Medics and Applicants Profiles - NO DISCUSSION
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Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 8 A*, 3 A, 1 B (stupid French :P)
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: Biology A/ Chemistry A/ Psychology A/ Physics B
A2 Results: Biology A*/ Chemistry A/ Psychology A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2800
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: St.John Ambulance (4 years), Care home (2 weeks), Volunteer at Autistic organisation (1 year)
Extra Curricular: Young Enterprise, Running, Target shooting
Universities applied to and decisions:
Pharmacy- Durham University- Offer- Insurance
Medicine-
Cardiff University- Declined
UEA- Offered interview to which I declined
Liverpool University- Interviewed- Offer
Keele University- Interviewed- Offer- Firm (and accepted- yay!)
Advice: Play to your strengths! If you have good GCSE's, apply to universities that focus upon them! Similarly, if GCSE's are not your strong point, avoid Uni's which place a large focus on them and instead look at others. This applies to almost all aspects of the application (UKCAT, a level results , work experience etc) so if you are weaker at one element of it, don't panic, they are not equally considered by all of the different medical schools.
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 8 A*, 3 A, 1 B (stupid French :P)
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: Biology A/ Chemistry A/ Psychology A/ Physics B
A2 Results: Biology A*/ Chemistry A/ Psychology A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2800
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: St.John Ambulance (4 years), Care home (2 weeks), Volunteer at Autistic organisation (1 year)
Extra Curricular: Young Enterprise, Running, Target shooting
Universities applied to and decisions:
Pharmacy- Durham University- Offer- Insurance
Medicine-
Cardiff University- Declined
UEA- Offered interview to which I declined
Liverpool University- Interviewed- Offer
Keele University- Interviewed- Offer- Firm (and accepted- yay!)
Advice: Play to your strengths! If you have good GCSE's, apply to universities that focus upon them! Similarly, if GCSE's are not your strong point, avoid Uni's which place a large focus on them and instead look at others. This applies to almost all aspects of the application (UKCAT, a level results , work experience etc) so if you are weaker at one element of it, don't panic, they are not equally considered by all of the different medical schools.
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 9A* 1A (damn you french!)
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: Biology A, Chemistry A, Geography A, Maths B (dropped maths)
A2 Results: Biology A*, Chemistry A, Geography A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2700 (675 avg.)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Hospital wards (12 weeks), shadowing consultants at europes largest oncology hospital (1 week), working with disabled young adults on leisure and sport activities (10 months)
Extra Curricular: Choir, open university course, work at pets at home (actually work really benefited my application!)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Cardiff University: Interview, Offer (FIRM!!) - accepted
Lancaster University: Pre-Interview rejection
Liverpool University: Pre-Interview rejection
Sheffield University: Pre-Interview rejection
*Genetics* - KCL: Offer - declined
Advice:
My best advice when applying it to research deeply into each medical schools requirements (email them if you must) and rule out any universities which you do not meet the requirements for, then go through the rest and see where you are best applying based on your strengths! If you have an amazing UKCAT then dont apply to Liverpool where they dont even look at it! apply to your strengths!
In terms of exams and A-levels, my advice is start revising early and make sure that you know your subjects inside out! if you study really hard and put a lot of effort in then you will get the results you need! - and once you get an offer for medicine dont start slacking as your not in yet and medical schools are not lenient on grades!
Lastly if you dont get an offer for medicine the first time around it doesnt mean your not good enough, you may have just applied to the wrong universities!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 9A* 1A (damn you french!)
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: Biology A, Chemistry A, Geography A, Maths B (dropped maths)
A2 Results: Biology A*, Chemistry A, Geography A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2700 (675 avg.)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Hospital wards (12 weeks), shadowing consultants at europes largest oncology hospital (1 week), working with disabled young adults on leisure and sport activities (10 months)
Extra Curricular: Choir, open university course, work at pets at home (actually work really benefited my application!)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Cardiff University: Interview, Offer (FIRM!!) - accepted
Lancaster University: Pre-Interview rejection
Liverpool University: Pre-Interview rejection
Sheffield University: Pre-Interview rejection
*Genetics* - KCL: Offer - declined
Advice:
My best advice when applying it to research deeply into each medical schools requirements (email them if you must) and rule out any universities which you do not meet the requirements for, then go through the rest and see where you are best applying based on your strengths! If you have an amazing UKCAT then dont apply to Liverpool where they dont even look at it! apply to your strengths!
In terms of exams and A-levels, my advice is start revising early and make sure that you know your subjects inside out! if you study really hard and put a lot of effort in then you will get the results you need! - and once you get an offer for medicine dont start slacking as your not in yet and medical schools are not lenient on grades!
Lastly if you dont get an offer for medicine the first time around it doesnt mean your not good enough, you may have just applied to the wrong universities!
