Your Ultimate Checklist to Get Into Medical School
At MedGuide, we know that getting into medical school can feel like navigating a maze of requirements, tests, and deadlines. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
Here’s your step-by-step checklist to make sure you’re ticking every box on your way to a place in medical school in Australia.
1️⃣ Choose Your Entry Pathway
✅ Decide between Undergraduate (straight from Year 12) or Postgraduate (after a Bachelor’s).
✅ Research universities to see which pathway they accept.
✅ Make sure your subject choices at school or uni meet prerequisites.
2️⃣ Smash Your Academic Results
✅ ATAR: Essential for undergraduate entry. Aim high—most programs want 95+.
✅ GPA: Crucial for postgraduate entry. Universities often look for 5.0+ on a 7-point scale.
✅ Check for prerequisites like Chemistry or Biology.
3️⃣ Prepare for Admissions Tests
✅ UCAT (for undergraduate applicants):
Register early
Practise under timed conditions
Use quality resources (MedEntry discount code “MEDGUIDE”)
✅ GAMSAT (for postgraduate applicants):
Plan at least 3-6 months of prep
Balance study with other commitments
✅ Know which test your chosen universities require.
4️⃣ Get Some Work or Volunteer Experience
✅ Health-related placements (hospitals, clinics, aged care)
✅ Community volunteering
✅ Shadowing doctors or other health professionals
✅ Reflect on what you learned—it’s great for interviews!
Not only does this experience improve your confidence and communication skills, they provide you with stories and insight you can utilise in your medical school interviews.
5️⃣ Prepare Your Application Documents
✅ Personal statements (where required)
✅ Academic transcripts and certificates
✅ Reference letters (if needed)
✅ UCAT/GAMSAT results ready to go
6️⃣ Ace the Interview
✅ Understand the format (MMI, panel, online)
✅ Practise ethical and situational questions
✅ Do mock interviews (consider MedGuide’s interview sessions)
✅ Show empathy, communication skills, and critical thinking
7️⃣ Know the Key Dates and Deadlines
✅ UCAT registration and testing window
✅ GAMSAT test dates
✅ University application deadlines (TACs, direct entry)
✅ Interview invitations and scheduling
The application deadlines can get really confusing and vary from year to year, make sure you take your time to note of these dates and keep track of them.
8️⃣ Look After Yourself!
✅ Don’t let stress take over. Balance study with breaks.
✅ Ask for help if you need it—friends, family, teachers, mentors.
✅ Remember your “why” for studying medicine.
⭐ Final Thoughts from MedGuide
Applying to medical school in Australia takes planning, preparation, and persistence. But you can do it—especially if you break it down step by step.
At MedGuide, we’re here to make that journey easier. From UCAT and GAMSAT prep to interview coaching and mentoring, we’ll help you tick every box on this checklist—and then some.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today.
