Gamsat 2013

Bickle

Hi all,

I'm strongly considering doing the Gamsat next year. I come from an Eng/IT background and done 2 years work aft graduating from my Engineering degree. I found the work very tedious and unfulfilling. I then went to Korea to teach English and when I got back i took up a dull admin job out of necessity. I would love to do medicine; I think I have the needed passion for it. I'm just wondering has anybody else done it coming from a similar background to me? I believe my technical and analytical skills should be helpful in exam and med degree and I’m pretty decent at humanities too. I’m just a bit concerned about my age I’ll be 30 next year, is this common? What’s the average age of 1st year GMED students? Also finances, how much would the 4 years cost? Are banks still giving out student loans to finance the 4 years? What are the job prospects? Would it be hospital work or do GMEDs work more in GPs? Are junior doctors still treated awfully in hospitals?

Thank you for all your help

djbanging

You'd probably find most of the answer to these questions elsewhere...luckily I'm bored studying.

I'm just wondering has anybody else done it coming from a similar background to me?

Yes. All that matters is that you work hard. There are people coming from far more bizarre backgrounds.

I’m just a bit concerned about my age I’ll be 30 next year, is this common?

Yes.

What’s the average age of 1st year GMED students?

About 25 I'd say. There are plenty over 30 though.

Also finances, how much would the 4 years cost?

The bank will give you 100K - that's supposed to cover fees and living costs. And it does, just about.

Are banks still giving out student loans to finance the 4 years?

Yep.

What are the job prospects?

Again - work hard and you're almost guaranteed a job.

Would it be hospital work or do GMEDs work more in GPs?

That's up to you really. There's only one or two years of grad meds out so there aren't any stats on this!

Are junior doctors still treated awfully in hospitals?

Depends who you talk to, where they work and what they do. Any junior doctors I know are happy enough.

Bickle

Hi djbanging,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Hope study goining well One thing that is really freaky about the GEM is the money, 100k sounds like so much to pay back, would take bleeding ages

ciara84

Bickle wrote: »

Hi djbanging,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Hope study goining well One thing that is really freaky about the GEM is the money, 100k sounds like so much to pay back, would take bleeding ages

most people dont take out the full 100k, if they do, its like having a 2nd mortgage

Bickle

ciara84 wrote: »

most people dont take out the full 100k, if they do, its like having a 2nd mortgage

Thanx ciara84, but whats the alternative to taking out the 100k? if one supposedly cant work during course cos its too intense and one doesn't have much savings

ciara84

Bickle wrote: »

Thanx ciara84, but whats the alternative to taking out the 100k? if one supposedly cant work during course cos its too intense and one doesn't have much savings

well, I was lucky enough to have the support of my parents as I was rejected the loan, so they paid for the first year, but now I have been able to access my savings and wont need the loan anymore, or help from my parents for the most part... (atleast for the next two years, I'm near the end of my 1st year), I'm living in an appartment which my sister owns and I live with her, so I'm saving money that way as well.

welwyn

30 is not old!! go for it!!! I have 3 years on you and am seriously thinking about going back to do Med...
I have a slight problem though... I only have a 2:2 degree so does this automatically exclude me from the GAMSAT route and if so is the other option cao & HPAT as mature student???

djbanging

Yep, afraid so. 2:1 is the minimum. And yes, they're the other two routes (CAO + HPAT or mature student).

I know plenty of people who've taken the full 100K, including myself. It's not pleasant but if money's the main concern, there are plenty of careers where you can get paid more, sooner and for less work.

Abby19

djbanging wrote: »

Yep, afraid so. 2:1 is the minimum. And yes, they're the other two routes (CAO + HPAT or mature student).

Both other routes include the CAO and HPAT, either using leaving cert points or the mature student option (where you include you leaving cert, but also 3rd level, work experience, etc as appropriate, but you do have to do the HPAT). There are a couple of other Mature Med threads, one is Health Sciences Education, one is Mature and non-traditional students in Edu, and most of the colleges will have a few mature threads. There's a fair bit of info in some of them.

Also you need to meet the matriculation requirements to get in as a mature student, eg some colleges require two sciences, and may specify which subjects. Check that out to see you meet them. I know a few people who have had to sit a leaving cert science to meet the requirements, regardless of their undergraduate degree. But as a mature you don't need to have it as in a single sitting afaik.

FairytaleGirl

A 2:2 doesnt exclude you from GEM in the uk - ST Georges London/ Nottingham and peninsula specifically - Im planning on sitting it in March and applying for those via UCAS while doing HPAT/Mature entry here in Ireland again next year.

Sooo - 10 months to study.. That should be enough for a science virgin - right?

supraspinaswim

I know there's no set syllabus for the GAMSAT but whats the basics that you need to cover ? I've done 2 yrs so far on a undergrad degree - human health and disease - tcd, and have done organic chem , psychology ,biochem , anatomy , physiology , the works plus we do clinical med and pharmacology next yr . So what should I cover and not cover ? Anyone who did the GAMSAT and got med please help , I'm eager to do this and get med.

shaz84

djbanging wrote: »

The bank will give you 100K - that's supposed to cover fees and living costs. And it does, just about.

Djbanging

From your experience, have you and your peers found it necessary to work in addition to this 100k loan.

I have put together a budget and looks like I would be able to survive more or less comfortably if i account for 6 hrs work per week , but not at RCSI. The accomodation and fees seem extortionate.

What are your thoughts on this?

Abby19

shaz84 wrote: »

I have put together a budget and looks like I would be able to survive more or less comfortably if i account for 6 hrs work per week , but not at RCSI. The accomodation and fees seem extortionate.

Accommodation provided by the colleges tend to be a bit more expensive, but is a good way to get to know your class. Check out www.daft.ie to get an idea of prices in normal rented accommodation and see how they compare.

CiMaster

Hello All,

In the interest of paying it forward, i decided to write this post on my experience in sitting the Gamsat for ye eager (and crazy) enough to give the silly archane thing a bash. It's probably a result of this post http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055681118 which i found incredible useful and read over and over, printed out and read some more during my contemplation phase of sitting the GAMSAT. It's also the reason why i am not going to delve too deeply into the exam composition (PhoenixIre does a more than sufficient job at this in the above post so i recommend you give it a read).

WHAT WAS MY EXPERIENCE:
I sat the GAMSAT twice, both in Dublin in 2011, and 2012 scoring 55 and 61 respectively. I was quite unexpectedly offered a place in UL in August 2011, but had never planned on taking it (mainly economic reasons, was due bonus, decided to save for an additional year). My prep for the GAMSAT was stressed, disorganised at times, hap hazard and always felt wildlly insufficient. I think now, this might be normal. I was (still am) working for a bank in NYC which takes up between 50 to 70 hours of my week (included a 2 hour daily commute) so study was primarily left to the weekends, with some early mornings / late evenings in the last 4-6 weeks, always taking a full week beforehand off. I add this because people often ask if its do-able with full time work. My answer is yes, but you have to be pretty committed. ie. leaving the party early on Saturday knowing you've to be studying by 10am on a Sunday, and saying no to pretty much all unnecessary social activities at the weekend, especially in the last 10wks or so. Remember it'll take you 7weeks (ie. weekends) to do what full time studiers can do in 2wks, so every study day counts.

I bought all the official papers from Acer (as above poster correctly states they are over priced, insufficient but completely necessary). I bought a number of Bio books (a mcat one, but any you find concise and engaging to read should be fine), i bought Organic Chemistry for dummies (on a posters recommendation) and the partnering workbook, Chemistry for dummies, a physis books (never gave the latter much attention to my own detriment).

I'll try outline my approach as i know there is an element of 'where the hell do I even start?!' when it comes to Gamsat.

WHAT I DID: (scores from 2011, 2012)

Its important to familiarize your self with the exam structure (see link above). In a nutshell there are three sections with the science section (Section three) holding double weighting.

