Johannesburg, South Africa
First attempt
- Start by nurturing a passion to become a doctor for as long as you can remember
- Add a natural aptitude for science and technology
- Participate (and perform well) in sport (first team rugby), cultural activities (play the piano from age 7) and academics at school (and be a prefect)
- Get a basic first aid certificate
- Donate spare time to volunteer work in hospitals and clinics
- Complete an IEB matric at a Jo'burg private school with results that are good enough to be offered a place in electrical engineering (where the academic entry requirements are higher than for medicine)
- Apply for entry into first year medicine at Wits Medical School (2001)
- Complete a Bachelor of Science degree in human anatomy and physiology at the University of the Witwatersrand
- Make special arrangements to complete a basic life support (BLS) training course from the American Heart Association (this course is run for qualified healthcare professionals) - Get higher test results than qualified healthcare professionals who are on the course with you
- Continue volunteer work at a christian primary healthcare clinic
- Make rural hospital visits with an old (practicing) professor of surgery
- Apply for entry into the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) at Wits Medical School with a respected surgeon as your referee (2004)
- Accept an offer to join the experimental physiology honours class at Wits Medical School
- Contribute to the medical research community by collecting cardiovascular data that is published in the American Journal of Physiology
- Help second year medical students in physiology lab tutorials (one of whom didn't know what diarrhoea is and another who was repeating second year medicine for the 3rd time - painful, but true stories)
- Apply for entry into GEMP at Wits Medical School again, this time with an A rated physiology Professor as your referee (2005)
- Get excited when you are short listed for an interview
- Mention that you want to "help people" during the interview
- Have the dean of student affairs warp your answers and talk over you for the remainder of the 'interview'
- Reinvent yourself
- Get on with life in a completely different field, continue to "help people" in other ways and don't feel too bad that the only thing you've really sucked at so far (in spite of a rather wasted medical background), is getting in to study medicine at Wits Medical School...
481 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 481 Newer› Newest»Yeah you guys could be waiting well into the start of next year, some gemps in my class only heard after registration.
To the anonymous above with all the great answers, do you know how many people are writing supps for gemp1 at all? Also do you know how many people they will consider above the guarateed 60?
All I know is that they aren't even at the stage yet where they can tell us exactly how many spots they have available.
We will be here till year end / next year for sure.
Hi everyone, I have some possible good news for some of you guys regarding trying to get into medicine. Ok I matriculated in 2011 and initially didn't make it into medicine. So I went and studied biomedical science and wits. But because the classes are exactly the same as students already in medicine, there was an advantage given only to biomedical students, top 20 students would directly get entry into medicine provided you got above 65% average and I am proud to announce that I am finally in. I crossed over from 2nd year biomedical science to 3rd year medicine. This is the easier option because instead of competing with thousands of students, you only compete with about 86 for 20 spots so the odds are a lot more favourable. So I just want you guys to know that if there is a will, there is a way. Before anybody goes and applies for biomedical science, you might just want to double check that this offer is still on. What I liked about this was that it was purely based on academics. So I wish you guys all the best! Good luck and don't give up
Hey everybody, I would just like to share my story with you about my story into medicine. Matriculated 2011 got rejected, went into biomedical science, in 2nd year (this year, top 20 people from this degree got transferred directly into 3 year medicine provided they met the academic requirements, funny thing is, only 15 people met the requirements. So like for people straight out of high school this can also be an option, just get above 70% for 1st year OR above 65% for second year and you have a really good chance. ( You might want to double check to make sure these offers are still being made). I wish you guys all the best! And just know if its meant to happen it will happen! Stay strong guys, good luck!
After having been messed around for long enough I decided to go in and chat to someone at WITS. On average there are 70 spots but 20 of those places are reserved for the top health science second years. So I'm guessing my chances are extremely small as they have also said that I'm toward the lower end of the 166 people who passed the WAPT. Again this has been an absolute waste of my time.
Hey guys!
I am also eagerly awaiting the outcome of the selection process, as most of you seem to be doing. My application ticked all the right boxes, so now to wait and see if my name gets pulled out of the hat.
I am a dentist, I also did BSc before dentistry. For the past 10 years I have tried to get into med school, at first to be a medical dr, now because I want to be a maxillo-facial surgeon (you need dentistry and medicine to do this). I am well aware of the competition in SA, having been rejected many times. I want to tell you guys SA isnt the only option. There are universities in Romania, Hungary and China that does not cost a fortune...they are slightly more expensive, roughly double the price of a SA university. Having spent a lot of money in my quest to do medicine (2 degrees that was not necessary) I really wish I had known about this option sooner. A spring and autumn intake of med students in china (april and august) also makes this a good option if you want to get your affairs in order.
The selection process in SA is flawed, with many good candidates not getting accepted...in no way is our selection process an accurate description of who is worthy to be doctors and who not.
I have contacted the HPCSA as well and they are in the process of introducing new protocol that will make it easier for SA citizens who qualify overseas to be integrated into our health system, if that is what you want. The people I spoke to on the board even acknowledges that our system is flawed and they realise people are studying abroad because of it...so they want to make it easier for those people to come home, as we do need more doctors. Otherwise the world is your oyster...qualifying in Romania or Hungary gives you the opportunity to practice anywhere in a european union country, which is something that is very difficult (very near impossible) to do with a SA qualification these days.
I know its not for everyone, but I strongly feel that this country is losing many candidates who may have become amazing doctors. There is very little we can do against this system at this stage, but that doesnt mean we have to accept it.
Just an alternative to consider..
What I don't understand is why they can't let the bottom +-60 know that they have not been accepted........at least some an start moving on...
Incompetence or Arrogance.
I was told that even though I'm in the bottom few there is still a miniscule chance that I may get in. I would have appreciated it if they had told me this 3 months ago.
Very annoyed
I asked for the same information and was told that they can't / aren't allowed to provide me with such ...
-.-
So 20 2nd year wits students are guaranteed a spot whereas the rest of us have to complete our degrees and write a wapt exam and still gamble?
How's that fair?
Has anyone heard anything about further rejections or placements etc?
Hi all.
Is there anyone else who lives outside of Jo'burg who may need to arrange a digs should they be accepted?
If so please post and we can arrange should the time arise (white male)
Thanks
To the person outside of Joburg wanting to arrange digs, I am also from outside of Joburg and would be keen to arrange something.
Add me on facebook if you're keen
Raydon Juta (white male)
This is now beyond rediculous!!! Has anyone heard anything new?
No. Haven't heard a thing! I asked if we would know by the 15th of December (as per the info on the GEMP website) and all they can say is they are not sure?
Breaking News:
Hi all.
Please check your application status on the wits website.
Some people have received information if I'm not mistaken.
Please post your result :) thanks
Hi
My application status has an accept icon now that I can click on,this was not there before.....I don't know if this means that I have I been accepted???? It still says at the bottom...the decision is subject to conditions etc....
I have just logged in again and now the icon is gone....I think they might be busy updating...so I got excited for nothing. :-(
maybe because you clicked the accept button :) and its been registered... dunno.
No, It kicked me out before I clicked....it just looked like a clickable button....
I also clicked accept and it said do you accept the offer for 2014. now its gone. I called Ms. Schroeder and she said that no decisions have been made yet and we will know on the 23rd. Seriously WTF
The 23rd?! Wtf!?
They do realize that companies require notice before resigning?
Does anyone know when the course would start in 2014? Is it early Jan?
Normally early to mid Jan.
Just checked last night- mine says "You have been made an offer for this programme" but with no follow up info or link. What? I'm confused. What now?
23 Dec?!?!?!!?!? Geez... just in time as an amazing Xmas gift or another disappointment. My fourth year trying for GEMP.
Thank god for this site... It's like a support group.
Third year med starts on the 7th of January, with registration on the 3/4th.
How sure are you about the registration dates?
Do you have to register in person or can someone register on your behalf??
