[Blast Tyrant]

So,

I'm currently in year 11 at school, just about to do my summer exams etc. and lately I've really been thinking about applying to medical school. I understand that it's one of (if not) the hardest degrees to get into, in any university that has the course.

And so I've done a lot of research, checked a lot of university websites, read a lot of forums etc., but I swear I cannot get a straight or even remotely definitive answer from anywhere. Some things I see say you need about 8 A* GCSE grades to even be considered, and some will say the figure is more lenient dependant on extra-curricular activites.

Now, it's not that I can't achieve A*s in school, but I mean anything beyond 5 A*s will be a godsend for me. I thought people on here might be able to help me straighten this out so I'm just gonna throw everything down and ask for anyone's help, because I have just not found any at all (our careers advisors are absolutely crap).

Currently, I'm studying (and predicted):

Literature: A
Language: A
History: A
Biology: A*
Physics: A (likely A*)
Chemistry: (possibly A*)
Maths: A*
French: A*
Music: A (possibly A*)
AQA Higher Project Qualification: A*
And I know the majority of universities don't recognise it, but I'm doing the Critical Thinking AS this year and have an A prediction.

A levels: I know Chemistry is usually compulsory and Biology is preferred, and also that apparently Maths looks good with those two. My problem lies with my fourth option. I'm stuck between something completely non-sciency such as Music or French, or to stick with the science side and take Physics. I'll also be doing the Critical Thinking A2 in year 12.

I think the thing that I'm interested the most in though is the consideration taken into extra-curricular activities.

- I'm considering doing a night's worth of volunteer work every week at my local care home.
- I play drums which I'm hoping to have at grade 8 by the time I apply for university.
- I'm wanting to play possibly another instrument to really any grade I could as well as drums.
- I used to be involved in a lot of sport such as playing Rugby for the school for four years, and also table tennis when I played at regional standard and came 3rd in the national school team finals with some friends a few years ago.

I know I've basically just explained my life in that whole post, but really, any sort of feedback on how I could possibly do anything to maximise my chances of getting into medical school would be greatly appreciated. Even suggesting which is the best combination of A levels to take or other things I could do in spare time would help me loads.

Oh and also, can anyone fill me in on UKCAT tests please? I know that they can be regarded highly and, as yet, I haven't looked to much into them.

Thank you!

[kpcofgs]

I originally wanted to head for Med School too (Now Genetics, dont be too set in your mind, it will change when you start A-levels) I have one A*, and still in a good position for Med School, so whoever said 8A*, tell them to forget it, they are WRONG! The averge grades offering are based on A levels and are usually AAAa-A*AAa (The little a applies to a fourth AS level usually biology or another science). It does not really matter about GCSEs although it wont hinder you to get loads of A*s, but it wont help greatly either. You must, must, must (cant stress that enough) learn to LOVE chemistry. You WILL need an A-A* in it at A-level, so love it now. You'll need Biology as your best friend too. From eperience, I suggest another strong A-level subject, perhaps a science (A 'real', traditional one, popular choices are Maths, my own, or Physics, which I dropped), and another subject of your choice, NOT general studies. Go on open days! Can't say that enough. And google Medisix, go on their courses, they're excellent, and don't worry, that guy can you to med school with B's and C's, he's a godsend. Like I say, do loads of residential courses, work experience too. Many med schools like work experience, probably in a hospital and doctor surgery. Although this can be difficult to find (I did my hospital placements at QE Birmingham and Queens Burton, and my local GPs). Also do volunteer, preferably at a demetia care home, it looks awesome on your CV. Keep a diary of your placements, what you did ect. If you get a chance to work next year, once your 16, try get in with a pharmacy, that will boost the CV up nicely.
Remember all of this, but remmeber the most important thing. FORGET GRADES! Think about you as a person, be empathetic, sympthetic, kind hearted. And for crying out loud DO NOT say you want to be a doctor to 'help' people. Yes its why, but its not good to say in an interview.
Hope this helps.

[kpcofgs]

Oh, and forget EC activities. They help. But not enough. Keep at what you do, but dont let them distract from studies or work exp. It's harsh to do medicine and not all people can hack it. I dont think I can, it did send me slightly depressive (well a lot depressive) and I couldnt handle the stress. You need to know you can cope, before you even try for it. Be sure in your convictions and no matter what, you'll do fine.

