[vicky_charlotte]

Hi All!

First post, so please bare with me whilst I find my bearings

I am currently 24 years old, and this is my (brief!) history -

- came to England at the age of 14
- completed GCSEs. Average results, although that is to be expected as I didn't have command of the English language as I do now. Grades range from A* (in German - my native language ;-)) to C. 11 GCSEs in total.
- Completed 3 A-levels - German, Drama, Psychology - grades A,C,D - I did struggle with my A-levels due to language barriers, and I wasn't as self motivated as I am now!
- Started working in a call centre, hated it and left. Managed to work my way up the ladder in a PR firm, and now have a few years of experience handling the PR account for one of Britain's largest retailers. (Unfulfilled would be an understatement)

I am currently going through the process of applying for courses in A-level Chemistry and Biology, and I am looking at applying to Manchester University for their medicine course.

Subject to me passing my A-levels with flying colours (i.e. As) and having a good UKCAT score (I have completed trial tests and usually get around about 80% of the answers correct) do you think I stand a chance?

I know I had a bit of a rough start in terms of grades at school, but I have turned a corner, my language skills are now on a par with a native British person, and I have never wanted anything so much.

I will be 25, or maybe even 26 when I start the course, will I be too old do you think? Is there an average age?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[DexterM]

Not too old at all! Some people studying medicine are in their 40s.

The only advice I'd give is to get some work experience in a hospital setting (this can be tricky) and start some long term volunteering, for example, St. John's or in a hospice. Medicine is very competitive, and most applicants will have excellent grades, bags of voluntary work AND clinical experience.

[Sarky]

No reason why you wouldn't have a shot at a medical school place, but you may be hedging your bets by only applying to one place.