[robk93]

(Original post by PatrickD)
Hoping to apply to York, Nottingham, Sheffield and two from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds (haven't looked at the latter two yet). I really want to go to York or Nottingham though - they were both great, and after attending a Chemistry day at York I should hopefully get an offer without the need for an interview!

I was very interested in NatSci at Cambridge (as well as at a few other unis) but I don't do Maths (not even to AS) so I wouldn't be able to pursue Chemistry beyond 1st year there I enjoy Biology/Biochemistry (looking at a lot of the biological/medicinal chem courses now) but I really want an emphasis on Chemistry for my course. Going to Cambridge wouldn't offer this so I've pretty much given up on there - it's annyoing because my AS grades are good enough to stand a chance. My lack of maths also means Durham and Bristol (and a few others) are out.

Ah well, I need some way of narrowing down my choices, right?

I went to the York chemistry day too - quite a nice surprise when they told us! I didn't feel I did too well in the 'chat' though, but as long as the UCAS app is good :P

[DoDoBeDo]

I feel very much the same. I've struggled through my GCSEs, I managed to pull myself together for my ASs but I still feel sometimes as if when I say "I want to do a degree in chemistry", people laugh at me because I aren't the 'grade A girl'. I got 1 A at GCSE, I only have 6 GCSEs because of illness and... I often feel very disadvantaged, and I feel that people don't take it seriously from me.

But I'm very lucky in the fact that my chemistry teachers are supporting me all the way - because they supported me through my GCSEs and then requested me in their A Level classes [I was meant to be in the other group on the other site]

I've defied the odds so far, so I'm just going to carry on doing what I'm doing - because I know I want to do this! I just have to now pull my BBC up to ABB. [my 1 mark off of a B in chemistry needs to be pulled up to an A. Crappy days suck. I'd have had the bloody A in the 50% paper if I hadn't have felt so awful ].

But I frequently don't feel clever enough. But I seemed to have veered very much off the topic of your question there - sorry!

[PatrickD]

(Original post by robk93)
I went to the York chemistry day too - quite a nice surprise when they told us! I didn't feel I did too well in the 'chat' though, but as long as the UCAS app is good :P

Yeah it was great! Good chance of an offer now

It was annoying how they referred to it as an 'informal chat' though, despite it being the equivalent of a post-application interview! I didn't really treat it very seriously and as soon as I came out I thought of loads of extra things I should/could have said. Ah well, she seemed impressed and freindly enough so hopefully with my good AS grades and a decent PS will result in an offer!

Which day did you visit York and what group were you in?

[robk93]

(Original post by PatrickD)
Yeah it was great! Good chance of an offer now

It was annoying how they referred to it as an 'informal chat' though, despite it being the equivalent of a post-application interview! I didn't really treat it very seriously and as soon as I came out I thought of loads of extra things I should/could have said. Ah well, she seemed impressed and freindly enough so hopefully with my good AS grades and a decent PS will result in an offer!

Which day did you visit York and what group were you in?

I visited on the 9th, group B I think

I'd like to think I came across as enthusiastic in the interview, which should make up for the slip ups (hopefuly) - though they did seem to say they'd offer regardless of how you did in the interview, so long as UCAS is good

[Witty Username]

(Original post by Caprisun!)
Gah. I sound so whiney even thinking about this but it's been worrying me for months. Does anyone else ever wonder if they're actually smart enough to do a degree in chemistry? It's supposed to be one of the hardest degrees you can do and even a Bsc/Mchem doesn't seem enough to have a shot at getting into research, you need a PhD for that from what I've seen and I highly doubt I'm capable of getting one. I love chemistry and science in general but I don't want to graduate and find out my only options are teaching or becoming a lab tech.

Every day! If it's any comfort I know a lot of my year feel the same, and we've made it 1/3 of the way through!

[emma.stoll]

I'm applying for biological/medicinal chemistry at Nottingham, York, Warwick and Bath. I'm also applying for Biological Nat Sci. at Cambridge. Really like Nottingham and York though.
I'm worried that I will screw everything up at interview, when I open my mouth and blurt something out without thinking. Anyone know common interview questions???

[Venomilys]

I want to do Chemistry at Imperial, my AS grades were AABD in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics respectively.

Likely predictions: A*A*A

Imperial course req: AAA

likely hood of getting an offer on a scale of 1 to 10? 10 being certain, 1 being never.

[overninethousand]

i would say 6 but i base this purely on the fact that that you had a B in AS chemistry and that the D is not very pretty, though if you do get those predictions i think it will help your prospects. subject choices are good as well but physics is seen a subject you should be strong in so i would consider resisting it in your place - definitely worth an application though

how were your GCSEs?

