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Gap year ?!! HELP PLZ!!!!!

I applied to dentistry this year but have not received any offers, and only got one interview. I applied with a UCAT score of 2780 (Band 2) and predicted AAA in biology, chemistry and geography, as well as work experience, volunteering and sport for GB.
I was really set on dentistry, but the process has been very draining and I'm not sure what to do.
Environmental science has always interested me, so would applying to somewhere like Durham/ Edinburgh etc. for climate science or something similar be a good idea?? (rather than reapplying to dentistry). I was thinking if I did this, I would work in the sustainable energy industry or perhaps do a law conversion after the degree (I would try to specialise in environmental law). So, should I do this, or is it worth reapplying to dentistry?
I am unsure I want to do biomed because I've heard there's not many jobs after graduation- not sure I would enjoy it anyway. The only reason I'd do it is to specialise into medical law or something similar as a postgraduate.
It would be brilliant to hear from people who had to take gap years/ who are studying environmental science currently.
Thank you
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 1
Original post by dent_applicant
I applied to dentistry this year but have not received any offers, and only got one interview. I applied with a UCAT score of 2780 (Band 2) and predicted AAA in biology, chemistry and geography, as well as work experience, volunteering and sport for GB.
I was really set on dentistry, but the process has been very draining and I'm not sure what to do.
Environmental science has always interested me, so would applying to somewhere like Durham/ Edinburgh etc. for climate science or something similar be a good idea?? (rather than reapplying to dentistry). I was thinking if I did this, I would work in the sustainable energy industry or perhaps do a law conversion after the degree (I would try to specialise in environmental law). So, should I do this, or is it worth reapplying to dentistry?
I am unsure I want to do biomed because I've heard there's not many jobs after graduation- not sure I would enjoy it anyway. The only reason I'd do it is to specialise into medical law or something similar as a postgraduate.
It would be brilliant to hear from people who had to take gap years/ who are studying environmental science currently.
Thank you

Hey, I am currently on a gap year. So last year I was in an identical situation my predicted was A*A*A UCAT: 2710 B3. I had one interview and got rejected.
The reason why I took the gap year was because no degree appealed to me like dentistry at all, medicine being the closest lmfao.
For me personally dentistry is the best degree out there nothing close to it if its the same for you then dont compromise on your dream try again for sure. This year I got 3 interviews and 2 offers and I rejected the 3rd Uni to firm KCL.
However, if you're 50/50 on dent then its unlikely it was ever for u as I've heard its incredibly challenging and 5 years is a long time. So if you're 50/50 and u wanna go into environmental science then go for it.
Also I agree with you regarding biomed its hard to get jobs you're better off doing something else.
Hope this helps, Best of luck!
Reply 2
Original post by drdent
Hey, I am currently on a gap year. So last year I was in an identical situation my predicted was A*A*A UCAT: 2710 B3. I had one interview and got rejected.
The reason why I took the gap year was because no degree appealed to me like dentistry at all, medicine being the closest lmfao.
For me personally dentistry is the best degree out there nothing close to it if its the same for you then dont compromise on your dream try again for sure. This year I got 3 interviews and 2 offers and I rejected the 3rd Uni to firm KCL.
However, if you're 50/50 on dent then its unlikely it was ever for u as I've heard its incredibly challenging and 5 years is a long time. So if you're 50/50 and u wanna go into environmental science then go for it.
Also I agree with you regarding biomed its hard to get jobs you're better off doing something else.
Hope this helps, Best of luck!

Thank you, I think I will try again next year- its just the thought of redoing the ucat this summer thats making me want to cry!!!!!! hopefully I just achieve my predicted grades haha!!
Reply 3
Original post by dent_applicant
Thank you, I think I will try again next year- its just the thought of redoing the ucat this summer thats making me want to cry!!!!!! hopefully I just achieve my predicted grades haha!!


yeh achieving grades is the most important. dw about ucat its a pain for 3/4 weeks it literally feels like i did mine ageeees ago time will fly by. And lowkey i think ucat is the most chilled exam to revise for. 2/3 hours a day on a screen banging out qs it wont be too bad.
Don't worry at all, you've got this!! I'd definitely say practice online / with friends / a platform that can track your progress because it just makes it a lot easier to motivate yourself - I know often you have to pay to do this, but the UCAT ninja lets you pay whatever price you want, even just £1 and you get full access to the platform, so I'd take a look at that - I think they have recently re-vamped it? Anyways, good luck, I hope all goes well !!
Don't worry at all, you've got this!! I'd definitely say practice online / with friends / a platform that can track your progress because it just makes it a lot easier to motivate yourself - I know often you have to pay to do this, but the UCAT ninja lets you pay whatever price you want, even just £1 and you get full access to the platform, so I'd take a look at that - I think they have recently re-vamped it? Anyways, good luck, I hope all goes well !!

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