GAMSAT 2015

Anita Blow

I only sent my transcripts in 2 weeks ago. My CAO hasn't been updated yet to reflect it other than the message at the top reminding me to send in my documents.
I got the stamped envelope back from them last week though which I guess means they've received my transcripts

Tennisfan1

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks for all the information being posted here about the CAO process and offering of places. I was starting to panic because I hadn't heard anything from CAO for months so I am glad they will be contacting us in the next few weeks.
I echo many of the opinions being voiced on this forum. At present I have a well paid job in the UK and have managed to save up quite a bit over the past few years. Seeing those savings being wiped out and probably needing a loan on top of that is something I'm really grappling with. At the same time, I have known for some time that being a doctor is what I really want to do with my life. I can think of no job that will give me greater satisfaction.
Looking forward to meeting my fellow classmates in Cork this September! Now just need to find a house to live in, landlords on daft don't seem to like replying to me!

gaffer93

Kathryn15 wrote: »

I sent them in January and when I checked my cao about two/three weeks ago it was updated to reflect this. I got a postcard from cao to confirm this back in February (I self-addressed one when I sent the transcripts in). According to another poster a few pages back the colleges are meeting this week and if they're not happy with the proof we've given apparently the cao will contact people individually!

Hi Kathryn,

I have no indication on my CAO that the transcripts are ok and i sent it in January too.
I received a stamped envelope back and had a chance to view the transcripts that they sent a few months ago when they scanned the documents in. So they definitely got them but are they supposed to officially recognize this on my CAO profile? Under my Third Level Education heading is just my own description of the 2.1 degree i received. Are they supposed to change this themselves and put something more "official"?

Finally, I heard that CAO are supposed to send us an email around the 18th of July to acknowledge that our transcripts,etc are ok...did anyone get this?

loopylulu

The closing date for sending transcripts was 15th, so I'd say the colleges only started reviewing the docs yesterday/today. Will probably be next week before we hear anything.

GEM2015

I was wondering if anyone who got a score of 53 was offered a place in CAO round 0 for UL GEM 2014?

I scored 53 in March during final year of college and really don't want to have to take a year out to apply for GEM in UL again. The round 0 offers are out on July 30th but the wait is killing me. I have applied for GAMSAT UK in Birmingham come September and if I don't get a round 0 offer I am quitting my job to focus more on study for the month of August rather than just studying after work.

Any information from someone who got offered UL in 2014 with a score of 53 would be greatly appreciated.

JackD123

GEM2015 wrote: »

I was wondering if anyone who got a score of 53 was offered a place in CAO round 0 for UL GEM 2014?

I scored 53 in March during final year of college and really don't want to have to take a year out to apply for GEM in UL again. The round 0 offers are out on July 30th but the wait is killing me. I have applied for GAMSAT UK in Birmingham come September and if I don't get a round 0 offer I am quitting my job to focus more on study for the month of August rather than just studying after work.

Any information from someone who got offered UL in 2014 with a score of 53 would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to say but I don't think 53 will get you a round 0 offer...if anything the scores are going to go up a point or 2. I think 54 was the lowest score anyone got round 0 with 53 been random allocation.

GEM2015

Thanks for the reply JackD123.

Why do you think only 54 got a round 0 offer, is that a guess/assumption/your opinion? Just wondering. I'd be inclined to assume the same about 53 being a complete lottery score but I am holding out hope I suppose.

And by random allocation do you mean random round 0 allocation or that the 53's were pushed to round 1 or even 2?

JackD123

GEM2015 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply JackD123.

Why do you think only 54 got a round 0 offer, is that a guess/assumption/your opinion? Just wondering. I'd be inclined to assume the same about 53 being a complete lottery score but I am holding out hope I suppose.

And by random allocation do you mean random round 0 allocation or that the 53's were pushed to round 1 or even 2?

