[pi=3]

Its no big secret that the application for Medicine is very competitive, and many applicants, though they get four rejections the first time, will try and take another bite at the cherry. However, some applicants still are unsuccessful even after many a UCAS cycle, yet are determined to keep trying. I know that giving up the first time probably shows a serious lack of determination, but I don't believe in the attitude that 'If you really want to do Medicine, you will keep trying no matter how many times you get rejected'. Surely there is a balance between these two attitudes...but when do you say enough is enough and move on to something else?

[Orinincandenza]

Personal preference and circumstances
e.g Rich and very motivated (Many times) vs. Poor and demotivated

For me i think more than twice would be too dispiriting.

[pi=3]

I once met a chap who applied to Medicine a Grand total of seven times before getting his offer (at Bristol I think it was) - 3 after he left school and four after he finished a degree in some healthcare related science.

[TheDannyManCan]

(Original post by pi=3)
I once met a chap who applied to Medicine a Grand total of seven times before getting his offer (at Bristol I think it was) - 3 after he left school and four after he finished a degree in some healthcare related science.

Now that's dedication!

Well, truth be told, I would be very disheartened after the 2nd time, and might consider something else. Knowing those around me were succeeding first time at more competitive things would get to me (still does, a bit :P).

[Julian_valensi]

I think it would be more appropriate to give yourself a number of 'interviews' to fail at rather than cycles.

Say if you have 3 interview cycles and 6 interviews, but still no offer, it would be logical to assume you simply dont posses the innate abilities to become a doctor or are simply unable to attain them despite repeated atempts. Then one may consider an alternative.

(this idea being based on there is a certain amount of luck at both attaining an interview and place with the process and this would negate that, maybe)

[DexterM]

I got in on attempt number 3 (for graduate entry medicine). Two interviews, eleven rejections, one offer.

[digitalis]

Personally, twice.

[fairy spangles]

Ive always wondered if i applied to medicine now would i actually get a place? Ive always wondered what this magic UKCAT is!

[modini]

Probably 3 or 4 times.

[craig12]

I know a guy who applied for medicine 4 times =/ He is still determined today to get into medicine. The same guy works in a card shop. So, yeah...

The moral of the story is paradoxical. Be determined enough to apply but be realistic if you get rejected.

[AndrewWong92]

I applied 3 times and hold two unconditionals this time round. But if its your dream...doesnt matter how many times you apply...if you give up and you're on your deathbed, you're going to regret it. Regret is far worse than failure in my opinion.

[Vox0]

I applied 3 times. First cycle 1 interview, second cycle 2 interviews, then I did a degree but decided I still wanted to pursue medicine so 3rd cycle 4 interviews and 2 offers.

No-one can tell you for sure how many times is too much. That's up to you. Just ask yourself if you still want to apply again and whether you think you have a realistic chance of getting a place/what went wrong the previous time(s).

[Thracia]

Twice was enough. A total of 7 rejections over the two years, one offer for Medicine. Another time through the system might have be a little too dispiriting for me.