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*MEGATHREAD* - The GEM "Am I Good Enough?" General Questions & Advice Megathread

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Reply 240
Heyy,

I'm applying with my current biomedical science degree for graduate entry and possibly some five year courses. My transcript is really good and, as far as work experience, voluntary placements etcetera go, I've got a really solid application.

BUT I just cocked up my UKCAT, got 580VR, 740DA, 630AR and 700QR (665 avg.).

I had big plans to apply for Imperial GEP, Warwick GEP, Newcastle GEP and Cambridge GEP. I just wondered if any of these options are still viable in anyway? If other people in my situation are applying to any of these Universities? And, if not, where would be a good place to apply considering my UKCAT and having no chemistry A-level? Just generally where other people in my sitch are applying?

Thanks, I'm aware this isn't a very uncommon thread, but I was just looking for some really personalised help...! :smile:

xx
Reply 241
Original post by Tojo
Heyy,

I'm applying with my current biomedical science degree for graduate entry and possibly some five year courses. My transcript is really good and, as far as work experience, voluntary placements etcetera go, I've got a really solid application.

BUT I just cocked up my UKCAT, got 580VR, 740DA, 630AR and 700QR (665 avg.).

I had big plans to apply for Imperial GEP, Warwick GEP, Newcastle GEP and Cambridge GEP. I just wondered if any of these options are still viable in anyway? If other people in my situation are applying to any of these Universities? And, if not, where would be a good place to apply considering my UKCAT and having no chemistry A-level? Just generally where other people in my sitch are applying?

Thanks, I'm aware this isn't a very uncommon thread, but I was just looking for some really personalised help...! :smile:

xx


Hi, I am applying to the same unis as you but with Leicester GEP in place of Cambridge, i got 705 UKCAT. I think your UKCAT score is risky for applying to Imperial and Newcastle, Warwick also may have a higher cut off.
Have you thought about Leicester, they have a different scoring system and as such there is no UKCAT cut off - you need one years full time work experience in a caring role though
Reply 242
Original post by Tojo
Heyy,

I'm applying with my current biomedical science degree for graduate entry and possibly some five year courses. My transcript is really good and, as far as work experience, voluntary placements etcetera go, I've got a really solid application.

BUT I just cocked up my UKCAT, got 580VR, 740DA, 630AR and 700QR (665 avg.).

I had big plans to apply for Imperial GEP, Warwick GEP, Newcastle GEP and Cambridge GEP. I just wondered if any of these options are still viable in anyway? If other people in my situation are applying to any of these Universities? And, if not, where would be a good place to apply considering my UKCAT and having no chemistry A-level? Just generally where other people in my sitch are applying?

Thanks, I'm aware this isn't a very uncommon thread, but I was just looking for some really personalised help...! :smile:

xx



Original post by jen001
Hi, I am applying to the same unis as you but with Leicester GEP in place of Cambridge, i got 705 UKCAT. I think your UKCAT score is risky for applying to Imperial and Newcastle, Warwick also may have a higher cut off.
Have you thought about Leicester, they have a different scoring system and as such there is no UKCAT cut off - you need one years full time work experience in a caring role though


Just to let you both know, I applied to the imperial GEP for 2011 entry and they asked for an average of 650 in each sub section of the UKCAT not just 650 overall, they look at individual subsection scores. You might want to email to see if that's the case again for 2012 entry.
Reply 243
Original post by DrWise
Just to let you both know, I applied to the imperial GEP for 2011 entry and they asked for an average of 650 in each sub section of the UKCAT not just 650 overall, they look at individual subsection scores. You might want to email to see if that's the case again for 2012 entry.


