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

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Original post by nearlybled2death
GAMSAT is a slog - it's a 6(ish) hour exam, is expensive and requires a certain amount of preparation. However it's not impossible and not as hard as some people on here seem to think. Getting the right score in it though does guarantee you an interview at SGUL and Notts.

If you are on for a 2i though you may not need to do it, other unis do not require it and the UKCAT seems like an easier thing to undertake.


I would definately spend all summer working for the GAMSAT and looking into it on the suggestions that some others on here have said. I'm just a little limited on my choices because I don't have any real biology and chemistry knowledge prior to my degree, although my degree is classed as Bsc so there is a lot of neurobiology to it. I was going to apply to Newcastle (although they are a tad elusive as it says they don't have a specfic entry criteria for post grad on their website?), Notts, Leister but they want a years work experience but I would have four years part time so I might ask them about that, and I'm not sure what else?

What do you think would be my best option? Thanks for your help :smile:
Warwick would be a good one (from 2013 they accept graduates of any discipline) and is grad only with a large cohort - pretty high UKCAT requirement. King's also allow any degree with the right UKCAT.

If you do go for GAMSAT then also SGUL is a good one (but then I'm biased as that's where I'm going).
Original post by nearlybled2death
Warwick would be a good one (from 2013 they accept graduates of any discipline) and is grad only with a large cohort - pretty high UKCAT requirement. King's also allow any degree with the right UKCAT.

If you do go for GAMSAT then also SGUL is a good one (but then I'm biased as that's where I'm going).


I'm avoiding applying to London based Uni's I'm afraid. It's the only place I'm not keen on applying to which is why I've picked the more northern Unis (I say more northern coz there isn't that many to choose lol)

Congratualtions on your acceptance, and good luck :smile: did you get in first time of applying? Any hints and tips?

Yeah I think Warwick would be a good choice, it's a shame there aren't any others closer to Yorkshire it sucks that there are so few that actually do Graduate medicine in general. I'd of liked to apply to Liverpool too but they want A levels in biology/chemistry or a science related degree
Original post by Lantana
Newcastle choose whether to interview you by ranking your UKCAT score so you need a high score to stand a chance there too. (Past thresholds are around somewhere) However if you get a high score, it's worth applying there because of this. But I avoided the GAMSAT like the plague.



The cutoff score for UKCAT for 2012 entry was 700. At the offers open day we were told there were 990 applicants, 35 offers were given out for 23 places. They also said that it wasn't just the most academic applicants that were offered a place. It was those who 'showed something in the interview that made you right for Newcastle'. Don't know what that 'something' is though.

Those that have had offers have a wide range of ages, academic backgrounds, work experience etc.

So for Newcastle, ace the UKCAT, show that special something at interview and you should be in with a chance.
Original post by select the right name
The cutoff score for UKCAT for 2012 entry was 700. At the offers open day we were told there were 990 applicants, 35 offers were given out for 23 places. They also said that it wasn't just the most academic applicants that were offered a place. It was those who 'showed something in the interview that made you right for Newcastle'. Don't know what that 'something' is though.

Those that have had offers have a wide range of ages, academic backgrounds, work experience etc.

So for Newcastle, ace the UKCAT, show that special something at interview and you should be in with a chance


lol I have this image of walking in with that dog off Britains got talent or something...
I had no idea that they offered so few places, I may not bother applying there... I mean I thought I stood a chance at some Uni's maybe but unless I bring in some all singing and all dancing dog with me or something I'm screwed lol. Even the entry requirements on the website are extremely elusive and they put something about "home" students? What on earth does that mean, do they only choose from around Newcastle or something
(edited 11 years ago)
Home students means UK students. Im Scottish living in Lancashire so not just from the Newcastle area. There are a few of us from Lancashire.......so revised admissions requirements....ace the UKCAT, take an all singing, all dancing dog, move to Lancashire, and you'll be fine for Newcastle.

Seriously though, the Newcastle requirements are 2.1 in any degree, UKCAT score in the 700's. They also state they require recent study and extensive work experience, but they are a little more lenient on those requirements.
Original post by select the right name
Home students means UK students. Im Scottish living in Lancashire so not just from the Newcastle area. There are a few of us from Lancashire.......so revised admissions requirements....ace the UKCAT, take an all singing, all dancing dog, move to Lancashire, and you'll be fine for Newcastle.

