Medics and Applicants Profiles - NO DISCUSSION
Scroll to see replies
Year of Entry: 2012 (reapplicant)
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 2 A*, 6 A, 4 B, DiDA Credit
AS Grades: AAAB (Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Computing)
A2 Results: A*A*A (Human Biology, Maths, Chemistry), A in extended project
UKCAT: Average 705
Work Experience:
- 1 week shadowing various members of multidisciplinary team in Acute Medical Unit
- 1 week shadowing GP and other practice staff
- 1 day shadowing microbiologists
- 1 week with vascular consultant and team
- worked for 2 1/2 years at M&S
- working as a therapy assistant (with physiotherapists and occupational therapists) in hospital during my gap year
Volunteering:
- 6 months (few hours a week) asking patient surveys in hospital
- 2 months (at time of applying)/ongoing reception work at hospice
- 1 week with charity Vitalise helping with holidays for disabled people (feeding, personal care, accompanying on trips, socialising)
- 3 x 1 weeks helping at secondary schools year 7 camp
- Scout abseiling and climbing instructor
Extra Curricular:
- Sport (used to play netball) including running, swimming, gym
- crew at Scout campsite
- Travelling
- Studied OU module at college
- Biology G&T group where I undertook dissections
- Wider reading including Student BMJ and medical ethics book
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle: interview, conditional offer (sending certificates), FIRM
Peninsula: interview, conditional offer (CRB check, health check), INSURANCE
Manchester: interview, conditional offer, declined
Southampton: rejected
KCL (Pharmacy): rejected
General Advice:
If you don't get a place first time then don't give up! It will be disheartening, it will be hard seeing all your friends going off to university, it will be annoying when you are busy all day and free all weekend but your friends are busy at the weekend and free all day but it is worth it. I had 3 straight rejections and a further after interview last year but I think the (minimal) feedback and experience of applying first time made my second application stronger. Make the most of your gap year, get some more work experience and get a job in healthcare where you can start to learn some medical conditions, what it is like to work in a hospital and how a multidisciplinary team works. Another important thing is to prepare properly for interviews and UKCAT - buy a book and take a few weeks. Also be realistic about where you apply - apply based on where you think you have a chance of getting in - last year I applied to Sheffield where I loved and thought my UKCAT would be okay, turns out it wasn't so I didn't risk applying there this year and my UKCAT would have been okay. If you want any more information/advice feel free to contact me. Good luck
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 2 A*, 6 A, 4 B, DiDA Credit
AS Grades: AAAB (Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Computing)
A2 Results: A*A*A (Human Biology, Maths, Chemistry), A in extended project
UKCAT: Average 705
Work Experience:
- 1 week shadowing various members of multidisciplinary team in Acute Medical Unit
- 1 week shadowing GP and other practice staff
- 1 day shadowing microbiologists
- 1 week with vascular consultant and team
- worked for 2 1/2 years at M&S
- working as a therapy assistant (with physiotherapists and occupational therapists) in hospital during my gap year
Volunteering:
- 6 months (few hours a week) asking patient surveys in hospital
- 2 months (at time of applying)/ongoing reception work at hospice
- 1 week with charity Vitalise helping with holidays for disabled people (feeding, personal care, accompanying on trips, socialising)
- 3 x 1 weeks helping at secondary schools year 7 camp
- Scout abseiling and climbing instructor
Extra Curricular:
- Sport (used to play netball) including running, swimming, gym
- crew at Scout campsite
- Travelling
- Studied OU module at college
- Biology G&T group where I undertook dissections
- Wider reading including Student BMJ and medical ethics book
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle: interview, conditional offer (sending certificates), FIRM
Peninsula: interview, conditional offer (CRB check, health check), INSURANCE
Manchester: interview, conditional offer, declined
Southampton: rejected
KCL (Pharmacy): rejected
General Advice:
If you don't get a place first time then don't give up! It will be disheartening, it will be hard seeing all your friends going off to university, it will be annoying when you are busy all day and free all weekend but your friends are busy at the weekend and free all day but it is worth it. I had 3 straight rejections and a further after interview last year but I think the (minimal) feedback and experience of applying first time made my second application stronger. Make the most of your gap year, get some more work experience and get a job in healthcare where you can start to learn some medical conditions, what it is like to work in a hospital and how a multidisciplinary team works. Another important thing is to prepare properly for interviews and UKCAT - buy a book and take a few weeks. Also be realistic about where you apply - apply based on where you think you have a chance of getting in - last year I applied to Sheffield where I loved and thought my UKCAT would be okay, turns out it wasn't so I didn't risk applying there this year and my UKCAT would have been okay. If you want any more information/advice feel free to contact me. Good luck
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: Re-applicant
GCSEs:A*A*A*AAAAABBB
AS Grades:AABB
A2 Results: AAA
UKCAT (if applicable): First time round - 642.5. Second time round - 700.0.
Work Experience/Volunteering: Week in a hospital on multiple wards. Helping at a school for disabled youths. Working full time as an Health Care Assistant at a GP practice (while on my gap year)
Extra Curricular: Sports, CCF, school prefect etc
Universities applied to and decisions:
First time around:
UEA - Rejections without interview
Leicester - Rejection after interview
HYMS - Rejection after interview
Second time around:
Manchester - Offer (declined)
BSMS - Rejection without interview
Newcastle - Offer (firm)
Glasgow - Interview (withdrew)
General Advice: I wish anyone applying to medicine the best of luck. It is a long, cruel and arduous process. I chose to take a gap year which meant watching all my friends leave my home town. I have been lucky enough to gain a place this year, and having a years worth of experience and hands on patient contact (I take blood mostly) I feel I am only now ready for med school. PM me if any advice is wanted - I would be happy to answer any questions/queries you have about applying to study medicine.
Deferred?: Re-applicant
GCSEs:A*A*A*AAAAABBB
AS Grades:AABB
A2 Results: AAA
UKCAT (if applicable): First time round - 642.5. Second time round - 700.0.
Work Experience/Volunteering: Week in a hospital on multiple wards. Helping at a school for disabled youths. Working full time as an Health Care Assistant at a GP practice (while on my gap year)
Extra Curricular: Sports, CCF, school prefect etc
Universities applied to and decisions:
First time around:
UEA - Rejections without interview
Leicester - Rejection after interview
HYMS - Rejection after interview
Second time around:
Manchester - Offer (declined)
BSMS - Rejection without interview
Newcastle - Offer (firm)
Glasgow - Interview (withdrew)
General Advice: I wish anyone applying to medicine the best of luck. It is a long, cruel and arduous process. I chose to take a gap year which meant watching all my friends leave my home town. I have been lucky enough to gain a place this year, and having a years worth of experience and hands on patient contact (I take blood mostly) I feel I am only now ready for med school. PM me if any advice is wanted - I would be happy to answer any questions/queries you have about applying to study medicine.
Year of Entry: 2012 (International applicant; Malaysia)
Deferred?: nope
GCSEs: (SPM, malaysian equivalent) 7A+ 2A 1A-
AS Grades:Chemistry (A) Biology (A) Mathematics (A) Literature (A)
A2 Predictions: Chemistry (A*) Mathematics (A*) Biology (A)
UKCAT (if applicable): 670 average
Work Experience/Volunteering: I'm currently in a boarding school-type college, far from general modern civilization lol. it was very hard to arrange for work attachments but i did get some experience
- following rounds with a group of housemen at the paediatrics ward
- present in a cataract surgery
more work experience and volunteering would definitely be best.
