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GAMSAT 2011 ... For discussion of all things related to this exam.

245

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 shelly50


    Hi All,

    Anyone else to sit March 2011 from non science background and started preparing, how bad is it?!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭demolitionman


    if anyone wants the 3 ACER gamsat books gimme a PM and ill send em to ya.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 hopeful_horses


    Hi all! Apologies if I am overriding advice that has already been given in this thread... but I'm kind of nervous and just need some specific advice on my situation! Sorry if this is a pain in the ass for anyone!

    I am interested in sitting the GAMSAT and applying for entry on the Veterinary Medicine programme at UCD September 2011.

    According to the course administrator, UCD has 5 places for applicants from a non-biological background -- so I imagine competition will be tough.

    I am not a school leaver, I am 25 years old, and already have a BA in English (1st Class Honours, Queen's University, Belfast) and an MA in Journalism (GPA 3.50, City University of New York.)

    After a brief career as a journalist in New York, I moved back to Ireland and have decided that I want something of a career change! I keep horses and am considering opening a livery yard since I have the land and considerable working experience with horses (and dogs!)

    My academic attainment has generally been very high. However, to get into college in the US, I did another entrance exam (conceptually similar to GAMSAT) and I totally BOMBED the maths part. The college in America accepted me on my writing skills and references (and perhaps because I talked in a quaint and funny accent?!)

    So naturally... I am quite apprehensive about the GAMSAT. However, I have approximately 9 months, plus the help of a tutor, to bring me up to speed on chemistry and physics and biology.

    Is this enough time for someone with a non-biological degree to cover enough bases to do well in Section III of the GAMSAT?

    ALSO: What's everyone's feelings of the Graduate Entry tuition fees? For UCD, at least, they almost DOUBLE regular tuition fees -- If I even get in, I can expect my education to cost in the region of 95'000 E...!!?

    If you could offer any advice, I would appreciate it. Here's some kisses for taking the time to read and help me out: x x x x x x x x

    PS. I currently reside in :pac:Northern Ireland


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 DraughtHorse


    Hi all,

    I made the decision today to sit the GAMSAT's in Sept. Have to pass first time round though. 2.1 Bio related degree from TCD is in the bag - time to don the end of year game face once more!

    I'm thinking of possibly studying the UK though. Do I have to have the requisite experience before putting in my application or can can I notch the month up in the year following? Also, does anyone know if a thread/forum exists for those hoping to study medicine as a graduate in the UK?

    Thanks,
    DraughtHorse


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 916 ✭✭✭MicraBoy


    Try newmediamedicine.com for info on UK unis.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5 skeaton


    I did GAMSAT March 2010. I'm going into 2nd year GEP med now (RCSI). I used study notes and sample papers I ordered from Australia. I have 7 sample papers and notes covering all topics (including essay writing). I'm selling the whole lot for €200. Drop me a line if you're interested [modsnip] Please use the PM system, rather than posting email addresses. [/modsnip]


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5 skeaton


    susiemac wrote: »
    hey guys, im just wondering is anyone willing to sell/share GAMSAT prep material? im hoping to get my hands on the Griffiths GAMSAT review and/or Des O'Neill's essay notes if possible. thanks a mill, Susie :P

    I'm selling my Des O'Neill notes and 7 sample papers for €200 ONO. They worked for me. Let me know if interetested [modsnip] Please use the PM system, rather than posting email addresses. [/modsnip]


  • Registered Users Posts: 1 mars1


    I have the following for sale
    ACER Sample Questions, Practice Questions and Practice Test
    Examkrackers 101 Passages in MCAT (this was invaluable)
    Examkrackers MCAT Biology
    Examkrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT for Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics
    Please PM me if you are interested.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7 NeverLupus


    I am intending to sit GAMSAT next March. I did this year, with very little (i.e nothing apart from the night before) prep and got 52. The science section let me down. I am hoping to study in the UK but want to apply for grad med in Ireland aswell, so I need to give GAMSAT my best shot.
    If anyone is interested in starting a study group PM and let me know:)
    I am in Dublin!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 35 wild_swan


    PM'ed you re: study gp!!:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 351 ✭✭jenga-jen


    I have a full set of the GAMSAT booklets, completely un-marked and un-used!!

    Priced at Stg £58 + P&P, will sell for €30. Living in Dublin for collection/meet up.

    PM me if you're interested :)

    Edit: having been unemployed for almost a year I'm unfortunately not in a position to give them away as below. A good saving still but clearly free is a better offer!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭demolitionman


    I have a full set of the GAMSAT booklets, completely un-marked and un-used!!

