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MEGATHREAD - The Ultimate 'Am I Good Enough For Medicine?' Angst Thread MK III

I posted a similar Q before but basically I want to do medicine but I've been told by a lots of teachers that my grades aren't good enough. I went to a grammar school and I got 4 A* 6 A 2B and in the main subjects:
English language- A* English lit A
Biology/Chemistry/physics (triple award)- I got A for each of them
Maths- B (this is a let down)

I go to the same grammar sixth form and for AS levels I'm doing 6 including maths,bio,chem,psychology, english lit and general studies. I'm doing maths out of school and self-studying and am working really hard on it. For A2 I'm carrying on bio,chem,psychology.

'IF' I get AAAAAA for AS and A*A*A* for my A-levels plus work experience and volunteering, will they look past my bad gcse grades (considering I went to a grammar school). I know I can do better as I didn't bother much with GCSE's and I wasn't as motivated but now that I'm trying harder for AS, is there a possibility of getting into any uni course for medicine?

Im choosing between medicine and dentistry at the moment but most likely medicine

Reply 1581

TattyBoJangles

19

They're not "bad" GCSEs by any stretch of the imagination.

Avoid the universities that place a lot of emphasis on A* at GCSE (eg KCL, Leicester), apply smart and you'll be in a good a position as anyone else.

What you really need to get sorted is choosing either Medicine or Dentistry.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 1582

Brachioradialis

18

See: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_GCSE_Requirements

And also: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirements

Apply to your strengths! You're not out of chances yet.

Reply 1583

Knugs

12

Original post by lkjhh

I posted a similar Q before but basically I want to do medicine but I've been told by a lots of teachers that my grades aren't good enough. I went to a grammar school and I got 4 A* 6 A 2B and in the main subjects:
English language- A* English lit A
Biology/Chemistry/physics (triple award)- I got A for each of them
Maths- B (this is a let down)

I go to the same grammar sixth form and for AS levels I'm doing 6 including maths,bio,chem,psychology, english lit and general studies. I'm doing maths out of school and self-studying and am working really hard on it. For A2 I'm carrying on bio,chem,psychology.

'IF' I get AAAAAA for AS and A*A*A* for my A-levels plus work experience and volunteering, will they look past my bad gcse grades (considering I went to a grammar school). I know I can do better as I didn't bother much with GCSE's and I wasn't as motivated but now that I'm trying harder for AS, is there a possibility of getting into any uni course for medicine?

Im choosing between medicine and dentistry at the moment but most likely medicine

Listen to the guys above :smile:

you are very able to achieve to get into medical school.

DONT GIVE UP :smile:

Reply 1584

Pastaferian

17

Original post by doctor101

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
I need some help, i want you to be as brutally honest as possible do i stand a chance at medicine in imperial or ucl? with:
GCSE's: 4A* and 7A's
Predicted As/A2: A-Bio, A-Chem, A-Phy, A-Maths, A-General Studies
Work experience:
Work at a hospice once a week
Work at an elderly care home once a week
GP placement
Hospital placement
Outside stuff:
Drama
Swimming
I'm on the board of London libraries (youth)
I'm on the youth panel for "a well know" theatre

if i don't stand a chance don't sugar coat it!

Yes, you stand a very good chance. As already said, your PS, UKCAT/BMAT score and interview will also be important. The General Studies qualification will be completely ignored however - Med Schools put no value on it.

Remember though that you'll be up against candidates with A*A*A* predictions, and your application will be ranked below them. If there is anything you can do to lift your AAAA predictions, do it. For example, most Med Schools aren't interested in a 4th A2 qualification - they want 3 good ones. IMO, you should continue with Chem and Bio, but you should consider dropping Maths or Physics to focus on just three subjects.

Reply 1585

Pastaferian

17

Original post by Username97

What sorts of hobbies and interests (including extra curricular activities) will be needed when applying to medicine?
Any ideas? :smile:

Hobbies and interests which demonstrate a competitive or extrovert nature would look good. Sheffield specifically mentioned this at their Open Day, although they didn't say it was mandatory. They weren't just thinking of sport - they also mentioned performing arts.