Extra Curricular:
- student council for college
- school debater for 4 years, various national and regional debates
- co-editor of school magazine
- public speaking, drama director and script writer, pre-med newsletter writer
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle University - Offer AAA - Firm
Southampton University - Rejected without interview
University of Nottingham - Rejected without interview
Liverpool University - Rejected without interview
Penang Medical College (Twinning with RCSI) - Offer AAB - Declined
Trinity College Dublin - AAA - Undecided, prolly decline.
General Advice:
To be honest, in the beginning, I really wasn't sure of doing medicine. I was, frankly quite lost with what i wanted to do. Entering college, i decided to just focus on a levels, thought that the decision could come later. Eventually, with more reading, the idea of doing medicine became more appealing to me. Something within me just told me that medicine is the right course. There were many who told me not to do it, but please, listen to yourself and know what you want for yourself. Once you know what you want, you'll do everything to get it.
Work and practice for UKCAT! start off early, it'll be better that way. Look up for universities that you know will suit you best. Never forget about your studies, dont ever abandon them, my application sem clashed with the sem i had to take AS, so it was really stressful, but you can do it if you have the right mindset. Applying for medicine is a really tough process but in the end, you can always pray for the best. In my case, I really didnt think I could get anything, esp Newcastle (being my first, and riskiest choice) but now I know that i can achieve these things and that things are possible
Good luck future applicants, i wish you all the best.
Deferred?: nope
GCSEs: (SPM, malaysian equivalent) 7A+ 2A 1A-
AS Grades:Chemistry (A) Biology (A) Mathematics (A) Literature (A)
A2 Predictions: Chemistry (A*) Mathematics (A*) Biology (A)
UKCAT (if applicable): 670 average
Work Experience/Volunteering: I'm currently in a boarding school-type college, far from general modern civilization lol. it was very hard to arrange for work attachments but i did get some experience
- following rounds with a group of housemen at the paediatrics ward
- present in a cataract surgery
more work experience and volunteering would definitely be best.
Extra Curricular:
- student council for college
- school debater for 4 years, various national and regional debates
- co-editor of school magazine
- public speaking, drama director and script writer, pre-med newsletter writer
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle University - Offer AAA - Firm
Southampton University - Rejected without interview
University of Nottingham - Rejected without interview
Liverpool University - Rejected without interview
Penang Medical College (Twinning with RCSI) - Offer AAB - Declined
Trinity College Dublin - AAA - Undecided, prolly decline.
General Advice:
To be honest, in the beginning, I really wasn't sure of doing medicine. I was, frankly quite lost with what i wanted to do. Entering college, i decided to just focus on a levels, thought that the decision could come later. Eventually, with more reading, the idea of doing medicine became more appealing to me. Something within me just told me that medicine is the right course. There were many who told me not to do it, but please, listen to yourself and know what you want for yourself. Once you know what you want, you'll do everything to get it.
Work and practice for UKCAT! start off early, it'll be better that way. Look up for universities that you know will suit you best. Never forget about your studies, dont ever abandon them, my application sem clashed with the sem i had to take AS, so it was really stressful, but you can do it if you have the right mindset. Applying for medicine is a really tough process but in the end, you can always pray for the best. In my case, I really didnt think I could get anything, esp Newcastle (being my first, and riskiest choice) but now I know that i can achieve these things and that things are possible
Good luck future applicants, i wish you all the best.
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: RE-applicant
GCSEs: 6 A*, 4 A, 1 B
AS Grades:Chemistry (A) Biology (A) Physics (A) Art (D)
A2 Results: Chemistry (A*) Biology (A*) Physics (A)
UKCAT (if applicable): First time - 665, second time - 688, third time - 772.5
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week shadowing hospital consultant, and various days following OT, physio, some more consultants. 1 week watching podiatrists. 1 year volunteering in my local hospital, 1 year volunteering at a school for kids with special needs, 8 months with st johns...don;t know if I put that down though.
Extra Curricular:
- work at a care home for people in wheelchairs
- art as a hobby
- gone back to college to do an extra AS level, and there I am a student union rep
Universities applied to and decisions:
First time:
BSMS - rejected
Southampton - rejected
Bristol - rejected
Nottingham - rejected
Second time:
Southampton -rejected
Cardiff - rejected
Keele - rejected
Cambridge (Trinity) - rejected after interview
Third time:
Sheffield - rejected after interview
Manchester - offer
Newcastle - offer and firm
Leicester - withdrew after interview
General Advice:
As you can see, it's taken me a while to finally get that offer!! From my experience, however, I would advise most people to have a gap year, whether they get rejected or not. The amount I have gained from mine has been unbelieveable. I feel so much more ready now, and honestly if I had gone into medicine in my first application I expect I would have stuggeld and found it all very overwhelimg etc. So if you do get rejections....no worry! Just take a year off to consider you application, get some more work experience, keep yourself busy, make some new friends, earn some money etc. I have come out of it so much more mature, more confident, my communication skills are sooo much improved because of the environments I put myself in, i have money and I know how to manage it better, iv'e made friends, learnt how to cook *properly*, i have a greater understanding of the world and medicine/hospitals and what being a doctor entials....
If you really are committed, you won't stop until you've reached your goal. Use the time to improve yourself and your application, read the news and science magazines, practice interviews in the summer so you're comfortable with them....just do everything you can think of and you'll get your place eventually!
Deferred?: RE-applicant
GCSEs: 6 A*, 4 A, 1 B
AS Grades:Chemistry (A) Biology (A) Physics (A) Art (D)
A2 Results: Chemistry (A*) Biology (A*) Physics (A)
UKCAT (if applicable): First time - 665, second time - 688, third time - 772.5
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week shadowing hospital consultant, and various days following OT, physio, some more consultants. 1 week watching podiatrists. 1 year volunteering in my local hospital, 1 year volunteering at a school for kids with special needs, 8 months with st johns...don;t know if I put that down though.
Extra Curricular:
- work at a care home for people in wheelchairs
- art as a hobby
- gone back to college to do an extra AS level, and there I am a student union rep
Universities applied to and decisions:
First time:
BSMS - rejected
Southampton - rejected
Bristol - rejected
Nottingham - rejected
Second time:
Southampton -rejected
Cardiff - rejected
Keele - rejected
Cambridge (Trinity) - rejected after interview
Third time:
Sheffield - rejected after interview
Manchester - offer
Newcastle - offer and firm
Leicester - withdrew after interview
General Advice:
As you can see, it's taken me a while to finally get that offer!! From my experience, however, I would advise most people to have a gap year, whether they get rejected or not. The amount I have gained from mine has been unbelieveable. I feel so much more ready now, and honestly if I had gone into medicine in my first application I expect I would have stuggeld and found it all very overwhelimg etc. So if you do get rejections....no worry! Just take a year off to consider you application, get some more work experience, keep yourself busy, make some new friends, earn some money etc. I have come out of it so much more mature, more confident, my communication skills are sooo much improved because of the environments I put myself in, i have money and I know how to manage it better, iv'e made friends, learnt how to cook *properly*, i have a greater understanding of the world and medicine/hospitals and what being a doctor entials....