Ie. Final Result = [S1 + SII + (SIII*2) ] / 4

SECTION ONE (SI): (63, 66)
(Verbal compositions made up of Passages / Poetry and other weird and wonderful brain-teasery things)
My entire study for SI was done through this book: ExamKrackers 101 Passages in MCAT Verbal Reasoning by Orsay which i bought twice (One for each year i took the GAMSAT). It encompasses 14 practice verbal composition exams, timed at one hour each. I found it really useful in getting into the right mindset for the exam (ie. MCQ style), not only for SI but SIII also. You learn how to skim passages, deduce answers quickly, how to eliminate the incorrect ones, all in a TIMED environment (timing is crucial). All sounds very 'common sense' but a couple of tests in, and producing very mediocre scores, you'll figure out you have potential for a lot of improvement. I tried to start my study with one of these because (i) thats when i was most fresh and most unlikely to get seduced into something more engaging like system bio (ii) that's the sequence of the exam and (iii) because in preppin for gamsat i was determined to take a holistic approach and not get sucked in the black hole that is the science prep. I felt that by dedicating one hour to SI i was ticking it off the list. Its still 25% at the end of the day. Although not a great improvement from 2011 to 2012, i was probably less committed (a general theme for me) to my studies in 2012. I'm not sure i even completed the book. Suffice to say, i was happy with my score.


SECTION TWO (SII): ( 68, 80)
(Essays, one argumentative, one personal to be completed in 60mins)
If you are not from a science background, i suggest you make this section your absolute bread and butter. You *MUST* perfect your skills in this section. It is vitally important to your success. It is 25% and i'd imagine has much greater variance in results then the other two sections. Had i scored 60 (a respectable score) and not 80 in my 2012 test i would be five points worse off and probably not readying for a place in Dublin. Please if you take nothing else away from this post, hear me when i say DO NOT OVERLOOK / UNDERESTIMATE this section!

I have always liked english, but there is something about sitting down at 3pm on a saturday afternoon to write an essay that makes you groan and mutter 'FML". Here are my practical tips:
- Tip one: get an opinion.
When i started trying to respond to practice exam questions i realized, unlike my 18 year old self sitting the LC, i had nothing to say. Didn't really have the same convictions of thought / strong opinions as i once did. ie. I knew that morally racism / war was wrong, but alas after three years of working in a bank i'd forgotten how to articulate myself. Cue tip two...
- Tip Two: if you can't find an opinion, steal one.
I bought the Economist / Times a couple of times, and read through them with a highlighter on the train in the mornings, marking (i) points of interest to me (isnt the way US healthcare is going mad?) and (ii) words / strings of words i found aurally appealing ("the country is completely tax incontinent" / "the whole system has become sclerotic"). No one marking your exam is going to realise you've been swatting up and a couple a sentences / phrases like that can really boost the quality of your piece. Also i would memorize engaging anecdotes throughout history that you can center a whole paragraph around in various different threads / themes and adds an enormous amount of weight to your arguments (ie. Einstein was a pretty medicore student, who's college application was initially rejected. Gandi wrote to the Jews during WWII asking them to appease Hitler, 90% of people on Death Row in the US are from minority groups - egalitarian? etc etc)
- Tip Three: Once you have an opinion, be outrageous in it:
Here is an intro to an essay I wrote on war being bad (i actually took the stance of being a proponent of war on the basis of its necessity in securing peace. Remember you are not being graded on your opinion but how well you can support your argument)
"I wholly disagree with the above statement. It is idealistic to assume that real peace comes from 'enlightenment' and 'enduring people to behave in a more divine manner'. What nonsense! War is an unfortunate but necessary prelude to peace. Yes, war is an ugly thing. But it is not the ugliest thing. Benjamin Franklin said that 'never has their been a good war, or a bad peace'. Yet I challenge him to give his opinion on a beautiful dictatorship? A pleasant suppression of human rights? A nice genocide? These are the consequences of failing to 'drop bombs' and these cannot be ignored, despite flowery ideals which boost the contrary."
For example, if you find yourself writing 'i think racism is bad' rewrite as 'Racism is obviously bad and this is frankly the only rational conclusion when one examines the evidence' It takes a bit of practice but it is a method i found highly effective in adding conviction to your argument.
- Tip Four: STRUCTURE!
For those of you who forget, here's how to structure a paragraph: Intro sentence, evidence, conclusion, hanging sentence which leads directly into... intro sentence of paragraph two, evidence, conclusion etc etc. Here's an example of third paragraph in the same essay:
"Yes, war is not good. But neither is the alternative. Nations that choose to be apathetic toward offenses on global citizens are violating their duty to protect the vulnerable citizens of this world. Recently at a UN Security Council gathering Russia and China vetoed interference into the Syria Crisis which is reaching boiling point, much to the ire of their western counterparts. American and European proponents of action accused the countries of giving Mr Assad, the Syrian President, a license to kill his own people. I wonder if the ideas put forth by the essay title has been proposed as a strategy to the UN in dealing with this murderer?;
“Dear Mr Assad, Can we please endure you to behave in a more divine manner toward your people? Thanks in advance, the United Nations.”
I, for one, am dubious of compliance. Countries that sit back and allow atrocities occur in our global community are not defenders liberty and I hasten to quote the axiom 'if your not part of the solution, you are part of the problem'."
I know i am being a bit crash, but feck it, you wanna get the markers attention, just make sure all of your statements are backed up with evidence. If you dont have evidence, see Tip Two
- Tip Five: Remember to practice BOTH styles!
This was my biggest take away after my first shot at GAMSAT. I had really prepped for the Argumentative essay, but felt like the personal essay would just 'come to me' on the day. Big mistake. My essay two on the day (On 'happiness') ended up being horrific - i painfully muddled through writing complete tripe, and ended up leaving it unfinished. If you've no idea where to start pick a title like 'Growing up in my family' or 'My favourite holiday' Basically the chessier the better. It should be of a reflective tone with a descriptive element.
- Tip Six: TIMING!
Make sure you get into the habit of writing your essays in a timed environment. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and like things to sound very well thought out and clever. You don't have that luxury in the GAMSAT - you have to be quick. My advice is after you have written a few strong essays, get out a blank sheet of paper ,your acer sample exams, and a stop watch. Its the only way to get you used to the process and is invaluable prep.

SECTION THREE (SIII): (44, 49)
(40% Bio, 40% Chem, 20% physics)
*shudder*
This is by far the most intimidating section of the Gamsat and i'm probably not at all qualified to advise anyone on it - but i'll let you know how i muddled through, having only done Chemistry for the LC. Being time poor and cash rich at the time prep, i enlisted the help of a tutor to help me started. Getting up to speed on the basics of science is the nearest 'study' like thing you will do, and even then DO NOT MEMORIZE ANYTHING. I worked from a couple of different books, and utilized Khan Academy (fantastic online resource) to clarify anything i didn't understand. Remember, Gamsat is not testing your Science Knowledge, its testing your Scientific reasoning. In 2012, the science section had countless number of maths questions - you would've been better off with a prepping with a logic book, then a chemistry book. In the end, i just did as many science questions as i could. Ensured my stereochemistry was sharp, i understood how cell gradients work, could conceptualize circulation in the heart, and gas exchange in the lungs, feedback mechanism of hormones, ensure i was comfortable with scientific notation: all the basics you find outlined in the above post. I also bought the des o neil practice exams and did them in a timed environment to get a sense of the exam which helped, though are on perfect (they are easier, have mistakes and sometimes ask 'knowledge base' questions which simple don't appear on gamsats. I neglected Physis's in 2011, promised myself i would do better in 2012, but actually went into the exam AGAIN with very little knowedge. Physic questions are quite similar in nature every year so being astute with them, is obviously a massive plus.

I remember someone sitting in front of me in the exam hall said before we started SIII 'I just aiming to get 50% right'. I thought that was a great strategy! Its so easy to get completely disheartened because even when you know all about the heart (lets say) they manage to word the questions in such a way, you feel completely useless. Again, i'm not a pro, but can only say its do-able! Just do lots of science questions.


WHAT I LEARNT:
- The Gamsat is *NOT* about studying. If you find yourself "studying" (ie. Memorizing a bone, or a formule) STOP! Put down the book and back away from your desk because you might aswell be watching an episode of ER. The GAMSAT is about PRACTICING. For every section. Which brings me to my next point...
- Do not underestimate SI and SII. They really can make or break you. Give the essay section the time and attention it deserves. Make it your business to really perfect your skills.

Keep your chin up and stay positive. I remember thinking, i can never ever do this and thinking about the perceived 'genius' i must be competing against. At the end of the day, its just people like you and I. Once you have prepared for the exam, it is very do-able and passable!

