[taramolloy]

I would firstly like to say Hello! I hope I am posting the right thing in the right place, if not I am very sorry - I've only been a member a few minutes and am just settling in!!

I have a question for anyone with any background in medical admissions or any knowledge at all!

And the question is....

dun dun dun...Do I have a realistic chance of getting into medical school?

So you need some background knowledge, right?!

Well...
I got 6A*s, 4A's and a C at GCSE. I also got a Distinction* in the BTEC First Diploma in Music, and level 2 NVQ French.

I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology.

Since January I have been volunteering twice a week at a care-home near my college. I also have 1 weeks work experience on a busy radiology department in one of my local hospitals. I have been volunteering as a rainbow young leader for 3 years. I also have a part time job at KFC, which I have had since September 2011 - its my second job.

I have not yet taken any BMAT or UKCAT.

I hope someone can help! Thanks in advance!
A new and confused Tara x

[HighwayUnicorn]

I'm 17, got all A's (just A) at GCSE and I get my results next week. I chose Maths, Biology, Chemistry and English Lit as my A levels (doing nice in Biology + English Lit with A grades in those) but Chemistry and Maths are really getting me down. I am gonna resit those exams based on my results next week but...

I'm starting to come into realisation that I might not be cut out for the medical field at all...

I've had my heart set on it since I was a kid, but I suppose if the grades aren't up there then maybe I should give up. I guess up until this point in my life I have been delusional about what I would turn out as in life.

~le sigh~

It's so disheartening when reality slaps you in the face I am interested in medicine. Can someone enlighten me on anything I could do? I would love to do medicine, but I suppose if there's not that much hope I could just drop Chemistry and pursue something else as a career with Bio, Maths and English.

[myyrh]

(Original post by taramolloy)
I would firstly like to say Hello! I hope I am posting the right thing in the right place, if not I am very sorry - I've only been a member a few minutes and am just settling in!!

I have a question for anyone with any background in medical admissions or any knowledge at all!

And the question is....

dun dun dun...Do I have a realistic chance of getting into medical school?

So you need some background knowledge, right?!

Well...
I got 6A*s, 4A's and a C at GCSE. I also got a Distinction* in the BTEC First Diploma in Music, and level 2 NVQ French.

I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology.

Since January I have been volunteering twice a week at a care-home near my college. I also have 1 weeks work experience on a busy radiology department in one of my local hospitals. I have been volunteering as a rainbow young leader for 3 years. I also have a part time job at KFC, which I have had since September 2011 - its my second job.

I have not yet taken any BMAT or UKCAT.

I hope someone can help! Thanks in advance!
A new and confused Tara x

Hi you have a good chance as long as that C is not in Maths, English or any of the sciences.

[myyrh]

(Original post by HighwayUnicorn)
I'm 17, got all A's (just A) at GCSE and I get my results next week. I chose Maths, Biology, Chemistry and English Lit as my A levels (doing nice in Biology + English Lit with A grades in those) but Chemistry and Maths are really getting me down. I am gonna resit those exams based on my results next week but...

I'm starting to come into realisation that I might not be cut out for the medical field at all...

I've had my heart set on it since I was a kid, but I suppose if the grades aren't up there then maybe I should give up. I guess up until this point in my life I have been delusional about what I would turn out as in life.

~le sigh~

It's so disheartening when reality slaps you in the face I am interested in medicine. Can someone enlighten me on anything I could do? I would love to do medicine, but I suppose if there's not that much hope I could just drop Chemistry and pursue something else as a career with Bio, Maths and English.

Don't give up! Most people find A levels really hard and the jump from GCSE is insane. It's not unusual to feel completely out of your depth. Get your head down and work as hard as you can for your AS exams in June. Remember the work is difficult but not impossible. Maths and Chemistry are tough but I find doing practice papers really helps you get familiar with the exam layout and drills the concepts in well. Just practice practice practice If you really want to do medicine don't give this up easily. Nothing is set in stone right now and you have the potential to get those As. Don't sell yourself short!

[taramolloy]

(Original post by myyrh)
Hi you have a good chance as long as that C is not in Maths, English or any of the sciences.