[CraigKirk]

(Original post by Blast Tyrant)
-

First, your GCSEs will be important for medical school admissions, as you appear to acknowledge. However, 8A*s at GCSE will only be required if you have the intention to apply to Birmingham. I believe Cardiff will require something like 5A*s, so it will be a stretch to hope to apply there. Anywhere else should be fine, given that you have the strength elsewhere in your application (although if you do achieve 5A*s, that is excellent and does not by any means make your GCSEs poor in comparison to the majority of medical applicants).

As long as you have Biology and Chemistry in your A level options, and do not tend to lean toward 'soft' courses elsewhere (French/Music are certainly not soft), then your A levels will be competent and leave you able to apply to most medical schools if you get at least AAAB (in my opinion) at AS level. This should ensure that you can get the necessary AAA predictions for the full A level. Basically, your A level options should be Chemistry, Biology, {Optional}, {Optional to drop (if you want)}.

It is important to note that if you intend to apply to Cambridge, you are advised to stick to all science (Chemistry AND Biology AND Maths/Physics) A levels as some Cambridge colleges require this.

Unfortunately I don't think your Critical Thinking, despite being achieved early, will put your application under any greater favour.

As for ECs, first off, don't be 'considering' volunteering at the local care home: get on it. Being proactive and having many months of these committed and medical experiences will give you a great advantage both before and during interview stage.

The intention to study drums to G8 is super - I think that the minority of medical applicants have any musical instrument at grade 8 prior to university. Whilst it won't harm your application, I don't think an extra instrument on top will greatly benefit you.

Having played team sports in the past will bolster your application greatly, as sports are an excellent method of demonstrating that you're a team player - very important in your application.

What you need now is some proper work experience. Apply for clinical placements if possible. The more, the better. The medical work experience I did included 2 weeks at my local hospital, two medicine summer schools (I don't think these did make a massive impact though) and a few health masterclasses of varied content. Don't be put off by other applicants' ridiculous quantities of experience; it's the quality of the experience and how much you can elaborate on it at interview and in your personal statement that counts. To increase the quality of your work experience, be sure to be a pest and ask lots of questions - certainly don't stand away in the background. If you can wriggle into some kind of observation, do it. I ended up in one minor operation which I think kinda bended the rules of the clinic, because I'd managed to be smuggled in by a fifth year medic.

Finally, for UKCAT, here is a post I made recently:

(Original post by CraigKirk)
It looks as though the UKCAT website has been largely improved, giving you lots more information about it than it did before. Make sure to look through the tips provided there, and be sure to enter the test well-researched/familiarised. This new situational judgement part of the test needn't be prepared for, since that score won't be communicated to your medical schools. This will do to start you off.

Now, basically find as many paper/book/online/software practice tests that you can and do them in the timed conditions, having looked into details as to how to best approach each of the tests. This information can usually be found in books such as the 600 UKCAT Questions book and the Succeeding in the UKCAT book. The first of these books is the most popular one among medical applicants, whilst I think that the second one is largely worth your time, perhaps more so than the 600 UKCAT Qs book.

Basically, you just need to hammer mock tests like crazy so that you understand the kind of mentality you need to have for the test. This mentality needs to be there so that the stressful time limits don't crush you. Section by section,

