Do GCSEs Matter??

Yes, it does matter. Although if you want to get into a 'lowgraded' university, then perhaps not. But if you wnat to get into a good uni such as Oxbridge, then your gonna have to get pretty much A*'s and A's and B's.

Ha ha wtf? All medicine courses are certified by the GMC and therefore are ALL equal, regardless of whether you go to Oxford, Imperial, Hull, East Anglia etc. I'm guessing you define the newer medical schools as 'low-graded'?

And generally yes, it really does matter what your GCSE grades are (regardless of which medical school you apply to/want to go to). If you have extenuating circumstances, however, that is whole different story and the unis will take that into account.

If you don't have an average of a B (and no extenuating circumstances) then I would strongly advise against applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Birmingham and Edinburgh (look at the 'GCSE Nazi' thread for more info). That being said, however, it can be done - if you prove that you are a 'late-bloomer' and ace your ALevels etc. Manchester particularly like that kind of applicant (or at least, understand your circumstances).

Best of luck!

Don't mention it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well at least, I would rather cut my arm off then put something so negative (which they will perceive it as, if you keep dwelling on it and reminding them!) in my personal statement where you basically -

1, have a limited amount of room ANYWAY
2, should be full of positive stuff (it's like putting in a personal ad about yourself I guess?)
3, should focus on why you should get an interview/offer (i.e. all your work experience, voluntary work etc).

If you really want to 'explain' yourself, get your reference to stick it in somewhere and for them to say that they really think that you are a late bloomer and won't have academic difficulties with the course. If not, then send an additional letter with your application, to your unis, to explain.

When my sister reapplied, she went back to school (i.e. sixth form) and asked her favourite teacher (lol) to write it for her and the teacher was happy to.

I think you can send an extra letter, only if you have to (no letters begging for offers! lol). If you have something you want to explain then there's nothing stopping you.

If you're working, you could use your manager and another member of staff?

Re. your PS, I think it might be a bit stupid to totally ignore your grades. But put a positive spin on it like about how much more you've enjoyed the A-level course and you've found new motivation and your skills/grades have improved accordingly.

Don't you need, like, more than 1 reference? I have one for each of my teachers for biomed...

also where exactly would you send the extra letter if you're applying through ucas anyways? via e-mail?

Only 1 reference gets sent off to UCAS. You probably had more than one teacher actually contribute to that reference, writing about how well you do in each subject, but there's only space for one reference on the UCAS form, so only one is sent, regardless of what course you apply for.

The extra letter would be sent (via post ... it's too easy to just ignore an email imho) to each university you apply to for medicine.

okay, here's what i would do, go onto the wiki and make a list of EVERY medical school then trawl through their websites and find their GCSE requirements and make a list and see which ones you fit. i'd wager not so many but you should find a couple that you meet. don't rule anywhere out when making your list. (then if you're feeling extra useful you could add what you've found to the wiki)

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Where_to_Study_Medicine

...if you prove that you are a 'late-bloomer' and ace your ALevels etc. Manchester particularly like that kind of applicant (or at least, understand your circumstances).

You still have to meet their minimum requirements though.. 5 A/A*s with a minimum of Bs in english, maths and science. When they say they like 'late bloomers' they mean they won't discrimintae against people who achieve the bare minimum providing they can show evidence of increasing academic potential.

Don't mention it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well at least, I would rather cut my arm off then put something so negative (which they will perceive it as, if you keep dwelling on it and reminding them!)

If you really want to 'explain' yourself, get your reference to stick it in somewhere and for them to say that they really think that you are a late bloomer and won't have academic difficulties with the course. If not, then send an additional letter with your application, to your unis, to explain.