When Frank Holdom arrived at Immerse Education’s summer programs for high school students interested in medicine in Sydney, he didn’t know anyone. Neither did Matthew Kweh. Both were Year 11 students – Frank from Perth, Matthew from Melbourne – and both were strongly considering medicine as a future career and hoping to boost their chances of meeting the University of Sydney medicine entry requirements 

Over two weeks at the University of Sydney on Immerse Education’s medical Academic Insights programme, they developed a detailed understanding of medical careers, advanced their scientific knowledge, and gained a clearer sense of how to meet the University of Sydney medicine entry requirements. 

They also experienced the unexpected social benefits of summer school – those spontaneous connections that can never be planned for, but always seem to happen during Immerse’s residential courses. In the classrooms of St Paul’s College, on campus greens, and throughout the city, Frank and Matthew met peers who shared their goals. They made friendships that made learning easier, and found mentors to rely on in the upcoming university application season.

“It made a world of difference having someone in class I connected with. Even when the sessions were [tough], just having someone there made it easier to get through.”

Two High School Students, One Goal: Taking the Leap in Sydney

Given the stringent nature of University of Sydney medicine entry requirements, a head start can make a world of difference. The first step is always making that decision to go for it – to actually pursue a career in medicine. Summer programs for high school students interested in medicine are designed to provide exactly this sort of clarity.

Frank remembers his mindset at the start. “I went into it with the mentality that this programme would help me decide on my future in medicine.” For him, being around others with similar aspirations was transformative. “Being around people who already had the same goals and mindset as me really helped me realise that I wanted to be like them — driven and passionate about what I do in the future.”

Matthew had similar feelings. “I wanted to get a sense of what it would be like to be in the world of medicine, and it showed me what I wanted to do. It gave me a good insight, and now I think I want to pursue a career in medicine.” 

Learning Together: Two Perspectives on One Summer Program

Both students found the academic side engaging and thought-provoking. Frank’s highlights included both the timetabled classes that covered topics ranging from anatomy to physiology and pathology as well as field trips – in particular, the visit to the pathology centre.

The varied curriculum introduced students to multiple specialities, which exposed the diverse motivations of aspiring medics. In Frank’s words, “you got a sense of what made people tick in medicine. Some were really into human anatomy and the science, others were more about empathy and helping people. It made me think about what I wanted to do after medical school.”

For Matthew, the pathology museum also left a lasting impression. “I was really interested in the pathology museum, where they had organs on display. Many had evidence of conditions I hadn’t seen before, such as brains with aneurysms. It gave me the confidence to look at these things and not feel queasy. I think I can handle it now.”

They also connected with their mentor, a current undergraduate studying medicine. Matthew recalls: “He was from USYD and studying medicine as well, and I got to learn a lot about his life and why he chose medicine. He had a similar background to me. It was good to see someone who was in my shoes just a couple of years ago.” Of course, their mentor shared tips on meeting the University of Sydney medicine entry requirements and making a strong application. 

Frank echoed the benefits of forming bonds with students just a few years ahead, noting that getting to know their mentor helped him realise that medical students really were his people. 

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Building a Network That Lasts

For Frank, making friends was easier than he expected: “At first there was a layer of ice, but it only took about half a day to feel more comfortable. Everyone came in wanting to make friends, and that really helped.”

By the end, the whole group felt like a community. Frank shares: “We still have a group chat that’s pretty active. A few weeks ago, we even had a big WhatsApp call with about ten of us just to check in on each other.”

Matthew agrees: “It was easy to make friends because we started with tutor group games, which broke the ice. Getting to know people through fun activities and in class was great because everyone had similar goals to mine.”

Transforming Through Shared Experiences

Immerse’s summer programs for high school students interested in medicine include a full programme of excursions and activities, as well as free time to explore the campus surroundings.

Naturally, some friendships developed beyond group activities and the learning environment, crossing into free time. Frank recalled: “The big moment was when I asked Matt if he wanted to go for a run in the morning, and he said yes.” Matthew noticed how much they had in common: “He’s good at music, which I really like too. We even performed together in the talent show. He also plays volleyball, and I play tennis. It was good to meet someone athletic and academic who also likes to have fun – that’s what I’d been looking for.”

Having a network of peers who can match you in multiple areas of life – who can motivate you in fitness, creativity, and the classroom – can be the difference between simply attending a programme and truly transforming through it. Those kinds of peers push you beyond your comfort zone and inspire you to raise your game in every area.

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Looking Ahead: Confidence, Clarity and Connection

Frank now feels much better prepared for his future. The experience has helped to shape how he plans to approach the University of Sydney medicine entry requirements when the time comes. “At first I thought it would just help with my medicine career in terms of education. But the connections I made have already helped a lot. Talking to my mentor taught me about the admissions process and tied me to the university itself. I have connections to Sydney, to medicine now.” 

Matthew adds: “It was insightful because even if I don’t end up there, I now know what I like and what I don’t in a university.” For him, a summer program for high school students interested in medicine was a valuable way to test his ambitions in a supportive environment.

Both agree that meeting like-minded peers and mentors made their ambitions feel more achievable. As Matthew puts it: “It was a good opportunity to understand the course, but also to meet people who are like-minded and want to do the same thing as me. Keeping in touch with them now is really important.”

Interested in Medicine?

Frank and Matthew’s story shows how much it helps to be surrounded by people who share your ambition. They returned home more confident and committed to their paths.

An Immerse Education summer program for high school students interested in medicine could be a perfect for you. Our summer programmes are designed to inspire and prepare you for the next step.

And if you already know someone who’d love to join too, don’t forget to use our refer-a-friend code when you apply. The journey is always better when shared!

Find your people and build your future with Immerse.