I will not be in Jhb on the 3/4th. It would have helped if we new some of this a little bit earlier!!
Yeah timing is a boggy, but I guess that's the system and you just have to appreciate that you're in..
Thanks for the info on starting dates. Do you have any idea if one can register on the 6th?
Hey guys!
Does anyone have any up to date info as to whats going on?
Some people seem to have been made offers, does this mean everyone that got accepted has allready been notified?
Hey all
Anyone hear whether they have been accepted or not?
Ya some ppl got notifications apparently on their wits page..."apparently"
Answering a phone at Wits is also an option if you work there...hence no one is doing it, and no clarity is forthcoming.
This is effing ridiculous
I received an email and have been offered a place, and it says on that wits self service page. I would assume they haven't sent emails saying you haven't been offered because if people decline more spaces would become available, so they are probably waiting to finalize numbers. So keep hoping and praying.
Well wits said by tomorrow.. holding thumbs
The programme has been offered- seemingly to everyone- , however they will only let us know whether we are accepted by tomorrow.
Let us hope that Wits lets us know
That makes no sense. They wouldn't offer you a place if you haven't been accepted surely...
What nr are u guys using?!
So I've received no email and nothing has changed on my self service page. I cant get hold of WITs and have no idea what to do except continue to wait. Does anyone else think that this process has been dealt with in the absolutely least efficient way? I have never experienced such bad service from a University admissions department in my 7 years of study. Cannot believe they get away with treating people like this every single year.
hie guys I also haven't heard anything since September exam. but I know a couple of people who got offers via email and told to check mailbox for offer letters.
Anyone else hear anything yet? Too scared to phone Mrs Schreuder. Anyone have any other number to phone?
How many places were offered then?
Have the admin staff gone into hiding??
WHo knows hey.. They've probably gone on holiday??
If anyone as info of start dates and registration process please let us know.. i.e. Do you have to register in person and can you register on the day..
I have not heard anything! Does this mean I am not in? Have they notified all the applicants that have been accepted?
How do you know this?
This is so stressful. Called medical school no answer. Called student enrolment center and they told me what is on that self service portal that decision is pending. The university is officially closing on Friday the 20th according to SEC. I don't know what awaits us
I think all of us who have not received an offer yet are not accepted. It is impossible to get any answers out of anyone at Wits! It is ridiculous that they can't send an email or at least update our application status to tell us we are not accepted. Good luck to everyone who got accepted, and for the rest....we might be better off !!
What I find cruel is that last week I had an accept button I could click on that made me soooo excited, and now I did not get an offer.
I remember and know how rubbish it is to be one of the ones waiting around to hear. The only advice I can give is that you don't let it ruin your holiday. You will have a big year ahead of you whether you make it in to medicine or not and you need to enjoy the break and rest properly.
I agree (and sympathise) with all of you - I don't know why Wits deals with the intake of this course so badly, but I wouldn't take it personally - You really are just a number to them. I know I've mentioned above that they did eventually let me know that my application had been denied by post in 2005/2006 - I read the rejection letter on new years day, so you should get some kind of indication from them soon.
I understand that thousands of people apply for this course, but that only means that Wits should manage it better... 'Application pending' is a pretty useless status in isolation - no wonder everyone gets frustrated (both the applicants and Wits admin). They should show you a key that contains all the possible application statuses and explains what each of them means exactly - never mind creating more granular statuses so that people have a better understanding of where they are in the process.
All the best (whatever happens) everyone!
Hey guys,
I am also awaiting a response from wits on my gemp application status...
but the self service site is undergoing maintenance.
and I cant seem to login to my wits zimbra email...wondering if anyone else is having the same problem?
So apparently they've all gone on holiday (Mrs. Schreuder included) and haven't bothered to tell us if we haven't been accepted... Beyond ridiculous!
Yup, I will not be applying again. I wasted a year of my life, declined good opportunities and put my family through a lot of stress, just to be ignored constantly. I knew there was a chance I would not be accepted but I never expected the process would be this poorly organised. Good luck to everyone applying next year! You'll need it.
I agree with anonymous above. I will be writing another letter of complaint, this time to the dean. Just because they have the monopoly on this degree does not mean that they can keep applicants waiting for months on end without a single email or letter of notification. The last letter I wrote was responded to with an apology and a promise for an update.... I'm still waiting......
Happy Holidays guys! ... lol.
Anyone received rejection notifications yet? or are they only going to be rolled out from the 3rd onwards?
Why did Ms Schreuder say we will know by the 23rd when they have already gone on leave??
Too much uncertainty...
If you try to email Schreuder now she has an automatic reply stating that "if you receive a firm offer you must contact SEC for your letter..."
Check it out
should be renamed BEEGEMP
Its a sad story again unless you are lucky enough to be slotted in if some people don't turn up for registration. Life goes on and Merry Christmas everyone.
I studied my undergrad in a bachelor of social science majoring in pyschology & African gender studies at UCT. I came to wits last year to do the biology, physics & chemistry and to have the advantage of being a wits student. I was rejected last year because wits.said I did not complete my degree at UCT. Which I did but my official transcript said my degree was 4years because I was put on the extended degree program. However, I completed it in 3years, with being on the dean's merit list for 2years & being part of the international golden key society. So I accepted that wits made a technical error. I continued with my bsc degree this year and I took physiology and human comparative anatomy. I applied again this year. I prepared for the WAPT as soon as school started. I got help from my medic friend and a MCB student (for the molecular medicine part) On the 21 of December I got my firm offer for GEMP1. I can only praise God for it. I know the heart break...I have stacks of rejection letters for medicine but God came through this time.
To the above poster, are you saying that you already got a firm offer for 2014? How did they notify you because I have been checking all of my various emails, as well as my physical address post box, for a response from WITS. I'm sure there is a whole lot of us on this forum that are doing the same thing. Does it mean that WITS has already made their firm offers and just has not bothered to notify the rest of us that we have not been accepted?
No they have not bothered. Its disgusting. I have Master of Science degree with a distinction average as well as all of the other requirements. I passed the WAPT and have done all the comm serve. They couldnt even be bothered to tell me that I haven't been accepted or the reason why.
I remember that for one of the years, WITS only notified applicants the following year AFTER the date of registration. Maybe its going to be the same with us? And maybe there are a lucky few who were notified with a firm offer for 2014 in December of this year? I think this entire process has been one of great inconsideration to the applicants, the time and effort involved in studying for this test while holding down a full time job, paying to get up to Johannesburg to write a test - pass it - and then not be notified of an acceptance or a rejection when I am literally 10 days away from starting work again is just ludicrous. Even if I do get in, how do I hand in a months notification of resignation and then suddenly disappear to start studying? Does WITS not understand that people actually have jobs and that arrangements need to be made for accomodation and finance purposes, which does not happen overnight!? Its sad that there are so many of us who were worth getting into ANY medical school the day we stepped out of matric - only to have our dreams dashed because of a farce of a democracy considers us the wrong skin colour or because our families were not "impoverished" enough to warrant consideration. I think its even more pathetic that after all of these years, in my case at least 12 years, that we even have to write these stupid tests when they DO NOT count! This process is sickening, you're treated like livestock from the get go and sucked dry of everything you can give, and then cast aside without a decent (and truly relevant) reason why! I cannot wait till this internal hopefulness and 12 year old determination actually dies so that I can move on with my life...who knows, maybe this unsent-read-between-the-lines-possible-rejection response from WITS is all I need to round off this just over a decade old dogged determination and passion for a course that I was (and still am) really wanting to get into.
eish corrupshin
Hi All,
Do any of you have any idea when is registration? Looking at the Wits registration website, it says that first year med students register on Sat 11 Jan, but I suspect that GEMP will be earlier. Also, any ideas when class starts?
On a more personal note, I couldn't agree more with a comment earlier stating that this blog is like a "support group" - I think I was checking this site about 100 times a day, everyday in Nov and Dec!
