is it worth applying for a foundation year?

i'm in applied science, and i've found a number of foundation years for medicine that i qualify for. but i've heard that they're massively oversubscribed and i wonder if i should go for it, or just learn to accept i'm never going to be able to get into the job i want?

most of my family dropped out of secondary, and none of them have any knowledge about how universities work. whenever i ask my sixth form leaders about it, they tell me i should find an easier career path. my science teachers seem to be the only ones confident that i'm good enough (they argued i should've been put in the a-level courses, but the leaders wouldn't have it despite letting someone with lower gcse science grades than me into bio and chem, but whatever lmao!).

i just thought someone here would be able to give some pretty good insight. worth it, or don't bother?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

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Reply 2

Dnsnnssn

Of course it's worth it. You will 100% not get it if you don't apply.
Worse case scenario you take a gap year. Which in the grand scheme of things is nothing.

Reply 3

Medic Mind

100% worth it!

Firstly, I'm so sorry you've been met with this much hesitancy and lack of support by your school. It's a good idea to hear their views and advice, but that doesn't mean you have to take it. You know yourself best and if this is something you're passionate about, don't let it hold you back. Maybe try and find some students that have followed a similar path to the one you might take.

Getting in to medical school is a difficult thing but we all come out the other side after taking the same exam (new system), and at that point you won't be thinking about foundation vs non foundation years, let alone GCSE or A level results. The first year is a huge step-up for all med students, no matter their previous learning, so potentially this foundation year will give you a bit more confidence in yourself. Also, just because it's over-subscribed that doesn't mean you won't be one of the people to get a place. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!

Good luck and please message if you'd like to talk more about universities or med school.

Molly
Medic Mind

Original post by kyl3_

i'm in applied science, and i've found a number of foundation years for medicine that i qualify for. but i've heard that they're massively oversubscribed and i wonder if i should go for it, or just learn to accept i'm never going to be able to get into the job i want?

most of my family dropped out of seconday, and none of them have any knowledge about how universities work. whenever i ask my sixth form leaders about it, they tell me i should find an easier career path. my science teachers seem to be the only ones confident that i'm good enough (they argued i should've been put in the a-level courses, but the leaders wouldn't have it despite letting someone with lower gcse science grades than me into bio and chem, but whatever lmao!).

i just thought someone here would be able to give some pretty good insight. worth it, or don't bother?