    Priced at Stg £58 + P&P, i'm giving them away for free to anyone who wants them.

    PM me if you're interested :)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6 Legal


    I have notes from GAMSAT prep course in Dublin. They are practically unmarked and in great condition. They cover all three sections in detail and coming from a non science background they really got me through the exam.

    1. Physical Chemistry course notes
    2. Organic Chemistry course notes
    3. Biology course notes
    4. Physics course notes
    5. Simulated Gamsat question papers section I
    6. Explanation papers on Simulated Gamsat papers section I.
    7. Sample Essays sectionII
    8. Simulated Gamsat papers section III
    9. UKCAT "600 UKCAT practice questions" by ISC Medical
    10. Biology for Dummies
    11. Less stress more success Physics (Leaving Cert higher level)

    PM me if interested and for price.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 davidorourke


    Hello,

    My name is David and i wont to get a small group together to preparing for the GAMSAT in March 2011,Dublin. I recently moved to London and for this reason all communication will be via email/skype. Anyone interested in getting prep started then give me a shout. i am sitting the London GAMSAT tomorrow with minimum study as a trial run.

    thanks,
    Dave


  • Registered Users Posts: 148 ✭✭briankirby


    NeverLupus wrote: »
    I am intending to sit GAMSAT next March. I did this year, with very little (i.e nothing apart from the night before) prep and got 52. The science section let me down. I am hoping to study in the UK but want to apply for grad med in Ireland aswell, so I need to give GAMSAT my best shot.
    If anyone is interested in starting a study group PM and let me know:)
    I am in Dublin!


    Hey guys,i was just wondering,what exactly is the gamsat?Like,is it similar to the hpat in(allegedly) testing logical reasoning,problem solving etc or is preparation a big benefit?
    Also,what are the chances of getting a place via gamsat?Id assume once most people finish their primary degree,they want to start working instead of going back to college?
    thanks


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  • Registered Users Posts: 10 hauliesleap


    Anybody know anything about this home study course? Is it as good as Des O'Neill's course?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 351 ✭✭jenga-jen


    briankirby wrote: »
    Hey guys,i was just wondering,what exactly is the gamsat?Like,is it similar to the hpat in(allegedly) testing logical reasoning,problem solving etc or is preparation a big benefit?
    Also,what are the chances of getting a place via gamsat?Id assume once most people finish their primary degree,they want to start working instead of going back to college?
    thanks

    Hi Brian,

    The GAMSAT is similar to the HPAT in that it does test the elements you've listed above.

    However the big difference is in the structure of the graduate entry courses and this determines the format of the GAMSAT. Most of the graduate courses are structured on the basis that you have a certain minimal knowledge of chemistry, biology and physics before going in, in addition to the skills tested by the HPAT.

    This allows the course to be structured for graduates so that it is, on average, 1-2 years shorter than the undergraduate entry route.

    The application process works through the CAO system as well, I'm assuming you're Irish here? The minimum entry criteria tends to be a 2.1 in your undergraduate degree and then the people with the highest GAMSAT scores get the first places in the relevant institutions and it works backwards from there.

    You definitely need to prepare for the GAMSAT unless you've recently come from a science background and would be comfortable with chemistry, biochemistry, physics and biology. And that's just Section 1.

    There's also an essay section, 2 essays in 1 hour, and a section that pulls from verbal, linguistic and logical reasoning and any number of sources/topics.

    Your best bet is to get the GAMSAT booklets and work through them until you get a feel for the exam. At the same time you'll need to start brushing up on, or in some cases learning from scratch, all the science components which take up 50% of the overall mark. You'll find a lot of info, advice and study topics in the earlier parts of these threads for help

    The advantages of going through the graduate route are the shorter course, similar age group within the class and the specifically structured modules/topics for graduate level.

    In answer to your last question, IMO the majority of graduate entrants have pursued careers or further study prior to coming into the medicine course. Although that said there are a number who come in the same year they finish their undergraduate.

    Once you've decided to pursue medicine as a career the best bet is to get stuck in as soon as possible because it's going to be a long road.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 youngheart


    Does anyone need some GAMSAT revision material?? I have the blue green and orange ACER revision and practice books and Griffths Gamsat Review?

    Willing to post if necessary but you will have to cover the postage charge as the griffith book is printed and 190 pages long...