I would like to sincerely thank all those that have contributed as well as Rich for hosting and providing an excellent forum on which to voice our frustrations, elations, and mostly, our 2 cents worth :)
All the best of luck to those starting GEMP I next year ... Can't wait :) :) And to those who regretfully did not make it, just remember the words of Alexander Graham Bell,
"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
So I am guessing all of the "successful" candidates have been notified? I have received absolutely no correspondence from WITS whatsoever...and today is the last day of 2013. So much with starting the new year off with great news.
@ jHat: Are you saying that you got in? When and how did they notify you?
All SUCCESFUL APPLICANTS: GUYS IF YOU HAVE RECIEVED OFFERS FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIES, PLEASE CANCEL YOUR SPOTS THERE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO USE IT!!!
You will make life for those of us waitlisted there so much easier...ie we may be notified a whole month earlier, as the varsities will do another selection round early Jan, then again only on Feb when they know who pitched for class and who didnt...knowing earlier will help so much regarding notice at work, moving plans etc...please dont hog spaces you know you are not going to use!!!
Everyone that has not heard anything, bad news guys, you have not been accepted...3 or 4 ppl tops will still get in, depending on if anyone rejects the offer Wits made...and we all know how unlikely that is, since GEMP 4 year program is most peoples first choice. Hoping for cancellations is not really something to bank on. The only reason they havent let us know is because they dont want to do double work...they will roll out rejection letters once the GEMP class list is confirmed. Sorry guys!
Studying abroad remains an option, I for one will be leaving if my applications at other universities is not succesful. Look at hungary, romania, china...they offer international MD and MBBS degrees that are on par with the reat of the world, and some of them are even better accredited than SA universities. If this country says it cant help us, nothing stops us from helping ourselves. Google SICAS, CUCCAS, they are 2 agencies that deal with applications in China...some of those universities allready have up to 35% South Africans in their international program!
Good luck guys!
If I weren't already 30 years old, had enough money and could give up my full time job, I would have really considered going overseas to study. Unfortunately, after attempting so many times to get into medicine in this country, time has slipped me by and I just don't see myself being able to postpone my life any longer - I'll literally be 36 if I qualified, if I took the overseas option (and heavily in debt in order to pay off any loans I would have to take to study overseas). I therefore wish the rest of you all the luck you need to continue on your journey into medicine...at least I know I have tried, many, many times since high school...but sadly, we have to learn that life sometimes gives you bad lemons that you just can't make that lemonade...and we have to be okay with dumping some really great dreams even when we know deep down thats its unfair, racial or whatever. Cheers guys...and good luck to the rest of you again...and well done to those that got in!
Check your application status. Mine now says unsuccessful : -( . So that is it for me as well, I will not be applying again. Best of luck to everyone!
Hie guys called medical school successful candidates were notified. GEMP1 registration is tomorrow the 3rd of January and classes start on the 6th. I heard MS Schreuder is no longer with the department and got 0117172061 for any queries though its just ringing unanswered
In lieu of recent non-acceptance into the wits programme and being doubtful of it happening anytime soon, is there anyone wiling to consider China at all?
I was there in 2011 on a conference and we were able to view some of their schools, which I must say are really good and state of the art.
I'm starting to consider this as an option, but would be nice to have other people who may want to do it too.
Am going bro, mail me @ philvniekerk@icloud.com
So I did not get accepted this year, does anyone know if it is even worth applying again? If you got rejected once and you don't have anything extra behind your name the second time, what are the chance of being accepted?
To the poster above: There's no point. I have added a few short courses here and there over and above my Master's degree and have been rejected this second time around after passing the GEMP exam. I don't think this university really knows what it wants or does not want...just like all the other universities in this shitty country.
So, in ending, I would like to tell WITS a very BIG "Fuck you!" for wasting my time, money and the last remaining hope I had that things would be different this year.
I think that there are no guarantees or formulas - Carry on with your life and apply again next year if you can afford that luxury, why not? Just don't place any bets on getting in and start focussing more on plan B... That's probably the most sound advice I can give you whatever your position is actually. Don't count on getting in, the chances are miniscule, regardless of what your application looks like.
All the best to everyone whatever 2014 holds for you!
Will be considering China also.
Only reluctance I have is redoing subjects I already have credits for -.-
Pity they don't have a GEMP programme also.
I'll post my details at a later stage if there are more wiling to seek this as an option.
This country is in trouble if it continues with this BEE mentality.
SA's loss will be other countries gains ... so be it.
Just out of curiosity how do you guys know they enrolled BEE
Subsidy at varsities depends on the nr of people who enroll for a course vs number that finally graduates...BEE individuals especially. Thats why varsities will select more of them, an increase in their graduate nr means more money for the varsity
I'm sorry to say it, and bluntly, I have requested information about BEE quotas, and there is categorically no specific BEE requirement when considering GEMP applicants. The competition is very tough, and it's unfortunate if one doesn't make it in, but whining about BEE, as soon as you are not accepted, shows a high level of immaturity and selfishness. Not qualities of good doctors in my opinion. You will be treating BEE patients for a good part of 10 years! So it would be advisable to make peace with the status quo, get over the spoilt whining SA mentality of it being everyone else’s' fault when it doesn't go your way, or leave if you can't handle it. I'm not trying to be insulting, but sugar coating reality does good for no one.
Spoken like a true BEE quota.
Easy to get on your high horse when you have most likely been accepted.
Yes I have already been treating patients in rural areas for 5 years.
I hope you don't pay as little attention to your BEE patients as you do to the point of post...(NO BEE IN GEMP)
Urm...also...If the horse is white and male then yes, it's very easy... I'm not in GEMP, and probably won't be accepted, but I'm not going to think I'm so clever and talented, that the only reason they wouldn't accept ME and my AWESOMENESS is because I'm caramel flavoured...eish eish eish. I can understand poor administration, mismanagement, and some bad luck but it's always a fat cackle to hear white-boys crying about BEE. White boys who profess to want to save the natives, but can't accept them as equals.
Guys, let's keep it friendly please.
Personally I am not convinced that Wits knows how to select the best of any race group that applies.
Blaming stuff on BEE when you werent good enough is unfortunately something convenient that white people (and others) tend to do nowadays. BUT denying that quotas exist is also exremely ignorant.
Not one of the varsities have made their selection process public. It all happens behind closed doors. Sure when you ask them if they give preference to a certain race they will deny it, but if you look at the class that starts the following year you do see mayor discrepancies.
But It works a bit differently than what people tend to think...the varsities have a set quota beforehand. This quota changes every year, based on the demographics of the province the medical school is in and also the profile of the class that graduates. A certain percentage will be white, black etc, then its also gender based and people with disabilities also have to be included.
So what happens is that you only compete with other people who have the exact same profile as you, eg there will be 40 spots for black males, so all black males compete with each other for those spots...an indian or white person cannot get one of those spots. The same for white males, females and all other race groups.
The consequence of this is logical...you will get people from minority groups who are not accepted with better marks than people from mayority groups who are accepted.
This is not only true for white people as they may think, but for all groups. The vast mayority of SA consists of black people, thus they do have more spots. But eg 2 million black dudes competing for 40 spots is about the same as 200 000 white dudes competing for 4 spots. Its not a perfect system but in a rainbow nation kind of setup it does make sense.
The fact that it makes sense though does not mean its fair...its human nature to not be happy if someone, doesnt matter who, gets ahead of you with less effort/merit than you. I wasnt accepted for GEMP with BSc and Dentistry, a diploma in oral surgery, diploma in sedation, rescue diver qualification and community service done and dusted. So I just told myself they must have some freaking phenomenal white dudes that did get in, because I didnt think I had a weak application. Im sure my application is better than others who did get in, but because of the way I explained above it is not something to dwell on...it is what it is.