Ahh thanks for that, did you get into Imperial? I wasnt sure about it as a choice because i heard it is very hard to get into and the course was very 'sciencey'! Will definately apply now though (i got 700 for lowest subsection), thankyou
Reply 244
Original post by jen001
Ahh thanks for that, did you get into Imperial? I wasnt sure about it as a choice because i heard it is very hard to get into and the course was very 'sciencey'! Will definately apply now though (i got 700 for lowest subsection), thankyou


Didn't get into Imperial not too upset though because Barts was my first choice.
V. simple question. If you study a 4 year GEM degree (one that doesn't require your first degree to be in a science subject) are you still able to specialise after the medicine degree and go on to become a consultant? Are prestigious careers, e.g. brain surgery, which requires extensive training after the degree, open to GEM graduates?
Thanks, and please don't berate me for asking such a simplistic question. I suppose I'm just curious about how GEM degrees are perceived by the wider medicine community after you qualify and whether the same opportunities are open to you if you take such a degree - or does it depend on the degree programme (as no medicine course is identical to another)/ prestige of university you went to?
If people could give me an analysis of whether my plan is good then i'd be very grateful!

Right, so i've decided to go into medicine after having gone down the arts route. I did well, got a first in History from Cambridge.

So, my original A levels were; Mathematics, History, Eng Lang & Lit, Law and AS Critical Thinking. All A grades.

Now... I'm phoning medicine departments tomorrow to check if my plan is okay with them.... but I'll outline it below:

To do Biology and Chemistry A levels over 2 years whilst doing extensive work experience. To live at home (luckily rent free) and work part time (to save a bit and help my parents a bit with the funding). 2 years I think is enough time to put a good work experience resume together, given that i'm starting from scratch!

The application would be sent off at the start of October 2012.

My reason for taking the A levels becomes clear when you see the Unis I am considering:

Swansea (post GCSE Biol and Chem an advantage)
Cambridge (A Level Chem essential + two from Biol, Phys and Maths)
Nottingham (non specific on A levels)
Kings College London (same policy as Notts on A levels)

I know I am being ambitious, but accepting defeat never got anyone far! Opinions/thoughts are most welcome!
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Allypally123
If people could give me an analysis of whether my plan is good then i'd be very grateful!

Right, so i've decided to go into medicine after having gone down the arts route. I did well, got a first in History from Cambridge.

So, my original A levels were; Mathematics, History, Eng Lang & Lit, Law and AS Critical Thinking. All A grades.

Now... I'm phoning medicine departments tomorrow to check if my plan is okay with them.... but I'll outline it below:

To do Biology and Chemistry A levels over 2 years whilst doing extensive work experience. To live at home (luckily rent free) and work part time (to save a bit and help my parents a bit with the funding). 2 years I think is enough time to put a good work experience resume together, given that i'm starting from scratch!

The application would be sent off at the start of October 2012.

My reason for taking the A levels becomes clear when you see the Unis I am considering:

Swansea (post GCSE Biol and Chem an advantage)
Cambridge (A Level Chem essential + two from Biol, Phys and Maths)
Nottingham (non specific on A levels)
Kings College London (same policy as Notts on A levels)

I know I am being ambitious, but accepting defeat never got anyone far! Opinions/thoughts are most welcome!


There are universities where you dont need A-level chemistry/bio for GEP.
If you really have made up your mind about applying to the universities that you listed, maybe consider completing AS and A2 Chemistry and Biology in one year? They are quite easy. You wont waste an extra year!
Reply 248
It should not make a difference where you graduated from, you will still have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Check out this to see which uni's offer GEM for non science degrees..

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Graduate_Entry_Medicine_-_a_guide
Original post by Allypally123
V. simple question. If you study a 4 year GEM degree (one that doesn't require your first degree to be in a science subject) are you still able to specialise after the medicine degree and go on to become a consultant? Are prestigious careers, e.g. brain surgery, which requires extensive training after the degree, open to GEM graduates?
Thanks, and please don't berate me for asking such a simplistic question. I suppose I'm just curious about how GEM degrees are perceived by the wider medicine community after you qualify and whether the same opportunities are open to you if you take such a degree - or does it depend on the degree programme (as no medicine course is identical to another)/ prestige of university you went to?