If you really are committed, you won't stop until you've reached your goal. Use the time to improve yourself and your application, read the news and science magazines, practice interviews in the summer so you're comfortable with them....just do everything you can think of and you'll get your place eventually!
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 7 As and 3 Bs
A-Level Results: AABB all pre A2 system (Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Theatre Studies).
Degree: Obtained 2:1 BSc Maths and Computer Science at Manchester Uni
UKCAT: 767.5. Learn to use the keyboard shortcuts to go between questions and flag them for later. Don't spend too long deliberating one question - flag it and move on.
GAMSAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
- 1 day shadowing GP
- 1 day shadowing haematologist on oncology ward
- 0.5 day shadowing anaesthetist in surgery
- 6 months volunteering on renal ward
- 2 years volunteering for ChildLine
Call up your local hospital - chances are they'll have places for volunteers or even (like in my case) a dedicated volunteer coordinator who can place you in a ward that they think will benefit you and the patients.
Extra Curricular:
- Rock climbing
- Badminton
Universities applied to and decisions:
King's College London (4 Year) - Rejection after interview
Newcastle (4 Year) - Offer (unconditional) - firm choice
Wawrick (4 Year) - Offer (unconditional)
Southampton (4 Year) - Rejection
General advice:
Don't be an academic robot. They want to see that you're a well-rounded individual. And be honest - I was completely wrong in some of my answers in my Newcastle interview. When this was pointed out to me I admitted I was incorrect - still got an offer!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 7 As and 3 Bs
A-Level Results: AABB all pre A2 system (Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Theatre Studies).
Degree: Obtained 2:1 BSc Maths and Computer Science at Manchester Uni
UKCAT: 767.5. Learn to use the keyboard shortcuts to go between questions and flag them for later. Don't spend too long deliberating one question - flag it and move on.
GAMSAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
- 1 day shadowing GP
- 1 day shadowing haematologist on oncology ward
- 0.5 day shadowing anaesthetist in surgery
- 6 months volunteering on renal ward
- 2 years volunteering for ChildLine
Call up your local hospital - chances are they'll have places for volunteers or even (like in my case) a dedicated volunteer coordinator who can place you in a ward that they think will benefit you and the patients.
Extra Curricular:
- Rock climbing
- Badminton
Universities applied to and decisions:
King's College London (4 Year) - Rejection after interview
Newcastle (4 Year) - Offer (unconditional) - firm choice
Wawrick (4 Year) - Offer (unconditional)
Southampton (4 Year) - Rejection
General advice:
Don't be an academic robot. They want to see that you're a well-rounded individual. And be honest - I was completely wrong in some of my answers in my Newcastle interview. When this was pointed out to me I admitted I was incorrect - still got an offer!
(edited 11 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 8A* 4A
AS Grades: aaaaaa
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AAAA
UKCAT (if applicable): 780
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 week at a BMI hospital, sat on outpatient reception
ChildLine volunteer counsellor
Personal hospital experience- GOSH as a child and recent multiple operations and treatment
Work as a teaching assistant in schools for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties
1 week shadowing with community MDT in yr 11- audiology, SALT, physiotherapy, ed. psych
Extra Curricular:
Swimming instructor and lifeguard
Ski and skiing/summer childcare work for a luxury holiday company
Bronze and silver dofe
Universities applied to and decisions:
GKT- Unconditional
Newcastle- Conditional
Sheffield- Unconditional
Barts and the London- Conditional
My Advice
I thought that I had no chance because I went to a comprehensive where people got straight rejections, thought my grades weren’t good enough to compete with people getting A*A*A* at A2, had only decided in the June before applying that it was what I wanted to do and wasn’t going to be able to get any of the standard hospital work experience that applicants have before October. Believe you can do it and research where to apply thoroughly. Everyone has different reasons for applying and different strengths, so try and tick as many boxes as you can but don’t stress too much if one area of your application isn’t what you’d like it to be. Also I think that having a gap year allows you to meet new people, do new things and grow up a little so can be a really good thing. (or get ill and spend the best part of two years in hospital...)
Everyone says it, but it’s true- reflecting on your experiences and what you have learnt from them, then being able to discuss that is so much more important than spending weeks in loads of different hospital department and being able to reel off a list.
Be yourself. Don't say what you think they want to hear, say what you really think and don't try and be the same as every other applicant because the differences will make you stand out. By the time I submitted my personal statement, it was a completely honest reflection of who I am and I went into interviews knowing that I could expand on it all, but they would already have an idea of who I am. My interviews at Sheffield and Barts were really short and they didn't ask me much about anything, but it was like they weren't really interested in what I said, so personal statement, grades, ukcat etc had already practically got me the offers imo so let your personality show through in that and if you've applied tactically, you'll be well on your way to an offer. Spend time thinking about the real reasons why you want to do it and then explain that at interview. Talk to yourself infront of a mirror a lot and get used to talking at reasonable length about who you are, what you do etc. Good luck!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 8A* 4A
AS Grades: aaaaaa
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AAAA
UKCAT (if applicable): 780
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 week at a BMI hospital, sat on outpatient reception
ChildLine volunteer counsellor
Personal hospital experience- GOSH as a child and recent multiple operations and treatment
Work as a teaching assistant in schools for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties
1 week shadowing with community MDT in yr 11- audiology, SALT, physiotherapy, ed. psych
Extra Curricular:
Swimming instructor and lifeguard
Ski and skiing/summer childcare work for a luxury holiday company
Bronze and silver dofe
Universities applied to and decisions:
GKT- Unconditional
Newcastle- Conditional
Sheffield- Unconditional
Barts and the London- Conditional
My Advice
I thought that I had no chance because I went to a comprehensive where people got straight rejections, thought my grades weren’t good enough to compete with people getting A*A*A* at A2, had only decided in the June before applying that it was what I wanted to do and wasn’t going to be able to get any of the standard hospital work experience that applicants have before October. Believe you can do it and research where to apply thoroughly. Everyone has different reasons for applying and different strengths, so try and tick as many boxes as you can but don’t stress too much if one area of your application isn’t what you’d like it to be. Also I think that having a gap year allows you to meet new people, do new things and grow up a little so can be a really good thing. (or get ill and spend the best part of two years in hospital...)
Everyone says it, but it’s true- reflecting on your experiences and what you have learnt from them, then being able to discuss that is so much more important than spending weeks in loads of different hospital department and being able to reel off a list.
Be yourself. Don't say what you think they want to hear, say what you really think and don't try and be the same as every other applicant because the differences will make you stand out. By the time I submitted my personal statement, it was a completely honest reflection of who I am and I went into interviews knowing that I could expand on it all, but they would already have an idea of who I am. My interviews at Sheffield and Barts were really short and they didn't ask me much about anything, but it was like they weren't really interested in what I said, so personal statement, grades, ukcat etc had already practically got me the offers imo so let your personality show through in that and if you've applied tactically, you'll be well on your way to an offer. Spend time thinking about the real reasons why you want to do it and then explain that at interview. Talk to yourself infront of a mirror a lot and get used to talking at reasonable length about who you are, what you do etc. Good luck!