Year of Entry: 2015
GCSEs: 7A*, 4A (inc. FSMQ), A* (Short course citezenship)
AS Grades: AAAA (Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Psychology)
A2 Results: AAA (Biology, Chemistry, Maths)
UKCAT: 2590
BMAT: 3.2, 5.7, 3A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
cardiology dep. (1 day), GP shadowing (shadowed nurses,HCA's) (1 week), Hospice volunteer (2 weeks), Cancer research shop assist. (1 year) , Mental health charity volunteer (irregularly over 1 year) , Physio clinic (3 days)
Exta curricular:
Younger enterprise finance director, keyboard gread 5, classical indian music grade 7, Kumon tutor (this is all I mentioned in PS)
Universities applied to and decisions:
St George's University of London - interview, offer - FIRM!!
Brighton and Sussex medical school - interview, offer - Insurance
Leeds - Interview, offer - declined
Bristol - Pre-interview rejeciton
Queen Mary's Biomed - offer - declined
Advice:
It's been said a million times before and I shall say it again...apply to your strengths!!
I made a spread sheet with every uni on it and slowly cancelled down the unis until I was left with the four that I thought I had the best chance in. My ukcat wasn't great so I only applied to one UKCAT uni. Likewise, my BMAT result for the first section was in the bottom 10% of the whole cohort!! Yet I got an interview and offer from both BMAT unis. If you've got an amazing UKCAT or good gcse's then USE them! Okay maybe apply to one uni that you've always set your heart on but in the end it's medicine and where you go doesn't matter. Also, I really don't have the best work experience - in the end I had only seen doctors doing their job for one day! But that one day was so useful and helped me confirm that medicine is what I wanted to do. Good luck!
GCSEs: 7A*, 4A (inc. FSMQ), A* (Short course citezenship)
AS Grades: AAAA (Biology, Maths, Chemistry, Psychology)
A2 Results: AAA (Biology, Chemistry, Maths)
UKCAT: 2590
BMAT: 3.2, 5.7, 3A
Work Experience/Volunteering:
cardiology dep. (1 day), GP shadowing (shadowed nurses,HCA's) (1 week), Hospice volunteer (2 weeks), Cancer research shop assist. (1 year) , Mental health charity volunteer (irregularly over 1 year) , Physio clinic (3 days)
Exta curricular:
Younger enterprise finance director, keyboard gread 5, classical indian music grade 7, Kumon tutor (this is all I mentioned in PS)
Universities applied to and decisions:
St George's University of London - interview, offer - FIRM!!
Brighton and Sussex medical school - interview, offer - Insurance
Leeds - Interview, offer - declined
Bristol - Pre-interview rejeciton
Queen Mary's Biomed - offer - declined
Advice:
It's been said a million times before and I shall say it again...apply to your strengths!!
I made a spread sheet with every uni on it and slowly cancelled down the unis until I was left with the four that I thought I had the best chance in. My ukcat wasn't great so I only applied to one UKCAT uni. Likewise, my BMAT result for the first section was in the bottom 10% of the whole cohort!! Yet I got an interview and offer from both BMAT unis. If you've got an amazing UKCAT or good gcse's then USE them! Okay maybe apply to one uni that you've always set your heart on but in the end it's medicine and where you go doesn't matter. Also, I really don't have the best work experience - in the end I had only seen doctors doing their job for one day! But that one day was so useful and helped me confirm that medicine is what I wanted to do. Good luck!
Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: -
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): 8 As
AS Grades: N/A
A2 Results: N/A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): 5 As
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2770 (692 average)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Special needs school (1 year volunteering plus w.e. placement), social club for disabled teenagers (1 year volunteering), Beavers group (2 years volunteering), stroke ward at hospital (1 month volunteering), shadowing physiotherapist (2 days), shadowing neurophysiologist (2 days), hospice (work experience 3 days), peer tutor for younger pupils with autism (1 year)
Extra Curricular: 2 week trip to Malawi and a year of fundraising in lead up, Diana award for fundraising, played violin and guitar (but no grades so don't think they were very interested), singer in traditional music group, Bronze DofE, science baccalaureatte, anatomy course, mentioned neurology books I enjoyed reading
Universities applied to and decisions:
Glasgow University: Interview, conditional offer, firm!!Aberdeen University: Interview, conditional offer
Dundee University: Interview, conditional offer
Edinburgh University: Don't interview, rejected, feedback was UKCAT wasn't high enough
Advice:
I can only speak for Scottish unis because I didn't apply for any in England. I would say UKCAT, unfortunately, seems to be the most important thing. Personal statement seemed largely disregarded by Glasgow and Dundee were only ones who looked at it during interview. For your personal statement, the old advice that what you learned was way more important than actual lengths of placement etc. seems to be very true! I don't remember being asked once about the length of any of my placements but I was asked about situations within my placements (eg. one when I was stressed etc). For the UKCAT, do as much practice as possible. Good luck everyone!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: -
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): 8 As
AS Grades: N/A
A2 Results: N/A
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): 5 As
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 2770 (692 average)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: Special needs school (1 year volunteering plus w.e. placement), social club for disabled teenagers (1 year volunteering), Beavers group (2 years volunteering), stroke ward at hospital (1 month volunteering), shadowing physiotherapist (2 days), shadowing neurophysiologist (2 days), hospice (work experience 3 days), peer tutor for younger pupils with autism (1 year)
Extra Curricular: 2 week trip to Malawi and a year of fundraising in lead up, Diana award for fundraising, played violin and guitar (but no grades so don't think they were very interested), singer in traditional music group, Bronze DofE, science baccalaureatte, anatomy course, mentioned neurology books I enjoyed reading
Universities applied to and decisions:
Glasgow University: Interview, conditional offer, firm!!Aberdeen University: Interview, conditional offer
Dundee University: Interview, conditional offer
Edinburgh University: Don't interview, rejected, feedback was UKCAT wasn't high enough
Advice:
I can only speak for Scottish unis because I didn't apply for any in England. I would say UKCAT, unfortunately, seems to be the most important thing. Personal statement seemed largely disregarded by Glasgow and Dundee were only ones who looked at it during interview. For your personal statement, the old advice that what you learned was way more important than actual lengths of placement etc. seems to be very true! I don't remember being asked once about the length of any of my placements but I was asked about situations within my placements (eg. one when I was stressed etc). For the UKCAT, do as much practice as possible. Good luck everyone!