    Hi, Stoptalking. I am preparing GAMSAT 2011 and so far I only bought "Des O'Neill's SR home study". If you are not going to use the revision material it would be nice of you to pass on to me. I am not young but I try to find a job I will enjoy for next 15 years. Cheers! Younghear


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 youngheart


    Legal wrote: »
    I have notes from GAMSAT prep course in Dublin. They are practically unmarked and in great condition. They cover all three sections in detail and coming from a non science background they really got me through the exam.

    1. Physical Chemistry course notes
    2. Organic Chemistry course notes
    3. Biology course notes
    4. Physics course notes
    5. Simulated Gamsat question papers section I
    6. Explanation papers on Simulated Gamsat papers section I.
    7. Sample Essays sectionII
    8. Simulated Gamsat papers section III
    9. UKCAT "600 UKCAT practice questions" by ISC Medical
    10. Biology for Dummies
    11. Less stress more success Physics (Leaving Cert higher level)

    PM me if interested and for price.
    Hi, legal! what is the price to get the material you have


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 fortuna22


    All

    Just thought I'd ask for any suggestions: I've got 64 :) on the GAMSAT and am wondering whether this will get me a place and if so where ?? Have an M.Sc though it was quite a while back - how does one go about finding out ?? Any comments appreciated !

    Fortuna . .


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  • Registered Users Posts: 6 cece


    Hi I have GAMSAT materials for sale - ideal for someone who has no science background.

    Acer Sample Questions - Good condition, some pen marks.
    Acer Practice Questions - Good condition.
    Ozimed Papers 1 - 10 - Excellent condition.

    Organic Chemistry for Dummies - Excellent condition.
    Physics for Dummies - Excellent condition.
    Biology (Campbell, Reece, 7th Ed.) - Very good condition, some marks.

    PM me if you are interested.


  • Registered Users Posts: 17 Wings2010


    Okay so I'm new to this Boards business but I'm planning to register for the March GAMSAT...I see a few posts from people selling study material. I'm interested so if anybody is still looking to sell anything, a PM would be great! Thank you.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10 Jess_112


    hey everyone!

    anyone interested in forming a study group in and around the cork city area??


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 danarazzi


    hey, i've just started getting notes/books together, seeing that I don't know anybody else sitting the exam, it would be handy to have someone to talk to so about it so that when it is gettin closer so that I don't go insane....what's your story?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 932 ✭✭✭Yillan


    Sat the exam with no prep last March. Got 57. Sat it again in September with a good bit of prep and felt like a zombie doing it. Not too hopeful of surpassing 57 this time. Looking for UCD. I'll be starting prep again in the middle of January. I've got Des' notes, All the Ozimed papers, the Acer papers, all the MCAT Examkrackers stuff and a wealth of 'how not to do the GAMSAT' experience. Looking for a study buddy or two.

    Only hot girls need apply


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 bogg2010


    looking for a study group ,dublin area , has the complete gamsat home study pack , and can share materials, anywhere in dublin is ok .


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 467 ✭✭etymon


    Yillan wrote: »
    Sat the exam with no prep last March. Got 57. Sat it again in September with a good bit of prep and felt like a zombie doing it. Not too hopeful of surpassing 57 this time. Looking for UCD. I'll be starting prep again in the middle of January. I've got Des' notes, All the Ozimed papers, the Acer papers, all the MCAT Examkrackers stuff and a wealth of 'how not to do the GAMSAT' experience. Looking for a study buddy or two.

    Only hot girls need apply

    LOL good luck to ya! had a 57 myself on the first go and brought it up with a s%&tload of study. hopefully September's result will be a pleasant surprise :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 112 ✭✭paraguay99


    Sat the exam in London in September... was also like a zombie during the exam. I don't think it went very well but just by sitting it you get a real feel for the exam and know where you need to work and what is important. I'm glad I did the trial run and you never know, I might get lucky with a decent score that might take some pressure off. I doubt I did well enough in London so looking forward to March and giving it a better shot. Interested in a study group in Dublin!


  • Registered Users Posts: 98 ✭✭pollypigwash


    right i out this in Gamsat 2010 thread originally... I have since corrected myself..

    so after years of debate and wondering should I would I go back and do med, I handed in my notice yesterday morning at work. not a bloody easy thing to do, I'm on a graduate programme with the biggest Engineering Contractor in the UK at the mo. But its done now and I am bleeding chuffed!

    Moving back to Galway in a month to study so anybody that would be interested in a study group type thing I'd love to hear from. It could protect all our sanities!

