I began my journey toward a medical career in February 2022, enrolling in the Bachelor of Medicine program at the University of Sydney. Prior to this, I completed a degree in Medical Sciences in November 2020. Recognizing the importance of the GAMSAT for securing a medical school place, I began self-guided preparation in March 2020.

Initially, I believed my background would allow me to focus solely on practice questions. This proved a strategic error, highlighting the difference between general scientific knowledge and the GAMSAT’s specific demands. As a result, the first time I sat the exam, I achieved an overall score below the competitive threshold (Section I: 58, Section II: 61, Section III: 52). While I was technically successful, my scores weren’t high enough to secure an interview.

Determined to overcome this setback, I shifted my approach and invested in a structured GAMSAT course ahead of the March 2021 sitting. This decision made a pivotal difference. The course offered biweekly live sessions in small groups, where tutors focused on the intricate concepts, strategies, and extensive practice questions specifically tailored to the exam. These lessons were crucial in developing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This structured approach, alongside targeted guidance, resulted in a dramatic improvement (Section I: 73, Section II: 69, Section III: 80). This score allowed me to secure the medical school place I had worked so hard towards.

I attribute this success to the combination of a well-designed course, a dedicated study schedule, and the tutors who provided essential guidance. My experience highlights the value of strategically investing in resources that help you prepare not just in general terms, but for the specific challenges of the GAMSAT. For those determined to pursue a career in medicine, a tailored course can be a decisive factor in achieving their goals.