Luckily we are not just limited to SA, and as someone posted above this county's loss is another country's gain. I have been accepted at Shandong University in China, and will be going there in March. Anyone else who are interested in applying there (they have an august intake as well) can mail me at philvniekerk@icloud.com. The degree is in english, the university is in a city called Jinan. 35% of their international class is south africans. So, everyone who did not get accepted, the more the merrier :)))
To Phil above
If you study at this University in China that you mentioned. Are you then able to practice in SA afterwards? Without doing comm serv and internship?
What are your study fees more or less?
Thanks
You can do internship over there or here...its a compulsory part of all medical training programs. If you do it there though you have to pass the chinese language proficiency exam...not too bad considering mandarin is a compulsory subject throughout your time there. Before you can do it here you have to pass the SA board exams. Basically the equivalent of our final year medical exams. If you wish to stay in SA you have to do a year of community service...its a prerequisite for registration as independent practitioner at the HPCSA. So basically this is only an opportunity to study the medical course there...the other stuff is the same as if you studied here.
Fees depend on which varsity you go to...some are expensive, others are cheap. All in all for the university I am going to it is R 37000 a year for your first year. Depending on how well you do you do you get discounted from your 2nd year, up to 100% of your class fees.
Hope this helps!
I got accepted after 4 years of trying to get in. I am a white student and I must emphasise the group selected was very fair. It did not fit any BEE quota. The diverse, FAIR group selected (male to female, all races) was probably just as diverse as the group not selected. I've heard of much disappointment from all races too.
For those with a zillion A's not getting in... I heard the trick is to be diverse. Everyone applying is intelligent. But to be able to deal with people as a profession they like to see you're not a recluse or strictly an academic. They like your application to show you are well-rounded. Seems that's how I made it this time.
I applied with an additional degree but since I never finished it in time they never considered it. So basically I applied with the same results I did two years ago, but made it this time. (PS that year I didn't even get to write the WAPT).
Hope this helps someone and to those of you brave enough to try again, hope I see you here some day.
Yeah....
If you could just shut up about how you got into GEMP without wapt or an extra degree while the rest of us worked our asses off for it without getting in...
...that'd be GREAT
It's just more proof that there are no formulas or guarantees when it comes to getting in to medicine at Wits. No one can tell you, "just do x, y, z and you will get in..." - There are not enough spots for it to work this way.
Wits is not transparent about their selection process and frankly I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they draw names from a hat to fill most of the spots - Cause let's be honest, how could they possibly identify who in 9000 applicants are really going to make the best doctors?
So it really is no good taking it too personally - It basically boils down to the fact that there is just not enough space for everyone to be one of the lucky few.
You have to do your best, but in the end it's all down to holding thumbs.
Hi Rich,
I unfortunately have gone about the same route as you: BSc at Wits in anatomy and physiology, and have not been accepted-and now I plan on doing my honours in Physiology at Wits.
I would like to know if you changed fields completely or have somehow managed to land a job in the medical field? I hope this isn't a too personal question.
-Amy
Got a lot of emails, going to just give everyone the DL...
China has a lot of medical schools that offer MBBS in english, they are trying become more international...some of them are really expensive, others are cheaper than our own universities.
Shandong University in the city of Jinan (there is more than one shandong, make sure you look for the one in jinan) is the university with the most South Africans. As from last year 50%, 80 of the 160, are South African. Mostly durban boys and girls, but also a good amount of cpt and joburg peeps.
This is the direct link to the university's medical campus, with other links that will give you all the info you need:
http://www.ipo.sdu.edu.cn/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=91&id=1825
To get a good idea of the different varsities, google SICAS or CUCCAS...they have a nice write up and rating of every medical school. Both are agencies that handle applications in China, for a nominal fee...about $200. I must be honest, I applied to Shandong directly and got in...I applied through SiCAS to other universities, and I didnt find the experience very efficient. Out of the 3 I applied to through them they messed up and missed the deadline at 2. The universities generally have a march and august intake, so they just said sorry and that I must apply for august...so I recommend doing your own applications directly to the university of your choice as far as possible. The universities dont have application fees, so the agencies try to rip you off by telling you they do have...not ayoba!
Im going to start my 1st, 2nd and 3rd years simultaneously 1 april...the mayor advantage at shandong is that you can do 3 in one, 2 in one or just normal 1st year. Incredible workload but if you allready have a degree good for making up lost time.
If you have a loan or your parents are paying for you, I recommend taking the full amount or as close to the full amount for the entire course as soon you possibly can out as soon as you go over...the yuan (RMB) / rand ratio has changed more than 80 cents in the last year...used to be 1:1, now its 1:1.80 in the favour of the RMB.
Costs...depends on the person. Food is about 30 yuan a day at cafeterias etc, 2 yuan a day bus fare, 100 yuan a week for entertainment, 500 yuan a month for groceries (toiletries etc). First year tuition is 45000 yuan for your first year, then 37000 from your second year...if you do 2 in one or 3 in one you pay only for 1 year, thus 45 000. Accomodation in res is 12 yuan a day if you share a day, 18 if you have a single room. My flat is 3600 yuan a month for a 3 bedroom flat. 290 a year for wifi in my account, electricity is 107 yuan a year. Cell phone account about 100 yuan a month. Flights to and from beijing is about R7600 average return, from beijing airport to staion is 25 yuan, beijing station to beijing south is 2 yuan, beijing south to jinan bullet train is 184 yuan, from jinan station to my flat is 50 yuan taxi fare.
I personally went to the HPCSA to find out how I will go about coming back to SA, and how a shortened course will affect me...they said it doesnt matter if you have a shorter course, upon return you must write the SA board exams...this takes place in may and october of every year. You are allowed to write the exams 3 times in 2 years. Upon passing the exam you are eligible to do your internship in a SA hospital. This you will get paid for. After that is community service...the lady told me foreign graduates dont have to do it, but she wasnt entirely sure...best to take that into account, especially if you a SA citizen. The lady is naledi mphafudi if you guys want to talk to her yourselves:
Tel / Fax: (+27) 12 338 9451
E-mail: nalediM@hpcsa.co.za
I agree with rich, selection in this country doesnt make sense. It is a good feeling when someone recognizes hard work. Good luck to all!
To the poster above. How in the world does one do three years worth of work simultaneously? Won't your lectures clash?? This might be the only university in the world that offers a 3-in-1 special.
You do it by attendeding all your compulsory first year lectures, and getting the notes and textbooks for your 2nd and 3rd year subjects. Then when you register for your subjects in the beginning of the year you register for 1st 2nd and 3rd year...you become known as a promoting student, and you are exempt from 2nd and 3rd year classes. All notifications and classes are available on the web, so as long as you check those things you will know whats going on. Chinese universities you get one chance to write exams, boom, thats it. The exam timetable is structured in such a way that there isnt clashes between exams.
A lot of people with degrees will find this handy, since you will basically be redoing subjects youve allready done here in SA...i did bsc and dentistry, and between those two the only things I havent done in the first 3 years of med in china is chinese and maybe two other subjects. Epic workload yes, I wouldnt recommend this to someone who just finished matric. Good option for a person who has allready graduated with a science/medical background.
Your country gives you the middle finger but you still want to come back?
Hi guys.
I'm currently studying a 3 year bsc course and i am repeating my second year and i want to apply next year for the year 2016 so i was wondering which marks are going to be taken into consideration, are they going to consider the marks that i obtained when i failed my second year or are they going to consider my marks from this year because i was told that they will be looking closely at the marks that i obtained during the last two years of my degree, which will be this year and next year
When they choose who is writing wapt, they will look at ur two second year marks, and then if you are chosen to write wapt and then pass it, they will look at ur 3rd year and this year 2nd year marks
hey you guys are really discouraging me now, but i am not going togive up on my dreams. i am currently studying Bcur at MEDUNSA buti am hoping that when I complete I will be accepted. faith guys.
Recent UKZN med. school racial scandal.
Perhaps a good time to open the can of worms on Wits also.