Wishing you all the best of luck

djbanging

shaz84 wrote: »

Djbanging

From your experience, have you and your peers found it necessary to work in addition to this 100k loan.

I have put together a budget and looks like I would be able to survive more or less comfortably if i account for 6 hrs work per week , but not at RCSI. The accomodation and fees seem extortionate.

What are your thoughts on this?

It's hard to give you a straight answer because there are a lot of variables.

First off I just had a look at RCSI's fees and they're up at around the 16K mark? Jaysus! UCD is 2K cheaper (or it was this year - it tends to climb a bit each year as do all the university fees) so if cash is an issue, definitely go with UCD. There is absolutely no advantage in going to one of the medical schools over any of the others whether you plan stay here or move abroad - if anybody says otherwise they really don't have a clue what they're talking about - so go with the cheaper one. If you really want to go cheaper again then Cork and Limerick are obviously much better value for accommodation and living costs to live in so don't discount them. People talk about how RCSI's reputation abroad is better and how RCSI has the highest GAMSAT points - ignore this stuff! I'm not dissing RCSI at all - I've heard great things - but where your career goes depends entirely on how much work you do yourself, not on your GAMSAT score or some idea of a place's reputation.

Remember that you only need to cover yourself for the length of the terms. You can work during the summer holidays - it's pretty easy to get research gigs for 8 weeks through the school of medicine in UCD which pay alright-ish cash and can help pad out your CV as well.

From a personal point of view: I'm in UCD and I'm frankly crap with money. I'm lucky that I've got cheap rent in a nice house but I've been commuting across the city for the last few years which knocks the price of living up a bit. I work a very small amount in addition to the course (teaching anywhere from 0-2.5 hours a week earning on average maybe €40 a week spread over the 8/9 months of college). I generally find it tight coming into summer but all in all it's grand. If I was in any way good with money I doubt I'd have any issues at all so if you're the kind of person who's budgeting properly already then I doubt you're going to have any problems.

You'll also have people telling you that it's not possible to work and study medicine at the same time. Ignore them. It is - although it'll help if your employer can be flexible around exam time.

In short - I agree with your analysis. It's probably not necessary to work if your fees are at 14K but I wouldn't like to try this if almost 20% of your comparative annual income is knocked off by higher fees for zero advantage.

JakeZ

anyone in the north dublin area want to meet up to discuss gamsat for study/ motivation? I have alot of work done but woh this exam is a b****! coming from a science background, have a grounding in the science, but also am studying for ukcat and hpat ! PM if anyone is around the dublin area to meet up

JakeZ

CiMaster wrote: »

Hello All,

In the interest of paying it forward, i decided to write this post on my experience in sitting the Gamsat for ye eager (and crazy) enough to give the silly archane thing a bash. It's probably a result of this post http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055681118 which i found incredible useful and read over and over, printed out and read some more during my contemplation phase of sitting the GAMSAT. It's also the reason why i am not going to delve too deeply into the exam composition (PhoenixIre does a more than sufficient job at this in the above post so i recommend you give it a read).

WHAT WAS MY EXPERIENCE:
I sat the GAMSAT twice, both in Dublin in 2011, and 2012 scoring 55 and 61 respectively. I was quite unexpectedly offered a place in UL in August 2011, but had never planned on taking it (mainly economic reasons, was due bonus, decided to save for an additional year). My prep for the GAMSAT was stressed, disorganised at times, hap hazard and always felt wildlly insufficient. I think now, this might be normal. I was (still am) working for a bank in NYC which takes up between 50 to 70 hours of my week (included a 2 hour daily commute) so study was primarily left to the weekends, with some early mornings / late evenings in the last 4-6 weeks, always taking a full week beforehand off. I add this because people often ask if its do-able with full time work. My answer is yes, but you have to be pretty committed. ie. leaving the party early on Saturday knowing you've to be studying by 10am on a Sunday, and saying no to pretty much all unnecessary social activities at the weekend, especially in the last 10wks or so. Remember it'll take you 7weeks (ie. weekends) to do what full time studiers can do in 2wks, so every study day counts.

I bought all the official papers from Acer (as above poster correctly states they are over priced, insufficient but completely necessary). I bought a number of Bio books (a mcat one, but any you find concise and engaging to read should be fine), i bought Organic Chemistry for dummies (on a posters recommendation) and the partnering workbook, Chemistry for dummies, a physis books (never gave the latter much attention to my own detriment).

I'll try outline my approach as i know there is an element of 'where the hell do I even start?!' when it comes to Gamsat.

WHAT I DID: (scores from 2011, 2012)

Its important to familiarize your self with the exam structure (see link above). In a nutshell there are three sections with the science section (Section three) holding double weighting.

Ie. Final Result = [S1 + SII + (SIII*2) ] / 4

SECTION ONE (SI): (63, 66)
(Verbal compositions made up of Passages / Poetry and other weird and wonderful brain-teasery things)
My entire study for SI was done through this book: ExamKrackers 101 Passages in MCAT Verbal Reasoning by Orsay which i bought twice (One for each year i took the GAMSAT). It encompasses 14 practice verbal composition exams, timed at one hour each. I found it really useful in getting into the right mindset for the exam (ie. MCQ style), not only for SI but SIII also. You learn how to skim passages, deduce answers quickly, how to eliminate the incorrect ones, all in a TIMED environment (timing is crucial). All sounds very 'common sense' but a couple of tests in, and producing very mediocre scores, you'll figure out you have potential for a lot of improvement. I tried to start my study with one of these because (i) thats when i was most fresh and most unlikely to get seduced into something more engaging like system bio (ii) that's the sequence of the exam and (iii) because in preppin for gamsat i was determined to take a holistic approach and not get sucked in the black hole that is the science prep. I felt that by dedicating one hour to SI i was ticking it off the list. Its still 25% at the end of the day. Although not a great improvement from 2011 to 2012, i was probably less committed (a general theme for me) to my studies in 2012. I'm not sure i even completed the book. Suffice to say, i was happy with my score.


SECTION TWO (SII): ( 68, 80)
(Essays, one argumentative, one personal to be completed in 60mins)
If you are not from a science background, i suggest you make this section your absolute bread and butter. You *MUST* perfect your skills in this section. It is vitally important to your success. It is 25% and i'd imagine has much greater variance in results then the other two sections. Had i scored 60 (a respectable score) and not 80 in my 2012 test i would be five points worse off and probably not readying for a place in Dublin. Please if you take nothing else away from this post, hear me when i say DO NOT OVERLOOK / UNDERESTIMATE this section!