[andyator55]

I have just chosen my Alevels and starting my AS's this year so I know this thread isn't exactly where this should go but I was wandering how much 'workload' you have to deal with when taking MChem? Also, I was wandering what sort of grades I would need to take it? I'm talking on average as I know every uni is different.

Thanks

[PatrickD]

(Original post by andyator55)
I have just chosen my Alevels and starting my AS's this year so I know this thread isn't exactly where this should go but I was wandering how much 'workload' you have to deal with when taking MChem? Also, I was wandering what sort of grades I would need to take it? I'm talking on average as I know every uni is different.

Thanks

Well most people here are applying this year so have very little idea of the workload required at degree level - sorry! There might be someone who has experience but you may be better off posting somewhere else where current MChem students see it. I'm hoping that if I can cope at A Level, I'll be fine at degree level. This seems to be certainly true for my sister and she's studying Medicine!

The grades required to take a Chemistry degree obviously vary greatly, depending on which Uni you look at but, to go to one of the more respected and prestigious universities, you want to be looking at ABB at least. A lot of the Unis vary their offers based on your academic capability (higher AS grades can mean a higher conditional offer ) and how many science subjects you do (this is particularly true at York where the offer can range from AAA-ABB depending on whether you do 1,2 or 3 sciences at A level!) For Oxbridge, Durham and Bristol you're looking at A*AA/AAA (including Maths [which I don't do ])

Hope this helps a bit and good luck!

[PatrickD]

(Original post by emma.stoll)
I'm applying for biological/medicinal chemistry at Nottingham, York, Warwick and Bath. I'm also applying for Biological Nat Sci. at Cambridge. Really like Nottingham and York though.
I'm worried that I will screw everything up at interview, when I open my mouth and blurt something out without thinking. Anyone know common interview questions???

Hey, I'm the same as you! York and Nottingham both look great for Medicinal/Biological Chemistry, especially with the option of a Year in Industry. I was going to apply for NatSci at Cambridge but without Maths I can't pursue Chemistry and would be limited to Biology/Biochemistry

The 'interviews' at York/Nottingham are quite informal and relaxed so I wouldn't worry about those as it's more about having a look around and getting to know the department.

I'm guessing you're more worried about Cambridge as the interviews are more academic and Chemistry-based there. I don't have much advice other than do a bit of revision/reading around beforehand, and good luck! You'll be presented with questions/information you aren't familiar with but the whole point is to get you thinking. React positively to their suggestions/corrections and try to come up with a sensible answer to anything you're asked. You aren't expected to get everything right but they want to see potential!

[PatrickD]

(Original post by robk93)
I visited on the 9th, group B I think

I'd like to think I came across as enthusiastic in the interview, which should make up for the slip ups (hopefuly) - though they did seem to say they'd offer regardless of how you did in the interview, so long as UCAS is good

Ah, I was there on the 6th. Really enjoyed it actually - much more focused and personal than a general open day.

Yeah, I doubt that interview will count for much. They seemed to take plenty of notes as well so that should look pretty good. At least they have a record of us and seem keen to make an offer!

[andyator55]

(Original post by PatrickD)
Well most people here are applying this year so have very little idea of the workload required at degree level - sorry! There might be someone who has experience but you may be better off posting somewhere else where current MChem students see it. I'm hoping that if I can cope at A Level, I'll be fine at degree level. This seems to be certainly true for my sister and she's studying Medicine!

The grades required to take a Chemistry degree obviously vary greatly, depending on which Uni you look at but, to go to one of the more respected and prestigious universities, you want to be looking at ABB at least. A lot of the Unis vary their offers based on your academic capability (higher AS grades can mean a higher conditional offer ) and how many science subjects you do (this is particularly true at York where the offer can range from AAA-ABB depending on whether you do 1,2 or 3 sciences at A level!) For Oxbridge, Durham and Bristol you're looking at A*AA/AAA (including Maths [which I don't do ])

Hope this helps a bit and good luck!

Thanks! I'm not doing Math's either :s But im hoping: Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Computing should do for my Alevels But thanks anyway.

[Zepper]

(Original post by he3)
Hello,

I am also applying this year to chemistry. Currently I have picked out 3 universities: Edinburgh, Nottingham and Manchester. Can't make my mind about my 4th and 5th choices. Possibly Bath, Sheffield or Leeds

I've got a place at manchester, but leeds was such a beautiful campus and the chem department was really nice. I would check it out. Its a big student city too, apparently very fun times there!