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2015 (reapplying for 2016)
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 3 A*'s 6 A's 3 B's
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: AABB
A2 Results: AAA
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 627.5 (this years cycle I had a 695 average)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in an opticians for work experience, 1 year volunteering in a local A&E department, 1 week work experience/shadowing with the ambulance service
Extra Curricular: I was a school counselor for a year, I helped run a chemistry club in my school, I tutored younger students, sportswise I mentioned I played tennis and was on a tennis and rounders team, I also played guitar but they probably weren't interested as I have no grades from it.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Lancaster: Rejected
Keele: Rejected
Leicester: Rejected
UEA: Rejected
Advice: work hard on the UKCAT, and your personal statement, they take good grades for granted, your personal statement is the only window to showing the admissions staff what kind of candidate you are pre-interview.
Also, if you get the grades the first time around but are unlucky such as I was, REAPPLY!
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 3 A*'s 6 A's 3 B's
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: AABB
A2 Results: AAA
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 627.5 (this years cycle I had a 695 average)
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in an opticians for work experience, 1 year volunteering in a local A&E department, 1 week work experience/shadowing with the ambulance service
Extra Curricular: I was a school counselor for a year, I helped run a chemistry club in my school, I tutored younger students, sportswise I mentioned I played tennis and was on a tennis and rounders team, I also played guitar but they probably weren't interested as I have no grades from it.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Lancaster: Rejected
Keele: Rejected
Leicester: Rejected
UEA: Rejected
Advice: work hard on the UKCAT, and your personal statement, they take good grades for granted, your personal statement is the only window to showing the admissions staff what kind of candidate you are pre-interview.
Also, if you get the grades the first time around but are unlucky such as I was, REAPPLY!
Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 10 all grades A-B
AS Grades: All grades A-B
A2 Results: ABC (Art, English Lit, Biology)
Previous Degree (if applicable): BSc Hons Occupational Therapy (2.1)
I chose to complete an Access to Medicine course (College of West Anglia) as my route of entry, as I did not have a Chemistry A Level. Grades: distinctions in all units.
UKCAT (if applicable): 651 average (2014 test was really hard!), Band 1.
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 2 years HCA work for NHS whilst completing my OT training. Clinical placements as a student in mental health (12 weeks), social services (1 week), orthopaedics (6 weeks), acute neurological rehab (14 weeks). 4 years as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS.
Extra Curricular: Keen runner, general love of sports and exercise. Charity races/ events, climbed Ben Nevis and ran my first half marathon this year! Volunteer at local food bank once a week. Temping work as a support worker in a hostel for homeless males and females, and support worker for adults with autism.
Universities applied to and decisions:
2014 entry:
Leicester 4 year (GEM) - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Leicester 5 year - Same as above
Newcastle - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Warwick 4 year (GEM) - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
2015 entry:
Lancaster: Rejected pre-interview (only 50 places, 100% increase in number of applications!!)
Keele: Interview - Offer - Firm Acceptance
Leicester 5 year: Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Aberdeen: Rejected pre-interview (no reason given - all my peers on access course also got rejected on the same day? Not sure if they like access students)
Advice:
-Practice as many questions for UKCAT - "fail to plan, plan to fail!" It's all about technique, you can't revise for it really.
-A good personal statement shouldn't be a list of all the things you've done, describe your experiences and what you have learnt from it. Reflection is everything! Health professionals need to be reflective, so show them you can do this, even if its reflecting on something that didn't go so well for you - but you learnt / took something away from it. Most importantly, don't be afraid to sell yourself!
-Being a doctor is tough. Make sure you do all your research and try and experience as much as you can relating to medicine. Read up on current issues / news. If you can't get hospital experience, try and get some work experience in another caring role i.e. supporting / mentoring younger students, helping out in a care home etc. All of the skills learnt here are transferable i.e. communication skills. In my experience, universities are interested in hands on experience, rather than shadowing.