HI I would also like to apply for the GEMP. could someone please tell me how long we should prepare for the test. ie, did you study physiology and anatomy first for test prep and then apply or apply first and then start studying. Because I finished a BSC at Wits but not in the anatomy and physiology.
My child could not get in at Wits Med School after Matric (all A's some in 90's) and was encouraged to study for a degree in Science (Medical Faculty) with a view of getting into GEMP.
A very despondent student was advised that the invite to write WAPT is based on their 1st & 2nd year results. Invite is based on results (does not matter what degree and discipline). If we had known earlier then we would have encouraged a study for "easy" DEGREE resulting in great results which will guarantee an invite to write the Test. I can't understand how a BCOM, BA etc degree compares to a Degree in Science. Obviously the science subjects are more difficult and not easy to obtain great results.
Although it is too late for us we suggest that the Management of the WITS should relook at their criteria for GEMP for future students. Prospective students don't be gullible and enrol for science courses expecting to enter GEMP. I am encouraging my child to leave SA and look elsewhere although SA has a shortage of doctors.
HIGHLY DISSAPOINTED.
Wow
Your story is identical to mine. Have the honours in medical cell biology though
We should arrange something similar to what happens at UKZN when people are not happy.
Strike, burn tyres, teargas, break windows etc.
At least it will get some media attention.
Apply and start studying. You wont know until a month in advance whether you are invited to write or not...if you lucky. Some people hear days in advance. The test covers the objectives, the objectives cover the test. Dont leave anything out. Even passing wapt is not a guarentee that you are accpeted. Last year 500 ppl wrote, 120 passed, 70 got into Gemp. I have 2 degrees, passed wapt and wasnt accepted. But its ok cause now im chilling at uct med school. Dont hold your breath. Dont stress out. They take forever with results. They do not answer any burning questions. They are not sympathetic at all. Good luck!
What is your skin colour?
I am white.
Some food for thought... At least there is now some transparency / openness on their selection process.
http://www.wits.ac.za/newsroom/newsitems/201406/23900/news_item_23900.html
If you've applied and think your marks are good enough, start studying for WAPT. Marks count a lot at the end of the day. Stay positive, pray everyday and stay focused. I was also once in your shoes so I know what It feels like. God bless and all the best to everyone!
Regards,
Successful applicant
Anyone had a look at this?
Wits: More black students in health studies
2014-06-24 12:17
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Wits-More-black-students-in-health-studies-20140624
Is it worth applying anymore if one is a white male?
I was in the same boat last year.
Applied, nothing in the end. I'm currently doing a BSc (Biology). Transferring to Pharmacy or Dentistry next year.
My thinking is that Pharmacy or Dentistry at least offers a means of income upon graduating until I get accepted somewhere for med.
I do not think the same for a BSc. I would not like spending countless sums of money doing honors etc. in a BSc.
My thinking stands to be corrected. I would appreciate comment.
Pharmacy or Dentistry then become your plan B and you need to be okay with either of those becoming your reality in the long term - There is no guarantee you will ever get into medicine (although we are all hoping for the best of course).
I have a BSc Hons and I think I'm doing okay, but yeah I guess a BSc Hons wouldn't give you the same clarity of career that some kind of professional degree will.
Too much of a gamble if one is a white male, especially with the policies that Wits and the rest of SA medical schools have adopted / as well as poor administration.
If you can afford it then try the overseas route (I will be studying medicine overseas soon in October).
Wrote and passed WAPT last year but not accepted.
I wish those who are still trying all the best.
South Africa's loss is another countries gain.
Regards
Hi Ross
Which University have you been accepted at? I am going to a Chinese University in October and would like to get as much info as possible.
Hello Anon :)
Shandong University
All the other Universities in China that I applied to have a strict age requirement including Fudan University. Luckily Shandong does not (I am 30 years of age) while also being a top rated University, so I count myself fortunate.
I notice that a 'few' South Africans are already there, I had the opportunity to visit Shandong University a few months ago and I am impressed with the facilities and general feel of the campus.
Although the medical school campus is a 20 min bus drive away from the main campus, both are equally impressive.
The admin staff are eloquent and speak English well. I hope the lecturers are as proficient :)
Just as a point of interest a any successful applicant know what the lowest average that got accepted last year was?
@Rich, thanks a lot for sharing your experience and giving prospective/ wanna-be medical doctors an opportunity to know more about the GEMP programme.
Going through the msgs posted in this blog helped me understand why I did not get admission into GEMP when I applied 2 years back. At the time, I considered 2options: MBBCh (not accepted) and PhD. I am currently a senior research scientist specialising in pyrometallurgy and also half-way through my PhD in chemical engineering at UCT, on part time. However I still cannot 'let go' of the passion for MBBCh...MBBCh has always been my first option. I plan to re-submit my application for GEMP in the next 2 years - I just wanna make sure that I complete what I have started...the PhD. I just hope my chances will only improve.
Please do understand... Pyrometallurgy pays enough and at some levels even higher than MBBCh. However, I am just pushed by the passion..... not money, not 'the title'....but passion and love to communicate and help others.
Hi :) congrats on getting in! Do you maybe have any idea what the lowest average was that got accepted into your year? Would help alot!!!
I maintain the opinion that getting in has absolutely nothing to do with averages - It is all about quotas and luck.
Has anyone written the GEMP and was successful? What tips do you for the test? I am writing this year, and would appreciate any tips on the test.
Hi,
This post gave me a bit of a fright to be honest. I also am looking into applying for the GEMP at Wits. Can anyone who has written the entrance exam please tell me how best to prepare for it? I will be completing my biomed BSc degree end of next year and am a bit worried about how I can prepare for my finals as well as their entrance exam.
Any advice will be appreciated!!!
T
Alright guys, screw it. I'm leaving my BSc to go study Comp Sci. Yay.
Does anyone know if you can apply for GEMP again the next year if you fail the WAPT?
Yes you can apply again if you fail the WAPT.
Thank you very much!
I can't help feeling that you there should be some convincing strategic reason for doing the WAPT if you think you are going to fail it though.
Rather prepare for it properly and write it properly, just once, next year? I can't see much benefit to sitting it if you aren't prepared? Just my 2 cents on that one...
Im certainly not planning to fail the test. I just dont know what to expect and because this is so important to me I thought it would be nice to know if the possibility is there to apply again should things not turn out the way I hope.
Okay I understand what you mean M. It's not so much about failing the actual test as about failing to be accepted... In that case I would say just do your best now and leave worrying about next time to next time.
Man, I just read this thread and i know it's old but it just broke my heart. Golden key and hard working but had to give up on GEMP and medicine because i was just rejected year in and year out. Now doing a PhD and still feel empty inside. Man life surely can suck.
Hi ray .I'm writing the wapt test next week and I'm nothing but a ball of nerves. There is alot to cover and time isn't on my side. Does the test cover molecular medicine in dept?
FYI all GEMP applicants:
For 2014, all candidates who meet the minimum entry criteria will be invited to write the WAPT on 3 Oct 2014. Candidates who have written the WAPT in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and passed all three components do not have to rewrite the WAPT as those results are valid for three years. If the candidate did not pass all three components the entire test must be rewritten. If the test was last written in 2010 or before the test must be rewritten. All candidates who have written the test in 2011, 2012 and 2013 must contact the Faculty Officer, Miss Manuela Mackay on 011-717-2029 or manuela.mackay@wits.ac.za, to enquire about their WAPT results and whether they are exempted from rewriting the WAPT.
Does anyone know how many hours is the WAPT?
The WAPT is 3 hours long, multiple choice, but quite tough. The type
'X' questions particularly (75% of the test), whereby you have to evaluate 5 statements per question as either being true or false for each. There is negative marking, so you shouldn't guess.
The time to complete is not unreasonable, you can comfortably complete it.
The WAPT written this year had around 800 people (rough seat estimate).