    Get in touch


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 444 ✭✭Flange/Flanders


    I hope to study the GAMSAT in 2012 and just wondering if anyone has used the gurumethod study kit, the one thats around €400, I know its expensive but if its good then I'd be willing to get it due to not having studied science since LC and having a maths rather than an english background.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5 Choco99


    I hope to study the GAMSAT in 2012 and just wondering if anyone has used the gurumethod study kit, the one thats around €400, I know its expensive but if its good then I'd be willing to get it due to not having studied science since LC and having a maths rather than an english background.

    I'm in final year in grad med & a few people in my class paid €400 for that course. I think out of the people who did it more got rejected than accepted into medicine so it's hard to say it's definitely worth it. Then again, if you do grad med you'll owe about 100 grand at the end so €400 will mean nothing to you!
    Also, I did a degree in chemistry and science was my worst section of the GAMSAT! My best was the English part even though I'm useless at it. I think timing was definitely the most important thing for doing the GAMSATs & not to panic.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 acg


    hey guys.. did anyone do the gradmed full prep course? and if so, did you find it useful? im from a non-science background so im literally starting from scratch, got chemistry and organic chemistry for dummies as well as the gold standard book, which doesn't seem to be mentioned a lot on this thread... i have the ACER papers too but am trying to save them to use as practice tests closer to the exam! im looking for more questions but have heard mixed reviews of the ozimed ones, can anyone recommend good prep questions apart from the acer materials?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 637 ✭✭✭Wisco


    Examkrackers for MCAT do books of 1001 questions in biology, chem, physics, etc- I have a couple but haven't started going through them just yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 255 ✭✭JC06


    Hi everyone :) Graduate Med is something I've been thinking about maybe for the last year and I was just wondering if anyone could answer a few questions for me? I'm in 3rd year of a degree and hope to get at least a 2.I so I should be ok in that regard. I'm going to hopefully take the GAMSAT in Sept 2011, would this mean I could then apply for entry for 2012? When I finish my degree I'll be 21, is this a decent age to start med? And just a question about the fees...how long roughly will they take to pay off? Does this mean that I'll be tied to Ireland until they're paid off? Would grad medicine be classed as a postgrad course so I could get a grant to cover part of the fees? Or is a huge loan the only option here? I'm just really worried I'm going to be 25 with a huge loan! It's a big risk to take. Thanks for any answers :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 191 ✭✭j.mcdrmd


    JC06 wrote: »
    And just a question about the fees...how long roughly will they take to pay off? ..... I'm just really worried I'm going to be 25 with a huge loan! It's a big risk to take. Thanks for any answers :)

    Hi, sorry I can't help with all of your questions.

    However, I too would be worried about paying off debts. Some of the hospitals in Ireland do not keep to the contract regarding number of hours worked and payment for the hours worked.

    There are plenty of unfilled NCHD posts because doctors have moved abroad because of unpaid hours and working conditions in general. Currently this means that there is lots of extra overtime to cover for this situation, but you may not be paid for doing it. This is both exhausting and demoralising.

    I have a family member who is a current intern and has not been paid for all their overtime. This resulted in them having to approach their bank to renegotiate their bank loan. It came as a shock to them especially as they did not know until they got their pay slip. Luckily the loan is small in comparison to what you would be facing.

    Hopefully this situation will change, but as you said it is a big risk to take :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 sazymc89


    Hey guys,

    Can anyone tell me the minmum GAMSAT entry requirement scores for 2010? I'm aiming to sit it in March 2011. I know that UCD accepted people with a score of 60*....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,143 ✭✭✭bubbleking


    sazymc89 wrote: »
    Hey guys,

    Can anyone tell me the minmum GAMSAT entry requirement scores for 2010? I'm aiming to sit it in March 2011. I know that UCD accepted people with a score of 60*....

    RCSI 63*
    UCD 60*
    UCC 59*
    UL 57

    Im sitting on 59 at the moment but I think Il do it again in March just in case I do better. Im hoping 59 will be enough though.


  • Registered Users Posts: 12 laurielu


    So Ive finally made up my mind and decided to sit the gamsats despite the fact that if I get a spot I will in all liklihood be severly in debt!