(edited 12 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: Nope
GCSEs: (My school only offered 5 IGCSEs) 2A*2AB
IB: Predicted between 38 - 40
UKCAT (if applicable): 660 average
BMAT (if applicable):
Work Experience/Volunteering: One day red cross training (Can't volunteer at hospitals in France)
Extra Curricular: UNICEF young ambassador, student council president, swimming, dance, theatre
Universities applied to and decisions:
St. Andrews: rejected w/o interview
Edinburgh: rejected
UEA: rejected w/o interview
St. George's: Interview March 15; Offer March 16
Deferred?: Nope
GCSEs: (My school only offered 5 IGCSEs) 2A*2AB
IB: Predicted between 38 - 40
UKCAT (if applicable): 660 average
BMAT (if applicable):
Work Experience/Volunteering: One day red cross training (Can't volunteer at hospitals in France)
Extra Curricular: UNICEF young ambassador, student council president, swimming, dance, theatre
Universities applied to and decisions:
St. Andrews: rejected w/o interview
Edinburgh: rejected
UEA: rejected w/o interview
St. George's: Interview March 15; Offer March 16
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: Yes (devoted small paragraph to gap year plans- none of the unis really asked about my gap year though)
GCSEs:
6 A*s (Core science, additional science, English lang, English lit, history, RE),
3 As (Maths, french, arabic)
1 B (Product Design)
+ 2A*s in Applied Performing Arts (not a clue if unis counted them or not)
A Level prediction: A*AA (biology, chem, french) + A in AS Philosophy and Ethics.
UKCAT (if applicable): 590 average (610 VR, 530 QR, 590 AR, 630 DA)
BMAT (if applicable): psssht , as if I was willing to put myself through another awful test!
Volunteering/Extra curricular:
-> helping out at a RDA school
-> Youth Opportunity Panel (basically get applications from youth groups and decide whether or not to give them funding).
-> Helping out at youth group for kids who have been through domestic violence.
-> Head Girl.
-> Leader of Justice and Peace.
-> Jogging
-> Helping a girl with reading difficulties (not in PS, but mentioned in reference).
-> Buddy to a class of Year 7s (not in PS, but mentioned in reference).
Work experience: -> 4 days at GP.
-> Week in respiratory ward.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Aberdeen: Withdrew (although it would have been a rejection since they've finished handing out interviews)
East Anglia: Interviewed (5/1/12): rejection.
Keele: Rejection
Liverpool: Interviewed 7th March: offer!
My main message:
DOING BADLY IN THE UKCAT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. It happens. Sometimes you prep hard but you still don't do well- it doesn't mean you're not intelligent. I personally think UKCAT score correlates with how good you are at maths (the skills for them overlap I guess). So don't despair. What it does mean is that you have to apply more smartly- but there are TONS of unis out there that don't use UKCAT, or that balance it with GCSEs and/or PS. I was lucky because UEA and Liverpool I would have applied to even if I'd got a high UKCAT, and they were the two places I got interviews from. Just do your research!
Also: TSR can be a good place to rant and to find people who are going through the same UCAS stress as you, and amazing for advice. But equally, it can be stressful to see other people getting interviews/offers when you've not heard anything from the unis you've applied to. I think it sometimes does more harm than good to have so much panicking in one thread (but sometimes it's nice knowing you're all in the same boat). If you're starting to get obsessive about UCAS, ban yourself from TSR and checking your mail every day etc... I did for a month around Feb time and it did me the world of good, honestly! Get out and about and stay busy as much as possible, give yourself something to focus on other than UCAS, it does help
Deferred?: Yes (devoted small paragraph to gap year plans- none of the unis really asked about my gap year though)
GCSEs:
6 A*s (Core science, additional science, English lang, English lit, history, RE),
3 As (Maths, french, arabic)
1 B (Product Design)
+ 2A*s in Applied Performing Arts (not a clue if unis counted them or not)
A Level prediction: A*AA (biology, chem, french) + A in AS Philosophy and Ethics.
UKCAT (if applicable): 590 average (610 VR, 530 QR, 590 AR, 630 DA)
BMAT (if applicable): psssht , as if I was willing to put myself through another awful test!
Volunteering/Extra curricular:
-> helping out at a RDA school
-> Youth Opportunity Panel (basically get applications from youth groups and decide whether or not to give them funding).
-> Helping out at youth group for kids who have been through domestic violence.
-> Head Girl.
-> Leader of Justice and Peace.
-> Jogging
-> Helping a girl with reading difficulties (not in PS, but mentioned in reference).
-> Buddy to a class of Year 7s (not in PS, but mentioned in reference).
Work experience: -> 4 days at GP.
-> Week in respiratory ward.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Aberdeen: Withdrew (although it would have been a rejection since they've finished handing out interviews)
East Anglia: Interviewed (5/1/12): rejection.
Keele: Rejection
Liverpool: Interviewed 7th March: offer!
My main message:
DOING BADLY IN THE UKCAT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. It happens. Sometimes you prep hard but you still don't do well- it doesn't mean you're not intelligent. I personally think UKCAT score correlates with how good you are at maths (the skills for them overlap I guess). So don't despair.
What it does mean is that you have to apply more smartly- but there are TONS of unis out there that don't use UKCAT, or that balance it with GCSEs and/or PS. I was lucky because UEA and Liverpool I would have applied to even if I'd got a high UKCAT, and they were the two places I got interviews from. Just do your research!Also: TSR can be a good place to rant and to find people who are going through the same UCAS stress as you, and amazing for advice. But equally, it can be stressful to see other people getting interviews/offers when you've not heard anything from the unis you've applied to. I think it sometimes does more harm than good to have so much panicking in one thread (but sometimes it's nice knowing you're all in the same boat). If you're starting to get obsessive about UCAS, ban yourself from TSR and checking your mail every day etc... I did for a month around Feb time and it did me the world of good, honestly! Get out and about and stay busy as much as possible, give yourself something to focus on other than UCAS, it does help
(edited 11 years ago)
Successful Resit Applicant
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No resitting re-applicant
GCSEs: 4A*,6A,C
AS Grades:AAABBE (Biology, Maths, Geography, Physics, General Studies and Critical Thinking)
A2 Prediction/Results: A(Chemistry) A(Biology-Now achieved after January resit)/ AAB (Geography, Maths and Biology)
Achieved AAAA as of June 2012
UKCAT (if applicable): 642.5
Work Experience/Volunteering:
-2 weeks work experience at two different GP surgeries (worked in reception wasn't allowed to shadow)
-1 week at a pharmaceutical company
-3 months volunteering at a school for disabled children
-on going volunteering in local hospital
Extra Curricular:
-5 years in the Air training Corps (rank of Sergeant and a staff cadet)
-Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award
-Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
-helped marshal the Windsor half Marathon
Universities applied to and decisions:
Liverpool-Interview- Conditional offer AA Firm CONFIRMED
Lancaster-Interview-Conditional offer AA Declined
Peninsula-Interview-Conditional offer AA Insurance
Southampton-Unsuccessful
The story last year
Year of Entry:2011
GCSEs: 4A*,6A,C
AS Grades: AAABBE (Biology, Maths, Geography, Physics, General Studies and Critical Thinking)
A2 Prediction/Results:AAA/AAB (Geography, Maths and Biology)
UKCAT:605
Work Experience/Volunteering:
-2 weeks work experience at two different GP surgeries (worked in reception wasn't allowed to shadow)
-1 week at a pharmaceutical company
-3 months volunteering at a school for disabled children
-6 months volunteering in local hospital
Extra Curricular:
-4 years in the Air training Corps (rank of Corporal and a staff cadet)
-Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award
-Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
-helped marshal the Windsor half Marathon