To be honest, I didn't study as hard as I should've, I don't think it's particularly difficult material, just a vast volume. I come from an engineering background, so the 'wrote learning' aspect is not something I'm used to. But if you find it interesting, it's not that difficult to absorb. The molecular medicine and physiology are quite cool, since it's more application based. There is a lot of focus on hormones,cancer, malaria, bacteria (at least for this year). The listed learning objectives are exactly what to study.
All in all, I think even one were to pass this test, the competition is tough. 800 people attempting to get into 60-80 places, like everyone says here, one needs to manage their expectations, the chances are slim but not impossible.
Thanks Rich for this forum, I have been reading it for the last 2 years, I think it has helped give perspective on the application process, and how to deal with it.
Just to mention,I have a lot of friends who are intern doctors, and it's really not the be all and end all of a life's purpose. They are also not the smartest and most gifted people, some hate the profession, since they are abused and extensively overworked. I think there are many other professions which give a lot of satisfaction, give you far better work-life balance, make more money, allow you to help more people and travel the world. This stupid course has a tendency to make people feel as though they are not worth it, since they didn't overcome the challenge of getting in.
If you love medical science, the biologists, scientists and engineers that make the doctor's cures, machines, microscopes, imaging equipment, drugs, gloves, hospitals etc. etc. are also very rewarding, and are probably even more important to a patient than the doctor :). You will be more technically challenged, earn more money (per hour) and have a better chance of enjoying your life :).
My 2 cents :P
Hey Mike, thanks for the great feedback. I think you distilled your point really well.
It's a pity that a lot of people only gain this perspective by the time that it's 'too late'. I know it was like this for me, which is why I started this discussion.
I do actually regret not studying Engineering as my first option in the end. I was accepted for Electrical Engineering at the end of my Honours degree but I got really sick and had to drop out and move on, but that is another story ...
There is indeed life after and outside of medicine! I'm sure things will work out great for you one way or another, but all the best!
Also, just to alert you all to the start of discussions around Private Medical schools opening in South Africa.
You can read about it here...
http://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-24-south-africa-ready-for-private-medical-school?ars=true
This should have happened years ago already.
Hey Rich,
Thanks for the kind words, sorry to hear that about engineering and your bad luck, I think you'd make a great engineer :P. It's also never too late to start -really, some of my colleagues started in their 30s! By the sounds of it I think you've done some pretty cool courses and studies nonetheless!
I'm actually an electrical engineer, I must say it has been a great journey (quite tough though at times), and engineering in general opens one up to many many opportunities from banking, financial analytics, corporates, hard-core technical, teaching, entrepreneurship,management consulting, project management etc etc. The problem solving is awesome, if you like that kinda thing. It can also be very creative in terms of how you solve problems (innovate) no one has solved before. You also end up helping many, many people, improving society's standard of living, you just don't necessarily get the direct recognition :P. I think compared to medicine it's far more diverse in terms of what one could do with it and where one could steer one's career should one's interests change.
I suppose in general, career counseling doesn't give an honest picture of what a given professional path can actually do, and the limitations it has or liberties it could offer. I think not specialising into something too soon gives you the flexibility to find your true passion. It's definitely a bit more challenging when you're older with more responsibility, but never become so tied down you can't find a way to explore your interests. Ciao for now
Thanks again Mike, you really have great insight! I am actually working at a job now with 'Engineer' in my title :)
I will more than likely do some more studying at some point and will certainly jump at the opportunity to do something in the engineering line to make it official!
Some applicants have heard that they passed WAPT
I think everyone who passed last year heard that they are under consideration(which I thought was obvious). Not sure if New applicants have heard anything....
Emails have been sent out notifying the applicants if they passed all 3 components or failed. And the application status has changed accordingly. I just wonder how many have passed because apparently 600- 800 wrote it.
Good day everyone
I just finished 2nd year medicine and averaged about 80s for all the subjects (Anatomy, physio, molecular med & mtp). Anyways I feel that having a support infrastructure when it comes to medical subjects is important (as I had this year) so I'm willing to help out anyone studying for this years WAPT test, etc. maybe via a Facebook group? Leave a comment if you think this is a good idea
@ anonymous that is a good idea, perhaps you could leave your email/contact details and those interested can contact you
Great Blog. I personally feel that the gatekeeper s of out dreams are nobs. Always had a passion to pursue Medicine however like manier peeps Iv pursued an alternative in Bsc Computer Sciences instead. Gatekeepers dont hold the key to your success nor determine ones entry. There are many ways to skin a cat and even more ways to pick a lock. Fudge Wits. Keep Dreaming Keep Banging on em doors.... if the front door locked we ll ram the back... if the back is closed we ll climb the balcony window ...if they shut it we ll passage through the chimney. 1 way or another ill get whats mine eventually .
What a sad story. I wish that someone can see this blog and actually do something about this. I also applied for medicine at Wits in April and have since been waiting for the response. After reading these comments though I'm starting to wonderwonder if at all I have a chance. My other options are pharmacy and Biomedicine...
Acceptance letters for 2015 have been sent. Some have received offers already.
Hi ladies and gents
Have a look at my new blog all about the GEMP.
http://unofficialgempguide.blogspot.com
If I can assist with anything, please feel free to ask. You can also go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/unofficialgempguide
All the best
Hi guys I just got into the GEMP to read more on my experience you can go here... thanks Rich for the awesome blog it helped me through.
sorry here is the link http://richardtrtm.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the links guys... It's great to have some fresh insight on this stuff. I will try and work a link section into my post above and probably feature these when I get a moment...
I was considering doing undergrad at Harvard then coming back and doing gemp Medicine. Do you think this is foolish. Ive got the marks for medicine and Im black. Harvard tells me I have a good chance.
I have been unsuccessful two years in a row so now I'm giving up, because the amount of time I invested in this endeavor was huge and I am feeling incredibly disheartened by the entire process.
I have the textbook needed to write GEMP, with the cd, as well as a book per section (ie anatomy, physiology and molecular medicine) in which I have summarized answers to all the questions outlined by wits prior to the tests.
I also have a file with flow charts on certain processes (eg haemostasis, immunity, proteins, carb, fat metabolism), past questions, and the questions required for the 2013 and 2014 test.
I'm selling the whole lot for R550. Preferably to someone in JHB so I don't have to post them because it's a lot of stuff and quite heavy. Please let me know if you are interested by emailing lisaannselwood@gmail.com
Sorry that some of the info is a bit outdated but it will help anyone applying for 2016 admission......
FAQS
When will I hear if my application has been successful?
Applications close on 30 June and no decisions will be made before all the applications have been processed. Students who have completed their degrees and have no further marks outstanding will be given a decision by the end of November. Students who are in the final year of their degree will only receive the Faculty’s decision after November 30th.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the Faculty has received your results before 15 December. The GEMP starts early in January and should your results not be available by 15 December your application will not be considered.
What type of decision might I receive?
A firm offer, if you have completed your degree and are at the top of the ranked application list.
A provisional offer if you have completed a degree and are near the top of the ranked application list, or if you have not completed a degree but are near the top of the ranked list based on your performance to date.
You will be placed on a waiting list if you are mid way down the ranked application list.
You will be told that your application has been unsuccessful if you are near the bottom of the ranked application list and it is obvious to the Faculty that we will be able to fill the available places before reaching your position on the list. (i.e. if there are 25 places and you are 150th on the list it is unlikely that you will be admitted).
im about to apply this year seems like i might not make it based on all the posts i have read so far
Hello everyone. I want to apply this year and I'd like to know if Wits charges you to write WAPT and how much it charged last year
Could someone give me an idea of how tough intership and comm serv is?? Do you feel unsafe in the hospitals? I have heard that it is now 2 years internship and 2 years comm serve? Is this true? Have they added another year to comm serve?