No worries. I made my own enquiries with the CAO and GEM Limerick. 53 was the cut off but not everyone with 53 was offered a place,everyone with 54 or more got a place. Random allocation was for 53,basically they just give places to random people with 53 at round 0. The rest will have to wait for the next round for people who drop out/didn't get funding etc.

GEM2015

JackD123 wrote: »

No worries. I made my own enquiries with the CAO and GEM Limerick. 53 was the cut off but not everyone with 53 was offered a place,everyone with 54 or more got a place. Random allocation was for 53,basically they just give places to random people with 53 at round 0. The rest will have to wait for the next round for people who drop out/didn't get funding etc.

Great Thanks, thats good information to know anyway. I'm sure they weren't able to give you the statistics but it would be interesting to know how many people with a 53 ended up getting into UL last year.

I have read on a previous post that someone contacted ACER and was told 700 people sat GAMSAT in Ireland 2015. A score of 53 this year was in the 40th percentile which narrows down the number of people competing for places to 420 (not including deferrals from last year). And there are 90 EU places in UL. I don't think those figures give me much hope to get accepted with a score of 53 unfortunately.

JackD123

GEM2015 wrote: »

Great Thanks, thats good information to know anyway. I'm sure they weren't able to give you the statistics but it would be interesting to know how many people with a 53 ended up getting into UL last year.

I have read on a previous post that someone contacted ACER and was told 700 people sat GAMSAT in Ireland 2015. A score of 53 this year was in the 40th percentile which narrows down the number of people competing for places to 420 (not including deferrals from last year). And there are 90 EU places in UL. I don't think those figures give me much hope to get accepted with a score of 53 unfortunately.

If the scores stay the same then you have a great chance. A lot of people don't pick Limerick simply due to it been new and unknown.

Worst that happens you don't.. you retake and go next year.

gaffer93

Anyone get that confirmation email off CAO for transcripts?

Take 2

Just received the eligibility email!

Anita Blow

Got mine too!

SwiftEagle

The next week and a half is going to drag in waiting on (hopefully) a offer. whats everyone's order of preferences? Im UCD, RCSI, UL then UCC myself!

meebeebee

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for the past few weeks now, and found all the info on it really useful. Thank you everyone! I just received an email from CAO stating I provided insufficient evidence of EU status.....? I'm Irish! Do you know what i need to prove to show this? Thanks in advance. I'm out of the country at the moment, so in complete panic mode! Really hoping to get into UL this year, and don't want to lose out on a technicality.

Anita Blow

SwiftEagle wrote: »

The next week and a half is going to drag in waiting on (hopefully) a offer. whats everyone's order of preferences? Im UCD, RCSI, UL then UCC myself!

Same preference myself! Hopefully see you in UCD so!

meebeebee wrote: »

Hey guys, I've been following this thread for the past few weeks now, and found all the info on it really useful. Thank you everyone! I just received an email from CAO stating I provided insufficient evidence of EU status.....? I'm Irish! Do you know what i need to prove to show this? Thanks in advance. I'm out of the country at the moment, so in complete panic mode! Really hoping to get into UL this year, and don't want to lose out on a technicality.

According to UCD's site here acceptable supporting document would be a photocopy of your passport, letter from your university showing attendance for three of the last 5 years and a P21 or social welfare document confirming residency for 3 of the last 5 years

meebeebee

Thank you so much Anita Blow. I've been out of the country for 2 years, so cutting it fine, but I have some of those documents, so hopefully I can get it to them in time. Thanks again!

Ballet17

Hey everyone, also got my eligibility approval email this morning, another hurdle passed . I'm just wondering if anyone has heard of UL's tailored loan being taken over by Bank of Ireland from Ulster Bank? I've seen it mentioned but it's not on their website or anything...

Also anyone who is currently a gem student who got a loan, did anyone use their previous/personal bank or credit union? Or did ye get the tailored one run in conjunction with your chosen university? Any info would be great! Thanks

j.mcdrmd

Ballet17 wrote: »

And as there is so much truth and evidence for these difficult working conditions perhaps it is admirable that people are still willing to step up to the plate.