Volunteering in a caring setting (hospitals, care homes, charities running activities for the disabled, etc) is also good, particularly if it brings you into frequent contact with those being cared for. Some of these organizations have daft restrictions (eg, 18+ age limits) which prevent med school hopefuls from volunteering, but not all, so keep asking. For example, Riding For The Disabled is worth trying, if they operate near you.

Some sort of experience in a clinical setting is also very useful. All Med Schools acknowledge that it can be hard to get such placements, and they say it isn't mandatory, but I suspect a few of them think that if you want it bad enough, you'll make it happen. Your local GP may be unwilling to help because of confidentiality (ie, because many of their patients will live near you and therefore may know you, albeit remotely), but you may have more luck if you ask GPs further from home.

Good luck!

Reply 1586

TheMan17

I am currently a year 12 student hopefully applying to medicine this year, I have 7A*s and 2A at gcse, I have a good range of extra curriculum eg football but my work experience is poor as I'm finding it impossible to get some, all I have is a few months at a care home and hopefully will get some at a hospice I applied for, do you think that's enough to be successful applicant?

Reply 1587

spanish_sahara

2

Hi, just wondering how much work experience is needed to apply for medicine? I have been volunteering at an old people's home since July last year and do lots of work with kids (have worked in a playgroup, teach music, do summer activities) but I realise I'm in need of more clinical experience - how much would you say is necessary and how would I go about getting it?

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Reply 1588

RoryH

13

Original post by TheMan17

I am currently a year 12 student hopefully applying to medicine this year, I have 7A*s and 2A at gcse, I have a good range of extra curriculum eg football but my work experience is poor as I'm finding it impossible to get some, all I have is a few months at a care home and hopefully will get some at a hospice I applied for, do you think that's enough to be successful applicant?

If you can talk about it in a reflective manner then there is no 'right' amount. It's all about what you've learnt and what skills you can show through doing that thing.

So in short, yes, it is enough :smile:

Reply 1589

Pastaferian

17

Original post by TheMan17

I am currently a year 12 student hopefully applying to medicine this year, I have 7A*s and 2A at gcse, I have a good range of extra curriculum eg football but my work experience is poor as I'm finding it impossible to get some, all I have is a few months at a care home and hopefully will get some at a hospice I applied for, do you think that's enough to be successful applicant?

Your grades are excellent - ie, same as mine :smile:

Hopefully you've chosen the right AS/A2's - this is what med schools want
Your work experience is also sufficient, imo. If you can get some clinical experience (eg, with a GP or in a hospital) if would be helpful, but it's not essential. See my previous post and the reply to spanish_sahara below.

Original post by spanish_sahara

Hi, just wondering how much work experience is needed to apply for medicine? I have been volunteering at an old people's home since July last year and do lots of work with kids (have worked in a playgroup, teach music, do summer activities) but I realise I'm in need of more clinical experience - how much would you say is necessary and how would I go about getting it?

Again, your work experience looks as if it should be sufficient, ie, it meets the minimum expectation. See my previous post for a hint on getting work experience with a GP. Hospitals can be bureaucratic/ unresponsive if you approach them via their HR departments, but I had more luck approaching individual consultants and telling them how interesting their field seemed to me. But remember that they are very busy people and don't have time to negotiate with you. If you can tell them the windows (exact dates) when you are available, and assure them that they would be dealing with you and your parents and they wouldn't have to liaise with your school about Health and Safety stuff, it makes it easier for them to simply say "yes".

Good luck both of you!

Reply 1590

nikki13

3

Hi guys, I'm in my AS year, mature student [turn 21 in two months!] and wanted to get some opinions as to whether I stand a chance applying for medicine? I'm not worried where I go, I know I'm not Oxbridge material etc, I'm thinking Manchester, St George's, Liverpool and UEA at the moment. If anyone can offer some advice as to what else to do [obviously work hard at getting a good UKCAT score in the summer!], that would be awesome, and what sort of Uni's I should be aiming at?

GCSEs were 4 years ago, 3A* 7A

Worked full time for 3 years in restaurants and hotels, last job before my current part-time work was as the restaurant supervisor/department leader in a small 4* hotel, was basically a manager, lead the team, training, hiring, did a management course etc.