Seriously though, the Newcastle requirements are 2.1 in any degree, UKCAT score in the 700's. They also state they require recent study and extensive work experience, but they are a little more lenient on those requirements.


That bit is most definately the easiest part of the application process lol.
I've got a real mixed bag of experience, children with autism, adults with SEN, clinical research, volunteering in a dementia care home, working with kids who are risk of offending. Plus online for a 2.1, think I'll definately apply... but they just don't accept that many I guess and I would be worried of wasting an application if I wasn't right for it
Reply 507
Original post by select the right name
The cutoff score for UKCAT for 2012 entry was 700. At the offers open day we were told there were 990 applicants, 35 offers were given out for 23 places. They also said that it wasn't just the most academic applicants that were offered a place. It was those who 'showed something in the interview that made you right for Newcastle'. Don't know what that 'something' is though.

Those that have had offers have a wide range of ages, academic backgrounds, work experience etc.

So for Newcastle, ace the UKCAT, show that special something at interview and you should be in with a chance.

I didn't realise it was that bad- a 40:1 ratio. I wonder what the interview: place ratio is though. 23 places? :holmes: It's normally 24ish as they like that number. Goodness knows what I showed :s-smilie:

Yep, the guy running the show before liked picking a definite variety of people. Don't know about now as he's left but I imagine it'll be the same!

Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
That bit is most definately the easiest part of the application process lol.
I've got a real mixed bag of experience, children with autism, adults with SEN, clinical research, volunteering in a dementia care home, working with kids who are risk of offending. Plus online for a 2.1, think I'll definately apply... but they just don't accept that many I guess and I would be worried of wasting an application if I wasn't right for it


I would only not try if you don't get a decent UKCAT score (i.e. 700+). You can't really tell how you'll do at interview beforehand.
Original post by Lantana
Well it depends on where you want to/have to apply, how much aversion you have to the GAMSAT and how easy you find the respective exams - UKCAT suits my way of thinking and so once you get how to do it, it's just a matter of application. Plus it's cheaper, easier and you get to know the results before you apply.

You can't ask me how I'm finding it if in the question before you ask if I even got in. Some minor stalking of my signature/ thread history might provide you with the answers...


:confused:
It says in your signature that you've just finished first year of the GEP course, therefore you have got in?
Reply 509
Original post by groovyangel2008
:confused:
It says in your signature that you've just finished first year of the GEP course, therefore you have got in?


:yes: Hence the slight confusion at the asking of unnecessary questions.
Original post by Lantana
Goodness knows what I showed :s-smilie:


I would only not try if you don't get a decent UKCAT score (i.e. 700+). You can't really tell how you'll do at interview beforehand.


Well you must have done really well in your UKCAT and had a special something :smile:
How have you found your first year?
Also I have a general question to mainly females in particular who are doing the GEP... do you worry about having kids and stuff in the future? I was working it out and thought I'm gunna be at least early 30's when I'm done in education and that's if I managed to get on next years 2012 entry! I always wanted kids and stuff... Is there any advice anyone has? Or any reassurance...? Will I miss out on it?
I've seen other people mention it, but what do people think? Do they worry?
Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
Also I have a general question to mainly females in particular who are doing the GEP... do you worry about having kids and stuff in the future? I was working it out and thought I'm gunna be at least early 30's when I'm done in education and that's if I managed to get on next years 2012 entry! I always wanted kids and stuff... Is there any advice anyone has? Or any reassurance...? Will I miss out on it?
I've seen other people mention it, but what do people think? Do they worry?


Hi NuttyPsychologist,

You sound in a familiar position to me. I'm hoping to apply for Medicine next year, and Newcastle and Warwick seem the most appealing. I'd love to be a doctor but I do question whether I can do it. Whether that's a lack of self confidence that I just need to get over, or is me being realistic about my chances, I guess we'll find out.

I don't think you'll miss out on children. A lot of my friends are medics and plan to have a family. Even if you only become qualified in your 30's it doesn't mean you can't be a parent. But obviously it depends how many children you want, how high up you want to get to and probably what area of medicine you want to go into as well. Medicine is a huge commitment and that means you're likely to work long hours and have less time at home etc. Personally I'm unsure about kids but love working hard if I enjoy something, and medicine is something I could see myself working very hard at, and wouldn't mind the long hours etc. So I don't think it's necessarily either/or but you're right to think about it now at least.
Reply 513
Hi Guys,
It's been quite a while since I last researched (about two years ago) but have spent that time concentrating on my degree.