[Zepper]

(Original post by Ilyas)
I want to do Chemistry at Imperial, my AS grades were AABD in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics respectively.

Likely predictions: A*A*A

Imperial course req: AAA

likely hood of getting an offer on a scale of 1 to 10? 10 being certain, 1 being never.

Why are they your predicted A2 with them AS grades?
Its very hard to say, a massive amount is to do with your personal statement etc. With those AS grades I would say you're borderline. At degree level Chemistry gets a lot more physics-like in areas so that D may be a concern them (especially as its a very good university). At AS level i got ABBC and york rejected me straight away and they don't ask for AAA (AAB/ABB). Better get reading lots of chem books to put in your personal statement (Make sure you do actually read them and understand them though because almost 100% sure they will ask you about them at the interview)

[Venomilys]

(Original post by Zepper)
Why are they your predicted A2 with them AS grades?

AABD @AS --> A*A*A prediction A2?

I think that's reasonable. I only got a B in chemistry because I had a D in the very first paper (the easy one, the one that just bridges GCSE and A level and has a weighting of 30%). Gonna resit it, and since I'm dropping physics it will be more than manageable.

And borderline chances is good enough for me

[starchick11]

Hi.
I want to apply to do chemsitry for 2012 entry and i am really stuck for stuff to put on my personal statement, and stuff I could read/ be doing to help improve my chances. The teachers at school aren't much help and connexions didn't know what i could be doing either.

I have no one to ask for help and advise so could you help me??

I got 4 A at AS level in BIO CHEM MATHS and HISTORY

For A2 I dropped HISTORY and am doing the EXTENDED PROJECT but i dont know what in yet.

Thankyou any advise/ suggestions would be helpful

Ps if i don't want to work in a lab or be a teacher when i graduate then what options are open after a chem degree?

[Billy Bryant]

(Original post by starchick11)
Hi.
I want to apply to do chemsitry for 2012 entry and i am really stuck for stuff to put on my personal statement, and stuff I could read/ be doing to help improve my chances. The teachers at school aren't much help and connexions didn't know what i could be doing either.

I have no one to ask for help and advise so could you help me??

I got 4 A at AS level in BIO CHEM MATHS and HISTORY

For A2 I dropped HISTORY and am doing the EXTENDED PROJECT but i dont know what in yet.

Thankyou any advise/ suggestions would be helpful

Ps if i don't want to work in a lab or be a teacher when i graduate then what options are open after a chem degree?

Let me start from the bottom XD.

Well there are many options, you could go into banking or accounting at just a start but just a quick look on many uni websites will show you that the possibilities are many. Chemistry has many transferrable skills. http://www.rsc.org/Education/SchoolS...iles/index.asp

Do your middle paragraphs first, try to split it into 5 paragraphs. 1. Why you want to do Chemistry, 2. How your A Levels have prepared you. 3. Any relevant Work Experience or Volunteering. 4. Hobbies 5. A Conclusion.

That is a very very rough guide, work with that and then refine it afterwards :P they have specific forums on here for personal statement help once you have a draft. Remember to try and match paragraph 1 and 5 somehow. As a crap example 1. I always wanted to do Chemistry 5. This degree will be the first step towards me reaching my dream of being a chemist. I must stress not to use that because it is rubbish and cliche'd haha.

Best thing you can do is just make a draft, once you start writing a lot of the problems sort themselves out good luck.

[PatrickD]

(Original post by Nymthae)
Seems if you enroll on a BSci course and do well enough (~60% average generally) you can normally transfer to an MChem course if you desire.

This is certainly true and you are in a much better postion to speak about this topic than I am.

However, every Uni advises applying for the MChem if you are unsure whether you want to do an MChem or a BSc. Even if you do well in your first year or two and easily meet the standard to transfer, you have to approach your local authority for an extra year of student finance. It's much easier to ask for 4 years and then tell them you only need 3 than to go begging for an extra year's worth of finance. Just something to be aware of.

[Zepper]

(Original post by Ilyas)
AABD @AS --> A*A*A prediction A2?

I think that's reasonable. I only got a B in chemistry because I had a D in the very first paper (the easy one, the one that just bridges GCSE and A level and has a weighting of 30%). Gonna resit it, and since I'm dropping physics it will be more than manageable.

And borderline chances is good enough for me

I would say that you're very likely to get the same grades again, unless you proper resit etc. Although like you said the first chem exam is easy to resit. Its harder to push up your grades than you think. A2 is a step up again for most people! Good luck though! if you manage it then you would have done very well. Just proper go for it and you'll do it