The Contour Podcast

What’s it like to move to a new country for university? How do you manage the transition from high school to university life? How do you prepare for the UCAT, navigate the medical school application process, and excel in interviews?

In the fourth episode of the Medical Student Interviews Series, we chat with Jonty, a second-year Monash University medical student from New Zealand. He highlights his experience with moving countries for university, detailing the differences in school systems, the transition from high school to university, and the challenges he faced in when living away from home. He offers insights into preparing for medical entry, including maintaining a healthy study-life balance, effective study tips, applying for Australian and UK medical schools, and UCAT preparation strategies.

From navigating applications to competitive programs, to managing major life transitions, Jonty talks about his experiences with —

• adjusting to life in Australia and settling into university in a new country;
• comparing the New Zealand and Australian high school systems, and his choice to pursue Cambridge A Levels
• balancing academics, sports, and volunteering during high school
• developing effective study habits and prioritising self-care
• preparing for medical school applications for both the UK and Australia, including advice on the BMAT, UCAT, and interview strategies
• managing interview stress with practical tips for staying calm and focused
• his current role as a Medical Admissions Advisor at Contour; and
• so much more!

From acing the UCAT and balancing extracurriculars, to adjusting to university life in a new country, Jonty’s journey is full of applicable insights and practical advice. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and self-care in achieving success. With real-world strategies for high school students, UCAT preparation advice, and a glimpse into the medical admissions process, this episode is a must-listen whether you’re considering a career in medicine or simply looking for inspiration to overcome challenges - there’s something for everyone!

Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see for yourself what makes Contour stand out! Sign up here.

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⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲

Host: James Blanch

Special Guest: Jonty Cook

Editor: Wazif Deen

AV Technician: Will Alexander

Music by Projectify

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How do I develop effective habits and avoid burnout in Year 12? How do I handle the pressures of leadership, extracurriculars, and study? How do I transition smoothly from high school to university?

These questions are familiar to anyone navigating the high-pressure world of VCE and preparing for a career in medicine. In this episode, we’re joined by Aksharan, a first-year Monash medical student and former school captain, to reflect on his experience managing the demands of high school and beginning his university journey. Growing up in Bendigo and studying at Girton Grammar, Aksharan shares his journey as a school captain, detailing the challenges of managing a leadership position and a rigorous VCE workload.

He highlights the importance of a strong support system, maintaining consistency, and staying resilient to achieve his goals. His story offers a perspective on embracing common challenges of high school, and thriving through them!

Aksharan details his journey to a 3020 UCAT and a 99.15 ATAR, sharing insights on —

• balancing extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and academics;
• the connection between well-being and academic success;
• navigating subject selection;
• his motivation for pursuing medicine; and
• preparing for and excelling in the UCAT.

Aksharan’s journey highlights how resilience, self-awareness, and a strong support network can help you succeed under pressure and find balance. If you’re aiming to balance your commitments, looking for study advice, or curious about transitioning to university life, this episode is packed with insights just for you!

Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see for yourself what makes Contour stand out!

Sign up at http://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment

⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲

Youtube

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⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲

Website

Instagram

Facebook

⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲

Host: James Blanch

Special Guest: Aksharan Shobanan

Editor: Wazif Deen

AV Technician: Will Alexander

Music by Projectify

Spotify

Youtube

How do I manage my time effectively? How do I maintain my mental health in year 12? How do I keep up with the workload needed to get into medicine?

As the start of your final year of high school and the time to start UCAT preparation draws closer and closer, these questions become increasingly relevant. So, today we’re talking to Ethan — one of Victoria’s most successful year 12 students of 2023 — to gain insight into his approach to the challenges of high school, entry into medicine, and medical school.

In this episode, Ethan, who achieved a 99.40 ATAR and 3310 UCAT in 2023, and is now a medical student and experienced tutor at Contour, shares the strategies and techniques he used to get ahead, and get on top! From the challenges of managing a rigorous academic schedule to securing a high UCAT score, Ethan’s insights offer a real-world guide for students navigating the same path. He shares his approach to:

• balancing Year 12 studies with his social life;
• preparing for the UCAT amidst a packed VCE schedule;
• building effective study habits for sustainable success;
• staying organised and motivated throughout the year;
• staying grounded in his goals despite the demands of VCE,
• and more!

With tips drawn directly from his own experiences, Ethan offers practical advice on tackling high school common challenges and provides insight into the mindset that helped him reach his goals. Whether you're aiming for medicine or simply looking for ways to thrive in your final years of high school, this episode provides valuable strategies to make your journey more manageable and rewarding!

Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see for yourself what makes Contour stand out!

Sign up at http://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment

⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲

Youtube

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲

Website

Instagram

Facebook

⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲

Host: James Blanch

Special Guest: Ethan Myers

Editor: Wazif Deen

AV Technician: Will Alexander

Music by Projectify

Spotify

Youtube

How do I choose my VCE subjects? How do I stay motivated throughout Year 11 and Year 12? How do I balance my studies with my social life?

These are all common questions that might be running through your head as you approach your final years of high school. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ve sought out one of Victoria’s top achievers to give us his perspective on these shared struggles of VCE students.

He’s been there, and done that — and he’s sharing the tips and tricks that helped him excel — all in the form of real-world strategies and insights that you can directly apply!

In the first episode of the Medical Interview Series, we sit down with Isaac, a first-year Monash University medical student and UCAT tutor, to explore his journey through VCE and his transition to university life.

He shares a candid glimpse into his experiences, including -

• choosing suitable VCE subjects;
• balancing extracurriculars with a demanding academic schedule;
• effective study habits; - managing stress during SAC intensive periods;
• studying for the UCAT during Year 12;
• maximising the exam revision period;
• maintaining self-care habits;
• and much, much more!

We'll delve into how he tackled some of the most common pressures of VCE — from the importance of goal-setting and efficient study techniques to the role of self-care and social support, Isaac’s first-hand experiences provide valuable insight into how you can manage your own VCE journey!

Don’t miss this episode - this is your opportunity to hear from someone who's been through it all—and come out on top!

Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see what makes Contour stand out firsthand!

Sign up at http://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment

⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲

Youtube

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲

Website

Instagram

Facebook

⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲

Host: James Blanch

Special Guest: Isaac Pinczewski

Editor: Wazif Deen

AV Technician: Will Alexander

Music by Projectify

Spotify

Youtube

Welcome to The Contour Podcast, where top students and tutors share their journeys and strategies for academic success. Our first series features interviews with medical students from Contour MedPrep, offering real-world insights into getting into medicine. Whether you're aiming for medicine or looking to excel in school, this podcast is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed.