Balance is a Tricky Mother F&*$er

Ok, figured I'd show my face on this blog. Thats me at favella's at King's X like two months ago doing a cheesey pose (I know).

You know what happens? I don't go out for ages, and then I feel really bad for wasting my youth and not going out, then I go out and after 2 hrs I'm bored and I remember the original reason why don't. Aaaagh. It's a viscious cycle.

I tried to do some study for gamsat today, but it's assessment time at uni and it's not going to be very useful getting a good mark in the exam and bombing my uni course so.. I have a presentation on wednesday for Sociology on Power and Women in large corporations. Office politics and the likes. It was actually really interesting, I've always been interested by the elements and dynamics of power.

Next week I have 2 assessments due, one is easy and I am not worried about it at all, the other is for Developmental psychology and is slightly tougher. We need to write a research report on observations we have made during an interview of our client, and critically analyse their stage of development through the eyes of 2 or more theorists. My interviewee is 13, and I'd like to focus on moral development through the eyes of Lawrence Kohlberg and Jean Piaget. My last critical analysis compared Albert Bandura and Lev Vygotsky and their perspectives on social and cultural integration. Well atleast I can be greatful for one thing- I definitly don't have to practise essay writing for the gamsat!!!!!

Actually, yesterday I did one of the Ozimed tests that I got off a friend under timed conditions, so I would know what my starting point is. My marks according to them for section I and III were 62 and 56. I wonder has anyone actually sat the ozimed test AND the gamsat and would know how they differ? Because there is no way that can be my mark for section III. Those in science may think that's not the best mark, but I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping that mark is indicative of my starting point which means I can only get better right? RIGHT??

What a day!

Such a long day today but totally satisfying. My friend and I went to my uni library and we managed to get a good 6 hours of hardcore study! I've had to design a schedule for myself so I can study for the gamsat AND go well at uni, but its hard- thankfully I don't really have a life right now..So, happy ending for me! I guess thats how it goes: No temptation= More focus.

As I think I mentioned in an earlier post, I am coming from a social science background, so for me studying for this exam means starting from scratch. Today I did some biology, I am a very strange learner, I like to utilize all forms of educational material. Considering I am not very wealthy, and can't really afford to hire a tutor for 2 subjects; i have become extremely innovative in my self-teaching methods.

Lets start with biology....

1. I learn very quickly when I hear someone speaking. Those of you out there who learn well in lectures will understand what I mean. For first year Biology lessons for free, I use the UC Berkeley webcast site. It has everything from lectures on bio, to chem, and physics. And if you own an i-pod, I find it so helpful to download the lectures and listen to them on the bus or while I jogging. Even if you don't take all of it in, listen to it a couple of times and you'll find yourself learning! Woo-Hoo!You can also look up each subject as podcasts on iTunes and find some interesting lectures. Ok, here is the site... http://webcast.berkeley.edu/index.php
2. Another way I learn really REALLY well (believe it or not), is with interactive games and quizzes, etc. It appeals to my competitive nature I suppose. Here are some bio sites that I found extremely easy to comprehend and fun! N.B- For those of you coming from a science background: these will probably be quite simple for you, but good revision and fun nonetheless!

The Biology Project- http://www.biology.arizona.edu/- -This site has some good multiple choice questions and really good tutorials.

Cells Alive!- http://www.cellsalive.com/ - -is a highly visual site, where you will find movies and animated illustrations on cell processes, parasites, penicillin and more. Very interactive, but pretty basic. Do the crossword puzzles for vocabulary.

BiologyMad.com- http://www.biologymad.com/- -This website is mainly aimed for students studying AQA (spec. A) Biology in the UK. It is informative, beautifully designed and easy to use.

C. Elegens Movies- http://www.bio.unc.edu/faculty/goldstein/lab/movies.html -A visual introduction to C. elegans and its development. This page has links to movies made by C. elegans researchers worldwide.