Verbal Reasoning:
I believe that it's best to read your questions first, and then skim read the article looking for key words from the questions, thus finding the relevant information more quickly and not wasting precious time on reading.
Quantitative Reasoning:
Here, some of the questions are much, much harder than others. Sometimes, you'll be presented with ridiculous amounts of information and you have something like 30 seconds (not sure exactly how long, it's been a while) to answer each question. It's best here to flag and guess the ones which will waste your time, proceeding to answer those which will be easier. Once you reach the end of that section, you can go back to those questions that you flagged for a more concentrated attempt. EDIT: Oh, make sure that when you do the test, you practise using that crap on-screen calculator so that it doesn't majorly slow you down on the day. You can use the number pad and '+, -, / and *' for your four primary mathematical functions, which will speed things up.
Abstract Reasoning:
A nightmare - at first. This section of the test seems ridiculous because initially it seems impossible to make the connections between the shapes in the sets. However, with lots and lots of practice, you'll eventually have learned about every kind of 'trend', 'pattern' or whatever else you want to call their common feature. Then, during the actual test, it will be considerably easier to simply pick up on the patterns and easily answer the five questions for that item. However, time will still be presses at 65Qs in 15 minutes, so get a move on!
Decision Analysis:
This was easily my favourite part of the test. For this, try to quickly write down the words of the codes in English on paper (or your laminated sheet on test day). Then look at the possible answers and try to figure out which seems the most appropriate and true to the random assortment of key words you've written down. When you come across phrases like 'Opposite(Down Earth) Divine Man' after decoding, there may options like 'The mermaid lives upstream' or 'In heaven live angels'. Clearly, the 'Divine Man' part of the translated code matches closely to 'angels', but not 'mermaid', so go for the second option. As long as you've practised, don't panic or become too laid back, time isn't too much of an issue here.

Obviously, I've given my opinion on the sections and how to tackle them. Make sure to purchase one or both of those (or other) books for more researched (and probably more helpful) opinions. It will certainly be worth it (although I don't think Kaplan courses and similar are).

Try your best to achieve a UKCAT score of as close to, if not over 700, if possible. This is the benchmark of an excellent score and will leave your options widely open. However, if you don't do so well, it isn't the end at all. As long as you research which medical schools do not put much emphasis on the UKCAT (BSMS/Keele being examples), or indeed do not even use the UKCAT (or BMAT) (Liverpool and Bristol), and apply strategically, then you'll be fine.

By far, the most important factor in your application is applying by your strengths. It is difficult to emphasise how important it is to apply not to preference universities in all four choices, but to those most likely to accept you. Four slots seems like a lot at first, but when you come to realise exactly how difficult being accepted at medical school is, you'll want an extra four on top. Make three well-researched choices which will favour your strength as an applicant, and one 'first choice'.

[taz101]

Currently doing my AS levels, does it matter if I do badly in one of them? (happens to be the one I'm dropping as well)

[Blast Tyrant]

Alright thanks guys, it's all very much appreciated

[myyrh]

(Original post by taz101)
Currently doing my AS levels, does it matter if I do badly in one of them? (happens to be the one I'm dropping as well)

Yes. A lot of universities require a fourth AS to be at least a B and some ask for a C. Some universities don't have a requirement for a fourth AS in which case it wouldn't matter. However by getting a bad grade, you narrow your choices of where you can apply.

[Domxmb]

In year 12 at the moment and my application isn't that good from what people tell me:

2* 6 a at gcse
will get a's at bio/chem/phys/math

but even more lacking my work exp/extra curriculars:

By time application is sent off:
-1 week shadowing hospital in multiple departments (orthopedic, trauma, gynacology/obstetrics, cardiology, medicine)
-10 months volunteering at british heart foundation.
-On personal statement it might mention that i will start volunteering at care home as she turns 18 in late 2012 and the care homes here require 18+ of age.
-For arguements sake say a decent Ukcat 650-720
-Done silver Duke of edinburgh
-Swims/runs/plays guitar as hobbies



Would it be advantageous that many departments will be visited on work experience?


Here's the problem with getting any decent work experience/volunteering

EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING around here that is anything related to care you need to be 18+ for anything around me (within an hour on a bus). I did do a week (full day) working with disabled people in a factory where they work but someone told me that won't help much so I won't do more of it :/..

Called 30+ GP offices and no luck. Checked other hospitals no luck within an hour from me...

What would you do in my situation? I'm afraid I have no shot at getting in when I apply in October this year. Do you guys have any idea on what to do compensate for the no care stuff or what?

[mel608]

Honestly, coming from a succesful medicine applicant, you can stop worrying. When i applied I didn't have an amazing amount of work experience- I'd had a work experience placement at a hospital on a rehabilitation ward, but the placements are only 2 days, I had spent an hour each week over 2 months working with disabled students, I'd recently started volunteering at a hospice for a couple of hours a week, and I'd volunteered with my local rainbow and brownie group for a year. I had a second hospital placement at the end of october so i wrote that into my personal statement and spoke about it at interview. So not a great deal by any length, but i managed to get 3 interviews and 3 offers. It's not so much about the amount of work exp/ volunteering but what you draw from it, and how you are able to reflect on what you experienced.