-Be determined and work on areas of weakness if you don't get in the first time. This is my second time applying to medicine, and thankfully I have been successful. However, I got straight rejections the first time, which was really tough. However, graduate entry in very competitive, so I chose to better my science background to open up my options of where I could apply. It has been a rollercoaster of a year, but it has flown by. If you want to study medicine, you'll get there!!! Good luck.
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 10 all grades A-B
AS Grades: All grades A-B
A2 Results: ABC (Art, English Lit, Biology)
Previous Degree (if applicable): BSc Hons Occupational Therapy (2.1)
I chose to complete an Access to Medicine course (College of West Anglia) as my route of entry, as I did not have a Chemistry A Level. Grades: distinctions in all units.
UKCAT (if applicable): 651 average (2014 test was really hard!), Band 1.
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 2 years HCA work for NHS whilst completing my OT training. Clinical placements as a student in mental health (12 weeks), social services (1 week), orthopaedics (6 weeks), acute neurological rehab (14 weeks). 4 years as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS.
Extra Curricular: Keen runner, general love of sports and exercise. Charity races/ events, climbed Ben Nevis and ran my first half marathon this year! Volunteer at local food bank once a week. Temping work as a support worker in a hostel for homeless males and females, and support worker for adults with autism.
Universities applied to and decisions:
2014 entry:
Leicester 4 year (GEM) - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Leicester 5 year - Same as above
Newcastle - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Warwick 4 year (GEM) - Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
2015 entry:
Lancaster: Rejected pre-interview (only 50 places, 100% increase in number of applications!!)
Keele: Interview - Offer - Firm Acceptance
Leicester 5 year: Rejected pre-interview (UKCAT score not high enough)
Aberdeen: Rejected pre-interview (no reason given - all my peers on access course also got rejected on the same day? Not sure if they like access students)
Advice:
-Practice as many questions for UKCAT - "fail to plan, plan to fail!" It's all about technique, you can't revise for it really.
-A good personal statement shouldn't be a list of all the things you've done, describe your experiences and what you have learnt from it. Reflection is everything! Health professionals need to be reflective, so show them you can do this, even if its reflecting on something that didn't go so well for you - but you learnt / took something away from it. Most importantly, don't be afraid to sell yourself!
-Being a doctor is tough. Make sure you do all your research and try and experience as much as you can relating to medicine. Read up on current issues / news. If you can't get hospital experience, try and get some work experience in another caring role i.e. supporting / mentoring younger students, helping out in a care home etc. All of the skills learnt here are transferable i.e. communication skills. In my experience, universities are interested in hands on experience, rather than shadowing.
-Be determined and work on areas of weakness if you don't get in the first time. This is my second time applying to medicine, and thankfully I have been successful. However, I got straight rejections the first time, which was really tough. However, graduate entry in very competitive, so I chose to better my science background to open up my options of where I could apply. It has been a rollercoaster of a year, but it has flown by. If you want to study medicine, you'll get there!!! Good luck.
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: No but I took gap year to reapply.
GCSEs: 4.5A*s 8A's
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): Not Scottish
AS Grades: AAAA (89% UMS ave across the 4 subjects)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AAA + Distinction 3
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): Again not Scottish
Previous Degree (if applicable): Undergrad
UKCAT (if applicable): 592.5 (Absolutely pathetic)
BMAT (if applicable): Sat BMAT for 2014 entry and got 4.0,3.6,2.5A (needless to say I was rejected that year)
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 Week Cardiology, 1 Week Nephrology, 2 Weeks at a local GP surgery, 1 day with District nurse, A couple months Befriending, Volunteering for the Autistic society and volunteering at a hospital as well as tutoring young kids. Couldn't really fit all that in one PS but talked about it during the interview.
Extra Curricular: Swimming,Cycling and going to the gym as welling as playing Cricket.
Universities applied to and decisions
2014 entry:
Cambridge --- Rejected pre interview
UCL ---- Rejected pre interview
Imperial ---- Rejected pre interview
Bristol ---- Rejected pre interview
2015 entry:
Queens University Belfast ---- Rejected post interview
Lancaster ---- Rejected post interview
Liverpool ---- Rejected post interview
Cardiff ----- OFFER Unconditional, firmed and confirmed (I love you Cardiff !!!!!)
My advice: Applying to medical school is a long process with lots of steps involved. My advice would be to take everything slowly and at one step at a time. In your statement and interview talk about what you learnt rather than what you did. Unlike me please don't apply to three BMAT unis lol.
Definitely attend university open days and mention that you did so during interview, checking the Uni out before hand helped me reduce the fear of the unknown and helped me decide whether or not I could see myself studying there.
Please DON'T fear MMI. I didn't want to apply to MMI places first but trust me MMI is much better and in fact far less daunting for me than a traditional interview.
On your interview day make lots of friends and talk to everyone, it really helps calm nerves.
Most importantly do your research and apply to your strengths. This is vitally important. Look at what each medical school wants and apply accordingly. Unlike my first application cycle don't pick medical schools based on ranking/prestige, all medical schools are very hard to get into and there is no such thing as a bad medical school.
