MEDICINE - RESULTS DAY 2016 - Help, I missed my medical school offer!

RESULTS DAY 2016

Help, I missed my medical school offer!

Firstly, whilst it may feel like it right now, this is not the end of the world. You're not the only one in this situation and there are still plenty of options available to you.

HowThe first thing to think about is how much you missed your grades by. Every year medical schools will take a (very) small amount of people who miss their grades.

Has your UCAS track changed?

In some cases, it may have changed to 'Unconditional' despite the missed grades - if so, congratulations!

If it's changed to 'Unsuccessful' then you might want to consider ringing the university to ask if they’ll still be willing to give you a place. This may work if you have only just missed your grades though this is extremely unlikely.

If it still says "Conditional", ring your university immediately - they haven't yet made a decision on you so anything you say or do now could sway that in your favour. If you’ve missed your grade by only a few marks you should consider putting in a request for a priority remark. Discuss this with your teachers and remember that remarks can put your grade down as well as up. Inform your university immediately if you are requesting remarks. The university should, though are not compelled to, hold your place open for you whilst your exam is remarked, provided the results come back to satisfy the conditions of your offer by August 31st. Make sure you clarify the situation about how long they will hold your offer for when you speak to them.

Clearing for medicine

It is extremely unlikely that any spaces will be available for medicine in Clearing as most medical schools run their own official/unofficial waiting lists throughout the cycle through which they fill any vacancies, usually with people whom they have already interviewed. If you are willing to risk the wrath of admissions tutors who are inundated with phone calls, you may like to try ringing all of the medical schools to ask if there are any spaces - no harm in trying! There are a very small handful of cases where this has worked in the past.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This year, St George's University London has stated it will be in Clearing for medicine (for HOME and INTERNATIONALS). For more information, see their announcement here. The Clearing number for 5-year MBBS is +44 020 3608 0211.

Plymouth have a small number of places available in Clearing for medicine, but ONLY FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS. For more information, see their announcement here. To apply, email your academic information to: [email protected].

[b]

IfYou may like to try ringing up various medical schools asking if they’re willing to consider you. Although this is a very very long shot (similar to Clearing) this has worked for a very select few in the past.

If you don’t manage to get a place for this year you need to decide what your next steps will be. Your options are:

1) Take a gap year and reapply.

This gives you the opportunity to improve the weak spots in your application, and also work and/or travel if you so wish. If you have the right grades for medicine, this is your best chance of success at getting into medical school. We recommend this as the primary option - it takes the least times, costs the least and most people are successful.

2) Go to university this year.

If you put your 5th choice as your Insurance and met the offer for this, you just need to check your AS12 letter to see how they want you to confirm this place, and organise accommodation if you haven't done so already.

3) Clearing (non-medicine courses)

If you didn't have a 5th choice or didn't make it your Insurance, you can try to gain a place through Clearing. Many high calibre universities are expected to be in Clearing this year, so consider where you would like to study and what subject - whilst biomedical sciences is the most common option, consider what you would be most happy studying for the next three years.

Physiology, biochemistry, biology, and medical engineering are all possible alternatives, and the Clearing lists will have even more options for you to consider.

Eligibility for graduate entry to medicine is usually achieved with any science degree (and also with non-science degrees, though this would limit your options later on), though check this before entering a Clearing choice onto Track.

4) Start another degree with the view to transferring to medicine after year 1.

This route is achieved by very few people and competition is stiff, so consider whether you would be happy staying on the course for the full three years if you don't manage to transfer. A small number of courses offer this option (Bradford Clinical Sciences, St Georges Biomed, Newcastle Biomed, to name a few). As a rule, we do not recommend this as a viable route into medicine and you should only do this if you would be completely happy graduating with the biomedical science degree you would be applying for.

5) Start another degree with the view to reapplying for medicine during year 1.

Again, consider whether you would be happy to remain on the course if you are unsuccessful at reapplication. Medical schools have differing views on this, and again is not one of the most recommended options.