Your grades are good enough at GCSE at least, practice for the UKCAT and revise hard to get your AS and A2 grades. As far as work experience goes, i think it would be good to show that you've seen the 'less glamorous' side of medicine. I know you say you've not been able to volunteer at a care home, but they may allow a short work exp placement which is better than nothing. Or perhaps a nearby hospice will let you volunteer? I would say to continue with the disabled people in the factory- any contact with disabilities and people is good for medicine applications. I think my extra-curriculars may have contributed to my interviews, as well as being able to reflect on work exp and volunteering, so try show roles of responsibility e.g. applying for head boy/ girl etc, and ways in which you've demonstrated problem solving, teamwork, communication etc.

More than anything show your motivation, enthusiasm and commitment for studying medicine, as this is what they want.

[purplefrog]

(Original post by Domxmb)
In year 12 at the moment and my application isn't that good from what people tell me:

2* 6 a at gcse
will get a's at bio/chem/phys/math

but even more lacking my work exp/extra curriculars:

Getting all As at AS will certainly help your application. And there are many medical schools which don't do A* counts.

By time application is sent off:
-1 week shadowing hospital in multiple departments (orthopedic, trauma, gynacology/obstetrics, cardiology, medicine)
-10 months volunteering at british heart foundation.
-On personal statement it might mention that i will start volunteering at care home as she turns 18 in late 2012 and the care homes here require 18+ of age.
-For arguements sake say a decent Ukcat 650-720
-Done silver Duke of edinburgh
-Swims/runs/plays guitar as hobbies

I take it you're not entirely writing about yourself?
a high UKCAT score will only help
It is not so much the quantity of stuff you do but the QUALITY of your REFLECTIONS upon it. Though anything done in the long term help show perseverance.

Would it be advantageous that many departments will be visited on work experience?

No. Doing it in lots of departments by itself will not boost your application. However depending on your spin in reflections, it might cast a positive light upon it. However, your reflections might also hinder the work experience you've done too.

Here's the problem with getting any decent work experience/volunteering

EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING around here that is anything related to care you need to be 18+ for anything around me (within an hour on a bus). I did do a week (full day) working with disabled people in a factory where they work but someone told me that won't help much so I won't do more of it :/..

Called 30+ GP offices and no luck. Checked other hospitals no luck within an hour from me...

The factory would have helped, anything that involves interpersonal relationships and a vaguely caring role/role of trust can help show suitability and give you insights into medicine. It doesn't have to be clinically situated.

What would you do in my situation? I'm afraid I have no shot at getting in when I apply in October this year. Do you guys have any idea on what to do compensate for the no care stuff or what?

If you do your work experience, focus hard your on your personal statement and UKCAT and avoid unis that count A*s at GCSE, you could be within a shot. Obviously there are so many variables at play here, so its impossible to say how strong your application is until October once all of these have been finalised, along with your AS results.

[HopefulMedic#1]

Hi,
I have received no offers for medicine this year and I am currently holding an offer for biomedical science. I have 'firmed' it already and will soon apply for accommodation etc...
The offer is AAB. I plan to take a gap year if I receive AAA to reapply for medicine. On results day, is it possible (if I receive AAA) to cancel my contract with the uni, even though I firmed it?

Thanks

[Domxmb]

Thanks guys who posted really appreciate it. If anyone has anything else to say I'd greatly appreciate it as well.

[dinrah04]

I am still in Year 10, but as I wish to study medicine would a D in my Citizenship ruin my chances greatly, I mean I could get it up to a C in the exam. It's only worth half a GCSE and I'm not exactly failing anything else but would this greatly ruin my chances in the future?

[myyrh]

(Original post by dinrah04)
I am still in Year 10, but as I wish to study medicine would a D in my Citizenship ruin my chances greatly, I mean I could get it up to a C in the exam. It's only worth half a GCSE and I'm not exactly failing anything else but would this greatly ruin my chances in the future?

Nope.

[dinrah04]

(Original post by myyrh)
Nope.