I have always liked english, but there is something about sitting down at 3pm on a saturday afternoon to write an essay that makes you groan and mutter 'FML". Here are my practical tips:
- Tip one: get an opinion.
When i started trying to respond to practice exam questions i realized, unlike my 18 year old self sitting the LC, i had nothing to say. Didn't really have the same convictions of thought / strong opinions as i once did. ie. I knew that morally racism / war was wrong, but alas after three years of working in a bank i'd forgotten how to articulate myself. Cue tip two...
- Tip Two: if you can't find an opinion, steal one.
I bought the Economist / Times a couple of times, and read through them with a highlighter on the train in the mornings, marking (i) points of interest to me (isnt the way US healthcare is going mad?) and (ii) words / strings of words i found aurally appealing ("the country is completely tax incontinent" / "the whole system has become sclerotic"). No one marking your exam is going to realise you've been swatting up and a couple a sentences / phrases like that can really boost the quality of your piece. Also i would memorize engaging anecdotes throughout history that you can center a whole paragraph around in various different threads / themes and adds an enormous amount of weight to your arguments (ie. Einstein was a pretty medicore student, who's college application was initially rejected. Gandi wrote to the Jews during WWII asking them to appease Hitler, 90% of people on Death Row in the US are from minority groups - egalitarian? etc etc)
- Tip Three: Once you have an opinion, be outrageous in it:
Here is an intro to an essay I wrote on war being bad (i actually took the stance of being a proponent of war on the basis of its necessity in securing peace. Remember you are not being graded on your opinion but how well you can support your argument)
"I wholly disagree with the above statement. It is idealistic to assume that real peace comes from 'enlightenment' and 'enduring people to behave in a more divine manner'. What nonsense! War is an unfortunate but necessary prelude to peace. Yes, war is an ugly thing. But it is not the ugliest thing. Benjamin Franklin said that 'never has their been a good war, or a bad peace'. Yet I challenge him to give his opinion on a beautiful dictatorship? A pleasant suppression of human rights? A nice genocide? These are the consequences of failing to 'drop bombs' and these cannot be ignored, despite flowery ideals which boost the contrary."
For example, if you find yourself writing 'i think racism is bad' rewrite as 'Racism is obviously bad and this is frankly the only rational conclusion when one examines the evidence' It takes a bit of practice but it is a method i found highly effective in adding conviction to your argument.
- Tip Four: STRUCTURE!
For those of you who forget, here's how to structure a paragraph: Intro sentence, evidence, conclusion, hanging sentence which leads directly into... intro sentence of paragraph two, evidence, conclusion etc etc. Here's an example of third paragraph in the same essay:
"Yes, war is not good. But neither is the alternative. Nations that choose to be apathetic toward offenses on global citizens are violating their duty to protect the vulnerable citizens of this world. Recently at a UN Security Council gathering Russia and China vetoed interference into the Syria Crisis which is reaching boiling point, much to the ire of their western counterparts. American and European proponents of action accused the countries of giving Mr Assad, the Syrian President, a license to kill his own people. I wonder if the ideas put forth by the essay title has been proposed as a strategy to the UN in dealing with this murderer?;
“Dear Mr Assad, Can we please endure you to behave in a more divine manner toward your people? Thanks in advance, the United Nations.”
I, for one, am dubious of compliance. Countries that sit back and allow atrocities occur in our global community are not defenders liberty and I hasten to quote the axiom 'if your not part of the solution, you are part of the problem'."
I know i am being a bit crash, but feck it, you wanna get the markers attention, just make sure all of your statements are backed up with evidence. If you dont have evidence, see Tip Two
- Tip Five: Remember to practice BOTH styles!
This was my biggest take away after my first shot at GAMSAT. I had really prepped for the Argumentative essay, but felt like the personal essay would just 'come to me' on the day. Big mistake. My essay two on the day (On 'happiness') ended up being horrific - i painfully muddled through writing complete tripe, and ended up leaving it unfinished. If you've no idea where to start pick a title like 'Growing up in my family' or 'My favourite holiday' Basically the chessier the better. It should be of a reflective tone with a descriptive element.
- Tip Six: TIMING!
Make sure you get into the habit of writing your essays in a timed environment. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and like things to sound very well thought out and clever. You don't have that luxury in the GAMSAT - you have to be quick. My advice is after you have written a few strong essays, get out a blank sheet of paper ,your acer sample exams, and a stop watch. Its the only way to get you used to the process and is invaluable prep.

SECTION THREE (SIII): (44, 49)
(40% Bio, 40% Chem, 20% physics)
*shudder*
This is by far the most intimidating section of the Gamsat and i'm probably not at all qualified to advise anyone on it - but i'll let you know how i muddled through, having only done Chemistry for the LC. Being time poor and cash rich at the time prep, i enlisted the help of a tutor to help me started. Getting up to speed on the basics of science is the nearest 'study' like thing you will do, and even then DO NOT MEMORIZE ANYTHING. I worked from a couple of different books, and utilized Khan Academy (fantastic online resource) to clarify anything i didn't understand. Remember, Gamsat is not testing your Science Knowledge, its testing your Scientific reasoning. In 2012, the science section had countless number of maths questions - you would've been better off with a prepping with a logic book, then a chemistry book. In the end, i just did as many science questions as i could. Ensured my stereochemistry was sharp, i understood how cell gradients work, could conceptualize circulation in the heart, and gas exchange in the lungs, feedback mechanism of hormones, ensure i was comfortable with scientific notation: all the basics you find outlined in the above post. I also bought the des o neil practice exams and did them in a timed environment to get a sense of the exam which helped, though are on perfect (they are easier, have mistakes and sometimes ask 'knowledge base' questions which simple don't appear on gamsats. I neglected Physis's in 2011, promised myself i would do better in 2012, but actually went into the exam AGAIN with very little knowedge. Physic questions are quite similar in nature every year so being astute with them, is obviously a massive plus.

I remember someone sitting in front of me in the exam hall said before we started SIII 'I just aiming to get 50% right'. I thought that was a great strategy! Its so easy to get completely disheartened because even when you know all about the heart (lets say) they manage to word the questions in such a way, you feel completely useless. Again, i'm not a pro, but can only say its do-able! Just do lots of science questions.


WHAT I LEARNT:
- The Gamsat is *NOT* about studying. If you find yourself "studying" (ie. Memorizing a bone, or a formule) STOP! Put down the book and back away from your desk because you might aswell be watching an episode of ER. The GAMSAT is about PRACTICING. For every section. Which brings me to my next point...
- Do not underestimate SI and SII. They really can make or break you. Give the essay section the time and attention it deserves. Make it your business to really perfect your skills.

Keep your chin up and stay positive. I remember thinking, i can never ever do this and thinking about the perceived 'genius' i must be competing against. At the end of the day, its just people like you and I. Once you have prepared for the exam, it is very do-able and passable!

Wishing you all the best of luck

thanks for the advice. the essay is def the toughest part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chips365

Hey folks,

Very good thread and thanks CIMaster for the information you put up.

I find myself in similar circumstances. I jut got my final exam results and i have a 1.1 in the bag for psych nursing. The plan is to go on and do medicine september 2013 so i'll be 26 then.

but... where do i begin with the study!?! I have never studied physics, chemistry or organic chemistry. In first year we had a crash course module in the life sciences but it was basic enough.

So i have 8 months to prepare for the GAMSAT and I have no idea where to start knowledge wise. Should i start at the very beginning with these science subjects or is there a specific area i can jump to and focus on.

Also saw that the use of calculators is not allowed from the next GAMSAT sitting onwards, pysics just got a whole lot more intimidating. Any help folks would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

PeadarGalway

chips365 wrote: »

Hey folks,

Very good thread and thanks CIMaster for the information you put up.

I find myself in similar circumstances. I jut got my final exam results and i have a 1.1 in the bag for psych nursing. The plan is to go on and do medicine september 2013 so i'll be 26 then.

but... where do i begin with the study!?! I have never studied physics, chemistry or organic chemistry. In first year we had a crash course module in the life sciences but it was basic enough.

So i have 8 months to prepare for the GAMSAT and I have no idea where to start knowledge wise. Should i start at the very beginning with these science subjects or is there a specific area i can jump to and focus on.

Also saw that the use of calculators is not allowed from the next GAMSAT sitting onwards, pysics just got a whole lot more intimidating. Any help folks would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

Have a look at this

http://doc2be.ie/2010/05/16/gamsat-preparation-what-i-did/

Its the extremely well written and witty blog of a RCSI GEP who was a lawyer in a previous life. She got an AMAZING score and you could do worse than follow her lead.

If you're in anyway computer savvy you can google a pdf copy of the examcracker MCAT books. The MCAT is the american equivalent of GAMSAT, and although the focus of the questions in the two exams is VERY different, the level of knowledge is roughly equivalent.

I did the gradmed prep course (google them) which was excellent, but expensive.

Best of luck and feel free to drop me a message if you need any help.

OH! I just realised, you've probably been looking at graphs and diagrams for the past four years in nursing! You have a great head start in biology if so; ask anybody, its ALL graphs and diagrams!

JakeZ

PeadarGalway wrote: »

chips365 wrote: »

Hey folks,

Very good thread and thanks CIMaster for the information you put up.

I find myself in similar circumstances. I jut got my final exam results and i have a 1.1 in the bag for psych nursing. The plan is to go on and do medicine september 2013 so i'll be 26 then.

but... where do i begin with the study!?! I have never studied physics, chemistry or organic chemistry. In first year we had a crash course module in the life sciences but it was basic enough.

So i have 8 months to prepare for the GAMSAT and I have no idea where to start knowledge wise. Should i start at the very beginning with these science subjects or is there a specific area i can jump to and focus on.

