[geditor]

Hi,
Basically, I've just finished sitting my AS Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths and Electronics (and A2 maths, predicted all A*s at A2 excluding Electronics which is A) in order to study Physics at Uni (most probably Oxford). However, I've recently had a change of mind, and I feel like I'm more sided towards wanting to study Medicine at university, in which case I would need Biology A-Level. I don't really know what I should do now; should I finish my current A-Levels and then take a gap year to study Biology A-Level to then apply to uni or what? I'm really confused and need some help thanks. If any of this doesn't make sense then please ask

(If it's any use, I only got an A at Biology GCSE, but that was because we realised the examiners marked my script incorrectly and I also performed generally quite poorly in the practical/coursework assignment which counts for 30%, I got A*s in the rest of the exams. I didn't really enjoy Biology GCSE, but I've looked at the A-Level biology content and the chemistry involved which has really got me interested in the subject)

[digitalis]

(Original post by geditor)
Hi,
Basically, I've just finished sitting my AS Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths and Electronics (and A2 maths, predicted all A*s at A2 excluding Electronics which is A) in order to study Physics at Uni (most probably Oxford). However, I've recently had a change of mind, and I feel like I'm more sided towards wanting to study Medicine at university, in which case I would need Biology A-Level. I don't really know what I should do now; should I finish my current A-Levels and then take a gap year to study Biology A-Level to then apply to uni or what? I'm really confused and need some help thanks. If any of this doesn't make sense then please ask

(If it's any use, I only got an A at Biology GCSE, but that was because we realised the examiners marked my script incorrectly and I also performed generally quite poorly in the practical/coursework assignment which counts for 30%, I got A*s in the rest of the exams. I didn't really enjoy Biology GCSE, but I've looked at the A-Level biology content and the chemistry involved which has really got me interested in the subject)

What didn't you like about GCSE biology? What attracts you to A level biology? What attracts you to medicine?

You don't *have* to have A level biology but you do really need it at AS level. You also need some work experience.

[geditor]

I'm attracted to medicine for two reasons:
- I potentially have the ability to actually make a difference in the world in which we live by helping to save lives
- I enjoy observing the connection between what happens in our environment and how it affects the way in which our body works, almost as if it were some sort of complicated maths equation that you had to solve.

I didn't like GCSE Biology because it was mainly revising the words out of the textbook and I didn't really get the chance to actually see how things work such as in Physics and Chemistry. But I hear A-Level Biology goes down to a much more fundamental level involving plenty of chemistry which is why I'm interested in it.

[carnationlilyrose]

(Original post by geditor)
I'm attracted to medicine for two reasons:
- I potentially have the ability to actually make a difference in the world in which we live by helping to save lives
- I enjoy observing the connection between what happens in our environment and how it affects the way in which our body works, almost as if it were some sort of complicated maths equation that you had to solve.

I didn't like GCSE Biology because it was mainly revising the words out of the textbook and I didn't really get the chance to actually see how things work such as in Physics and Chemistry. But I hear A-Level Biology goes down to a much more fundamental level involving plenty of chemistry which is why I'm interested in it.

To echo what digitalis says, you really need work experience.

[chloemo14]

(Original post by geditor)
I'm attracted to medicine for two reasons:
- I potentially have the ability to actually make a difference in the world in which we live by helping to save lives
- I enjoy observing the connection between what happens in our environment and how it affects the way in which our body works, almost as if it were some sort of complicated maths equation that you had to solve.

I didn't like GCSE Biology because it was mainly revising the words out of the textbook and I didn't really get the chance to actually see how things work such as in Physics and Chemistry. But I hear A-Level Biology goes down to a much more fundamental level involving plenty of chemistry which is why I'm interested in it.

From my experience so far, that sounds a lot like preclinical medicine

[TwilightKnight]

(Original post by geditor)
I'm attracted to medicine for two reasons:
- I potentially have the ability to actually make a difference in the world in which we live by helping to save lives
- I enjoy observing the connection between what happens in our environment and how it affects the way in which our body works, almost as if it were some sort of complicated maths equation that you had to solve.

I didn't like GCSE Biology because it was mainly revising the words out of the textbook and I didn't really get the chance to actually see how things work such as in Physics and Chemistry. But I hear A-Level Biology goes down to a much more fundamental level involving plenty of chemistry which is why I'm interested in it.

To echo what the person above me said, if you didn't like that about GCSE Biology, you're not going to like it about A Level Biology, and you certainly won't like it in Medicine.

Granted, I've only just finished my first year, but my main frustration with the course so far is that it's just remembering lots and lots and lots and... (...) lots and lots of little mechanisms, random latin names for bones and muscles and useless psychosocial *******s.

Don't get me wrong, when you come across something that interests you, it can be fascinating. Immunology and Oncology have been very interesting sub-topics, but you inevitably have to cover stuff you don't find interesting, and holding onto information you don't find interesting is very difficult. I don't dislike PBL as much as I thought I would though, so that's a bonus!

Also, I promised myself I wouldn't become that cynical Medic, but the reasons you've listed are very cliché. There's nothing wrong with those being your reasons, but you need to have evidence to back it up - pretty much every applicant will say that or some variation of that. Work experience etc are essential. Only 1/5 applicants gets a place, and they all have the grades and a nicely written personal statement. You need to be able to get to interview to wow them and show them what you can do.

[chloemo14]

(Original post by TwilightKnight)

Don't get me wrong, when you come across something that interests you, it can be fascinating. Immunology and Oncology have been very interesting sub-topics, but you inevitably have to cover stuff you don't find interesting, and holding onto information you don't find interesting is very difficult. I don't dislike PBL as much as I thought I would though, so that's a bonus!