Aha cheers, so with good A level grades and decent GCSE's will be places that will accept offers despite maybe a few possible C's or B's or just not a string of A*s? I mean I'm good enough at English, Maths, Sciences but I'm not entirely sure about Engineering or French? They're not exactly relevant so will it make much difference?

[myyrh]

(Original post by dinrah04)
Aha cheers, so with good A level grades and decent GCSE's will be places that will accept offers despite maybe a few possible C's or B's or just not a string of A*s? I mean I'm good enough at English, Maths, Sciences but I'm not entirely sure about Engineering or French? They're not exactly relevant so will it make much difference?

It would depend on where you applied Some medical schools do want a fair amount of A*s or As whilst others only care about the Maths, English and Sciences. The Engineering and French shouldn't matter as long as the rest are good. I had a C in French and it didn't really matter.

[Thracia]

Remember, work experience doesn't have to be hospital or even healthcare based. I spent, as part of my gap year, a lot of time at a preschool for children with Autism. It may not have been strictly medical, but it showed commitment and I took a lot away from it.

Work experience isn't about spending a vast amount of time in a healthcare setting, it's more introspective and about what you can learn from it. Think, what have you learned from the factory? If you enjoyed it, I'd recommend continuing - especially if you have time in the summer.

[AkDo]

(Original post by Blast Tyrant)
So,

I'm currently in year 11 at school, just about to do my summer exams etc. and lately I've really been thinking about applying to medical school. I understand that it's one of (if not) the hardest degrees to get into, in any university that has the course.

And so I've done a lot of research, checked a lot of university websites, read a lot of forums etc., but I swear I cannot get a straight or even remotely definitive answer from anywhere. Some things I see say you need about 8 A* GCSE grades to even be considered, and some will say the figure is more lenient dependant on extra-curricular activites.

Now, it's not that I can't achieve A*s in school, but I mean anything beyond 5 A*s will be a godsend for me. I thought people on here might be able to help me straighten this out so I'm just gonna throw everything down and ask for anyone's help, because I have just not found any at all (our careers advisors are absolutely crap).

Currently, I'm studying (and predicted):

Literature: A
Language: A
History: A
Biology: A*
Physics: A (likely A*)
Chemistry: (possibly A*)
Maths: A*
French: A*
Music: A (possibly A*)
AQA Higher Project Qualification: A*
And I know the majority of universities don't recognise it, but I'm doing the Critical Thinking AS this year and have an A prediction.

A levels: I know Chemistry is usually compulsory and Biology is preferred, and also that apparently Maths looks good with those two. My problem lies with my fourth option. I'm stuck between something completely non-sciency such as Music or French, or to stick with the science side and take Physics. I'll also be doing the Critical Thinking A2 in year 12.

I think the thing that I'm interested the most in though is the consideration taken into extra-curricular activities.

- I'm considering doing a night's worth of volunteer work every week at my local care home.
- I play drums which I'm hoping to have at grade 8 by the time I apply for university.
- I'm wanting to play possibly another instrument to really any grade I could as well as drums.
- I used to be involved in a lot of sport such as playing Rugby for the school for four years, and also table tennis when I played at regional standard and came 3rd in the national school team finals with some friends a few years ago.

I know I've basically just explained my life in that whole post, but really, any sort of feedback on how I could possibly do anything to maximise my chances of getting into medical school would be greatly appreciated. Even suggesting which is the best combination of A levels to take or other things I could do in spare time would help me loads.

Oh and also, can anyone fill me in on UKCAT tests please? I know that they can be regarded highly and, as yet, I haven't looked to much into them.

Thank you!

Hiya I know how difficult it is to get straight answers so I'll try and give you the most honest answers I can give but unfortunately things change year to year and every university is slightly different. That's why you've been experiencing different people telling you different things. Rest assured what I tell you is pretty much accurate. I suggest reading around on my blog too and asking as many as a billion questions if need be, I'll help =)

Let's skim through everything. First you need predicted grades of AAB or higher to even think of applying at A level. You're much better off with AAA because that opens up to you applying to ALL the universities that offer medicine and not just the select few that allow AAB applicants. For a detailed analysis I suggest reading this. But that's up to you, here's the information any way. Not a single university to my knowledge requires you to have maths but a few require Chemistry and Biology. You definitely need to take Chemistry so that you can at least apply to most. I would really suggest taking Biology. The last two are up to you. Personally I took Maths and French because I loved them and still do. I even took them to A2 because I loved them but it was a lot of effort and 4A levels do NOT help you in any way. Basically take ANYTHING you think you're good at and love because at the end of the day you need to do well, but Bio and Chem have to be two of your options.