Rejections will come along the way but don't let them bring you down, also don't worry about taking a year out. It helps you mature as a person and strengthens your application. If medicine is what you want to do then work hard and chase your dream.
Hard work + Belief = Success
Deferred?: No but I took gap year to reapply.
GCSEs: 4.5A*s 8A's
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): Not Scottish
AS Grades: AAAA (89% UMS ave across the 4 subjects)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AAA + Distinction 3
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): Again not Scottish
Previous Degree (if applicable): Undergrad
UKCAT (if applicable): 592.5 (Absolutely pathetic)
BMAT (if applicable): Sat BMAT for 2014 entry and got 4.0,3.6,2.5A (needless to say I was rejected that year)
Work Experience/Volunteering:
1 Week Cardiology, 1 Week Nephrology, 2 Weeks at a local GP surgery, 1 day with District nurse, A couple months Befriending, Volunteering for the Autistic society and volunteering at a hospital as well as tutoring young kids. Couldn't really fit all that in one PS but talked about it during the interview.
Extra Curricular: Swimming,Cycling and going to the gym as welling as playing Cricket.
Universities applied to and decisions
2014 entry:
Cambridge --- Rejected pre interview
UCL ---- Rejected pre interview
Imperial ---- Rejected pre interview
Bristol ---- Rejected pre interview
2015 entry:
Queens University Belfast ---- Rejected post interview
Lancaster ---- Rejected post interview
Liverpool ---- Rejected post interview
Cardiff ----- OFFER Unconditional, firmed and confirmed (I love you Cardiff !!!!!)
My advice: Applying to medical school is a long process with lots of steps involved. My advice would be to take everything slowly and at one step at a time. In your statement and interview talk about what you learnt rather than what you did. Unlike me please don't apply to three BMAT unis lol.
Definitely attend university open days and mention that you did so during interview, checking the Uni out before hand helped me reduce the fear of the unknown and helped me decide whether or not I could see myself studying there.
Please DON'T fear MMI. I didn't want to apply to MMI places first but trust me MMI is much better and in fact far less daunting for me than a traditional interview.
On your interview day make lots of friends and talk to everyone, it really helps calm nerves.
Most importantly do your research and apply to your strengths. This is vitally important. Look at what each medical school wants and apply accordingly. Unlike my first application cycle don't pick medical schools based on ranking/prestige, all medical schools are very hard to get into and there is no such thing as a bad medical school.
Rejections will come along the way but don't let them bring you down, also don't worry about taking a year out. It helps you mature as a person and strengthens your application. If medicine is what you want to do then work hard and chase your dream.
Hard work + Belief = Success
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2015
Deferred?: 3 years of A level
GCSEs: 4A*'s, 6A's and 1B
AS Grades: First time: BDEE Second Time: AAAB
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAB
UKCAT: 755
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 summers working in an oncology unit for 2 weeks each time. National Citizen Service 2013 and 2014. 1 week of shadowing local GP. 1 week shadowing local consultant. 2 weeks shadowing local health visitor.
Extra Curricular: Played football and cricket for school teams, play bass guitar to grade 4 level. Took part in fundraising events held by the school and in the community which was a lot of fun so worth doing for Personal Statement and sanity!
Universities applied to and decisions: Exeter - Rejected before interview as was not predicted A*AA; watch out for this as they do not mention it as a necessity on their website, but very understandable as it is getting more competitive.
Lancaster - Rejected pre interview as my Personal Statement was not competitive enough - cannot stress enough how important getting your PS perfected is if you are a resitter. What I failed to do was focus on reflecting what I had been doing to improve over my extra year; this is vital so maximise your chances and show that they are getting someone who is a year more mature!
Liverpool - Same reason as Lancaster
Plymouth - Offer and starting in September! I think I got lucky here as my UKCAT was good and they don't read PS in most circumstances. Prepare for the interview with someone who will press you on your answers to questions. Scenario based so will get you to pick a scenario and answer questions on it. If they probe you on your answers don't panic as it is a sign that they are interested in what you have to say; for the wrong or right reasons!
My first year of AS I had just not anticipated the jump from GCSE to AS level properly and got lazy. In the March of my third year of A levels, I lost my father suddenly and thought I might fail all over again, but the support I had got me through it. If you have a tragedy don't be afraid to talk to those who care about you, they want you to succeed more than anyone. There is no shame in resitting, but you do have to be prepared for a tough year; just try to enjoy it as you are working towards your dream!
Prepare for the UKCAT and BMAT thoroughly as it will have an immensely positive effect on your application if you ace it; it is one of the only indicators universities have remember! I highly recommend the Kaplan UKCAT preparation classes as they give you an enormous amount of help with notoriously tricky sections like Abstract Reasoning and the trainer is usually a medical student themselves so they know the process. Worth the money if you can spare it for sure; if not there are loads of viable alternatives such as the 600 questions book!
Good luck with your application for 2016 and onwards, PM me if you have any questions about resitting and the stresses of it etc. Don't give on up on your dream! What difference does a year really make to you; better than a lifetime of regretting not going for it!