Also saw that the use of calculators is not allowed from the next GAMSAT sitting onwards, pysics just got a whole lot more intimidating. Any help folks would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

Have a look at this

http://doc2be.ie/2010/05/16/gamsat-preparation-what-i-did/

Its the extremely well written and witty blog of a RCSI GEP who was a lawyer in a previous life. She got an AMAZING score and you could do worse than follow her lead.

If you're in anyway computer savvy you can google a pdf copy of the examcracker MCAT books. The MCAT is the american equivalent of GAMSAT, and although the focus of the questions in the two exams is VERY different, the level of knowledge is roughly equivalent.

I did the gradmed prep course (google them) which was excellent, but expensive.

Best of luck and feel free to drop me a message if you need any help.

OH! I just realised, you've probably been looking at graphs and diagrams for the past four years in nursing! You have a great head start in biology if so; ask anybody, its ALL graphs and diagrams!

Thanks, ya I have loads of study done, now onto physics and practicing essays, just tough as don't know anyone else doing it!!!

chips365

PeadarGalway wrote: »

Have a look at this

http://doc2be.ie/2010/05/16/gamsat-preparation-what-i-did/

Its the extremely well written and witty blog of a RCSI GEP who was a lawyer in a previous life. She got an AMAZING score and you could do worse than follow her lead.

If you're in anyway computer savvy you can google a pdf copy of the examcracker MCAT books. The MCAT is the american equivalent of GAMSAT, and although the focus of the questions in the two exams is VERY different, the level of knowledge is roughly equivalent.

I did the gradmed prep course (google them) which was excellent, but expensive.

Best of luck and feel free to drop me a message if you need any help.

OH! I just realised, you've probably been looking at graphs and diagrams for the past four years in nursing! You have a great head start in biology if so; ask anybody, its ALL graphs and diagrams!

thank you very much for that information!. I'm pretty sorted for biology. We had to study anatomy and physiology throughout the 4 years. its the other science subjects im dreading!

PeadarGalway

chips365 wrote: »

PeadarGalway wrote: »

Have a look at this

http://doc2be.ie/2010/05/16/gamsat-preparation-what-i-did/

Its the extremely well written and witty blog of a RCSI GEP who was a lawyer in a previous life. She got an AMAZING score and you could do worse than follow her lead.

If you're in anyway computer savvy you can google a pdf copy of the examcracker MCAT books. The MCAT is the american equivalent of GAMSAT, and although the focus of the questions in the two exams is VERY different, the level of knowledge is roughly equivalent.

I did the gradmed prep course (google them) which was excellent, but expensive.

Best of luck and feel free to drop me a message if you need any help.

OH! I just realised, you've probably been looking at graphs and diagrams for the past four years in nursing! You have a great head start in biology if so; ask anybody, its ALL graphs and diagrams!

thank you very much for that information!. I'm pretty sorted for biology. We had to study anatomy and physiology throughout the 4 years. its the other science subjects im dreading!

You're welcome! If you're looking for somewhere to start i'd go with organic chemistry. Try organic chem for dummies. It's very good, and you could also try www.khanacademy.org it's the website of an American uber nerd who does brilliant and very accessible videos on science topics. Brilliantly organized site, it goes through all the basics for every science.

My one piece of advice: don't get too bogged down, just take it day by day, chapter by chapter. You'll be amazed how much you can learn in 8months.

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE ESSAYS!!! PRACTICE essays - take 35 minutes, 3 sheets of paper, a quote and write an essay. Do this as often as possible. It doesn't matter if you start regurgitating the same ideas after a while, just make sure you respond to a variety of themes. AC Graylings "meaning of things" is great for this: pick a topic, write an essay and then go back to see what grayling has to say about it.

Biggest caveat I have for this section: 30 minutes, max 3-4 pages so MAKE IT COUNT! Don't waffle!

My essay mark in the exam really brought me up!

scns2010

Hi everyone,

Delighted I found this post, there is great info here for those just starting out. I am from a nutritional sciences degree but its been 5/6 years since I've looked at basic chemistry and physics (and even in 1st year of college I just muddled through not having done them for the LC!)
I'm going to go out and see if I can beg/borrow/steal some of the books which have been reccommended here.

The prep courses (Des O'Neill/gradmed) are incredibly expensive...are they really worth it??

Also does anybody have any idea how useful it would be to sit the London GAMSAT in September as nothing more than a trial run?? I would only have 3 months of very part time study done so I'm trying to decide if it is even worth attempting.

Any experience would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!:)

chips365

Hey Guys, some great information on this thread and thanks to all who contributed!

If your at all handy with a computer you can get most of the study material online as (illegal) torrents. Got my hands on the MCAT complete study guide, the 2007 ACER exam prep questions and a few ebooks like the organic chemistry for dummies. Tried getting the Des O'Neill and GURU method stuff but no one has taken the time to upload them and given the price they are at i dont think anyone who paid for them would be willing to share them for nothing.

If you spend a bit of time searching through Google you will find most of the stuff and save yourself a fortune!

I'm going to give the few months studying and give the March exam a belt in Ireland, not going to bother with the UK in september I just wont be ready for it!

drrunner

Just saw this thread and as someone who's now half way through RCSI grad med, thought I'd throw in my tuppence worth...

My background was the mathematical sciences (i.e. absolutely no knowledge of biology or chemistry (organic or otherwise)) and as someone a bit older than the average grad med student, I was a good number of years out of any kind of course when I decided that I wanted to go back and do medicine.

My final decision on this was late July 2009 so my plan was to do the GAMSAT in March 2010 with a trial run in September 2009 just to get a feel for it as I thought that based on reading forums etc that I hadn't any hope of getting a good enough score with less than 2 months preparation.

So like a lot of people, I read tons of stuff on the internet about GAMSAT and decided that my approach would be

Section 1 - just practice as many past questions I could find. (I will admit though that I have been a fairly avid reader most of my life and English would have been one of my strongest subjects back in the leaving cert years)

Section 2 - I practiced about 8 essays I think and got them marked with feedback. This was really useful as while I got reasonably solid scores to begin with, it became obvious that there was a formula to be followed which could yield really good scores for this section

Section 3 - I immediately abandoned any thoughts of having any proficiency whatsoever in Chemistry for the trial run. In fact, I simply didn't study it. I did past questions on all areas so got a bit of a flavour of it from this, but had no underlying knowledge at all. As has been previously referred to, the biology section is all graphs and data interpretation so while I tried to look over a few biology topics, really it was just a case of practicing any past questions I could get my hands on as there was very little in the way of assumed knowedge in the exam. Similar for physics (which was my strongest part of the sciences and I was one of the few people who was unhappy that it had the least weighting.....:))

So overall, not anything like the preparation that has been documented by some people, but my plan was that I would do that for the following March. I was extremely relaxed going into the exam, I had loads of sleep the night before and I ate well and drank loads of water on the day of the exam to keep my energy levels up which I think is crucial - in some ways the exam is more physically than mentally draining and no matter how well prepared you are, if you're too tired to think on your feet on the day, you're probably goosed.

So anyway, I was pretty stunned to get a 64 on the trial run. With hindsight, I put it down to being relaxed, hydrated etc on the day and also really focusing on the short term areas where I knew I could do well....I still chuckle to myself when I think of the fact that I basically wasn't able to answer any of the organic chemistry questions (40+ of the 120) with any degree of confidence....

So anyway, I started in RCSI in Sept 2010 with a large degree of trepidation and lack of confidence because with the best will in the world, I never got back to reviewing the science and I was painfully aware of my inadequacy in that area!!! I won't lie - the first couple of months were tough enough (but I think they were tough for most people regardless of science background) and I would go as far to say that the whole year was a matter of playing catch-up to a degree...though I did manage to get first class hons for the year as a whole.

By second year, the advantage of prior science knowledge was pretty much gone and given where I had come from, I found the year so much easier as well as interesting and enjoyable (first year was too, but in a less relaxed/ comfortable way). So I have now successfully negotiated 50% of med school...

So really, the point of this post is to say that there is a lot of hype/ hysteria/ even plain misinformation out there about the GAMSAT. I certainly wouldn't underestimate it, but as someone who also previously sat professional exams, I can safely say that it is far from being the hardest exam I ever sat and having a relaxed, but focused approach to preparation for it was crucial for me. I know that I'm only one person and not necessarily representative, but if anything my lack of science background and the fact that I was so far removed from any kind of studying when I took it on should provide encouragement to others that they can do it with a sensible approach.....