Now to GCSEs. Birmingham asks for 8A*s (or it might be now at 9 - can't remember so do check that up). Basically most universities use a combination of UKCAT and GCSEs or BMAT and GCSEs to work out which candidates to interview. This is on the basis that all the candidates have done the relevant work experience (a week in a hospital or GP etc. is fine and more than enough - it's what you learn about patient care not the cool medical jargon that's important! i.e. ethics, empathy and holistic care etc.) and have met the above A level requirements. Some universities give you a score for how many A*s you have and add that to a score for BMAT/UKCAT and interview according to that. Others have a cut off for UKCAT/BMAT and a separate cut off for GCSE A*s and whoever is higher gets an interview. These cut offs vary year to year so look around to find them. But basically if you do well in the UKCAT or BMAT you'll be fine despite not having good GCSEs and vice versa. Some universities don't look at UKCAT or BMAT (like b'ham, leicester and one other I think). The BMAT unis are UCL, Imperial and Oxbridge (Cambridge + Oxford). The rest are all UKCAT universities. The UKCAT is an exam which includes various tests - I'd suggest going on the Kaplan course for it because they really helped me but they're expensive so you can just buy the books - 600 questions UKCAT book. Amazon it. For BMAT there's a wide range of books available too - this exam is different, not on a computer, includes science and has an essay section are some of the differences.

You already have way more than the "needed" extracurricular activities just from that list. You need to write about the skills you developed from these ECA's and NOT just write a list. That's for the personal statement. Just work on maximising your grades and doing the work experience, if you get all that then add the voluntary work to as much as you can do whilst preparing for the UKCAT and BMAT as early as possible because they're usually the source of downfall for candidates.

Okay that essay was MASSIVE and I really should get back to my exam revision. However I really hoped I helped you and others. If you've got any questions just let me know and check out the link in my signature also (if you want). If you need anything ask questions there (preferably - quicker response time) or here and I'll get back to you as soon as =D Wish you a hell of a lot of luck!

[llessur123]

I have A*AAAAAABB in my GCSE's, the B's are in Maths and English Literature. I recently achieved some good module results in Biology and ICT. I'm also doing History, which is fine.

The thing is, I have a Chemistry module coming up and not to beat around the bush, I'm ****ed. Lets say I manage to get a B in Chemistry. If I achieve AAAB in my AS levels and manage to get an A predicted in Chemistry, do I still have a chance? I tried looking at websites and they are all quite ambiguous about it. If I'm predicted to achieve A*A*A*A in my A2s, but have AAAB in my AS, do I have a chance?

I'm going to try and work hard for Chemistry but it's not looking great at the minute. I guess I'm just trying to get options. I recently booked my UKCAT and stapled the receipt to my wall to try and give me some motivation haha

Thanks!

[myyrh]

(Original post by llessur123)
I have A*AAAAAABB in my GCSE's, the B's are in Maths and English Literature. I recently achieved some good module results in Biology and ICT. I'm also doing History, which is fine.

The thing is, I have a Chemistry module coming up and not to beat around the bush, I'm ****ed. Lets say I manage to get a B in Chemistry. If I achieve AAAB in my AS levels and manage to get an A predicted in Chemistry, do I still have a chance? I tried looking at websites and they are all quite ambiguous about it. If I'm predicted to achieve A*A*A*A in my A2s, but have AAAB in my AS, do I have a chance?

I'm going to try and work hard for Chemistry but it's not looking great at the minute. I guess I'm just trying to get options. I recently booked my UKCAT and stapled the receipt to my wall to try and give me some motivation haha

Thanks!

Yes you do still have a chance. AS grades aren't actually used by some medical schools when it comes to viewing academics. Predictions are more important. Some medical school actually only ask for Chemistry at AS to be at a grade B so it really isn't the end of the world if you get a B. However you would really need to try and bring the grade up because A2 is a lot harder and you do need to meet the AAA target. Can I ask why you are taking all four of your subjects to A2?