Diagnostic Radiography: USYD vs UON (1 Viewer)

[leejen]

Hi, I just graduated this year in the class of 2020 and I'm very conflicted regarding uni and ATAR cutoffs

I passionately want to do B Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at USYD which has a 95 ATAR (non-guaranteed). And I think my ATAR will range from 92-95, therefore, am worried about getting in. I’m pre desperate to be offered a place at USYD due to such admirable uni stats, high employment rate and the degree is just so perfect. As it is a non guaranteed ATAR and the cutoff is based on course demand each year, it could be lower or higher than a 95. Do any of you think with COVID and the decrease of international students the ATAR cutoff may decrease?

Also in the worst-case scenario, I can go to the University of Newcastle which has an 83 ATAR cutoff and guarantee my entry. I'm just afraid the uni ranking will affect employment possibilities, quality of resources/teaching may be lower and that moving to Newcastle will also be another hassle (accommodation, family, social life etc.).

Also, Transferring after first year into USYD for Radiography is very competitive as a HD is highly regarded due to the course's high ATAR cutoff/ high demand and I've heard a lot about how hard it is to receive a HD so I am a bit worried. If it comes to transferring idk if I should try to transfer after doing a random science degree at USYD for a year or after doing Radiography at UON for a year? Or should I just study at UON if I don't get accepted into USYD?

Thoughts? Advice?

 

[BlueGas]

Hi, it's great that you're passionate about studying diagnostic radiography (who knows, you may even want to do sonography at some point !), and hopefully you can make it. Of course, it's good to think about having backup plans, so I think it's best to confirm with USYD student centre what the requirements really are for an internal transfer from whatever degree you initially do. Also, it's important to note that uni rankings do NOT affect your employment chances, what's important is the experience you have.

idk if I should try to transfer after doing a random science degree

Yes you can do that

or after doing Radiography at UON for a year?

Do you really want to do that? Didn't you mention that it may be a hassle to move to Newcastle? Let alone transferring back to Sydney?

Or should I just study at UON if I don't get accepted into USYD?

Yes that is also another possibility

 

[Eagle Mum]

I don’t work in the field of radiology/radiography but I have also casually discussed this question with someone who does. Generally, as is the case in my field, job interview panel members focus on how well applicants perform in their interview and focus on aspects of their CV such as first or second class honours, co-authorship of publications and paid or unpaid relevant work experience, rather than the name of the conferring institution. They are basically looking to employ the candidate(s) who are likely to have the highest productivity/quality if they work for them. Only you can determine how personal factors such as accommodation, family & social life should influence your decisions, but IMO, future employability due to which university you attend shouldn’t need to be a big consideration.

 

[anon2017]

I think my ATAR will range from 92-95, therefore, am worried about getting in. I’m pre desperate to be offered a place at USYD due to such admirable uni stats, high employment rate and the degree is just so perfect

It is very, very unlikely that the uni you got your radiography degree from will be a factor in employment. Uni matters in very few professions, and to few employers. Radiography is not one.

I'm just afraid the uni ranking will affect employment possibilities, quality of resources/teaching may be lower and that moving to Newcastle will also be another hassle

Again, uni ranking won't matter. And I have known a few students who have completed or are completed DR at USYD - mixed reviews about the experience.

If it comes to transferring idk if I should try to transfer after doing a random science degree at USYD for a year or after doing Radiography at UON for a year?

You need a HD average to transfer - are you more likely to obtain a HD average doing 1st year DR at UON, or doing 1st year BSc at USYD? If you unfortunately don't obtain the HD average, you'll be continuing the degree you're in, or choosing something else to start over.

Or should I just study at UON if I don't get accepted into USYD?

Four years is a long time but also not that long if you really think about it. Semesters take up just over half the year. Would you get student accommodation? Then you could go back to Sydney during semester breaks, that's 5ish months a year. During semester, you could go to Sydney some weekends or have friends/family go to Newcastle - it is not actually that far, and it is not like you'd be doing every single day or week. Ultimately though, it is about how you think you would cope - socially, emotionally, financially. If it would be too difficult for you then it is not worth the stress. You can always get a 3 year BSc and then a Master of Diagnostic Radiography. It will take 5 years all up, but that's just an extra year which is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

 

[leejen]

Thanks so much for the info this is v eye-opening!

You need a HD average to transfer - are you more likely to obtain a HD average doing 1st year DR at UON, or doing 1st year BSc at USYD? If you unfortunately don't obtain the HD average, you'll be continuing the degree you're in, or choosing something else to start over.

Do you have any insight on what would be easier? I'm a bit iffy at the fact that no one has received a medal for academic merit in UON for DR despite individuals receiving it for other courses in the same faculty.

You can always get a 3 year BSc and then a Master of Diagnostic Radiography. It will take 5 years all up, but that's just an extra year which is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Is there any difference in outcomes of doing B of DR compared to BSc & Masters of DR? (Apart of difference in degrees obtained?)

Thanks again sm for the reply

 

[anon2017]

Do you have any insight on what would be easier? I'm a bit iffy at the fact that no one has received a medal for academic merit in UON for DR despite individuals receiving it for other courses in the same faculty.

Do you mean the academic medal/faculty medal? These are awarded for honours degrees. I believe UON only introduced the honours component in recent years, so it is possible no one has graduated from the honours degree yet, hence no one has been eligible to be awarded a medal. You could always email the uni and ask about it - no harm in that.

As for what would be easier, it is hard to say. First year of DR would involve physics, anatomy, bio/physiology, and probably some professional type units. BSc would involve math, some combo of chem/bio/physics (you may be able to choose what to include between these to play to your strengths), and a few electives from other disciplines. Whichever sounds like you would be better at is what I'd call easier.

Is there any difference in outcomes of doing B of DR compared to BSc & Masters of DR? (Apart of difference in degrees obtained?)

Not really, not long term, you're still a qualified radiographer. USYD's Masters requires completion of a supervised practice program upon graduation - you still work as a paid employee, but from what I've heard it can be a little difficult to find these positions (though definitely not impossible!! And you will end up getting one, just maybe not the very first one you apply for, and maybe not in your preferred suburb/practice).