Hopeful Gep

Just wondering are there many students starting the GEM courses who are coming straight out of their undergraduate degrees?

BarnhallBull

Hopeful Gep wrote: »

Just wondering are there many students starting the GEM courses who are coming straight out of their undergraduate degrees?

I am, not sure if i'm in the minority or not though!

chips365

I am also, have to wait until 2013 though because my graduation isn't until after christmas.

arzieparzie

scns2010 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Delighted I found this post, there is great info here for those just starting out. I am from a nutritional sciences degree but its been 5/6 years since I've looked at basic chemistry and physics (and even in 1st year of college I just muddled through not having done them for the LC!)
I'm going to go out and see if I can beg/borrow/steal some of the books which have been reccommended here.

The prep courses (Des O'Neill/gradmed) are incredibly expensive...are they really worth it??

Also does anybody have any idea how useful it would be to sit the London GAMSAT in September as nothing more than a trial run?? I would only have 3 months of very part time study done so I'm trying to decide if it is even worth attempting.

Any experience would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!:)

Hey,

Firstly, in my opinion (others might totally disagree) I think you should sit the exam in london (as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!) ...I sat the gamsat this year for the first time and to be honest, the biggest shock for me was sitting the exam itself...I'd practiced answering questions and thought I knew what I was in for, but the actual experience is totally different! I was using March as my trial run and thought it was a total disaster but actually did better than I thought and I'll be starting in UL this year.

When I sat the exam in March, I'd be lying if I told you I'd done much study. I'm from a law backround and did Chem and Bio for my LC and I was seriously crap at chem. I only decided at christmas to sit the exam in March and I got physics and chem grinds once a week for the 3 months and I did the gradmed course in physics and biology... other than the grinds and the prep course my study was fairly limited so I'd say your 3 months will be enough to give you a feel of the exam.

I think the key to the exam isn't how much study you do but it's staying calm and knowing how to do the exam itself... it's about logic so I think you should probably give it a whirl!

chips365

Just wondering if anyone has looked over the past exams papers (or where to find a thread that somebody did). Having a horrible time trying to condense down the material in the science section. Started with the very basics but just wondering if there are sections that can be skipped or whats the most common material asked in the exams?

Jammyc

chips365 wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone has looked over the past exams papers (or where to find a thread that somebody did). Having a horrible time trying to condense down the material in the science section. Started with the very basics but just wondering if there are sections that can be skipped or whats the most common material asked in the exams?

There are no past papers available, only sample papers/questions that can be bought from Acer. With regard to a science syllabus follow this and you wont go far wrong.

BIOLOGY- The Eukaryotic Cell, Plasma Membrane, The Cell's Interior, DNA, The Cell Cycle, Protein Synthesis, Viruses, Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes, Bioenergetics, The Neuron, The Nervous System, The Endocrine System, The Circulatory System, Blood Composition, Lymphatic and Immune Systems, The Digestive System, The Excretory System, Gametogenesis (Meiosis), Genetics.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Stereochemistry, IUPAC Nomenclature, Principles of Reaction Mechanisms, The Carbonyl Group, Acetals/Ketals, Substitution, Carboxylic Acids, The Tetrahedryl Intermediate, Amides, Amino Acids, Protein Structure, Elimination, Alkenes, Free Radicals, Redox Reactions, Aromatic Rings, Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Elimination vs. Substitution

GENERAL CHEMISTRY - The Atom, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, Hydrogen Bonds, Ionic and Covalent Bonds, Lewis Dot Structures, Multiple Bonds, Resonance, Molecular Polarity, Hybridization, Hybrid Orbitals, Gases, Avogadro's Law, Equation of State, Graham's Law, Liquids, Maxwell's Distribution Plot, Boiling, Melting Points, Le Chatelier's Principle, Solutions, Phase Diagrams, Raoult's Law, Boiling, Freezing Point Changes, Acids and Bases, Titrations, Oxidation Numbers, Solubility Product, Thermochemistry, Calorimetry, Thermodynamics, Hess's Law, Rate Law, Energy Diagrams, Electrolysis, Electrochemical Cell

PHYSICS - The Atom, Nuclear Reactions, Radioactive Decay and Half-Life, Electricity vs. Gravity, Electric Circuits, Kirchoff's Laws, Characteristics of Waves, Diffraction, Optics, Sound, Doppler Effect, Electromagnetism, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Reflection, Refraction, Thin Lens, Snell's Law, The Critical Angle, Force and Motion, Weight and Units, Friction, Applying Newton's Laws, Trigonometry, Projectile Motion, Work, Circular Motion, Work-Energy Theorem, Energy and Entropy, Momentum, Law of Torques, Fluids, Fluids in Motion, Archimedes' Principle

chips365

Jammyc wrote: »

There are no past papers available, only sample papers/questions that can be bought from Acer. With regard to a science syllabus follow this and you wont go far wrong.

Appreciate the reply! Safe to say that i havent covered most of the stuff yet! Should have really listened during the science lectures.. could have saved myself a lot of time going back over the "basics".

Jammyc

chips365 wrote: »

Appreciate the reply! Safe to say that i havent covered most of the stuff yet! Should have really listened during the science lectures.. could have saved myself a lot of time going back over the "basics".

Not to worry. I'm heading into my final year of a science degree now and some of the stuff was totally alien to me!:pac:

i have to return some video tapes

Hi,
I'm planing on sitting the exam in 2013. I have a degree in biological and bio medical science. I've done one year of physics and two years of chemistry. I'm also working full time , I was just wondering if anyone has any advice on studying for it and working at the same time. Will six months be enough time to prepare ???

its all a bit overwhelming tying to figure out where to even start and what notes to get , where to get them and how much they cost .

agraphia

Hello everyone,
In accordance with the great resource that is boards.ie (see previous experiences of CiMaster here:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=79156947&postcount=14
and others:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055681118)

I would like to give a brief synopsis of how I have come to an offer and acceptance of a place on UCC GEM, with a score of 59 on the GAMSAT (62/82/47).
As you may guess from my section three score, I am not very well trained in science. I actually have a science degree (Psychology through science including two years of chemistry, three of biology) but I was not exactly the most keen student in those days, focusing mainly on other endeavours. I seriously did not remember anything. Likewise you will see that it is the essays that raised my score enough to get me in, as I would probably not have received an offer if my essays had been around the 50s.
I do have certain advice to give to people, but it is probably only relevant to particular types of people. In any case, perhaps if you are reading through various peoples' opinions throughout these threads, there may be a slight snippet here which will be of benefit.

Firstly, I credit myself at having a reasonable grasp at the english language. While the GAMSAT claims to be as accessible to people for whom english is not their primary language, I believe through my experience that it is the english speakers who are wholly with the advantage. Articulation makes for readability, and when people are correcting hundreds of essays, hurriedly scribbled by stressed and exhausted exam-goers, a bit of freshness, originality, or bite makes all the difference. Perhaps you are someone for whom this comes naturally, in which case I would say DISCARD the formulae of essay writing (argument/counter-argument etc) and focus on calmness and time-effectiveness. My approach was one of complete honesty, with a touch of my psychological background (I bet they like when people reference writers or researchers a bit).

So with the essays being so uncertain, with little study possible (and I did buy fancypants academic magazines before the exam, which is a technique some people recommend - I did not read them) one might consider Section I. Again, it is without any doubt that english speakers will score better here - the annoying nuances of language when assessing poetry are TINY. But again, I did not do much study here. One technique I did pick up from Exam Krackers was to pause for about 5 seconds in between each part of section 1. This lets your mind breathe and prevents (to some degree), the brain-freeze while you're answering questions, or those moments when you catch yourself going to sleep with your eyes open, re-reading the same question for the 5th time. Otherwise, I really feel that Relaxation and Time are the key elements.

And thusly, the section that many of us dread, science. I'm not happy with my score here, but let me explain something for anyone who is freaking out about the quantity of information you are expected to revise.
I started looking into studying medicine before Christmas 2011, and actually took steps to register in early january 2012. The exam was the 24th of March. I had been doing a very simple course of Anatomy & Physiology for my own training, so had been very lightly learning topics there, and I used a christmas present of an amazon gift cert to buy Organic Chemistry for Dummies, and its companion workbook. I downloaded the various torrents of Exam Krackers MCAT textbooks (not really recommended but better than nothing) and the Exam Krackers "Audio Osmosis" mp3s. I stressed about buying one of the Des O Neill or GAMSAT Guru packages, but I didn't buy anything apart from Organic Chem for Dummies and the ACER practice papers. In fact I watched one of the Gamsat Guru "free webinars" which was a pre-recorded useless video that continually insisted that you would NOT achieve your dream of being a doctor unless you paid this guy loads of money. It was negative and destructive and really turned me off it. I'm not saying the packages are bad, I would have considered Des O Neill or one of them if I'd had the resources, but something else happened.
In late january my girlfriend of five years discovered she was pregnant and began what was a very challenging first trimester, where she couldn't keep anything down and got quite dehydrated, ending up in hospital for a few days. I spent the majority of the trimester cooking various foods that she might be able to stomach, and cooking again when she couldn't bare the smell of the first food. Taking care of her, and dealing with my own shock of the pregnancy (could i still possibly study med with a newborn?), caused me to admit defeat on the GAMSAT, but I said I'd sit it anyway as a practice run, and if it all worked out fine with work and money for baby's year 1, I'd sit it again next year.

So what I'm saying, to anyone who's really freaking out, is that it is possible to do the exam with absolute minimal study done. I tried re-learning leaving cert physics and organic chem and some of it started coming back to me, but all in all I got 2 weeks of study done I'd say. Maybe a little more considering the anatomy & phys, which was of a very basic level.

I believe that the GAMSAT is really an intelligence test in that you "should" be able to figure out the answers from the information given, if you can keep your cool and watch the time carefully. I caught myself in section 3 giving loads of time to this annoying question about ducks or something, and 20 minutes had gone by without my noticing that I could have given to some of the other "easier" chart-type questions. I completed about half of section 3, and the rest was filling in the dots in the last five minutes. Hence the low score.

On the day of the GAMSAT I sat behind a guy who smelled more than anyone I've ever smelled. If you are reading this, smelly gamsat guy, pm me and let me know what the story is. I think he was desperately sick, and had that BO that you get when you're super fevery and sweating and vomity and pooey but holy moley, this guy stank. I spent the whole 6 hours breathing through my mouth, which ended up giving me a sore throat and after the exam, I crashed out terribly sick too, but I don't think it was what he had, just general exhaustion leading to flu type thing.
Nonetheless, I merely approached each question as calmly as I could. Calm and Time. Calm and Time. That's what I reckon.

Buying a package? Great, go for it, brilliant study and you'll have a headstart on Year 1 science. Can't afford it or don't like the feel of it? Feck it, there's plenty of free resources online if you look (I Loved the Yale Open University lectures for Organic Chem teaching the history of chemistry - completely useless for what's expected on the exam, but it really sparked an interest in chemistry. I still have no idea what Schroedinger's equation is about, but I enjoyed the history). I'm definitely going to struggle with the science in year one, but the universities are prepared for that and I've read that non-science students are catered for in the first semester (to some degree).

But please, don't panic. Don't feel you need to learn Organic, Inorganic, Phys and Biology all to university level, and above all DON'T TRUST THE PANIC. While there have been tremendously helpful posts up here on boards.ie, there is an ocean of worriers who may be looking for other worriers. Just know the structure of the exam, buy the acer papers and do them (package papers are different I think). And if you do terribly on the practice papers (as I did) then don't worry cause it's a whole different set of questions on the day.
Of course the GAMSAT is a racket in that they dont give past papers, but all you need is...two. You can buy the ones they offer and download another set as torrents. Also with the Weighting of Section 3 being 20 inorganic 20% organic, 20% physics and 40% bio (or whatever they say)- I don't think thats true as we seemed very short on organic and very heavy on bio. In a way it doesn't matter, if you can familiarise yourself with terminology, then the "educated guess" approach is key. I'm a big believer in trusting your instinct in exams, whether its choosing C instead of B (even though they're identical) or writing about a really weird topic for the exam, trusting my intuition has always paid off (some may call it "blagging").

So I hope this helps someone somewhere down the line for the next GAMSATters.

One final note: I was refused the loans from both AIB and BOI. I'm in a tremendously lucky position right now, but if this had been last year I wouldn't have been able to accept my offer from any university. The instant loans that I had been relying on are not there anymore. I had very small and silly blips from about 4 years ago on my accounts, and maybe they would have given me a loan if they hadn't been there, but my feeling is that the banks are really tightening up. So ask your aunties and your parents and whoever for help if you should need, and have a backup plan, it would be a balls to get an offer and not get a loan if you were relying on it. Thank God I have support!

chips365

Hey folks,
Just trying to get my head around section 2 of the exam. I know that it is 2 essays with about 5 quotes in each with a central underlying theme.
So, for example, if the keyword/theme is love, can I write about my understanding of the theme? For example I would be inclined to use my education on this topic and try swinging it towards the love between a parent/child ect. (Very corny I know) but within the context of a child’s unconditional love for a parent with a severe and enduring mental illness. Basically I am going to try swing the essays to an area I can talk about which is nursing... maybe I’m completely off my game but any advice will help folks.
As for preparing for this section, what I have decided to do is take a particular theme every couple of days and watch seminars, listen to speakers on the internet and do some up to date reading on the topic and just make key bullet points that I can work into the essay and build around.

agraphia

chips365 wrote: »

Hey folks,
Just trying to get my head around section 2 of the exam. I know that it is 2 essays with about 5 quotes in each with a central underlying theme.
So, for example, if the keyword/theme is love, can I write about my understanding of the theme? For example I would be inclined to use my education on this topic and try swinging it towards the love between a parent/child ect. (Very corny I know) but within the context of a child’s unconditional love for a parent with a severe and enduring mental illness. Basically I am going to try swing the essays to an area I can talk about which is nursing... maybe I’m completely off my game but any advice will help folks.
As for preparing for this section, what I have decided to do is take a particular theme every couple of days and watch seminars, listen to speakers on the internet and do some up to date reading on the topic and just make key bullet points that I can work into the essay and build around.

Hi chips365
You'd be absolutely right with this approach, though I would emphasise the importance of practicing your writing skills and in particular, getting your point across within 25 minutes or half an hour. I've seen some papers where the quotes would not be in my favour, and that would mean I would spend more time trying to formulate an argument.
I would think definitely bend the quotes towards your area of study, they allegedly judge on the basis of rationale of argument and not what opinion you actually have. Many people say you should write an argument, propose a counterargument and then find a balance or disprove the counterargument or whatever, which is fine. One essay I wrote had no argument at all and was quite personal, kind of a structured stream of consciousness, so it's hard to say what they're judging on really.
Many people send their essays off to the various Des O Neill/GAMSAT package people to correct, this might help too.
All the best with it!

BarnhallBull

chips365 wrote: »

Hey folks,
Just trying to get my head around section 2 of the exam. I know that it is 2 essays with about 5 quotes in each with a central underlying theme.
So, for example, if the keyword/theme is love, can I write about my understanding of the theme? For example I would be inclined to use my education on this topic and try swinging it towards the love between a parent/child ect. (Very corny I know) but within the context of a child’s unconditional love for a parent with a severe and enduring mental illness. Basically I am going to try swing the essays to an area I can talk about which is nursing... maybe I’m completely off my game but any advice will help folks.
As for preparing for this section, what I have decided to do is take a particular theme every couple of days and watch seminars, listen to speakers on the internet and do some up to date reading on the topic and just make key bullet points that I can work into the essay and build around.

There seem to be so many different opinions on what makes a good essay for section 2, many of which seem to completely contradict each other! All I can do is tell you what I was told, and that is that anecdotes are key. Regardless of the theme or feeling you're given to write about, think of an anecdote which is related to it in some way (no matter how loosely!) and start telling a story! This went against every instinct I had, I was always fond of the argumentative style of essay writing, and it had always served me well in the past but I was told to avoid this for GAMSAT and, although it took an awful lot of getting used to I stuck at it and eventually felt comfortable with this new style. When the exam came around I almost chickened out and went back to the style I was more comfortable with but I stuck with what i'd been told, wrote what felt like a poor essay and scored 69 on section 2 (not astronomically high compared to some scores i've heard of, but more than enough for entry!).

