is that for every course of would certain university's bee more picky and dive into the personal information of a couple of people on the same GAMSAT score?

Nope, random selection applies.

Redser87 · 18-07-2014 9:32pm

No, nothing to worry about AT ALL, random selection! Just like based on LC points, say if two people with 55 are competing for the last place, it goes to random selection, which is decided based on CAO numbers (for LC people anyway) - but it really is random.

Clicli91 · 18-07-2014 9:40pm

Anyone else not get an eligibility email?!!

RainBow_xo · 18-07-2014 9:44pm

Clicli91 wrote: »

Anyone else not get an eligibility email?!!

Did you get one way back in like April or something?

Clicli91 · 18-07-2014 10:52pm

RainBow_xo wrote: »

Did you get one way back in like April or something?

I did!it's all so close now so kinda going into a bit of panic mode!

HopefulGEM · 19-07-2014 10:38pm

Ugh guys this wait is KILLING me!

Robgreen87 · 19-07-2014 10:59pm

Hi guys, I hope you are all well. Quick qs - I am applying from the UK and just had a glance at my CAO application via the website. If the worst case scenario occurs and we receive no offers on the 31st July due to poor Gamsat scores, does the Offers/Acceptance Section on your CAO application tell you that you have no offers available at this time or does another message show?

Thanks

jibber5000 · 20-07-2014 2:07am

Got the email back from the CAO and it says I am ineligible for selection..

Originally when I sent off the documents I just included my final year results letter from the college which included the results for my whole degree..

I subsequently sent in my original degree parchment before the July 16th deadline..

Now It says I am ineligble and have until Wednesday to appeal..Would this be because I did not have every years results on a separate letter from the college does anyone know?? Wee bit stressed about it now!

beardedmaster · 20-07-2014 2:09am

jibber5000 wrote: »

Got the email back from the CAO and it says I am ineligible for selection..

Originally when I sent off the documents I just included my final year results letter from the college which included the results for my whole degree..

I subsequently sent in my original degree parchment before the July 16th deadline..

Now It says I am ineligble and have until Wednesday to appeal..Would this be because I did not have every years results on a separate letter from the college does anyone know?? Wee bit stressed about it now!

They want results from each individual year, not just final year results and/or your degree grade.

GAMSAT 2014?

Comments