IfIn most circumstances, you will not get into a medical degree course in the UK with grades less than AAA. Exceptions include people with mitigating circumstances or those applying through specific special access courses. You have to decide whether you still want to do medicine or not.

Decided you don't want to do medicine?

You can either take a gap year whilst deciding what to do, or apply for a different course through clearing. Some excellent resources on clearing can be found here .

Still want to do medicine?

Your options are either resit your A Levels to achieve AAA/A*AA or apply for another course (such as biomedicine with the aim of transferring after first year or a course leading to taking medicine as a graduate, see above). All of these options have their disadvantages.

Few medical schools will accept resit students unless they have extenuating circumstances so you would be limited in where you can apply, more information on individual universities are available here .You should carefully look at the resit policies of each medical school before making a decision.

Graduate entry medicine is very competitive and can be a rather expensive route, with tuition fees and maintenance coming out of your own pocket. Bear in mind that you ideally would need a 2:1 or 1st to get a place, which can be difficult, especially if you’re doing a subject that you don’t enjoy. Studying biomedicine with a view to transfer to medicine is also extremely competitive and you should be willing to continue on the degree if you are not able to transfer, bearing in mind that this is the more likely outcome.

If you need any other support or advice, post in this thread.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 1

Beska

OP

21

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This year, St George's University London has stated it will be in Clearing for medicine (for HOME and INTERNATIONALS). For more information, see their announcement here. The Clearing number for 5-year MBBS is +44 020 3608 0211.

Plymouth have a small number of places available in Clearing for medicine, but ONLY FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS. For more information, see their announcement here. To apply, email your academic information to: [email protected].

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 2

TaraHunter

I was predicted A*AA and was offered a place for medicine by Hull York Medical School. I did awful in few exams and it really brought my overall grade down so I got: Biology- A* Maths-C Chemistry- B. I'm really stuck on what to do now and am in shock because I had no idea what I should do and I didn't expect my results to be so awful- I worked so hard for medicine. Am I forced to give up on my dreams of studying medicine?

Reply 3

Beska

OP

21

Original post by TaraHunter

I was predicted A*AA and was offered a place for medicine by Hull York Medical School. I did awful in few exams and it really brought my overall grade down so I got: Biology- A* Maths-C Chemistry- B. I'm really stuck on what to do now and am in shock because I had no idea what I should do and I didn't expect my results to be so awful- I worked so hard for medicine. Am I forced to give up on my dreams of studying medicine?

Hi

I am very sorry that your results aren't what you wanted.

You might find it useful to have a look at this thread here, which has lots of advice on next steps: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4251144

Take a look and let me know if you need any more advice.

P.S. What does it say on Track?

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 4

mizzsnazzter

18

Original post by TaraHunter

I was predicted A*AA and was offered a place for medicine by Hull York Medical School. I did awful in few exams and it really brought my overall grade down so I got: Biology- A* Maths-C Chemistry- B. I'm really stuck on what to do now and am in shock because I had no idea what I should do and I didn't expect my results to be so awful- I worked so hard for medicine. Am I forced to give up on my dreams of studying medicine?

Just retake and try again next year! No need to give up on medicine :smile:

Have you checked if Hull have accepted you?

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 5

sunnybacon

12

My brother got all 4 offers to study medicine, including where I study medicine (King's), but just missed the grades, we think he's got A* A* B - he's gone to collect his results now. His insurance offer is Biomed at King's, which has been accepted.

Reply 6

TaraHunter

Original post by Beska

Hi

I am very sorry that your results aren't what you wanted.

You might find it useful to have a look at this thread here, which has lots of advice on next steps: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4251144

Take a look and let me know if you need any more advice.

P.S. What does it say on Track?

It says I was unsuccessful for medicine however I did manage to get my insurance choice to UEA for biomedicine however my friend who had a similar situation a few years ago says that instead of going for graduate entrance in UK I should look into studying medicine abroad. What should I do?