-Sports
Universities applied to and decisions:
UEA -Unsuccessful
Bristol(pre-med)- Unsuccessful
Manchester(pre-med)-Unsuccessful
Cardiff(pre-med)-Interview-Unsuccessful
As you can see due to my lack of Chemistry I could only apply to UEA and a select few pre-med courses. A few months later and with four rejections under my belt, I was now more focused than ever to get AAA and reapply whilst doing an AS in Chemistry during my Gap year in order to widen my options a bit. However that didn't go my way either and I faced a very difficult decision of whether to apply as a resitter or just forget about Medicine and do another degree. Against the advice of teachers, I decided to take up a full A level in Chemistry, resit the Biology and give it one last shot. I just didn't want to settle for a course my heart wasn't in without exhausting all viable options first. Yes it's much more difficult for a resitter with the restrictions on choices and stigma attached but people do make it. All I can say is guys give it your all during your A levels so you don't face the uphill struggle that comes with resitting. However If worse comes to worst, definitely don't count yourself out of the game. And above all, It's your life. People can provide advice but remember in the end it's your decision.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No resitting re-applicant
GCSEs: 4A*,6A,C
AS Grades:AAABBE (Biology, Maths, Geography, Physics, General Studies and Critical Thinking)
A2 Prediction/Results: A(Chemistry) A(Biology-Now achieved after January resit)/ AAB (Geography, Maths and Biology)
Achieved AAAA as of June 2012
UKCAT (if applicable): 642.5
Work Experience/Volunteering:
-2 weeks work experience at two different GP surgeries (worked in reception wasn't allowed to shadow)
-1 week at a pharmaceutical company
-3 months volunteering at a school for disabled children
-on going volunteering in local hospital
Extra Curricular:
-5 years in the Air training Corps (rank of Sergeant and a staff cadet)
-Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award
-Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
-helped marshal the Windsor half Marathon
Universities applied to and decisions:
Liverpool-Interview- Conditional offer AA Firm CONFIRMED
Lancaster-Interview-Conditional offer AA Declined
Peninsula-Interview-Conditional offer AA Insurance
Southampton-Unsuccessful
The story last year
Year of Entry:2011
GCSEs: 4A*,6A,C
AS Grades: AAABBE (Biology, Maths, Geography, Physics, General Studies and Critical Thinking)
A2 Prediction/Results:AAA/AAB (Geography, Maths and Biology)
UKCAT:605
Work Experience/Volunteering:
-2 weeks work experience at two different GP surgeries (worked in reception wasn't allowed to shadow)
-1 week at a pharmaceutical company
-3 months volunteering at a school for disabled children
-6 months volunteering in local hospital
Extra Curricular:
-4 years in the Air training Corps (rank of Corporal and a staff cadet)
-Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award
-Duke of Edinburgh Silver award
-helped marshal the Windsor half Marathon
-Sports
Universities applied to and decisions:
UEA -Unsuccessful
Bristol(pre-med)- Unsuccessful
Manchester(pre-med)-Unsuccessful
Cardiff(pre-med)-Interview-Unsuccessful
As you can see due to my lack of Chemistry I could only apply to UEA and a select few pre-med courses. A few months later and with four rejections under my belt, I was now more focused than ever to get AAA and reapply whilst doing an AS in Chemistry during my Gap year in order to widen my options a bit. However that didn't go my way either and I faced a very difficult decision of whether to apply as a resitter or just forget about Medicine and do another degree. Against the advice of teachers, I decided to take up a full A level in Chemistry, resit the Biology and give it one last shot. I just didn't want to settle for a course my heart wasn't in without exhausting all viable options first. Yes it's much more difficult for a resitter with the restrictions on choices and stigma attached but people do make it. All I can say is guys give it your all during your A levels so you don't face the uphill struggle that comes with resitting. However If worse comes to worst, definitely don't count yourself out of the game. And above all, It's your life. People can provide advice but remember in the end it's your decision.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
(edited 11 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 7A*s 4As
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, English Lit, Spanish, Statistics, Maths, Drama, Art, Economics)
AS Grades: AAAC
(Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Spanish)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*A*A*
(Biology, Chemistry, Maths)
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT: 637.5
(VR 640, QR 650, AR 700, DA 560 oops...)
In hindsight, I did nowhere near enough prep for the UKCAT, and ended up guessing most of the questions. I also did it in mid-July (I just wanted to get it done!) which I would advise against. If you finish the 600Q book, look on TSR's UKCAT page for more resources.
Work Experience/Volunteering:
- 1 year in a Hospice
- Half a day in Haematology
- 1 week in an Optometrist's
- 3 years working with children at an after-school club
I never got asked about my (almost non-existant) hospital work experience- they seemed much more interested in the Hospice/working with children stuff.
Extra Curricular:
- 2 years leading the student council
- 4 years on the local athletics team (regional/national)
- Juggling (Bristol found this amusing
)
- Playing drums
- Agony uncle for school magazine
- Acting and tech in drama productions
- Ran drama club for y9s
- Fundraised for a volunteering trip to Madagascar
- D of E Gold
I couldn't fit most of these on my statement, so I asked my referee if they could include them on my reference. Out of all the long term stuff on there, I ended up talking about juggling the most! It's definitely more about what you learned from your ECs.
Universities applied to and decisions:
BSMS: Interviewed (22/02/12), rejected (16/03/12), offered MChem Chemistry F103- INSURANCE
Cardiff: Interviewed (01/12/11), rejected (23/03/12)
Nottingham: Rejected (15/02/11)
Bristol: Interviewed (19/12/11), offered MBChB Medicine A100 (10/01/12)- FIRM
Sussex: Offered BSc Biomedical Science C702 (14/11/11)- Declined
Advice:
It's been said gazillion times before, but apply smart! I chose places that wouldn't care much about my C in Spanish, and my mediocre UKCAT. I also picked places with similar non-academic assessment criteria, so it was easier to tailor my personal statement. Dig around on uni sites for the assessment criteria, and don't be afraid to call up admissions boards and ask about the kind of stuff they're looking for; they're usually really nice Good luck!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 7A*s 4As
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, English Lit, Spanish, Statistics, Maths, Drama, Art, Economics)
AS Grades: AAAC
(Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Spanish)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*A*A*
(Biology, Chemistry, Maths)
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT: 637.5
(VR 640, QR 650, AR 700, DA 560 oops...)
In hindsight, I did nowhere near enough prep for the UKCAT, and ended up guessing most of the questions. I also did it in mid-July (I just wanted to get it done!) which I would advise against. If you finish the 600Q book, look on TSR's UKCAT page for more resources.
Work Experience/Volunteering:
- 1 year in a Hospice
- Half a day in Haematology
- 1 week in an Optometrist's
- 3 years working with children at an after-school club
I never got asked about my (almost non-existant) hospital work experience- they seemed much more interested in the Hospice/working with children stuff.
Extra Curricular:
- 2 years leading the student council
- 4 years on the local athletics team (regional/national)
- Juggling (Bristol found this amusing
)- Playing drums
- Agony uncle for school magazine
- Acting and tech in drama productions
- Ran drama club for y9s
- Fundraised for a volunteering trip to Madagascar
- D of E Gold
I couldn't fit most of these on my statement, so I asked my referee if they could include them on my reference. Out of all the long term stuff on there, I ended up talking about juggling the most! It's definitely more about what you learned from your ECs.
