MMI and UCAT Master Course Coached by a senior medical student at the University of Adelaide

Find out more about Garv

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and private tutoring?

  I became interested in medicine back in high school. I was always curious about how the human body works and was drawn to a career where I could make a difference. But my interest in tutoring came later, after going through the intense UCAT and interview process myself. It was tough, and I remember thinking, "I wish someone could just walk me through this." So once I got into med school, I decided to become that person for others. I've been tutoring ever since and genuinely enjoy helping students reach their goals.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I focus on UCAT and medical school interview coaching. I love breaking down tricky concepts in the UCAT and helping students realise it's more about strategy and mindset than just content. For interviews, I enjoy working on things like communication skills, self-awareness, and structuring strong answers. I'm especially passionate about the MMI format, it's such a unique challenge. The part I enjoy less is probably some of the repetitive parts of UCAT practice (looking at you, Verbal Reasoning), but we find ways to keep it engaging and efficient.

• Did you have any role models, a teacher who inspired you?

  Yes, one of my high school teachers inspired me, not just with how well they taught, but how much they believed in their students. That encouragement made a huge difference for me. It's a big part of why I aim to be more than just someone who explains concepts, I want to be someone who helps students feel capable and confident.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think a good tutor listens and adapts to each student's style. You need to be patient, clear, and encouraging, but also honest. It's important to celebrate progress but also give constructive feedback. In UCAT and interview prep, being strategic is just as important, so I focus on showing students how to prepare smarter, not just harder.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I worked with a student who had already sat the UCAT twice and felt like giving up. We started fresh, refocused on strategy, fixed time management issues, and worked on their confidence. A few months later, they not only crushed the UCAT but also got multiple interview offers. That was a powerful moment, not just because of the result, but because they believed in themselves again. It reminded me why I love doing this.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  For me, the biggest challenge with UCAT was how overwhelming it felt at the start. There's so much pressure and so many different sections, it's hard to know where to begin. With interviews, I struggled with nerves initially. That's something a lot of students deal with too. I always say that preparation isn't just about content, it's also about getting into the right headspace.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject, or something completely different?

  I'm passionate about helping people grow, especially when they're aiming for something big like getting into medicine. There's something really special about seeing someone build their skills and confidence over time. Outside of tutoring, I'm interested in healthcare systems and clinical medicine, but tutoring gives me that immediate connection where I can see the impact of what I do.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I think what makes me stand out is that I've been through this exact process, not that long ago. I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure. So everything I teach is practical, realistic, and personalised. I care about my students, and I'm genuinely invested in their success. For me, tutoring isn't just about getting a good UCAT score or passing an interview, it's about helping someone take the next big step in their journey to becoming a doctor.