Reply 7

Neostigmine

18

Original post by TaraHunter

It says I was unsuccessful for medicine however I did manage to get my insurance choice to UEA for biomedicine however my friend who had a similar situation a few years ago says that instead of going for graduate entrance in UK I should look into studying medicine abroad. What should I do?

That's up to you really. Have you got your grades? Are you close to any boundaries?
Graduate is competitive but is an option for sure. Depending on how you can find funding you can also apply for 5 year courses as a graduate.

Reply 8

Beska

OP

21

Original post by TaraHunter

It says I was unsuccessful for medicine however I did manage to get my insurance choice to UEA for biomedicine however my friend who had a similar situation a few years ago says that instead of going for graduate entrance in UK I should look into studying medicine abroad. What should I do?

I think the best thing for you to do is to probably study for another degree in the UK and then apply for graduate entry medicine. Medical schools usually don't accept resits, especially without extenuating circumstances. I don't know much about studying abroad but I would suggest staying within the UK if possible.

Just to note, St George's is in Clearing for medicine so may be worth calling them on the off-chance? The Clearing number for 5-year MBBS is +44 020 3608 0211.

Reply 9

TaraHunter

Original post by mizzsnazzter

Just retake and try again next year! No need to give up on medicine :smile:

Have you checked if Hull have accepted you?

Posted from TSR Mobile

Yeah I checked but was successful :-( I rang the uni up as well but they said the only way they would consider me is for graduate entry... Not many medical schools accept retakes and it sucks that I messed up 2 exams and now I have to wait 3 years to study the course I want to do the most... :frown:

Reply 10

Beska

OP

21

Original post by TaraHunter

Yeah I checked but was successful :-( I rang the uni up as well but they said the only way they would consider me is for graduate entry... Not many medical schools accept retakes and it sucks that I messed up 2 exams and now I have to wait 3 years to study the course I want to do the most... :frown:

I know it's really hard to be positive now but try and not worry too much - everything will eventually sort out.

The next steps now are to consider what course/university you'd want to go to. Are you happy with UEA Biomedicine?

Reply 11

sunnybacon

12

For anyone trying to get into St George's medicine through clearing, my brother just rang them up and they're insisting that he drops the only offer he has (Biomed at King's) so that he can formally enter the clearing process, before they consider him applying for medicine through clearing with them.

He's not willing to take the risk - if they don't accept him, then he's left without a biomed place at King's either!

Reply 12

Beska

OP

21

Original post by sunnybacon

For anyone trying to get into St George's medicine through clearing, my brother just rang them up and they're insisting that he drops the only offer he has (Biomed at King's) so that he can formally enter the clearing process, before they consider him applying for medicine through clearing with them.

He's not willing to take the risk - if they don't accept him, then he's left without a biomed place at King's either!

Hi

Advice for your brother:

Has he met and exceeded his King's offer?

If so, he may be eligible for adjustment. This means he can apply for George's without any chance of him losing his King's offer. Let me know.

Reply 13

parawitch

Do you reckon it's worth phoning up St. George's for clearing with AAB and a B in chemistry?

Reply 14

Beska

OP

21

Original post by sunnybacon

For anyone trying to get into St George's medicine through clearing, my brother just rang them up and they're insisting that he drops the only offer he has (Biomed at King's) so that he can formally enter the clearing process, before they consider him applying for medicine through clearing with them.

He's not willing to take the risk - if they don't accept him, then he's left without a biomed place at King's either!

(This is just for your reference/anybody else reading this thread)

The only way for a university to see the applicant of a profile through clearing (such as George's for medicine) is for them to have a clearing number. The only potential way to get a clearing number is to be in clearing. If you are not in clearing (i.e. you have met your firm or insurance offer), you need to phone up your firm or insurance to release you into clearing. When this happens (it can take a while - it isn't instant) you will get a clearing number. This is then provided to the clearing university for them to consider your application.