Universities applied to and decisions:
BSMS: Interviewed (22/02/12), rejected (16/03/12), offered MChem Chemistry F103- INSURANCE
Cardiff: Interviewed (01/12/11), rejected (23/03/12)
Nottingham: Rejected (15/02/11)
Bristol: Interviewed (19/12/11), offered MBChB Medicine A100 (10/01/12)- FIRM
Sussex: Offered BSc Biomedical Science C702 (14/11/11)- Declined
Advice:
It's been said gazillion times before, but apply smart! I chose places that wouldn't care much about my C in Spanish, and my mediocre UKCAT. I also picked places with similar non-academic assessment criteria, so it was easier to tailor my personal statement. Dig around on uni sites for the assessment criteria, and don't be afraid to call up admissions boards and ask about the kind of stuff they're looking for; they're usually really nice
Good luck!(edited 11 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No.
GCSEs: 1.5A*'s, 5A's, 3B's
AS Grades: BBBc
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAb (Expecting A*AAab Economics, Biology, Chemistry, EPQ, physics)
UKCAT (if applicable): 597.5
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 week GP.
1 week community centre.
1 week cardiology department in the hospital.
1 week ophthalmology department in the hospital.
1 week medical equipment library.
Extra Curricular:
Captain of football team.
Captain of cricket team.
Rugby team.
Debating team.
Biology Olympiad.
Several other biology and chemistry competitions.
Volunteering several months at the hospital.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Universities applied to and decisions: Leeds A2L Med. Rejected.
Southampton 6 year Med. Rejected.
UEA 5 year Med. rejected.
Deferred?: No.
GCSEs: 1.5A*'s, 5A's, 3B's
AS Grades: BBBc
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAb (Expecting A*AAab Economics, Biology, Chemistry, EPQ, physics)
UKCAT (if applicable): 597.5
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 week GP.
1 week community centre.
1 week cardiology department in the hospital.
1 week ophthalmology department in the hospital.
1 week medical equipment library.
Extra Curricular:
Captain of football team.
Captain of cricket team.
Rugby team.
Debating team.
Biology Olympiad.
Several other biology and chemistry competitions.
Volunteering several months at the hospital.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Universities applied to and decisions: Leeds A2L Med. Rejected.
Southampton 6 year Med. Rejected.
UEA 5 year Med. rejected.
(edited 12 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 2A*, 6A, 4B
AS Grades: AAAB (however the B was chemistry, which is required at A for all medical schools)
A2 Prediction/Results: AAA predicted
UKCAT (if applicable): Average 662.5
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
4 summers working at a playscheme for disabled children, (2 volunteering aged 14 and 15, 2 paid aged 16 and 17).
Part time carer for young adult w/ downs syndrome since aged 16. Note: I have continued to work both past my application. I was asked at interview whether I intended to do this, and answering yes (honestly) was thought to show dedication past just wanting to do something for the sake of applying to Medicine/getting money.
1 week WEX placement on acute elderly care ward at local hospital.
Extra Curricular: Chemistry Olympiad and Drumming (not to grades).
Universities applied to and decisions:
Sheffield - Conditional Offer AAA.
Leicester - Rejected w/o interview.
Nottingham - Rejected w/o interview.
Leeds - Withdrawn as Sheffield was preferable.
Edit: I eventually achieved A*A*A at A-level, the A*s being in Chemistry and Human Biology, thus gaining a place at Sheffield.
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 2A*, 6A, 4B
AS Grades: AAAB (however the B was chemistry, which is required at A for all medical schools)
A2 Prediction/Results: AAA predicted
UKCAT (if applicable): Average 662.5
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
4 summers working at a playscheme for disabled children, (2 volunteering aged 14 and 15, 2 paid aged 16 and 17).
Part time carer for young adult w/ downs syndrome since aged 16. Note: I have continued to work both past my application. I was asked at interview whether I intended to do this, and answering yes (honestly) was thought to show dedication past just wanting to do something for the sake of applying to Medicine/getting money.
1 week WEX placement on acute elderly care ward at local hospital.
Extra Curricular: Chemistry Olympiad and Drumming (not to grades).
Universities applied to and decisions:
Sheffield - Conditional Offer AAA.
Leicester - Rejected w/o interview.
Nottingham - Rejected w/o interview.
Leeds - Withdrawn as Sheffield was preferable.
Edit: I eventually achieved A*A*A at A-level, the A*s being in Chemistry and Human Biology, thus gaining a place at Sheffield.
(edited 11 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2013
Deferred?: Yes
GCE O Levels: 7A 2B
GCE A level Prediction/Results: AAB/aaa Results
UKCAT (if applicable): Average 692.5
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
5 years volunteering with the Red Cross
2 years working full time as an Emergency Medical Technician, doing stuff like resuscitation, venesection and phlebotomy
Extra Curricular: Debates and Red Cross Youth
Universities applied to and decisions:
Kings - Rejected w/o interview.
St George's - AAA (conditional on health and police)
Hull York - Rejected w/o interview.
Glasgow - ?
Deferred?: Yes
GCE O Levels: 7A 2B
GCE A level Prediction/Results: AAB/aaa Results
UKCAT (if applicable): Average 692.5
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
5 years volunteering with the Red Cross
2 years working full time as an Emergency Medical Technician, doing stuff like resuscitation, venesection and phlebotomy
Extra Curricular: Debates and Red Cross Youth
Universities applied to and decisions:
Kings - Rejected w/o interview.
St George's - AAA (conditional on health and police)
Hull York - Rejected w/o interview.
Glasgow - ?
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
Grades 93% SAT: 2170 (single sitting) SAT II: Biology M 760, World History 800
Previous Degree (if applicable):
UKCAT (if applicable): 645
BMAT (if applicable):
Work Experience/Volunteering: 400+ hours of hospital volunteer experience and 200 hours of hospital co-op. Won co-op student leadership award. Shadowed anesthesiologist for a few days.
Extra Curricular: President of 2 clubs and Vice President of the DECA (business) club at my school. Qualified for DECA Internationals this year. Completed RCM Gr. 10 Piano Certificate.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Nottingham: Rejected w/o interview
St. Andrews (Edinburgh): Offer (conditional 85% average) - Firm
St. George's: Offer (conditional graduate from high school) - Insurance
Birmingham: Rejected w/o interview
Canadian applicant
Deferred?: No
Grades 93% SAT: 2170 (single sitting) SAT II: Biology M 760, World History 800
Previous Degree (if applicable):
UKCAT (if applicable): 645
BMAT (if applicable):
Work Experience/Volunteering: 400+ hours of hospital volunteer experience and 200 hours of hospital co-op. Won co-op student leadership award. Shadowed anesthesiologist for a few days.