Thank you for your help!
My C was in music

[HighwayUnicorn]

(Original post by myyrh)
Don't give up! Most people find A levels really hard and the jump from GCSE is insane. It's not unusual to feel completely out of your depth. Get your head down and work as hard as you can for your AS exams in June. Remember the work is difficult but not impossible. Maths and Chemistry are tough but I find doing practice papers really helps you get familiar with the exam layout and drills the concepts in well. Just practice practice practice If you really want to do medicine don't give this up easily. Nothing is set in stone right now and you have the potential to get those As. Don't sell yourself short!

Thanks, just reading this gave me a little more hope

I guess it's just with results day being next week it's putting me into this state I'll give the next exams (and the one's I'll resit) everything I've got!

[Varsh05]

(Original post by Phenylethylamine_)
Haha thankies! It's the chemical found in chocolate

Lool!
Yeah I know!
It's yummy

[Varsh05]

(Original post by lala12)
In year 12, what about you?

Same here!

[zhang599]

(Original post by taramolloy)
I would firstly like to say Hello! I hope I am posting the right thing in the right place, if not I am very sorry - I've only been a member a few minutes and am just settling in!!
I have a question for anyone with any background in medical admissions or any knowledge at all!
And the question is....
dun dun dun...Do I have a realistic chance of getting into medical school?
So you need some background knowledge, right?!
Well...
I got 6A*s, 4A's and a C at GCSE. I also got a Distinction* in the BTEC First Diploma in Music, and level 2 NVQ French.
I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology.
Since January I have been volunteering twice a week at a care-home near my college. I also have 1 weeks work experience on a busy radiology department in one of my local hospitals. I have been volunteering as a rainbow young leader for 3 years. I also have a part time job at KFC, which I have had since September 2011 - its my second job.
I have not yet taken any BMAT or UKCAT.
I hope someone can help! Thanks in advance!
A new and confused Tara x

Hey Tara myyrh is right, your GCSE are definitely fine, C in music isn't very important although they may ask you why you got a C when you got such good grades in the rest :P Your AS subjects are fine. Your work experience so far is really good, just make sure when it comes to writing the personal statement make sure to write what you've learnt from these experiences. As for BMAT and UKCAT, lots of practice will get you a good score Hope that helps

[zhang599]

(Original post by HighwayUnicorn)
Thanks, just reading this gave me a little more hope
I guess it's just with results day being next week it's putting me into this state I'll give the next exams (and the one's I'll resit) everything I've got!

Yeah, lots people don't get the grade they wanted in January, I know in my college 25% of AS physics people got Us in Jan! It's quite a leap from GCSE and you've got june to get those As so there's still hope!

[taramolloy]

(Original post by zhang599)
Hey Tara myyrh is right, your GCSE are definitely fine, C in music isn't very important although they may ask you why you got a C when you got such good grades in the rest :P Your AS subjects are fine. Your work experience so far is really good, just make sure when it comes to writing the personal statement make sure to write what you've learnt from these experiences. As for BMAT and UKCAT, lots of practice will get you a good score Hope that helps

Thank you

[ABeatrice]

Can anyone comment on this and the chances I'll get in? AKA is it more than 50% chance I'll get in first year or less? By the way I'll be studying a lot for UKCAT so assume I'll get decent/good on it.

(Original post by ABeatrice)
Hi, I'm attending sixth form at the moment and I'm really stressing out about getting into medicine. I'm going crazy about this and have no clue what to do so I would really love if I could get some advice on what to do.