Now doing my A-Levels, in my AS year - did a Music BTEC when I was 16 which I dropped out of just over a year in to work full time, really wasn't right for me and had some personal stuff [my Grandma had been living with us while she was ill, I helped to take care of her, when she died I opted to drop out of college]
AS Levels:
Chemistry, Human Biology, Maths and Psychology
On track for A's in all, will drop Psychology and carry on the 3 sciences to A-Level

Mentoring/helping a boy in my chemistry class who is mildly autistic, he's making great progress which is awesome

Since December been doing Hospital Radio, every week I visit the kids wards and an adult ward to get requests, chat to patients etc, then help present the kids shows [I now cover the kids show when the regular presenter is away, and am getting my own show!]. Realize that the in-studio stuff isn't that relevant [although patients love it and it cheers them up!], but visiting the wards is really interesting!

Tomorrow I have an interview for a weekend carer's job in a local Nursing Home, hoping to do 2 shifts a week if I get the job! If not will try and find another, or alternatively do some voluntary work in a care home.

Some personal experience - Dad is disabled so help him out a bit, more emotional and domestic support than actual caring, and as mentioned helped to care for my Grandma for the last 9 months of her life.

Read BBC Health News, couple of blogs and things, student BMJ is really good, to keep up to date

Play guitar - Grade 6, not in bands or anything anymore, just for me now!

Will be doing some shadowing experience in the summer, starting to get it set up through a friend of mine who has some good contacts!

So that's me...what do you all think?
Thanks for reading :smile:

Reply 1591

Pastaferian

17

Original post by nikki13

Hi guys, I'm in my AS year, mature student [turn 21 in two months!] and wanted to get some opinions as to whether I stand a chance applying for medicine? I'm not worried where I go, I know I'm not Oxbridge material etc, I'm thinking Manchester, St George's, Liverpool and UEA at the moment. If anyone can offer some advice as to what else to do [obviously work hard at getting a good UKCAT score in the summer!], that would be awesome, and what sort of Uni's I should be aiming at?

GCSEs were 4 years ago, 3A* 7A

Worked full time for 3 years in restaurants and hotels, last job before my current part-time work was as the restaurant supervisor/department leader in a small 4* hotel, was basically a manager, lead the team, training, hiring, did a management course etc.

Now doing my A-Levels, in my AS year - did a Music BTEC when I was 16 which I dropped out of just over a year in to work full time, really wasn't right for me and had some personal stuff [my Grandma had been living with us while she was ill, I helped to take care of her, when she died I opted to drop out of college]
AS Levels:
Chemistry, Human Biology, Maths and Psychology
On track for A's in all, will drop Psychology and carry on the 3 sciences to A-Level

Mentoring/helping a boy in my chemistry class who is mildly autistic, he's making great progress which is awesome

Since December been doing Hospital Radio, every week I visit the kids wards and an adult ward to get requests, chat to patients etc, then help present the kids shows [I now cover the kids show when the regular presenter is away, and am getting my own show!]. Realize that the in-studio stuff isn't that relevant [although patients love it and it cheers them up!], but visiting the wards is really interesting!

Tomorrow I have an interview for a weekend carer's job in a local Nursing Home, hoping to do 2 shifts a week if I get the job! If not will try and find another, or alternatively do some voluntary work in a care home.

Some personal experience - Dad is disabled so help him out a bit, more emotional and domestic support than actual caring, and as mentioned helped to care for my Grandma for the last 9 months of her life.

Read BBC Health News, couple of blogs and things, student BMJ is really good, to keep up to date

Play guitar - Grade 6, not in bands or anything anymore, just for me now!

Will be doing some shadowing experience in the summer, starting to get it set up through a friend of mine who has some good contacts!

So that's me...what do you all think?
Thanks for reading :smile:

This all looks very good to me.

The 2 year gap in your academic record is out of my experience though. You can't hide it, so it's best to be proactive. I'd recommend phoning the uni's you want to apply to and talking through your situation with them. If they are happy with your explanation, it won't be a problem, but if it is a problem, it's best to know now.