Extra Curricular: President of 2 clubs and Vice President of the DECA (business) club at my school. Qualified for DECA Internationals this year. Completed RCM Gr. 10 Piano Certificate.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Nottingham: Rejected w/o interview
St. Andrews (Edinburgh): Offer (conditional 85% average) - Firm
St. George's: Offer (conditional graduate from high school) - Insurance
Birmingham: Rejected w/o interview
Canadian applicant
(edited 10 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: n/a
GCSEs: 8A*s, 1A
(Highest in China for Coordinated Sciences, Mathematics and across seven IGCSEs)
(Maximum number of IGCSEs allowed by school was 9)
IB predicted: 44/45, with 776 at HL (Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
BMAT (if applicable): 5.7, 5.8, 4.5A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Very little work experience due to living in China and government restrictions and limited availability of work experience for medical applicants; helped organise activities for physically handicapped and homeless people in Shanghai, and also helped organise regular fundraisers for children with a hole in the heart
Extra Curricular: Playing in most team sports in school, and captaining one of our volleyball teams to a championship and league victory
Universities applied to and decisions:
Oxford (Offer, 39 points including core, 766 at HL
Imperial (withdrawn)
UCL (withdrawn)
Deferred?: n/a
GCSEs: 8A*s, 1A
(Highest in China for Coordinated Sciences, Mathematics and across seven IGCSEs)
(Maximum number of IGCSEs allowed by school was 9)
IB predicted: 44/45, with 776 at HL (Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
BMAT (if applicable): 5.7, 5.8, 4.5A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Very little work experience due to living in China and government restrictions and limited availability of work experience for medical applicants; helped organise activities for physically handicapped and homeless people in Shanghai, and also helped organise regular fundraisers for children with a hole in the heart
Extra Curricular: Playing in most team sports in school, and captaining one of our volleyball teams to a championship and league victory
Universities applied to and decisions:
Oxford (Offer, 39 points including core, 766 at HL
Imperial (withdrawn)
UCL (withdrawn)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 1A*, 7A's, 4B's
AS Grades: abbe in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and German respectively
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AA in Maths, Chemistry and physics respectively
UKCAT (if applicable): 632.5
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week shadowing a consultant, a clinical skills day at Sheffield children's hospital, 2 times helping on/ organising a children's residential holiday camp, weekly helping out at a children's club at a local church for a year and comin up for a year volunteering 2 hours a week at a residential home for the elderly, Y7 maths tutor.
Extra Curricular: Football for a local team, variety of other sports like running, cycling etc. (mainly to stay fit for football), peer mentoring, some film reviews for a local newspaper.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Sheffield - Offer AAA
Manchester - Pre interview rejection. (feedback requested - below UKCAT cut off)
Newcastle - pre interview rejection.
Leeds - pre interview rejection.
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 1A*, 7A's, 4B's
AS Grades: abbe in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and German respectively
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AA in Maths, Chemistry and physics respectively
UKCAT (if applicable): 632.5
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week shadowing a consultant, a clinical skills day at Sheffield children's hospital, 2 times helping on/ organising a children's residential holiday camp, weekly helping out at a children's club at a local church for a year and comin up for a year volunteering 2 hours a week at a residential home for the elderly, Y7 maths tutor.
Extra Curricular: Football for a local team, variety of other sports like running, cycling etc. (mainly to stay fit for football), peer mentoring, some film reviews for a local newspaper.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Sheffield - Offer AAA
Manchester - Pre interview rejection. (feedback requested - below UKCAT cut off)
Newcastle - pre interview rejection.
Leeds - pre interview rejection.
Year of Entry:2012
GCSEs: 3A* 4A 2B (Distinction* in btec)
AS Grades:ABBC
A2 Prediction/Results: ABB first time resat to AAAa (took up r.s as an a/s level)
UKCAT (if applicable): Did it three times! 612.5, 637.5 and then 705
Work Experience/Volunteering:
+two weeks with a GP
+week in the renal department
+few months in a care home
+work as a tutor for a private company
+volunteered in America for a disabilities camp
Universities applied to and decisions:
2010:
Keele - rejected w/o interview
Newcastle - rejected w/o interview
Leeds - rejected w/o interview
Hyms - offer AAB (missed the offer, got ABB)
2011:
PMS, Liverpool, BSMS, Keele- rejected w/o interview (this was during my resit year)
2012:
Liverpool - rejected
Keele- rejected
Peninsula - unconditional offer!!
BSMS - withdrew
I started a degree in biomedicine whilst applying for the third time. I felt like I had nothing to lose, although I was aware some universities dont accept student already on a degree, It was a risk I was willing to take (im not saying anyone should do this AT ALL, this was just my personal decision)
Luckily I got a good ukcat score this year after a decent amount of practice, dont underestimate how important it is! I really do believe it was the biggest factor for me this year. Having missed a med offer, it was the worst feeling in the world. It felt like I overcame all the hurdles and fell on the very last step, so close yet so far!
I told myself I wouldnt give up, going back to sixth form to resit was an extremely hard decision for me. My parents were apprehensive as they didnt really want me to waste any time and start a degree already. I stuck by my decision and thank god it paid off
As you can see my profile is very mediocre, in every aspect. After all the struggles and what not, a pure intention and dedication really do pay off. Best of luck everyone!
Hopes.
GCSEs: 3A* 4A 2B (Distinction* in btec)
AS Grades:ABBC
A2 Prediction/Results: ABB first time resat to AAAa (took up r.s as an a/s level)
UKCAT (if applicable): Did it three times! 612.5, 637.5 and then 705
Work Experience/Volunteering:
+two weeks with a GP
+week in the renal department
+few months in a care home
+work as a tutor for a private company
+volunteered in America for a disabilities camp
Universities applied to and decisions:
2010:
Keele - rejected w/o interview
Newcastle - rejected w/o interview
Leeds - rejected w/o interview
Hyms - offer AAB (missed the offer, got ABB)
2011:
PMS, Liverpool, BSMS, Keele- rejected w/o interview (this was during my resit year)
2012:
Liverpool - rejected
Keele- rejected
Peninsula - unconditional offer!!
BSMS - withdrew
I started a degree in biomedicine whilst applying for the third time. I felt like I had nothing to lose, although I was aware some universities dont accept student already on a degree, It was a risk I was willing to take (im not saying anyone should do this AT ALL, this was just my personal decision)
Luckily I got a good ukcat score this year after a decent amount of practice, dont underestimate how important it is! I really do believe it was the biggest factor for me this year. Having missed a med offer, it was the worst feeling in the world. It felt like I overcame all the hurdles and fell on the very last step, so close yet so far!
I told myself I wouldnt give up, going back to sixth form to resit was an extremely hard decision for me. My parents were apprehensive as they didnt really want me to waste any time and start a degree already. I stuck by my decision and thank god it paid off
As you can see my profile is very mediocre, in every aspect. After all the struggles and what not, a pure intention and dedication really do pay off. Best of luck everyone!
Hopes.
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5 A*'s, 4 A's, 2 B's and the equiv. to 3 A's in I.T
AS Grades: AAAB (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths)
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAA (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths)
UKCAT (if applicable): 692.5 Average
BMAT (if applicable): Erm... yes? 6.3, 5.2 and 3B (I think!)
Work Experience/Volunteering:
3 afternoons in A&E
3-4 days in a GP Surgery
4 days at a hospice day care
About 6 months spending 1 afternoon a week teaching
1 evening a week volunteering at club for special needs kids
BLS course w/ St Johns Ambulance
Extra Curricular:
Bleated some stuff about snooker, cycling, reading.
