DMAC

DMAC · Rookie Joined: 04 Jan 2009 Posts: 4

Hi I'm DMAC. I have one semester left for my Business degree at UTS and Ive done Chemistry, Physics and Biology in my HSC. I've bought the Practice test material from ACER and waiting for its' arrival. I'm looking forward to learning from you guys and completing this journey together.

Lovebite · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:03 am Post subject:

are you doing GAMSAT 09?

if so, I hope you've started study already...... if not, get your books out and start working your pants off my friend! Smile

DMAC · Rookie Joined: 04 Jan 2009 Posts: 4

That's the thing, I have no idea where to start. Someone recommended that I buy Des' $220 notes (can't remember their name) and textbooks. I must say finding the right notes and materials is daunting.

Lovebite · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:47 pm Post subject:

Okay.

Whatever you're doing right now that isn't vitally important, or isn't GAMSAT related, you should stop doing. No more movies, or drinking (especially drinking).

If I were you, I'd be shutting myself away until GAMSAT. No parties, no wasting time with mates. You've got to really want this..... and you're starting awfully late.

Go to the library and get yourself a Year 12 level chemistry book, physics book, biology book and human biology book. Once you've got them, break it all down into topics, and build a really well structured study timetable. There is a lot to cover, and you'll need to revise it all. If you make a plan, then you'll know just how much time you need to devote to it.

You'll also need an organic chemistry book, but leave that till last. You need to have the basics of chem under your belt before you tackle that monster.

Too many people hit GAMSAT unprepared, and end up getting a poor result. Dont look back and wonder whether you really worked hard enough.

Start at the first chapter and work your way through them. Take your time and make sure you understand the material. Getting the basics right is SO important.

Start researching GAMSAT Essays. What do you know about the essay styles for GAMSAT? for example, do you know that the 2 essays are very different, and the way you attack them is different?

Buy the ACER Booklets, (which have practice Essays in them) and write a few practice essays. Do you still know your highschool english teacher? do you know a university english lecturer? maybe they can give you feedback otherwise it is a good investment to pay one of the professional GAMSAT prep people to mark some practice essays.

dig around the internet and see what you can find about comprehension and answering MCQ's. There is a lot of help available online. Probably more important than that is being able to read, and interpret fast. there are lots of ways to train yourself to do this, but for me, I found the best way was to read articles in the newspaper and then summarise the salient points to a timer. You will get quicker Wink

. The quicker you can read and interpret passages for section 1, the longer you will have to consider each MCQ. Last Gamsat had a LOT of reading, and I know it caught a few people out.

If you can afford Des Oneill or one of those courses, then do it, but plenty make it on their own. It depends on where you're coming from, how hard you study, and how easily you learn things.

Have a google search for "paging dr" its a great online community, and there are loads of free help coming from hundreds of GAMSAT success stories.

Finally, Besides working hard, you have to keep telling yourself that you can do this. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Some people will support you, some will tell you youre crazy, and some will tell you you aren't good enough. The only opinion that really matters for GAMSAT is YOUR OPINION Wink

Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing. This is an exciting time my friend.

J

Adrian · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 2:00 pm Post subject:

Some may prefer a more balanced approach to life and GAMSAT. I couldn't have made it through if I couldn't wind down. I think if you have no idea where to start, it's not a bad idea to use any kind of prep material. Use it as a guide, and then resource resource resource. The greater variety of material you can find the better.