One way to get around this is to apply through adjustment. This is only open to people who have met and exceeded their offer for their firm. This means an adjustment university can see their application without them having to give up their firm offer.

Reply 15

Beska

OP

21

Original post by parawitch

Do you reckon it's worth phoning up St. George's for clearing with AAB and a B in chemistry?

Yes - George's have accepted people this year that missed an AAA offer.

Reply 16

Mutmit287

22

Original post by sunnybacon

For anyone trying to get into St George's medicine through clearing, my brother just rang them up and they're insisting that he drops the only offer he has (Biomed at King's) so that he can formally enter the clearing process, before they consider him applying for medicine through clearing with them.

He's not willing to take the risk - if they don't accept him, then he's left without a biomed place at King's either!

This is absolutely terrible by SGUL, obviously they cannot see you until your in clearing, but they could have at least told him over the phone whether he would be likely to get an offer. has your brother asked on the phone that by dropping his offer with kings to enter clearing he will definetly get a place to study at SGUL for medicine through clearing?

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 17

Beska

OP

21

Original post by Natalierm2707

This is absolutely terrible by SGUL! has your brother asked on the phone that by dropping his offer with kings to enter clearing he will definetly get a place to study at SGUL for medicine through clearing?

If they do say this - get it in writing (get them to email you)

Reply 18

sunnybacon

12

Original post by Beska

(This is just for your reference/anybody else reading this thread)

The only way for a university to see the applicant of a profile through clearing (such as George's for medicine) is for them to have a clearing number. The only potential way to get a clearing number is to be in clearing. If you are not in clearing (i.e. you have met your firm or insurance offer), you need to phone up your firm or insurance to release you into clearing. When this happens (it can take a while - it isn't instant) you will get a clearing number. This is then provided to the clearing university for them to consider your application.

One way to get around this is to apply through adjustment. This is only open to people who have met and exceeded their offer for their firm. This means an adjustment university can see their application without them having to give up their firm offer.

I see what you mean. Unfortunately not, he just missed the A in maths by 3 marks, so you're right, he would have to drop his biomed offer at King's to apply for St George's medicine through clearing, and so he can't enter adjustment because he didn't meet his firm choice offer which was King's Med (AAA). Apart from the B, he's a strong applicant, UKCAT of 742.5, brilliant GCSE grades etc, but they won't give any guarantee of a place.

Original post by Natalierm2707

This is absolutely terrible by SGUL, obviously they cannot see you until your in clearing, but they could have at least told him over the phone whether he would be likely to get an offer. has your brother asked on the phone that by dropping his offer with kings to enter clearing he will definetly get a place to study at SGUL for medicine through clearing?

Nope, they said he'd be likely to be called for an interview but can't guarantee a place. It would be good if he could hang on to his King's biomed offer as a backup while he goes through the interview process, but it doesn't look like that'll be the case, and he doesn't want to risk it. Sounds like he's going to study biomed at King's and then consider his options later down the line.

The other option is getting a remark since it was only 3 marks off, but just spoke to King's and whilst one person said if it goes up to an A you'll get your place (perhaps the following year if it's oversubscribed), the other person we spoke to said the opposite - even if the remark pushes it up to an A, he'll have to re-apply as a new student, which seems ridiculous!

Reply 19

Beska

OP

21

Original post by sunnybacon

I see what you mean. Unfortunately not, he just missed the A in maths by 3 marks, so you're right, he would have to drop his biomed offer at King's to apply for St George's medicine through clearing, and so he can't enter adjustment because he didn't meet his firm choice offer which was King's Med (AAA). Apart from the B, he's a strong applicant, UKCAT of 742.5, brilliant GCSE grades etc, but they won't give any guarantee of a place.

Ah yes fair enough - it is reasonable that they can't guarantee him a slot if it's going to be after interview. I understand the dilemma your brother must have had. Let us know if you need any more help. :smile: