[Gucci Mane2010]

Since I started thinking of and consolidating my desire for dentistry as a career ive started wondering if there is any wisdom in applying to the UG courses. I have only ever thought of the graduate entry courses as best purely because of the financial side.

Is it easier for graduates to get into UG courses?

How would you finance £9000 a year from scratch? Would you defer to give you a better chance of saving up enough? Will 2 years of a full time job secure enough finances to achieve this with the added help of bank loans?

Could commuting 40mins between different cities save you enough money whilst working part time and would this be realistic whilst studying? I live in the midlands so birmingham and sheffield would be ideal, with graduate entry all the unis are out of the midlands (very annoying)

Ideas or tips would be helpful. I have a rough idea of what GEPs I am applying to but Im asking these questions to make sure that I have left no stone unturned!

[EcclesReece]

See, a lot of the grad schools last year had a ratio of 7-9 applicants for each place (except Liverpool), which i don't think is radically different from undergrad.

Also, I've heard that places that have both undergrad & postgrad offer you a place on their undergrad course if you're unsuccessful on the postgrad course! Not sure about Liverpool, but I've definitely heard that KCL do this.


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[.inspiron1]

(Original post by EcclesReece)
See, a lot of the grad schools last year had a ratio of 7-9 applicants for each place (except Liverpool), which i don't think is radically different from undergrad.

Also, I've heard that places that have both undergrad & postgrad offer you a place on their undergrad course if you're unsuccessful on the postgrad course! Not sure about Liverpool, but I've definitely heard that KCL do this.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

At the Open Day the admissions tutor for KCL said they no longer automatically consider you for the 5 year course if you apply to the 4 year course. You'll only be considered for both if you apply to both programmes, where you'll get 2 separate interviews and 2 separate replies.

When they interview candidates for the 4 year course they normally give out around 35-40 offers for the 30 places, however, a further 10-15 people will be given offers for the 5 year course who will act as reserves for the 4 year course. So if only 25/40 accept KCL as firm, 5/15 of those given a 5 year offer will be given the opportunity to start on the 4 year course.

If a graduate applies to the 5 year course only at KCL, they WILL NOT be considered or given the opportunity to act as a reserve for the 4 year course.

Hope this clears things up.

[.inspiron1]

(Original post by Gucci Mane2010)
Since I started thinking of and consolidating my desire for dentistry as a career ive started wondering if there is any wisdom in applying to the UG courses. I have only ever thought of the graduate entry courses as best purely because of the financial side.

Is it easier for graduates to get into UG courses?

How would you finance £9000 a year from scratch? Would you defer to give you a better chance of saving up enough? Will 2 years of a full time job secure enough finances to achieve this with the added help of bank loans?

Could commuting 40mins between different cities save you enough money whilst working part time and would this be realistic whilst studying? I live in the midlands so birmingham and sheffield would be ideal, with graduate entry all the unis are out of the midlands (very annoying)

Ideas or tips would be helpful. I have a rough idea of what GEPs I am applying to but Im asking these questions to make sure that I have left no stone unturned!

Reasons could include:
1. Not meeting the entry requirement for 4 year GEP courses.
2. Some people don't like the idea of having a 4 year intense degree, and would rather do it over 5 years.
3. Some may have families and may not want to move to a different region.
4. Course structure. Some GEP courses are community based i.e. UCLan and Peninsula, and some people may want a university based experience and
environment.

I wouldn't say it's easier for graduates to get onto a 5 year course, as some have a set intake quota e.g. Cardiff only take on 5 graduates maximum per year.

[Gucci Mane2010]

Looks like UKCAT is my main obstacle then because in my position I don't see how a 5 years course could make things easier for me. I think I would also prefer the community based course. A uni based experience gets repetitive after a year or two.

Does anyone find that the personal statement is too short for you to put it in all that you think is relevant? I finished it but I have not yet put in the extra voluntary work I will be starting. This is after already having cut it down to the most important experiences and things I learnt. My tutor even said I need to talk more about my degree and I agree but how much length should it approximately take up in the PS.

[.inspiron1]

(Original post by Gucci Mane2010)
Looks like UKCAT is my main obstacle then because in my position I don't see how a 5 years course could make things easier for me. I think I would also prefer the community based course. A uni based experience gets repetitive after a year or two.

Does anyone find that the personal statement is too short for you to put it in all that you think is relevant? I finished it but I have not yet put in the extra voluntary work I will be starting. This is after already having cut it down to the most important experiences and things I learnt. My tutor even said I need to talk more about my degree and I agree but how much length should it approximately take up in the PS.

I'm 1200 characters over the limit.

[sarabds]

Another Big reason which has come about is that there is a strong possibility that the 4year courses for medicine/dentistry will infact be extended to 5years to meet with EU legislation. ( http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show....php?t=1891196 )

Also for a 4yr course you may have to live away from home which in itself will make it much more expensive than a standard 5year course.

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