First some background information about me:
-I'm a 17 year old girl from Romania (came from Romania and entered year 10 a couple months late - not that much).
-Had trouble with GCSEs because of english issue (learned english once I came here, knew basic english from cartoons and stuff haha).
-My GCSE results are 2 A*’s in Math and English literature. 6 A’s in History, Double Science, French, English language and Statistics. However, I had to re-take some of the exams.
-I am doing AS levels at the moment, subjects being Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math.
Expecting A in all of them at the end of year 12. No classes will be dropped for A2.
-Doing Duke of Edinborough – silver award, will finish right before I send off UCAS form in 2012. For Duke of Edinborough I am doing:
o Volunteering At British Heart Foundation.
o Jogging – will be doing this for a very long time, not just for duke of Edinborough as I enjoy it.
o I am learning guitar for it as well but I have started guitar 4 years ago self-learning.
-I am trying to currently get work experience but it is a big pain and haven’t got anything in the last year because I depended too much on my school. Just called 30+ GPs that are near enough to my house and farther and 3 said to send in a letter so hopefully I can get something. Anyone know the chances of getting it if they said to send in a letter? One of them specifically said they do work experience every year.
-I called another volunteering place with disabled people who work and I will possibly be able to start this in my next school holiday if I don't get any work experience. If I do get the work experience then I will be able to do this volunteering near summer time once a week
-Summer of 2011 I was a volunteering as a co-organizer at a summer camp in Romania for 2 weeks
-I swim regularly and play field tennis as a hobby when I get the chance (no fields around here). I used to play competitively in volley ball (school) but this was the year before I came to England for 1 year, would this count?




Please give me some advice on what I should do to raise my chances of going into medicine. From what I have now, what do you think my chances are to get into medicine if I will apply to the right universities. Thanks so much for your help

[myyrh]

(Original post by ABeatrice)
Can anyone comment on this and the chances I'll get in? AKA is it more than 50% chance I'll get in first year or less? By the way I'll be studying a lot for UKCAT so assume I'll get decent/good on it.

It's extremely difficult to put a percentage figure on the likelihood of you getting in. A lot of luck is needed as well. However I would say that provided you apply to universities which put less emphasis on GCSEs and write a good personal statement, you stand a good chance of securing interviews. Try and secure that work/voluntary experience because it is one of the most important requirements for a medicine application. Not only for the universities to see but also for you to gain an insight in to medicine as a profession. Once you're at the interview stage, it's very much on you to show that your personality and non academic traits are what that university is looking for.

[Obsolescence]

I'm applying next year. I'm thinking of Imperial and UCL as I love London and being in the area I can feel myself truly falling in love with the area. I'm not sure if I really have a good enough chance though.

Here is my basic profile:

Meet GCSE requirements.
AS Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English Literature. I think I'm going to get fairly straight As in the first 3, but I'm concerned about my essay technique in English and there is the possibility of getting a B. If this is the case, will I still have a realistic chance? I've thought about this and if the worst happens, if I pick up Physics AS will it make a difference?

In terms of voluntary work, I volunteer with the elderly and help lead a scout group. For work experience, I have done a few days of GP shadowing, and am currently applying for this medicine week at the local hospital and a Nuffield bursary. I have also worked with the St John Ambulance for a week, helping to transport those with little mobility to care facilities.

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. I don't know where to apply and feel inadequate. Other possible applicants from my school are saying I'm not doing enough. Could I have advice on where to apply please? I know I'm not good enough for Oxford and Cambridge as I got a B at GCSE and my teachers say I don't have much hope there. I know about the BMAT and UKCAT.

Thankyou

[zhang599]

(Original post by ABeatrice)
Can anyone comment on this and the chances I'll get in? AKA is it more than 50% chance I'll get in first year or less? By the way I'll be studying a lot for UKCAT so assume I'll get decent/good on it.

Hi ABeatrice I'm doing the same subjects at A2! If you're worried about your GCSEs then you can get your referee to mention that you having english problems at Secondary school in your reference. I agree with myyrh, apply wisely e.g. don't apply to Unis with emphasis on GCSEs such as Birmingham. Work experience is essential and it's good that your contacting GPs, but you can also try hospitals as well and some hospitals will have a section on work experience on their website. And don't worry that you didn't have any in Year 11 as I only did my work experience in Year 12. Having lots of work experience is good but the most important thing about work experience is what you've learnt from it and expressing this well in your Personal statement and interview will definitely increase your chances of getting in.
As for your chances, it's hard to say but if you do above then you definitely have a shot at medicine. Hope that helps

[myyrh]

(Original post by Obsolescence)
I'm applying next year. I'm thinking of Imperial and UCL as I love London and being in the area I can feel myself truly falling in love with the area. I'm not sure if I really have a good enough chance though.