That is the bit that worries me. IF the "powers that be" are so desperate to get Doctors (even those prepared to accept disgraceful working conditions) to "step up to the plate" why are they charging them to do it?

Think about the foreign Doctors who were "sold a pup"?

Ballet17

Guys does anyone know if it's Ulster Bank that are running the UL tailored loan for graduate medicine for this current year? I've emailed both UL and Ulster Bank but have received no response. With the offers a week away I'm starting to panic a little! Any info would be brilliant, thanks!

Troysq

In relation to Ulster Bank and UL, I rang Ulster Bank a few weeks ago to find out any information regarding the loans. Initially found it difficult to get in touch but they did return my call. Ulster Bank are still providing the loans for UL GEM this year. They were extremely helpful and said once the offers are out to contact them again to set up an appointment to officially get the process under way. They did say that they are moving from the branch on campus back into the city at the end of July so perhaps that is why it is difficult to contact them. I don't have the finer details of the package at present but it largely reflected what the package last year offered.

Ballet17

Troysq wrote: »

In relation to Ulster Bank and UL, I rang Ulster Bank a few weeks ago to find out any information regarding the loans. Initially found it difficult to get in touch but they did return my call. Ulster Bank are still providing the loans for UL GEM this year. They were extremely helpful and said once the offers are out to contact them again to set up an appointment to officially get the process under way. They did say that they are moving from the branch on campus back into the city at the end of July so perhaps that is why it is difficult to contact them. I don't have the finer details of the package at present but it largely reflected what the package last year offered.

Troysq you are an absolute star thanks a million for all the info, was really starting to wonder what was going on. Thanks again and best of luck with offers next week!

Durf

Troysq wrote: »

In relation to Ulster Bank and UL, I rang Ulster Bank a few weeks ago to find out any information regarding the loans. Initially found it difficult to get in touch but they did return my call. Ulster Bank are still providing the loans for UL GEM this year. They were extremely helpful and said once the offers are out to contact them again to set up an appointment to officially get the process under way. They did say that they are moving from the branch on campus back into the city at the end of July so perhaps that is why it is difficult to contact them. I don't have the finer details of the package at present but it largely reflected what the package last year offered.

Thanks for sharing this, i rang in june, left a message, but never heard back.

Did you, per chance, get a direct number for the branch/new branch...? Who is the contact person there for 2015? Would be super if you could share or pm that information to me

nickynoonoo5

Less than 24 hours guys!!! ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘

pauw

Hi for those hoping to go to UL we received an email explaining that the Bank of Ireland were recently successful in tendering to become UL’s banker. This means that past students who enrolled under ulster banks graduate loan will now be transferred to Bank of Ireland. Those incoming first years should perhaps look into getting the loan with Bank of Ireland instead.

All the best with the offers.

Troysq

pauw wrote: »

Hi for those hoping to go to UL we received an email explaining that the Bank of Ireland were recently successful in tendering to become UL’s banker. This means that past students who enrolled under ulster banks graduate loan will now be transferred to Bank of Ireland. Those incoming first years should perhaps look into getting the loan with Bank of Ireland instead.

All the best with the offers.

Thanks for this information. Obviously whoever I spoke to in Ulster Bank wasn't aware of this.

pauw

In saying that they may be still offering the loan but I'm only forwarding the email we received. It could mean less hassle for yous down the line. Also AIB in Castletroy offer a 10k 5 year interest free loan to Gem students for those that need some spending money. I used this 10k loan to pay off some my Bank of Ireland loan which is not interest free.

Ballet17

Hi fellow UL hopefuls, thought I'd post this response I received from UL regarding the Ulster Bank/Bank of Ireland situation, might be helpful to others in the same boat . Best of luck with offers, guess we'll know for sure this time tomorrow, fingers crossed.