Like I said, every "expert" seems to have a very different opinion on this section, that's the advice I followed and it worked for me, good luck!

i have to return some video tapes

Hello,
So basically for section two would it be best to pick themes and then write a story about the theme and include personal experiences on anecdotes?? I'm very worried about this section . I've only got six months to study for this and most of the study will have to be done at the weekends . I work for a medical company and have a science degree so I'm not extremely worried about section 3(yet) but I literally haven't got a clue where to start studying for section 1 and section 2 . . Anyone able to break it down and give a quick run through of what they did ???

agraphia

i have to return some video tapes wrote: »

Hello,
So basically for section two would it be best to pick themes and then write a story about the theme and include personal experiences on anecdotes?? I'm very worried about this section . I've only got six months to study for this and most of the study will have to be done at the weekends . I work for a medical company and have a science degree so I'm not extremely worried about section 3(yet) but I literally haven't got a clue where to start studying for section 1 and section 2 . . Anyone able to break it down and give a quick run through of what they did ???

It's totally daunting and it doesn't help that ACER give you nothing to help! But if I were you and I was worried about the essays, I'd sign up to a package that corrects essays for you, that way you can get feedback. Different packages will correct different numbers and you might even be able to get a package just for essays if you're very comfortable with your science.
But as BarnhallBull says, all the different experts will give you different opinions.
I'm no expert, but I got a good mark by making a quick plan of what the quotes made me think of, embracing as many quotes as were relevant throughout the writing, and referencing various writers, researchers, theories or political elements as I went along, while trying to maintain a fairly colloquial and relaxed approach.

BarnhallBull

agraphia wrote: »

while trying to maintain a fairly colloquial and relaxed approach.

+1

Trying to sound super-intelligent by using lots of big words won't help you in these essays, stay nice and informal

PeadarGalway

BarnhallBull wrote: »

+1

Trying to sound super-intelligent by using lots of big words won't help you in these essays, stay nice and informal

Exactly. When I was writing my essays I pretended that I was giving a brief presentation to a group of my peers in college i.e. not too formal, but still professional and well constructed.

For anybody who is out of practice or worried about their essay writing, one thing I can say is vary your sentence length. Don't have loads of long sentences that keep on going forever with no stops, loads of ideas, commas, and that lull your examiner into a coma and have them going back over the sentence a few times because they keep loosing the main idea (like this one if it went on any longer). Keep some short and snappy. I prefer to use short snappy sentences to introduce an idea, and they are also great as openers. Longer ones also have a place, but not all of the time.

Opening sentences are oh so very important! You need to hook your reader. Smack them in the face with an image or a shocking thought. For example, in my section two gamsat essay (it was on the theme of love) I opened with "A child would kill for his parents, but a mother would gladly die for her son." Not one of my best, but it did the job. Contrast it with something along the lines of "The love between a parent and a child is a very strong and deeply rooted emotion." There's nothing wrong with it, its true but its not very interesting (in my opinion).

Also, read read read read READ! Be a magpie! If you come across a nice turn of phrase write it down, save it on your phone and use it in your essays. A book that is fantastic is AC Grayling's meaning of things. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Best of luck to everybody, GAMSAT is a monster of an exam.

Oh and try and lay off the red bull, its just not good for you at all at all!! Trying to detox it out of my system left me absolutely destroyed after the gamsat. Vowed to myself to stay away from caffeine as long as I can in medschool.

Roger_that

To the people who take the time to write long and detailed descriptions with a lot of specifics... I applaud you and have benefited from some of them myself. I just don't have it in me and what I say would probably amount to re-hashed drivel.

What I will say is this. The GAMSAT is difficult but definitely doable for ANYONE. One thing that I don't see posted around here among the different syllabi/tips etc is that simply its an EXAM. Good exam technique will get you marks. The paper has certain rules/nuances/style to it. STUDY THESE AND KNOW THEM OFF BY HEART. You'll probably need to figure it out by yourself as I did and so just spend time getting to know the practice papers INSIDE OUT.

The type of question asked can be predictable at times.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. PRACTICE YOUR TIMING and be ruthless when it comes to moving on to the next question.

Learn a simple plan for section two (intro, par 1: for argument-against argument, par 2: repeat, par 3: repeat, conclusion).

There are many courses which you can pay thousands of euro for (I didn't) but I found Griffith's GAMSAT guide particularly useful although I wish I'd seen it months before I did. Also 'The meaning of things' by AC Grayling was very good for section 2 (as I see PeadarGalway just pointed out).

I'm only one of many people on here that have done better than I and know more than I do but those are my two cents for all you hopefuls.

Best of luck!

LaurC

Is anyone interested in setting up a study group around the maynooth or dublin area? Preferably those who are not coming from a strong science background as starting off on the same level would probably be best.

Anyone interested let me know

chips365

Just looking at the exam format this section to me seems to be the place where you show your "true colours". Section 1 and 3 are multiple choice and offers the person correcting these sections no insight into the type of person you are.

One thing i have been credited for in writing essays and my thesis is that I treat the person reading the essay as if they have no prior knowledge of the topic and are just a regular person with no training in the field or understanding of our fancy terms that we use. I think the essays are an oppertunity to express yourself and are open to individuality (as long as you dont deviate from the topic altogether). My mentor who corrected my thesis always said that when she corrects essays she (and most examiners) look for specific keywords and structure to give the marks aka "box ticking"... but its the student that gives that little bit more (insight into the person who wrote the essay) than the box ticking answers that gets the A1.... basically they want to "read" the person that wrote the essay.

The 3 S's... keep it short, stupid and simple!

If that makes any sense to you!

Oh and thats for the replies folks!

i have to return some video tapes

Hi,
Thanks for the replies . I actually have to buy a few books and the exam stuff from Acer. Quick question , I can't actually really afford to go on a preparation course or pay someone to correct my essays. Is it do able with out this as I hear many people who do well sign up to a course ?

Also I would be up for a study group as soon as I get the material together. I'm originally from the celbridge/maynooth area but am currently living in Dublin. I have a strong enough science background but mainly biology but I have a lot of books and notes and stuff I'm willing to share etc.

agraphia

i have to return some video tapes wrote: »

Hi,
Thanks for the replies . I actually have to buy a few books and the exam stuff from Acer. Quick question , I can't actually really afford to go on a preparation course or pay someone to correct my essays. Is it do able with out this as I hear many people who do well sign up to a course ?

Also I would be up for a study group as soon as I get the material together. I'm originally from the celbridge/maynooth area but am currently living in Dublin. I have a strong enough science background but mainly biology but I have a lot of books and notes and stuff I'm willing to share etc.

I didn't use any package and only covered one tenth of what I had set out for myself to do, so yes, you can do it. There are also resources online you can download which can help

supraspinaswim

this might sound ridiculous but would lumosity provide any benefit for sharpening skills in section 1 ? Its that part that let me down in the Hpat and im eager to improve there , the rest i can handle - ish !

I ve heard about gurunmethods and have seen the site - is it any good for this or is it just another money making op . ?

FairytaleGirl

I havnt started studying yet.. (this month I swear..)

I have ZERO Science background and was gonna focus on studying my ASS off at Chem/Bio etc

I figured since I have a degree in English Literature I wouldnt sweat the non science sections - Now Im super worried!! Obviously I write academically - and now thats only going to pull me down

Daunted.com/Icantdothis :eek:

agraphia

FairytaleGirl wrote: »

I havnt started studying yet.. (this month I swear..)

I have ZERO Science background and was gonna focus on studying my ASS off at Chem/Bio etc

I figured since I have a degree in English Literature I wouldnt sweat the non science sections - Now Im super worried!! Obviously I write academically - and now thats only going to pull me down

Daunted.com/Icantdothis :eek:

Don't be daunted! You are probably very skilled and academic language is probably perfectly suitable, its just that they seem to give good marks when people show understanding above complex language.
Remember there's lots of good opinions on past years GAMSAT threads, everyone's got different opinions on the essay section methinks


supraspinaswim i used the free trial of lumosity and loved it, i think it would definitely help for speed and looking for the right info. In a physics question for example, they might give you loads of information and you might only need two particular pieces for a formula, it's tricky. braingames are brilliant in my opinion

agraphia

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62101018