I am about to graduate with a First/high 2.1 in Law and have been accepted for a Medical Law LLM/MA starting in September, so will be applying to med school for 2013. What are the timelines here? When do I need to apply through UCAS, and likewise, when are the GAMSAT/UKCAT for 2013.

Will having a masters increase my chances, likewise with the First? I remember at the Nottingham GEM day a while ago the admissions guy saying MA applicants automatically go above undergrad applicants but not sure if this has now changed and how wide spread it is.

Out of the two, I think I prefer GAMSAT given it's two sections on essay/verbal, but will be completing both. Preferred med schools = KCL, Newcastle and apparently Warwick will be accepting GEM in any subject so Warwick too.

Thanks!
Reply 514
Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
Well you must have done really well in your UKCAT and had a special something :smile:
How have you found your first second year?


Fine, if a bit crazy at times

Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
Also I have a general question to mainly females in particular who are doing the GEP... do you worry about having kids and stuff in the future? I was working it out and thought I'm gunna be at least early 30's when I'm done in education and that's if I managed to get on next years 2012 entry! I always wanted kids and stuff... Is there any advice anyone has? Or any reassurance...? Will I miss out on it?
I've seen other people mention it, but what do people think? Do they worry?


I think it depends on if you want to finish to a certain level or if you don't mind having a gap, how many you want, if you already have a partner and what they do as well. As I'll be 27 when I finish F2 and don't even have a bf atm, I'm not freaking out about it. I think though there will be an element of comprimise if you want both and for me I'd rather put the career on hold as it's easier to resume that than to potentially miss out on having kids from waiting too long.
Original post by Lantana
Fine, if a bit crazy at times



I think it depends on if you want to finish to a certain level or if you don't mind having a gap, how many you want, if you already have a partner and what they do as well. As I'll be 27 when I finish F2 and don't even have a bf atm, I'm not freaking out about it. I think though there will be an element of comprimise if you want both and for me I'd rather put the career on hold as it's easier to resume that than to potentially miss out on having kids from waiting too long.


Sorry I was going by someone's earlier post that sounded like you were at the end of first year. Yeah if I get on (if I got in for 2013 entry) at the end of F2 I'd be 28. Could you maybe have kids then? Before specialisation. I have a partner who is being amazingly supportive. I'm exactly the same, I'd rather take a career break then miss out. I feel better though now you put it like that. :smile:
Well whatever you do, don't do what I did! Have three kids in 2 years, do a degree, meet someone with two kids, raise all five kids, survive the terrible teens, then apply to medical school.
Original post by select the right name
Well whatever you do, don't do what I did! Have three kids in 2 years, do a degree, meet someone with two kids, raise all five kids, survive the terrible teens, then apply to medical school.


Hats off to you...! superwoman :smile:
Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
Hats off to you...! superwoman :smile:


Lol, I would join you in the hat removal but you might see the lobotomy scar.....it was the only way to survive three teenage girls.....
Reply 519
Original post by Nutty_Psychologist
Sorry I was going by someone's earlier post that sounded like you were at the end of first year. Yeah if I get on (if I got in for 2013 entry) at the end of F2 I'd be 28. Could you maybe have kids then? Before specialisation. I have a partner who is being amazingly supportive. I'm exactly the same, I'd rather take a career break then miss out. I feel better though now you put it like that. :smile:


I've been told that the only place you shouldn't have them is F1 and you really don't want a gap between finals and F1. Otherwise, anywhere else, whilst might being awkward and having to do things differently/ in an altered timeframe, is possible. Though it's best if you get F2 out the way also but plenty of people take a break after that - to locum, to go travel, figure out what speciality etc. You can have them in med school, but you don't get paid maternity so you have financial hassle + studying :s-smilie:

Original post by select the right name
Well whatever you do, don't do what I did! Have three kids in 2 years, do a degree, meet someone with two kids, raise all five kids, survive the terrible teens, then apply to medical school.


Do you have a death wish?!?

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