Head Boy at school
OU course on molecules, medicines and drugs
Also mentioned chess at interviews (at a very amateur level)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle - Offer (AAA in any of my subjects) Firm
Manchester - Offer (AAA in Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics) Insurance
Oxford - Rejected pre interview
Leeds - Rejected pre interview
Sheffield Mech. Eng. - Offer Politely Declined
Tips? It's not impossible to apply without biology, it's just harder due to dwindled choice in unis. Nail the UKCAT and apply smart! The reason I got the interviews because I got a UKCAT score above their cutoffs so it was an automatic interview. Look into the different admissions policies before putting down your options. In retrospect, I probably wouldn't put down Oxford if I was applying again. And when it comes to work exp, it's the quality of what you do and the carey stuff counts! The two bits of work exp I ended up talking about was the hospice and the primary school. Any queries, feel free to PM me
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5 A*'s, 4 A's, 2 B's and the equiv. to 3 A's in I.T
AS Grades: AAAB (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths)
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAA (Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths)
UKCAT (if applicable): 692.5 Average
BMAT (if applicable): Erm... yes? 6.3, 5.2 and 3B (I think!)
Work Experience/Volunteering:
3 afternoons in A&E
3-4 days in a GP Surgery
4 days at a hospice day care
About 6 months spending 1 afternoon a week teaching
1 evening a week volunteering at club for special needs kids
BLS course w/ St Johns Ambulance
Extra Curricular:
Bleated some stuff about snooker, cycling, reading.
Head Boy at school
OU course on molecules, medicines and drugs
Also mentioned chess at interviews (at a very amateur level)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Newcastle - Offer (AAA in any of my subjects) Firm
Manchester - Offer (AAA in Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics) Insurance
Oxford - Rejected pre interview
Leeds - Rejected pre interview
Sheffield Mech. Eng. - Offer Politely Declined
Tips? It's not impossible to apply without biology, it's just harder due to dwindled choice in unis. Nail the UKCAT and apply smart! The reason I got the interviews because I got a UKCAT score above their cutoffs so it was an automatic interview. Look into the different admissions policies before putting down your options. In retrospect, I probably wouldn't put down Oxford if I was applying again. And when it comes to work exp, it's the quality of what you do and the carey stuff counts! The two bits of work exp I ended up talking about was the hospice and the primary school. Any queries, feel free to PM me
(edited 11 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: No
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): S Grade: 1111122
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): AAAAA
UKCAT (if applicable): 2700 -675 avg.
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in rural hospital, 1 week in city hospital, 6 months volunteering in care home, 3 months St. Andrews First Aid
Extra Curricular: Tutoring poorly performing children (maths), prefect, 1st year buddy.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Any Scottish applicants looking for advice on universities or medicine, PM me! On a side note, I wasn't expecting to get 5A's, so didn't do any volunteering until October in S6 so don't worry about it! Get started as soon as you find out!
Additional Information: School leaver, 1st Application, Scottish, Public school.
Deferred?: No
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): S Grade: 1111122
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): AAAAA
UKCAT (if applicable): 2700 -675 avg.
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in rural hospital, 1 week in city hospital, 6 months volunteering in care home, 3 months St. Andrews First Aid
Extra Curricular: Tutoring poorly performing children (maths), prefect, 1st year buddy.
Universities applied to and decisions:
•
Glasgow University - Conditional (BCC Adv. Highers) - Firm
•
Aberdeen University - Unconditional - Insurance
•
Dundee University - Unsuccessful (No feedback)
•
Edinburgh University - Unsuccesful (Feedback - Average academic, Good non-academic)
Any Scottish applicants looking for advice on universities or medicine, PM me! On a side note, I wasn't expecting to get 5A's, so didn't do any volunteering until October in S6 so don't worry about it! Get started as soon as you find out!
Additional Information: School leaver, 1st Application, Scottish, Public school.
(edited 12 years ago)
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: Nope
High School Average: 97% from Canadian school
Previous Degree (if applicable): First Class Honours Bachelors of Medical Science with concentration in Anatomy and Physiology, GPA: 4.00 (96%)
UKCAT (if applicable): 615
Work Experience/Volunteering: 8 years total with 6 years of clinical research with 11 publications (6 as first author), 5.5 years volunteering at hospital (Emergency and Day Surgery Dept.)
Extra Curricular: Soccer at regional level in high school, tennis at provincial level (ranked #18 in Canada at one point), basketball at university level
Universities applied to and decisions:
- BSMS: Unconditional
- Liverpool: Unconditional
- Southampton: Rejection after interview
- Leeds: Rejection without interview
Year of Entry: 2012
Deferred?: Nope
High School Average: 97% from Canadian school
Previous Degree (if applicable): First Class Honours Bachelors of Medical Science with concentration in Anatomy and Physiology, GPA: 4.00 (96%)
UKCAT (if applicable): 615
Work Experience/Volunteering: 8 years total with 6 years of clinical research with 11 publications (6 as first author), 5.5 years volunteering at hospital (Emergency and Day Surgery Dept.)
Extra Curricular: Soccer at regional level in high school, tennis at provincial level (ranked #18 in Canada at one point), basketball at university level
Universities applied to and decisions:
- BSMS: Unconditional
- Liverpool: Unconditional
- Southampton: Rejection after interview
- Leeds: Rejection without interview
(edited 12 years ago)
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Advice needed (low ucat uni)
- Are my GCSE's good enough for russell group unis in medicine?
- Applying to foreign universities
- Which medical school?
- Graduate Entry Medicine
- GCEAL for HKU/CUHK MBBS
- Sheffield Medicine (A100) 2024 Offer Holders Accomodation Group
- HELP!!!! Medicine uni!!!!
- Newcastle partners
- my chance of getting into medicine after 4 rejection last year
- Student wanting to go into medicine.
- a levels for biomedicine or neuroscience
- Which universities would be realistic?
- Possibilities of making it into the Undergrad Economics?
- URGENT!
- Do I still have a shot at Cambridge (or Oxford?)
- Medicine Gcse requirements
- Medicine
- Will I get into medical school at top universities with these gcse grade
- Am I good enough for Cambridge medicine?
Latest
Last reply 1 minute ago
Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2024 ThreadLast reply 1 minute ago
Why do some girls take pleasure in going after other girls boyfriends?Last reply 4 minutes ago
Can someone please mark my AIC essay (my teacher is such an unreliable marker)Last reply 4 minutes ago
choosing a medical school (Leicester, St Andrews, Nottingham)Last reply 4 minutes ago
JK Rowling in ‘arrest me’ challenge over hate crime lawLast reply 5 minutes ago
CPS Pupillage/Legal Trainee Scheme 2024 (2025 Start)Last reply 5 minutes ago
Best Accommodation for Med Students at University of Plymouth?Last reply 6 minutes ago
Official University of Warwick Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 8 minutes ago
Official London School of Economics and Political Science 2024 Applicant ThreadLast reply 8 minutes ago
Bae systems accommodation barrowLast reply 11 minutes ago
Official University of Edinburgh Applicant Thread for 2024Last reply 12 minutes ago
University of Liverpool veterinary work experience form.Last reply 14 minutes ago
Worried about son who wants to move out, will he be able to afford it?Last reply 14 minutes ago
NICS Staff Officer and Deputy Principal recruitment 2022 2023Last reply 15 minutes ago
Degree Apprenticeship at Accenture (assessment centre)Last reply 15 minutes ago
emmanuella's study discussions #1: motivation and disciplineTrending
Last reply 5 days ago
OFFICIAL A101 Liverpool University Graduate Entry Medicine Thread 2024 EntryMedicine
77
Trending
Last reply 5 days ago
OFFICIAL A101 Liverpool University Graduate Entry Medicine Thread 2024 EntryMedicine
77