Also, check that your AS/A2's meet the Med Schools requirements. Chemistry is mandatory almost everywhere, and many uni's like to see Biology, but I don't think many Med Schools would accept Human Biology in lieu of Biology. Some will accept maths however. If the link I gave is unclear about their requirements, call their admissions people and ask, and/or check their websites.

Btw, you said you would drop one subject (sensible move) and concentrate on "the 3 sciences" - not clear to me which subject you plan to drop, as I'd count all 4 as sciences. A2 Maths will probably give you more choice about where to apply, as opposed to A2 Psychology.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 1592

ashleysfetch

2

Hello I'm currently in Year 11 and aim to go to UCL (or another good uni) and study Medicine then specialise to become a Psychiatrist
My chosen A Levels are:
Maths with Stats (will drop), Biology, Chemistry, English Literature or Spanish and Psychology if possible

I was wondering if my GCSEs and Grades are good enough though?

English Language- A
English Literature- (waiting for results, hopefully an A)
IGCSE English- A*
Maths- B (currently retaking, aiming for an A)
Statics- (still to do, aiming for an A)
Biology- A
Chemistry- A (and my coursework was a D!)
Physics- B
Core Science- A
Additional Science- A
Psychology- A
Religious Studies- (still to do, aiming for an A)
Business Studies- (still to do, aiming for an A)
History- B
Spanish- (still to do but hopefully an A and on my assessments I have gotten 2A*s and an A and I started in September :smile:

)
BTEC PE which counts as 2- (hopefully D*= an A*)
OCR ICT which counts as 2- (hopefully D*= an A*)

Just as a note, I don't really count my BTECs but thought I may aswell include them. All of my target grades are A*s... :K:

Reply 1593

OneDayDoctor

12

A* don't always matter- I know liverpool counts As and A*s as the same, and they only use you 9 highest marks anyway.

Applying for medicine has an advantages over some other courses in that the entry requirements vary, so you can apply on your strengths. Just do your research and you'll be fine :smile:

Reply 1594

methylorange

Yeah your grades are definitely good enough, most unis look mainly at your AS results and predicted A level results as an indicator of how you're doing, some unis do look and use your GCSE results to place you but not many. This article http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirements is great for finding universities that will suit your strengths! :smile:

Reply 1595

tania<3

15

Original post by methylorange

Yeah your grades are definitely good enough, most unis look mainly at your AS results and predicted A level results as an indicator of how you're doing, some unis do look and use your GCSE results to place you but not many. This article http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirements is great for finding universities that will suit your strengths! :smile:

Most unis definitely don't use AS grades as part of the application process - there's very few who actually take it into account. Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten in lol. It's about the GCSEs, UKCAT, A-Level predictions and PS for interview criteria.

Reply 1596

ibmb24

Hey, I've always wanted to do medicine but I don't know if academically I'm good enough. I've been looking at forums and seeing people with over 10A* in gcse and really good a levels (AAAA+)and ukcat scores over 700. Also I'm aware you need experience in hospitals and wide varied activities and experience etc which I'm lucky enough to know people who are doctors and can give roles like shadowing them to give me the opportunity. I'm inmy first year of college and has just completed my first set exams I predict I will achieve based on confidence and how I answered the questions:
Bio-A
Chem-A/B
Maths-B or slightly lower
Business- anything between a B-D

Also my gcse grades are 6A's 4B's 1C
Please be honest and see if with these attributes so far if I can get accepted into any uni
Thanks

Posted from TSR Mobile

depends on what uni

You'll find with medical schools in the UK, that if you still end up applying in year 13, you'll be applying to your strengths, rather than which medical schools you like the most. They all lead to the same job, so you'll want to maximise your chances. It's just so tough to get a place anywhere to study medicine at the moment.

Reply 1599

Pride

21

Well you will need at least AAA a-level predictions to get a place anywhere in the UK to study a standard medicine course.

To answer all your questions, you need to have a look at the requirements the medical schools state on their websites. There are also informative wiki articles on this website summarising all the info you'll need.

Yes, work experience is also essential. Even if you have a slight feeling that you might consider applying for medicine in year 13, you MUST do work experience, and you also have to learn from it. There are many elements to applying for medicine in the UK, so you must do your research. Otherwise you won't be able to compete. The best students in the country will be applying, so you have to be ready.