Crystal, an undergraduate student at Monash University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, eagerly shares her insights and experiences. With a deep understanding of the program and firsthand knowledge of the academic and non-academic requirements, Crystal offers valuable guidance to high school students preparing for college applications. Her passion for helping others shines through as she draws from her own journey and provides valuable advice on navigating the application process.

Q: What subjects did you do at high school (e.g., IB/A Level/AP, etc.), and what did you score?
A: I successfully finished the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at SJI, where I undertook Higher Level courses in Economics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with Standard Level courses in Mathematics, Language and Literature, and Mandarin Ab Initio. My hard work and dedication resulted in an impressive overall score of 44.

Q: What were your CCAs and Leadership positions in high school?
A: During my time at SJI, I actively participated in both the student council and the soccer team. As a member of the student council, I took on the responsibility of organizing various events for the school, including orientation programs and charitable initiatives such as Hair for Hope.

Q: How does the workload of university compare with IB/A Levels?
A: The university workload shares certain similarities with previous academic experiences, as it provides exposure to a diverse range of subjects. However, university places greater emphasis on self-study and effective time management, requiring students to take more responsibility for their learning and organization.

Q: How did you decide on your final university? Did you get offers elsewhere?
A: I made the decision to enroll in Monash University based on its prestigious reputation and renowned medical program. While I received offers from other esteemed institutions such as the University of Adelaide, UNSW, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, I ultimately chose Monash because it offered the most prestigious pathway and promising career opportunities in the field of medicine.

Q:What is the cost of living and school fees for the entire duration of the undergraduate degree?
A: The school fees for the program amount to approximately $80,000 AUD per year, totaling $400,000 AUD for the entire duration of the five-year program. As for the cost of living, it is manageable, and students benefit from affordable groceries in Melbourne. Most students opt to cook their own meals as a cost-effective measure.

Q: How is the teaching and learning environment at Monash? Are faculty accessible?
A: The faculty at Monash University supports students’ learning and encourages discussions beyond the scope of examinations. They are accessible and strive to help students acquire comprehensive knowledge.

Q: Are people very competitive academically? How many exams are there in a year? What happens if one fails the year?
Monash Medicine fosters an inclusive and supportive culture. Students organize study groups to assist each other. There are two written papers and a practical exam per semester. If a student fails, the school administration provides support and assistance to help them progress, given their active participation in classes and completion of assignments.

Q: How would you describe the school culture?
At Monash Medicine, a culture of inclusivity and support thrives. Students actively organize study groups to collaborate and aid one another in their academic pursuits. The assessment structure typically consists of two written papers and a practical exam per semester. In the event of a student’s academic setback, the school administration extends support and assistance to help them progress, provided they have actively participated in classes and completed their assignments.

Q: How do freshmen/freshers get welcomed to the university?
Monash University arranges an orientation fair, allowing freshmen to familiarize themselves with the faculty, as well as the numerous clubs and societies available.

Q :Is the university “cliquey”? Is there a high degree of integration?
Monash University promotes integration and inclusivity. While there may be some cliques, there are plenty of events and activities to encourage students to interact with a diverse range of individuals.

Q: How would you rate the social life at Monash? Are there parties and social events?
The social life at Monash is vibrant, with a wide range of parties and social events organized by clubs and societies. There are opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural events.

Q : Is it easy to find part-time jobs on or off-campus?
Monash University offers various part-time job opportunities within the campus, such as working at the library or administrative roles. Additionally, there are job fairs and online platforms that connect students with off-campus job opportunities.

We hope this comprehensive overview of life at Monash University, as experienced by a Medicine undergraduate student, helps you gain a better understanding of the academic environment, student culture, and overall student experience at the university. Remember to conduct further research and reach out to the university’s official channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information. To ensure your place at the university, QC provides a comprehensive program that covers the entire university admission process. Feel free to reach out to us for further information and details.