Here is my basic profile:

Meet GCSE requirements.
AS Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English Literature. I think I'm going to get fairly straight As in the first 3, but I'm concerned about my essay technique in English and there is the possibility of getting a B. If this is the case, will I still have a realistic chance? I've thought about this and if the worst happens, if I pick up Physics AS will it make a difference?

In terms of voluntary work, I volunteer with the elderly and help lead a scout group. For work experience, I have done a few days of GP shadowing, and am currently applying for this medicine week at the local hospital and a Nuffield bursary. I have also worked with the St John Ambulance for a week, helping to transport those with little mobility to care facilities.

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. I don't know where to apply and feel inadequate. Other possible applicants from my school are saying I'm not doing enough. Could I have advice on where to apply please? I know I'm not good enough for Oxford and Cambridge as I got a B at GCSE and my teachers say I don't have much hope there. I know about the BMAT and UKCAT.

Thankyou

With both those Universities (particularly with Imperial) The BMAT will play a pivotal role so applying to two is always risky. AFAIK they have a cut off and no matter how good the rest of your application is , its unlikely that you will manage an interview with out a good BMAT score. Meeting the entry requirements is fine but I think UCL take everything in to consideration so academics are quite important. Try and get that A but if you can't, don't worry too much as a B is fine for 90% of medical schools as a 4th AS. Taking an extra AS won't make a difference and it's just going to add more work load. Try and get long term voluntary experience to show commitment. Apply to your strengths in order to maximise your chances of getting an interview . e.g. High UKCAT chose universities like Newcastle and Sheffield.

[amvirusalert]

I am currently in year 13 studying Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology and decided after doing my GCSE's that I wish to go into medicine. However, everywhere I go I keep getting told i need 8/9/10 A* minimum to stand a chance of getting into medicine. I only got 1 A* 4 A's 3 B's and 2 C's at GCSE as I did not realise the importance of them at the time. My predicted grades for AS are 4 A's and I beleive I can acheive them. I am doing work experience at a hospice and have applied to do work experience at a hospital and also to shadow my GP and I also work at Primark. The only thing I beleive that is letting me down is my GCSE results and I just want to know if I stand a chance at getting into medicine and if anyone has any advice to offer me. Thanks

[.eXe]

Your grades should be fine, just dont apply to Oxbridge and Birmingham because you will be unsuccessful with those grades. Everywhere else you should be good to go.

edit: make sure you take bio, chem and english and try your best to get A or A* in them.

as ive seen many times on this forum, the opinion that you need a bunch of A* to be a doctor is bs

[NinjaRikki]

(Original post by amvirusalert)
I am currently in year 13 studying Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology and decided after doing my GCSE's that I wish to go into medicine. However, everywhere I go I keep getting told i need 8/9/10 A* minimum to stand a chance of getting into medicine. I only got 1 A* 4 A's 3 B's and 2 C's at GCSE as I did not realise the importance of them at the time. My predicted grades for AS are 4 A's and I beleive I can acheive them. I am doing work experience at a hospice and have applied to do work experience at a hospital and also to shadow my GP and I also work at Primark. The only thing I beleive that is letting me down is my GCSE results and I just want to know if I stand a chance at getting into medicine and if anyone has any advice to offer me. Thanks

Firstly, GCSES arent the be all and end all, trust me!

Right what are your GCSE science, english and maths grades? This may limit what unis you can apply for..

Also, if you do well in BMAT and UKCAT this will increase your chances even more!

Apply tactically also, so not birmingham, oxbridge and some others, and you will be fine. Yes chances are nerve-racking but its like that for everyone, just something you have to be ready for!

SO YEAH, DO not give up!

[amvirusalert]

(Original post by NinjaRikki)
Firstly, GCSES arent the be all and end all, trust me!

Right what are your GCSE science, english and maths grades? This may limit what unis you can apply for..

Also, if you do well in BMAT and UKCAT this will increase your chances even more!

Apply tactically also, so not birmingham, oxbridge and some others, and you will be fine. Yes chances are nerve-racking but its like that for everyone, just something you have to be ready for!

SO YEAH, DO not give up!

I did triple science and got A in Chemistry, A in Biology, B in Physics A* in Maths C in English Lang and B in English Lit. I also have the options to resit a module in Physics and get an A easily and I can also resit English Lang as I have been told I need minimum B.