Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)
Discussion of individual medical schools and their courses for applicants and current students. Not for all those 'Am I Good Enough' questions.
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Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)
Hello,
I'm currently considering applying to an A100 5-year medical program for entry in 2013, and was wondering which schools would be best suited to the qualifications which I hope to hold at the time of application:
AP Chemistry-5
AP Psychology-5
AP US History-5
AP European History-5
AP US Govt-5
AP Comp. Govt-5
AP Biology-5 (Predicted)
AP Physics B-5 (Predicted)
AP Calculus BC-5 (Predicted)
SAT US History-740
SAT Chemistry-780
SAT Biology-760
SAT Physics-740
SAT Math Level 1-780
SAT Math Level 2-750
SAT I Exam-2320
High School Diploma with 3.1 GPA (It's no excuse, but I do go to the number one ranked school in my state, and take primarily all honors/AP classes)
UKCAT (I'm thinking I'll score above 700... probably upper 700's. I base this off of the practice questions I've done so far as well as my general aptitude for standardized testing.)
As you can probably see, my Achilles heel is my high school GPA, which is pretty appalling to be completely honest. However, I try to offset this as much as I can with my standardized test scores.
As you undoubtedly know, UCAS restricts applicants to a total of four medical programs, and I'd very much like to apply to those institutions which I have the greatest chance of being admitted to based on my qualifications and number of international spaces/applicants per space.
Thanks for the guidance,
Ahmer -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)I'm sorry, but if you think your going to get upper 700s in UKCAT just because you have done a few questions and your "general aptitude for standardized testing" you are a bit foolish.(Original post by Ahmer50x)
Hello,
I'm currently considering applying to an A100 5-year medical program for entry in 2013, and was wondering which schools would be best suited to the qualifications which I hope to hold at the time of application:
AP Chemistry-5
AP Psychology-5
AP US History-5
AP European History-5
AP US Govt-5
AP Comp. Govt-5
AP Biology-5 (Predicted)
AP Physics B-5 (Predicted)
AP Calculus BC-5 (Predicted)
SAT US History-740
SAT Chemistry-780
SAT Biology-760
SAT Physics-740
SAT Math Level 1-780
SAT Math Level 2-750
SAT I Exam-2320
High School Diploma with 3.1 GPA (It's no excuse, but I do go to the number one ranked school in my state, and take primarily all honors/AP classes)
UKCAT (I'm thinking I'll score above 700... probably upper 700's. I base this off of the practice questions I've done so far as well as my general aptitude for standardized testing.)
As you can probably see, my Achilles heel is my high school GPA, which is pretty appalling to be completely honest. However, I try to offset this as much as I can with my standardized test scores.
As you undoubtedly know, UCAS restricts applicants to a total of four medical programs, and I'd very much like to apply to those institutions which I have the greatest chance of being admitted to based on my qualifications and number of international spaces/applicants per space.
Thanks for the guidance,
Ahmer
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Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)Im sorry my friend, you're probably right(Original post by kingcoltzan)
I'm sorry, but if you think your going to get upper 700s in UKCAT just because you have done a few questions and your "general aptitude for standardized testing" you are a bit foolish.

But suppose that I do, then what unis are my best shot? -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)It's hard to say really as I don't know how to compare APs to A-levels/IB / how a uni would compare it as each would value it differently.(Original post by Ahmer50x)
Im sorry my friend, you're probably right
But suppose that I do, then what unis are my best shot?
Although I do know your SATs are very good, but don't know who would look upon that favourably.
Ignore the academic side, as I think you are catered for there for pretty much everywhere, and focus on what sort of course/campus/location you want, and narrow your choices down and come back to up with a list of say 10 you liked the look of. -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester and King all love V. high UKCATs. Newcastle invites to interview purely based on UKCAT. All the other stuff in the OP, tbh, is gobbledegook to me, sorry!(Original post by Ahmer50x)
Im sorry my friend, you're probably right
But suppose that I do, then what unis are my best shot? -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)I'll try to do that as well, thanks.(Original post by kingcoltzan)
It's hard to say really as I don't know how to compare APs to A-levels/IB / how a uni would compare it as each would value it differently.
Although I do know your SATs are very good, but don't know who would look upon that favourably.
Ignore the academic side, as I think you are catered for there for pretty much everywhere, and focus on what sort of course/campus/location you want, and narrow your choices down and come back to up with a list of say 10 you liked the look of.
I have been in touch with Newcastle, but they have a very stringent high GPA requirement that I can't meet, so unfortunately, that is no longer an option.(Original post by InkyOne)
Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester and King all love V. high UKCATs. Newcastle invites to interview purely based on UKCAT. All the other stuff in the OP, tbh, is gobbledegook to me, sorry!
I've been looking into Sheffield and King, and I'll get in touch with them to see what their specific qualifications are.
As for Manchester, don't they only accept internationals from underprivileged nations? That would rule me out I presume as I'm from the USA.
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On a side note, I've been in touch with Nottingham, they've responded favorably towards me. Has anyone heard anything about their program? -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)Hello!(Original post by Ahmer50x)
I'll try to do that as well, thanks.
I have been in touch with Newcastle, but they have a very stringent high GPA requirement that I can't meet, so unfortunately, that is no longer an option.
I've been looking into Sheffield and King, and I'll get in touch with them to see what their specific qualifications are.
As for Manchester, don't they only accept internationals from underprivileged nations? That would rule me out I presume as I'm from the USA.
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On a side note, I've been in touch with Nottingham, they've responded favorably towards me. Has anyone heard anything about their program?
I've got a slight bit of familiarity with the whole American GPA system, but not enough to tell you where to apply, specifically.
I think you're right in saying that your GPA will hold you back slightly, but you do have some incredible AP scores and SAT scores.
I say, contact all the universities explaining your situation (or check their U.S. admission requirements) and ask how they'll consider you.
Apply for the ones that don't count the high school diploma for too much. If you do, your other scores should help you, tremendously.
Hope I helped!
Last edited by Hootie*; 07-05-2012 at 00:09. -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)Also, I don't think Manchester is a very good option, not just for the reason you stated, but also for this: "Students from outside the EU should offer international GCSE examinations and A2 levels or International Baccalaureate."(Original post by Ahmer50x)
I'll try to do that as well, thanks.
I have been in touch with Newcastle, but they have a very stringent high GPA requirement that I can't meet, so unfortunately, that is no longer an option.
I've been looking into Sheffield and King, and I'll get in touch with them to see what their specific qualifications are.
As for Manchester, don't they only accept internationals from underprivileged nations? That would rule me out I presume as I'm from the USA.
---------------------------------------
On a side note, I've been in touch with Nottingham, they've responded favorably towards me. Has anyone heard anything about their program?
I think that's why it's best to contact all the admissions departments of the various medical schools, by email, so you can some direct guidance, in writing.
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Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)(Original post by Hootie*)
Hello!
I've got a slight bit of familiarity with the whole American GPA system, but not enough to tell you where to apply, specifically.
I think you're right in saying that your GPA will hold you back slightly, but you do have some incredible AP scores and SAT scores.
I say, contact all the universities explaining your situation (or check their U.S. admission requirements) and ask how they'll consider you.
Apply for the ones that don't count the high school diploma for too much. If you do, your other scores should help you, tremendously.
Hope I helped!
Yeah, thats what I'm thinking. That's why I'm in favor of Nottingham and Kings currently, they don't even list anything regarding high school diploma GPA in their admission reqs, merely that you have one.(Original post by Hootie*)
Also, I don't think Manchester is a very good option, not just for the reason you stated, but also for this: "Students from outside the EU should offer international GCSE examinations and A2 levels or International Baccalaureate."
I think that's why it's best to contact all the admissions departments of the various medical schools, by email, so you can some direct guidance, in writing.
I'm going to continue sorting through the unis and emailing around and see what happens.
But if anyone on here has any experience or advise, that'd be much appreciated as well. -
Re: Which schools to apply to? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT)(Original post by Ahmer50x)
Yes, I am indeed an American.
As for the high schools giving GPA part, I don't know since when, but I know that they're very common all around here now, a key criteria for college admissions here.
For keele uni
We require a good high school transcript, SAT I & II of at least 550 in each exam, and 3 Advanced Placement Tests, one of which must be Chemistry, with grades of 4 or above. For candidates offering a degree (this must be in a science or medically related subject), we would be looking for a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3. Our degree does not give any exemptions to those examinations required to practise medicine in the USA.
My UKCAT wasn't so good (in the 600s) and I got accepted