..We have been informed that the Bank of Ireland were recently successful in tendering to become UL’s banker. They will replace Ulster Bank who have operated the tender for the last 10 years. The new business will include loans to GEMS students, as well as an on-site presence over on main campus.
Please note, I am contacting you because some of you have made enquiries with Ulster Bank only to be told that they are no longer able to assist you. The tender
requirements included a necessity to at least match current arrangements for loans for GEMS students, so there should be no cause for concern by GEMS students.
The Bank of Ireland have undertaken to explore the possibility of additional lending, and this may include loans for maintenance as previously offered until 2012.
The first meeting between the School and Bank of Ireland staff will take place next Monday 27th July. I will update you as to the new arrangements following
this. A new information sheet on financial arrangements for GEMS students and applicants will also be posted on our website.
Best regards
Prof Mike Larvin
Head, GEMS

Durf

Thanks for sharing this news guys. Any idea who is the contact person at BOI yet or a specific number to direct enquiries toward?

Ballet17

Durf wrote: »

Thanks for sharing this news guys. Any idea who is the contact person at BOI yet or a specific number to direct enquiries toward?

Not yet Durf, but I'm sure they'll update their website asap/as soon as it's known

Durf

nice to throw something else into the mix a few hours before the round zero offers. A distraction to keep us all on out toes!

Anita Blow

Good luck anyway lads. 6.5 hours now!

loopylulu

Who's still awake? I'm thinking back to this time last year watching others wait for their results and thinking of cancelling my gamsat UK sitting. Glad I went through with it in the end and amazed at how fast that year went. Wonder if this time next year will be finished first year!

meebeebee

Good luck everyone!! 2 more hours!!! Thanks a million for all these posts, they have been so informative and helpful these past few months!

Junoon

Good luck guys...

Junoon

Good morning everyone ...got limerick ...that was my 3rd choice ...can't complain ..though hoping to get cork or UCD in the next rounds ....

Med2015

First choice Limerick. In the bag! Good luck peeps. Hope everyone gets what they want!

SwiftEagle

Got UCD!! First choice!! Can now finally go to bed!! Best of luck everyone

meebeebee

Me too! First choice Limerick! Hope ya'all get good news! See ya in September!

GG10

Congrats everyone! Got UL as well, see you all in September!

loopylulu

Did you get an email? Cannot get into cao website, going mad here!

nickynoonoo5

Good luck everyone hope u are all happy this morning! Just got offer for RCSI my 1st choice, so excited! Thanks again for all your chats and advice this year

meebeebee

loopylulu wrote: »

Did you get an email? Cannot get into cao website, going mad here!

No email. Just logged into CAO website..

lawlesp4

Hey congrats to everyone on their offers. I didnt get an email. I got a 54 and was hoping for UL. Did anyone get in on a 53 like last year or even a 54?

GEM2015

Anyone who got UL congrats and what points did ye get in on? got 53 and holding out for Round 1 on 17th August for UL?

GEM2015

lawlesp4 wrote: »

Hey congrats to everyone on their offers. I didnt get an email. I got a 54 and was hoping for UL. Did anyone get in on a 53 like last year or even a 54?

You got a 54 and no offer for UL? :O

lawlesp4

GEM2015 wrote: »

You got a 54 and no offer for UL? :O

Yeah me and another of my friends both got 54 and no offer. Slightly devastated considering that would have got us in the last 2 years!

loopylulu

Congrats everyone- I finally got logged in and got first choice RCSI! Delighted!

GG10

GEM2015 wrote: »

Anyone who got UL congrats and what points did ye get in on? got 53 and holding out for Round 1 on 17th August for UL?

Got 56 and got offered UL my fourth choice so the points must have risen to 55 or 56 for UL?

lawlesp4

GG10 wrote: »

Got 56 and got offered UL my fourth choice so the points must have risen to 55 or 56 for UL?

Oh god I cant believe its gone up that much! I wonder if anyone got in on a lower score