Hi guys, I was busy googling GEMP and landed here. Thanks Rich for your story, Im doing my BSc Honours in Botany (phytomedicine and phytopharmacology). I have a plan B but I also wanted to follow my dream. I just want to know, which other universities offer GEMP?
Hi guys, I would like to know if the WAPT is in multiple choice of discussion format.
I also applied many times to WITS having both a masters degree and honors in Pharmacy. After allot of rejection my friend told me about a university in the Eastern Cape called University of Walter Sisulu. I applied, got accepted and am now in sixth year. I will practice in the same hospitals as the WITS students, get the same paycheck. I'm glad I had not waited as it would never have happened. I think WITS is a case of who you know. WRT University of Walter Sisulu, its a PBL program and is pretty outstanding. Its very community based from third year with you spending all your time in the hospital from fourth year.
Just came across this interesting read, looks like inevitable change is in the wind for Wits Medical School, like most academic institutions in SA ...
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Wits-black-medical-students-feel-out-of-place-20150612
Hey!!! So I'll be writing the test September... Does anyone know how difficult it is, and maybe give examples of questions and if just studying the guidelines will be sufficient... ��
Wits Medics2nd year past papers for sale. And text resources. East rand or central jhb region. Please add an email so I can contact you #pastpapers
Few weeks to go to WAPT, May God be with all of you guys who are writing....
Have there been any notification about passing or failing this year's WAPT yet?
I doubt also waiting for news
The waiting is killing though eix
I know! And with the student protests who knows what is going to happen with the whole process this year...
So results are out and I am shaking like crazy, can't even open them hle....
Did anyone pass? How did you guys find the test?
I passed :)
It was completely unexpected. I made peace with the fact that the test went TERRIBLY and that I would probably fail. BUT I PASSED! Still cant believe it....
Well done Craig ☺
Hello everyone
I am a matriculant this year and I'm busy writing finals.
I've seen this blog so many times but I've never really read the comments and today, I did. (For the past hour or so) and while I was doing this, I decided to check my application status at wits for medicine...
To say I was demotivated, crushed and lifeless would be an understatement (I am not anymore). As you've probably guessed, I got declined. I cannot understand why I got rejected before they receive my final results? How does that even work?
Luckily I put engineering (civil) and bsc as my second and third option respectively. I've made peace with the fact that I'm going to take the longer route to get that MBChB degree. 7 years isn't so bad for an 18 year old
I am now, motivated than ever to study (I'm writing physical science P1) on Friday and Im aiming to get really good marks for it.
It's really not the end of the road. I fell, dusted myself and moving forward.
:) Z
Keep on keeping on, Z. Never give up. Lovely to know that you've remained positive through all that.
Congrats Craig! Will you be willing to share any advice or insight on passing the exam
Well I studies the recommended textbook
(Essentials of Human Anatomy Physiology - Marieb, Elaine N.)
Honestly it is NOT ENOUGH!!! Thats the reason I thought I would FAIL the WAPT. I memorized the entire textbook and still I was asked questions on topics which I had NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
On the GEMP website, they provide you with a list of OBJECTIVES that have to be met. If you know all of those, you are READY for the test! 100%. But all I had was the recommended text book. NOT all the answers to the OBJECTIVES are given in the textbook, which means you have to search elsewhere. But the textbook took me a month (FULL TIME from 10PM till MIDNIGHT everyday) to study and memorize. Basically, time is a major issue!!
I started studying for the test during February. Finished 5 chapters in approximately 3 months and stopped studying to work on my Master's thesis. By the time I started studying again at the end of August (with just 1 month till the WAPT test) I had forgotten MOST of the work from the first 5 chapters. So it's hard to retain such a large volume of work as well.
My advice: Work through objectives provided on the GEMP website systematically. I studied a lot of extra info which was not meant for the test. Its a waste of time. Focus on objectives, tick them off as you go along and stick to it! If I could go back I would do exactly that and probably get a higher score for the WAPT.
Hey Craig
I was notified on Tuesday I passed. Had been dreading that email since the exam.
Now just the dreaded wait for the actual selection process... Gah!
Good Luck!
Hi Craig, thank you for sharing, was this your first attempt at the exam? I too studied the objectives using the prescribed textbook and other resources (not everything is in the textbook), unfortunately I was unsuccessful. I wish Wits could let us look at our scripts so that we know where we went wrong, I am not familiar with X-type mcqs, it could be a number of things (were my circles not dark enough, did I leave out too many options, or did I just not know the work). Don't mean to whine, I just feel disappointed that another year is wasted.
Good luck for the next round of selection Craig, I hope you make it :)
Yip we'll just have to wait and see whether we're accepted. I know someone that passed the test but was not given a place in the GEMP.
It was the first time I did the WAPT yes. And it's a lot of new topics. I'm interested in finding out which Universities you all come from. I'm from Stellenbosch University and our undergraduate degrees do NOT AT ALL prepare students for writing that test!
I would also like a chance to see my script so I can know in which section/s I did poorly.
I am curious to know, when you guys talk about 'new' topics, do you mean stuff outside of Biology in general? Are they asking physics / maths questions in the WAPT for instance?
Hi Craig, its me again, I absolutely agree with you that everyone's undergrad from different universites are different. I did not do Antaomy or Molecular Medicine in my undegrad and even my Physiology differed, coming from Tuks, which is why I thought that Wits undergrad students had an advantage. BUT it is great to hear that non-Wits undergrad students can pass the WAPT and on their first attempt as well!
Hi guys for the students who passed the Wapt when are your final results coming out at your respective Uni's in light of the student protests. Is it before or after 15 dec.
I'm not sure how the delays caused by the protest will affect the final acceptance into the GEMP. I hope we hear from WITS early in December. But they did say that provisional acceptance into the GEMP will be sent soon. The email that was sent to the students that passed to WAPT is shown below:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Applicant
The result of the WAPT have been finalised and we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully completed the requirements for this test. The actual WAPT result will not be made available to applicants.
It should be noted that passing this test does not guarantee you admission into the GEMP. Please keep in mind that the number of applicants for GEMP far exceeds the number of places available. The full academic records for those who have been successful in the test will now be ranked and decisions taken accordingly.
This process is obviously time-consuming and ongoing because many candidates have yet to write their final examinations, but some early offers will be made in the forthcoming weeks
As it is sometimes difficult to contact our offices telephonically due to the high number of enquiries, you are encouraged to monitor your application online.
http://www.wits.ac.za/prospective/undergraduate/the-student-enrolment-centre/11628/the_student_enrolment_centre.html
Well Done!
Regards
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I got a regret email.
Seriously!?!?
I would be interested to know Which University you are from.
As I mentioned before, certain University Undergraduate Biology courses are severely lacking and I feel that is what makes the WAPT harder for some people than for others. Doesn't exactly seem fair does it?
Also, at Stellenbosch the final results should be made available before the 10th (for all students that chose to write the FIRST EXAM OPPORTUNITY, since over here one gets to choose whether to write the FIRST or SECOND exam opportunity). So hopefully solid offers for the GEMP will be made around that time as well.
Dude, i didnt know results are out. Im freaking out because i did not receive either the regret or the other email that says you passed but that doesnt guarantee you a place. So anyone know what no communication means?
Im from UCT
WITS usually lets you know if you are accepted around 15-25 December, you will definitely not hear from them now. Crazy I know. Especially if you still need to resign.
Could anyone give me an idea of what internship and community service is like? Is it possible to do when you have a family? How many hours of overtime do you do??
Thanks
Hey guys
So I stumbled on this blog a couple years ago while researching and preparing for GEMP. So I think I will tell my story and drop some hints. I am currently finishing up with GEMP 3 (5th year) and I am gonna try my very best to help anybody and everybody willing to read this.