Deferred?: 3 years of A level
GCSEs: 4A*'s, 6A's and 1B
AS Grades: First time: BDEE Second Time: AAAB
A2 Prediction/Results: AAAB
UKCAT: 755
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 summers working in an oncology unit for 2 weeks each time. National Citizen Service 2013 and 2014. 1 week of shadowing local GP. 1 week shadowing local consultant. 2 weeks shadowing local health visitor.
Extra Curricular: Played football and cricket for school teams, play bass guitar to grade 4 level. Took part in fundraising events held by the school and in the community which was a lot of fun so worth doing for Personal Statement and sanity!
Universities applied to and decisions: Exeter - Rejected before interview as was not predicted A*AA; watch out for this as they do not mention it as a necessity on their website, but very understandable as it is getting more competitive.
Lancaster - Rejected pre interview as my Personal Statement was not competitive enough - cannot stress enough how important getting your PS perfected is if you are a resitter. What I failed to do was focus on reflecting what I had been doing to improve over my extra year; this is vital so maximise your chances and show that they are getting someone who is a year more mature!
Liverpool - Same reason as Lancaster
Plymouth - Offer and starting in September! I think I got lucky here as my UKCAT was good and they don't read PS in most circumstances. Prepare for the interview with someone who will press you on your answers to questions. Scenario based so will get you to pick a scenario and answer questions on it. If they probe you on your answers don't panic as it is a sign that they are interested in what you have to say; for the wrong or right reasons!
My first year of AS I had just not anticipated the jump from GCSE to AS level properly and got lazy. In the March of my third year of A levels, I lost my father suddenly and thought I might fail all over again, but the support I had got me through it. If you have a tragedy don't be afraid to talk to those who care about you, they want you to succeed more than anyone. There is no shame in resitting, but you do have to be prepared for a tough year; just try to enjoy it as you are working towards your dream!
Prepare for the UKCAT and BMAT thoroughly as it will have an immensely positive effect on your application if you ace it; it is one of the only indicators universities have remember! I highly recommend the Kaplan UKCAT preparation classes as they give you an enormous amount of help with notoriously tricky sections like Abstract Reasoning and the trainer is usually a medical student themselves so they know the process. Worth the money if you can spare it for sure; if not there are loads of viable alternatives such as the 600 questions book!
Good luck with your application for 2016 and onwards, PM me if you have any questions about resitting and the stresses of it etc. Don't give on up on your dream! What difference does a year really make to you; better than a lifetime of regretting not going for it!
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5A*s, 4As, 2Bs
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: AAAC (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AB (Chemistry, Physics, Maths)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): Physiology with Pharmacology, 1:1, Leics
UKCAT (if applicable): 747.5 / 2990
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 months reception volunteer in an HIV clinic, 5 months doing trolley rounds on wards, two weeks shadowing a long time ago.
Extra Curricular: Chair of Labour Society, founding member of Oncology Society, University Challenge team captain, church group leader
Universities applied to and decisions:
(All A101)
Barts and the London: Rejected post-interview
Kings College London: Rejected post-interview
Southampton: Waiting list, soon to decline
Newcastle: Offer! Conditional on a 2:1
Advice: Smash the UKCAT, that is all. Also, if you've got an opportunity to take a gap year and apply to undergraduate again, do it. Graduate medicine is ridiculously competitive and wholly draining whilst trying to get through a third year of a degree you don't actually enjoy that much. Plus you can get a BSc in a year at most medical schools, why bother doing three?
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5A*s, 4As, 2Bs
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
AS Grades: AAAC (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology)
A2 Prediction/Results: A*AB (Chemistry, Physics, Maths)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): Physiology with Pharmacology, 1:1, Leics
UKCAT (if applicable): 747.5 / 2990
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 months reception volunteer in an HIV clinic, 5 months doing trolley rounds on wards, two weeks shadowing a long time ago.
Extra Curricular: Chair of Labour Society, founding member of Oncology Society, University Challenge team captain, church group leader
Universities applied to and decisions:
(All A101)
Barts and the London: Rejected post-interview
Kings College London: Rejected post-interview
Southampton: Waiting list, soon to decline
Newcastle: Offer! Conditional on a 2:1
Advice: Smash the UKCAT, that is all. Also, if you've got an opportunity to take a gap year and apply to undergraduate again, do it. Graduate medicine is ridiculously competitive and wholly draining whilst trying to get through a third year of a degree you don't actually enjoy that much. Plus you can get a BSc in a year at most medical schools, why bother doing three?