Biochem4schools- http://www.biochem4schools.org/ - is an online collection of biochemistry resources. With comprehensive reviews and extensive cross-referencing, this site will be an indispensable tool for teachers and students involved in biochemistry at all levels.

I'm also using the HSC biology books available at my local library, and an MCAT (american medical exam) book from a company called ExamKrackers. Its not bad, its set out in lectures and they advise you to read it twice and then do a 30 minute exam. They obviously believe in repitition, but what the hell- it works.

GAMSAT- The Basics

What is the GAMSAT?

The GAMSAT evaluates the nature and extent of abilities and skills gained through prior experience and learning, including the mastery and use of concepts in basic science, as well as the acquisition of more general skills in problem solving, critical thinking and writing. If your degree is in a non-scientific field of study you can still sit the GAMSAT and be chosen for admission to the graduate entry programmes. A science background is not a prerequisite and academic excellence in the humanities and social sciences is encouraged and recognised. However, it must be stressed that success in GAMSAT is unlikely without knowledge and ability in the biological and physical sciences.

How Do I Know If I am Eligible For the Graduate Entry Progam?

The graduate-entry programs provide opportunities for medical, dental and pharmacy training to a wide range of graduates who have made a mature decision to commit to a demanding profession. No preference is given to graduates with particular Bachelor degrees.
It should be emphasised that a science major is not a prerequisite, and that academic excellence in other areas, such as the humanities and social sciences, is encouraged and recognised. The aim is to encourage individuals from diverse educational backgrounds who will bring to the profession a variety of talents and interests.
No specific courses or subjects are prescribed. The GPA indicates the level of performance in the chosen degree. There is no differentiation of GPA between institutions or courses. There is no preference or advanced standing offered to applicants with particular first degrees. The programs are open to graduates of any field who are able to meet the selection criteria.All applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of a Bachelor degree. Australian degrees must be from a Commonwealth accredited institution. For those in the final year of study, satisfactory completion of the degree will be a condition for entry. Applicants enrolled in a two year degree or one year conversion degree may only apply after completion of the degree. Those who have a higher degree without completion of a Bachelor degree need to consult their preferred school about their eligibility.

Preparing For The GAMSAT

1. Work steadily through the test. It is not advisable to spend too much time on any one question. If you think you know the answer to a question, mark it, even if you are not certain. Go on to the next question and come back later if you have time. No credit is given if more than one answer is marked. No marks are deducted for a wrong answer. All questions have the same value, therefore by attempting as many questions as possible you stand the best chance of maximising your score. Questions are in multiple choice format. It will be advantageous for you to develop your own strategies for answering this type of question. Self-analysis of your performance on these materials will give you an indication of your strengths and weaknesses and be a guide to further preparation. Alot of people say their biggest problem was time, so practice as much as you can!
2. Rote memory won't help you in this exam as much as learning the problem solving methods. Learn formulas!!

GAMSAT- The First hurdle

When looking up information to help prepare me for sitting the GAMSAT in Sydney next year I realised that there was a huge lack of objective information out there... I mean sure, there are the forums- which are great, but I found it hard to find a site that had EVERYTHING i needed in one spot.
So, not only have I decided to chronicle this journey into medical school, I will also be posting everything I can dig up about the GAMSAT without asking anyone for any money.


... I am currently studying a bachelor in Applied Social Sciences and I will finish my degree in 2009, now most of you out there will probably be thinking 'oh my Jebus this woman is eager'- however, knowing that I am not from a physical science background and knowing that there is a high chance I won't get great marks the first time I sit the gamsat. I would like to sit it next year first so I may have a chance (should I fail) to sit it again the following year. Because only the highest marks are considered and the results last two years.

Now lets have a quick look at the basic requirements for most university graduate medical programs...

• a GPA of 5.0-5.5
• at least 50 in each section of the GAMSAT
• and a great interview

The hardest part I found, is trying to study for the exam at the same time you are tryin to maintain a high GPA. This would definitly be easier for a majority of people sitting it that are from science backgrounds because you are mostly revising.