So I applied to GEMP the first time, failed the WAPT, and got declined. Second time around, got invited to the WAPT AGAIN and passed. But alas, I was declined. Now this is where I did things a little differently. After being declined I phoned them, and asked what the reason is for me being declined. They didnt really give a straight up answer, so I decided to go and see them, I was not going to give up. Attended a meeting with the co-ordinator, and we had some discusions, but nothing constructive other than the usual "so many apllicants, so little space" speech. After that I ran into a lady who gave me the most valuable piece of advice. If you were declined, you phone every other day and aske whether or not a someone has rejected the offer and if there is a spot open. At first they will tell you that there are no spots, you then ask them where you are on the waiting list, not if you are but where you are. They will tell you there is no such thing. Politely say thank you and repeat the process again, every other day. You keep calling through December and then at least until mid january, a couple of the GEMP students will fallout in the first weeks for various reasons. It does not mean they are ungratefull, it really is a BIIIGGG adjustment. This is what I did, and I got into GEMP 1 in 2013, all be it halfway through a block, but thats oky, once you are in, you are in. Thats my first piece of advice. Please note that you must at very least pass the WAPT before attempting this tactic.
Now for some other random pieces of advice:
Pass the WAPT!!! Pass it good!! This will be the single most important test you write, and regardless of how much you studied, its going to feel like you failed it. This is normal. Dont stress too much after, just relax, and remember if you did not make it, try again. So with MCQ exams at med school there are some hints. Look at the example questions to see how it is structured. Firstly, there is a option that says "I dont know" as a possible answer on every single question, listen carefully. If you dont know, YOU TICK THAT DAMN BOX. Most students who feel confident in their exams often do badly because they guess some answers, If you dont know, dont take a gamble, it will affect your score badly. The way it is marked is far too complex and is going to take too long to explain, just trust me. Unless you have no idea about a certain question or unsure about any of the 5 sub questions for a statement, then make an EDUCATED guess and try and reason it out. PLEASE FOR ALL THAT IS HOLY DONT GUESS when you are sure about 4 of your answers, its gonna hurt you. ITS NEGATIVE MARKING!
Now, if at any point you read these words "ALWAYS, NEVER, CERTAINLY, DEFINITELY" anything like that. It WILL be false, nothing in medicine is definite. This is just something our class has realised over 3 years, if that word is in the question, its going to be false. Obvioiusly dont blindly just say false when you see this word, but your spidey senses should be tingling at this point.
You are going to get stuff that you have never heard of in your life, it happens in every single exam. DONT FREAK OUT! They are testing your ability to apply what you know. Re-read the question, look for a key word and associate that to an organ system or process. And then read each statement and think if that would be possible. These are really tough questions, and sometimes you might get them wrong. It is important that you do not learn everything off by heart with the intentions of just memorising random facts, you must be able to apply what you know to unfamiliar situations. I know it sounds scary, but if you study to understand, it wont be as bad.
The usual applies for the exams, get a lot of rest the day before, get a good breakfast and come with some water. DO NOT read before the exams, register and wait, dont think about the work, maybe walk through the museum or chat to some people. Dont get yourself all stressed out before walking into the exam area.
If you have failed the WAPT, I am so sorry, it is a horrible feeling, but you can try again and again and again. Dont give up, if you really want this, dont give up. If you have passed and you are declined, then consider referring to the above mentioned tactic.
You can also do some other things that will enhance your chances. A LOT of the GEMP's I met had meetings with the GEMP co-ordinators before writing the WAPT. They would arrange a meeting, come in and see the co-ordinators and talk to them. This helps to put a name to face. I know they say it is objective and for most part is, but consider this. If you and another candidate are exactly the same academically who will they choose? A random name, or maybe someone that they have met in person, talked to? Again I emphasise that this process IS objective, but it is human nature to choose something you are familiar with if the options are exactly the same. Its just a human response. So schedule a meeting, get some good questions to ask, dress appropriately and just impress with your awesome personality.
For my last piece of advice. This process sucks and is horribly cruel, I dont think anybody who has not embarked on this journey will understand. I know of candidates who did everything perfectly and did not get in. But more often than not, those that nail the WAPT get in. You are competing with 200-300 other people. I do not want to discourage you, I want to inspire you. But please be realistic about this whole process. Some will get in, and some will fall out. There are people studying medicine that have no desire to actually practice medicine after completion, and that makes me angry as there are many of you, myself included who would do anything for that spot. But this is life, life is a cruel mistress and sometimes it just plain sucks. But you can not let that stop you. You carry on trying, as long as you want it, dont stop trying. This road will be long, extremely difficult and emotional. Just dont give up I beg you.
Rich, thanx for creating a place where people can vent and help each other. If you are not in GEMP, I hope you will still try.
Sorry for the long post, and it is a bit unstructured. But I am currently studying for rotation exams so I dont have a lot of time. I will check back soon to see if this was helpful or if you guys have some more questions.
Good luck and God Bless
You are all amazing
Thanks,that was some realy great insight.Have never applied for GEMP hoping to apply next year for the first time.
Bless you Anonymous for your insight and your willingness to share, it is very much appreciated. Thank you and good luck for your exams.
Thanks for the very generous insight anonymous. For me it highlights how genuinely arbitrary the selection process is. But as you said, that is just how life is I guess. Perhaps Wits knows for sure that it really is the people who nag the hardest to get into Med school who make the best doctors? My days of trying to get into GEMP are far behind me - I pass the baton on to all of you and hope you have much more success than I ever did. All the best with exams and the future everyone!
For what it's worth, in my day, I owned multiple choice Uni exams (even with negative marking). Too bad there was no WAPT when I was trying to get in to GEMP ;)
Hi Rich, if you excelled at mulitple choice exams maybe you should give GEMP another try, as I am sure you will do well in the WAPT. Even though it is in the past, it never hurts to try and you will never know what may come from it. I guess in life we do say goodbye to things (and people), but that does not mean that we will not say hello to them again along our journey :)
Thanks, I appreciate the sentiment, but I have new opportunities that I need to make the most of these days :)
Failed this year, can't wait to write next year.... Now I know I am going to nail it. 100% all the way.....
Come 2017 I will be doing GEMP 1. #Not giving up.
Hello everyone! A little bit of my story:
I'm a third year physiotherapy student at Stellenbosch University and I'm going to apply for GEMP 2017. It is so heart breaking reading all these comments by all you INCREDIBLE and INSPIRING humans. I just wish we could all get in. Isn't it sad how many of us will struggle for YEARS and through many different degrees just to do medicine, when so many of the people currently studying it don't appreciate what they get to do every single day.
The admissions department at my Uni said it would be easier to get into my own university as I'll be accredited for the subjects I've done but I would have to start from the first year. So this is why I'd really love to go to WITS instead. I know the test is only next year September but I'm considering starting to study for it now in the December holiday as next year will be my final year at university and probably very busy academically. A fourth year student from our campus has applied - I hope he was successful! Goodluck to EVERYONE! I hope you guys make it in :) please keep us posted.
Thought I should also share my story. I'm a fourth year students at CPUT studying Medical Laboratory Science. I applied to WITS this year and wrote the WAPT. I thought I had absolutely failed but was so surprised and virtually shocked that I had passed it. However this may not make a difference anymore as I may not be able to submit my final transcript due to the recent student protests. I am very disheartened that all my hard work and sweat is going up in flames because of these protesters. It's not fair.
Hey Everyone
To those of you that passed the WAPT: In the email that we received (I got mine on the 3rd November) stating that we passed the WAPT, it mentioned that some early offers will be made in the forthcoming weeks (That was almost 3 weeks ago).
So I'm just curious to know if anyone had gotten an early offer yet?
Hey guys. Was just wondering if anyone knows how many people wrote the WAPT this year and how many passed. Furthermore how many people is WITS accepting this year.
Rich thanks so much for sharing your experience, it really puts things into perspective.
To GEMP_success story. I passed the WAPT exam but i didnt get provisional acceptance. i guess i still hv to send my final year results and probably get it or they hv changed the process? r the chances high if u pass the WAPT to be accepted?
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