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 11A*s, 1B
A2 Results: A*A*A*A
Previous Degree: Natural Sciences (Zoology) - 2.i (achieved)
UKCAT: 3300 (825 average) and Band 1 in SJT
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 year volunteering with homeless people, 6 months volunteering with adults with learning disabilities, 6 months volunteering in a care home, 2 years full-time work as a teacher, 1 week shadowing a cardiologist, 1 week rotating around other specialists, ward volunteer at a hospice (had just started at time of application)
Extra Curricular: Senior hockey international, College welfare officer, attended various talks and meetings related to medicine (e.g. Medical Innovations Summit at RSM)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Hull York Medical School (A100): Offer - Declined
King's College London (A102): Offer - Accepted
Barts and The London SMD (A100): Rejected pre-interview
Leicester (A100): Attended interview - Application withdrawn
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 11A*s, 1B
A2 Results: A*A*A*A
Previous Degree: Natural Sciences (Zoology) - 2.i (achieved)
UKCAT: 3300 (825 average) and Band 1 in SJT
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 year volunteering with homeless people, 6 months volunteering with adults with learning disabilities, 6 months volunteering in a care home, 2 years full-time work as a teacher, 1 week shadowing a cardiologist, 1 week rotating around other specialists, ward volunteer at a hospice (had just started at time of application)
Extra Curricular: Senior hockey international, College welfare officer, attended various talks and meetings related to medicine (e.g. Medical Innovations Summit at RSM)
Universities applied to and decisions:
Hull York Medical School (A100): Offer - Declined
King's College London (A102): Offer - Accepted
Barts and The London SMD (A100): Rejected pre-interview
Leicester (A100): Attended interview - Application withdrawn
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: (12) 2xA* 9xA 1xB
A2 Results: AAD (+bd)
Previous Degree: BSc (hons)Clinical Photography - 1st (achieved)
PGCert Science Communication
UKCAT: 2820 (705 average) and Band 1 in SJT
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 year professional medical photographer (3 years of regular placements previously)
8 months working in a Deanery (HEE / postgraduate medical education support department)
Shadowing a range of doctors from F1 to Consultant.
3 years breastfeeding support worker and 2 years volunteering for Cry-Sis
Extra Curricular: DoE, Riding for Disabled, Postgrad student ambassador, regular attendance at lectures, conferences and medical exhibitions at museums, was head girl at school.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Warwick (A101): Offer - Firmed
Barts (QMUL) (A101): Interview- withdrew post interview to firm Warwick
King's College London (A102): Pre-interview rejection (degree not suitable)
Newcastle (A101): Pre-interview rejection (UKCAT too low)
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: (12) 2xA* 9xA 1xB
A2 Results: AAD (+bd)
Previous Degree: BSc (hons)Clinical Photography - 1st (achieved)
PGCert Science Communication
UKCAT: 2820 (705 average) and Band 1 in SJT
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 year professional medical photographer (3 years of regular placements previously)
8 months working in a Deanery (HEE / postgraduate medical education support department)
Shadowing a range of doctors from F1 to Consultant.
3 years breastfeeding support worker and 2 years volunteering for Cry-Sis
Extra Curricular: DoE, Riding for Disabled, Postgrad student ambassador, regular attendance at lectures, conferences and medical exhibitions at museums, was head girl at school.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Warwick (A101): Offer - Firmed
Barts (QMUL) (A101): Interview- withdrew post interview to firm Warwick
King's College London (A102): Pre-interview rejection (degree not suitable)
Newcastle (A101): Pre-interview rejection (UKCAT too low)
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5A*s, 4As, 2Bs
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
A2 Prediction/Results: BBBBA (Chemistry, Biology, Maths, RE, General Studies)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): Predicted 2.1 in BSc Biomedical Sciences from SGUL
UKCAT (if applicable): 737.5 / 2950
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 4 years as HCA including 1 year on gap year (bank so worked pretty much everywhere in 2 different trusts), admin volunteering, 1 week renal shadowing, 1 day neuroradiology, 1 year volunteering in a hospice
Extra Curricular: President of Dance Society, active member of Musical/Neuroscience/T&O/Music/Performance societies, dance team leader,
Universities applied to and decisions:
A101 Bart's and the London - Rejected pre-interview
A101 Warwick - Offer
A101 Newcastle - Offer, firmed
A102 King's College London - Offer
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 5A*s, 4As, 2Bs
Standard Grades Int2s (Scottish applicants): N/A
A2 Prediction/Results: BBBBA (Chemistry, Biology, Maths, RE, General Studies)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): N/A
Previous Degree (if applicable): Predicted 2.1 in BSc Biomedical Sciences from SGUL
UKCAT (if applicable): 737.5 / 2950
BMAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 4 years as HCA including 1 year on gap year (bank so worked pretty much everywhere in 2 different trusts), admin volunteering, 1 week renal shadowing, 1 day neuroradiology, 1 year volunteering in a hospice
Extra Curricular: President of Dance Society, active member of Musical/Neuroscience/T&O/Music/Performance societies, dance team leader,
Universities applied to and decisions:
A101 Bart's and the London - Rejected pre-interview
A101 Warwick - Offer