    Just wondering are there any study groups within the dublin area? or if anyone has materials that they are willing to sell!

    thanks a mill


    L :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 10 Nosilla


    Hey,
    I'd be interested in forming a study group for the March sitting of the GAMSAT, I live in Dublin. I plan to start studying after Christmas as I have college exams up until then.
    Just wondering has anyone heard much about the intensive revision courses in NCI? I've heard it's expensive but has anyone heard if it's worthwhile?
    I was also thinking about going to Dr.Ferdinand's Science Review in Dublin (8-9th January), has anyone heard good reports on that?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 383 ✭✭Biologic


    What's your background? I didn't use a prep course and, to my knowledge, neither did most of the people who got RCSI last year. Most of the reports I've heard about them have been negative. Your best bet is just to put in the hours at home and save yourself a fortune. A good home study course will stand to you though (Des O'Neills etc.).
    I'm skeptical about Dr. Ferdinands courses. The only bit of feedback I found on him was here. I don't get why they keep stressing the fact that he is a doctor. Being a doctor in the US doesn't require GAMSAT. I also don't like the fact that he has people plugging his courses on nearly every GAMSAT forum I've seen. It seems desperate. I used Des O'Neills home prep course and it was very good. See my review on the first page of this thread if you want to know more about that course.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,401 ✭✭✭jtsuited


    So the Griffiths Gamsat Review is worth a purchase yeah?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 383 ✭✭Biologic


    Yep, very good starting point. Don't rely on it completely though because some sections (definitely science) aren't very comprehensive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,401 ✭✭✭jtsuited


    read most of the griffiths book this morning. certainly don't feel lost at all now. Now to get the head down into the science learning (which I'm perversely enjoying far too much).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,401 ✭✭✭jtsuited


    Just a quick question about the Griffiths review....

    He lists the Science core topics in the book and says it's not worth studying anything outside that. Is this accurate?

    If you learn these core topics, will you definitely be set for the Gamsat? I know i'm asking on an internet forum 'is the book wrong' but just double-checking if anything's changed lately etc.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 beckajane


    Hi, Im attacking the GAMSAT second time round :eek: but am feeling good (and a little poor after doing another purchase on Amazon)

    Im looking for Grinds or a course (s) in Dublin in the new year and can only find the random course (Dr. Ferdinand) which doesnt have the best reviews.. can anyone point me in a better direction?

    thanks!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 383 ✭✭Biologic


    jtsuited wrote: »
    Just a quick question about the Griffiths review....

    He lists the Science core topics in the book and says it's not worth studying anything outside that. Is this accurate?

    If you learn these core topics, will you definitely be set for the Gamsat? I know i'm asking on an internet forum 'is the book wrong' but just double-checking if anything's changed lately etc.
    I wouldn't agree with the book on that. It's only one guy who wrote it and he has no insider information that we don't have. If you get a syllabus from another source they will probably have some extra stuff on it and say the same thing. Try and get a few syllabi for a more rounded opinion.
    beckajane wrote:
    Im looking for Grinds or a course (s) in Dublin in the new year and can only find the random course (Dr. Ferdinand) which doesnt have the best reviews.. can anyone point me in a better direction?
    Gradmed do one in Dublin too. I wouldn't recommend any of the prep courses to be honest. Anyone I know that scored well did it on their own. Either way you'll have to do alot of study at home, why not do it with 3 grand in your pocket?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,401 ✭✭✭jtsuited


    Biologic wrote: »
    I wouldn't agree with the book on that. It's only one guy who wrote it and he has no insider information that we don't have. If you get a syllabus from another source they will probably have some extra stuff on it and say the same thing. Try and get a few syllabi for a more rounded opinion.
    yeah that's what I figured. Thanks for that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 168 ✭✭demolitionman


    not sure the rules on posting links, but this is the website i worked off when i was studying for gamsat.

    reams and reams of info over a few years period.

    http://pagingdr.net/forum/

    loads threads there and they give great advice on everything.

    i think they have around 200 essays prompts alone on that site!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1 mottledone


    Legal wrote: »
    I have notes from GAMSAT prep course in Dublin. They are practically unmarked and in great condition. They cover all three sections in detail and coming from a non science background they really got me through the exam.

    1. Physical Chemistry course notes
    2. Organic Chemistry course notes
    3. Biology course notes
    4. Physics course notes
    5. Simulated Gamsat question papers section I
    6. Explanation papers on Simulated Gamsat papers section I.
    7. Sample Essays sectionII
    8. Simulated Gamsat papers section III
    9. UKCAT "600 UKCAT practice questions" by ISC Medical
    10. Biology for Dummies
    11. Less stress more success Physics (Leaving Cert higher level)

    PM me if interested and for price.

    Hey really interested in buying some of those notes off you.
    I'm finishing a law degree but hoping to get a place when i finish.
    what are they going for?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9 hotrossie


    Just wondering if anyone has any previous exam papers for the GAMSAT lying around? Im due to sit it in March and was hoping to get some extra papers.

    Also, does anyone know of any study groups? Im based in Galway so online would probaby be best

    Cheers


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