No you will have the same opportunities. All doctors need to meet certain standards to qualify.
Reply 250
Does anyone know what the cut-off for Warwick was for 2011?

I got 700 on the UKCAT today (670/640/720/770), I'm a bit disappointed with it. Will it be enough?
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Annora
Does anyone know what the cut-off for Warwick was for 2011?

I got 700 on the UKCAT today (670/640/720/770), I'm a bit disappointed with it. Will it be enough?


Their website says they're unlikely to interview anyone with less than 660 iirc.

Tbh I remember people getting interviews last year with scores in the 670s. Also, check out the Stalking thread, might reassure you:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medicine_Applicants_Stalking_Page_2011_Entry#Warwick_GEP

You've done very well, 700 is an excellent score.
Reply 252
Hello Everyone

I'm applying to the standard 5 year courses for entry in 2012. I obtained a 2:1 in Molecular Medicine, got a 612.5 in the UKCAT, and have enough work experience. I've got a few questions to ask..

1. Seeing that fees in England have increased and the ones in Scotland are the same and considering you cannot take a student loan for 5 year courses, should we expect an increase in applications for Scotland for the 5 year courses?

2. I'm on a gap year this year and i'm having difficulty finding a paid healthcare or research job (wanted something relevant to what ive done or what im gonna do in the future). Will doing something irrelevant reflect negatively on my application? I know that if you've got a place and asked for deferred entry, you are not expected to do anything specific. Dont see why that should be different for people who dont have a place yet but wanna take a year off.

3. Is it more likely to get a place at a 5 year course or a 4 year course? i.e. Where is competition tougher?

I'm looking to apply for universities that do not have a strong emphasis on the UKCAT...

Thanks for the help in advance...
Reply 253
Original post by Democracy
Their website says they're unlikely to interview anyone with less than 660 iirc.

Tbh I remember people getting interviews last year with scores in the 670s. Also, check out the Stalking thread, might reassure you:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medicine_Applicants_Stalking_Page_2011_Entry#Warwick_GEP

You've done very well, 700 is an excellent score.


I thought it might be in the high 600s, but I don't know whether they have a limit for each section. I hear some med schools want a minimum of 650 in each section.
I read that Graduate Entry Programmes for medicine are exempt from ELQ regulations (apparently this stands for Equal and Lower Qualifications).
Could someone tell me what these rules are about?
Hi,
right, currently GEM programmes are exempt from these rules, but I'm really worried that this might change and leave me stranded! How likely is this to happen? I assume that medicine was exempted for a reason, but how likely is it that this situation going to remain this way. I'm looking at 2013 entry and don't want to be hit by a nasty surprise.
A lot of things about 2013 grad entry (including the funding) are still unknown. Must be very nerve-wracking for you :sadnod: Stupid Coalition ****s :facepalm2:
Original post by Democracy
A lot of things about 2013 grad entry (including the funding) are still unknown. Must be very nerve-wracking for you :sadnod: Stupid Coalition ****s :facepalm2:


Do you have any links to articles/info that I can read?! Or for updated info, who should I contact? Atm the only info I have is the Student Room, which is great but re-reading the small article on Graduate courses isn't helping!
Original post by Allypally123
Do you have any links to articles/info that I can read?! Or for updated info, who should I contact? Atm the only info I have is the Student Room, which is great but re-reading the small article on Graduate courses isn't helping!


This website (and the Facebook group) may be of some help:

http://www.savegem.co.uk/

I know it's frustrating to hear, but you're not the only one in the dark. Graduate entry medicine has become unbelievably (and needlessly) complicated and stressful these past few months :sigh:
Original post by Democracy
This website (and the Facebook group) may be of some help:

http://www.savegem.co.uk/

I know it's frustrating to hear, but you're not the only one in the dark. Graduate entry medicine has become unbelievably (and needlessly) complicated and stressful these past few months :sigh:


Well from reading some of the articles on that website, the passion and committment of the BMA spokespeople at least convinces me that we have some very talented people lobbying on behalf of Graduate Entry degrees!

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