A101 Newcastle - Offer, firmed
A102 King's College London - Offer
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 3x A*, 4x A, 3x B
AS Grades: ABBD (Geog, Bio, Psych, Chem)
A2 Results: AAA (Bio, Chem, Geog)
UKCAT (if applicable): 715 Band 1
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week local hospital with nurses, 1 week orthopaedic hospital in HR, 2 weeks in Africa w/ Gap Medics, 1.5 years volunteering at Marie Cure and local care home, job at airport
Extra Curricular: Sport, music, first aid trained, charity
Universities applied to and decisions: Newcastle (Offer) / Manchester (Offer) / HYMS (Offer) / Glasgow (Offer) - All unconditional
My advice: Take a gap year if you dont get in first. I've had to take 2 gap years which was difficult at first because all my friends had left for uni and i'd be starting med age 20, but they have been the best 2 years of my life. Learn from your mistakes, know where you went wrong first and do what you can to avoid them again. Research you uni choices heavily before sending the application off, play to the strengths of your application (in my case it was UKCAT and achieved a levels). Dont give up easily, keep trying and you'll always do better second time round
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 3x A*, 4x A, 3x B
AS Grades: ABBD (Geog, Bio, Psych, Chem)
A2 Results: AAA (Bio, Chem, Geog)
UKCAT (if applicable): 715 Band 1
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week local hospital with nurses, 1 week orthopaedic hospital in HR, 2 weeks in Africa w/ Gap Medics, 1.5 years volunteering at Marie Cure and local care home, job at airport
Extra Curricular: Sport, music, first aid trained, charity
Universities applied to and decisions: Newcastle (Offer) / Manchester (Offer) / HYMS (Offer) / Glasgow (Offer) - All unconditional
My advice: Take a gap year if you dont get in first. I've had to take 2 gap years which was difficult at first because all my friends had left for uni and i'd be starting med age 20, but they have been the best 2 years of my life. Learn from your mistakes, know where you went wrong first and do what you can to avoid them again. Research you uni choices heavily before sending the application off, play to the strengths of your application (in my case it was UKCAT and achieved a levels). Dont give up easily, keep trying and you'll always do better second time round
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 4 A*, 5 A, 2 B
AS Grades: ABBB (Psych, Bio, Chem Maths)
A2 Predictions: A*AA (Psych, Bio, Chem) + A* in Welsh Baccalaureate
UKCAT (if applicable): 665 band 2
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week GP, 1 week hospital, 6 months volunteering at youth club with disabled kids, 6 months care home
Extra Curricular: charity fundraising events
Universities applied to and decisions:
Manchester - post interview rejection
Plymouth - post interview rejection
Sheffield - pre interview rejection
HYMS - offer AA + WBQ
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 4 A*, 5 A, 2 B
AS Grades: ABBB (Psych, Bio, Chem Maths)
A2 Predictions: A*AA (Psych, Bio, Chem) + A* in Welsh Baccalaureate
UKCAT (if applicable): 665 band 2
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week GP, 1 week hospital, 6 months volunteering at youth club with disabled kids, 6 months care home
Extra Curricular: charity fundraising events
Universities applied to and decisions:
Manchester - post interview rejection
Plymouth - post interview rejection
Sheffield - pre interview rejection
HYMS - offer AA + WBQ
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 6A*s, 5As & 1A in FSMQ Add Maths
AS Grades: AAAAA (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Maths & Further Maths)
A2 Prediction: A*A*A*A* (Biology, Chemistry, Maths & Further Maths)
UKCAT (if applicable): 2920 (730 avg) VR:640 QR:730 AR:810 DA:740 and SJT Band 2
BMAT (if applicable): 5.7 6.4 3C
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week with family GP, 1 week at Hospital, 1 Month volunteering at a local Care Home for elderly, 1 Year volunteering at local charity for disabled children
Extra Curricular: Grade 6 Piano, Gold in Biology Olympiad, Scout Leader
Universities applied to and decisions:
Imperial College London - Rejected Pre-Interview due to my C in the BMAT essay
Barts and the London - Offer!!! and Firmed (Offer is AAA excluding Further Maths)
Newcastle University (phase 1 in Durham) - Offer!!! and insured (Offer is AAA)
University of Manchester - Rejected Post interview (I was 3 off the post interview cut-off)
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 6A*s, 5As & 1A in FSMQ Add Maths
AS Grades: AAAAA (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Maths & Further Maths)
A2 Prediction: A*A*A*A* (Biology, Chemistry, Maths & Further Maths)
UKCAT (if applicable): 2920 (730 avg) VR:640 QR:730 AR:810 DA:740 and SJT Band 2
BMAT (if applicable): 5.7 6.4 3C
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week with family GP, 1 week at Hospital, 1 Month volunteering at a local Care Home for elderly, 1 Year volunteering at local charity for disabled children
Extra Curricular: Grade 6 Piano, Gold in Biology Olympiad, Scout Leader
Universities applied to and decisions:
Imperial College London - Rejected Pre-Interview due to my C in the BMAT essay
Barts and the London - Offer!!! and Firmed (Offer is AAA excluding Further Maths)
Newcastle University (phase 1 in Durham) - Offer!!! and insured (Offer is AAA)
University of Manchester - Rejected Post interview (I was 3 off the post interview cut-off)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
National 5 (Scottish applicants): 6As (English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, History and Computing)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): 6As all band 1s. (English, Maths, Chemistry, Human Biology, History and Computing)
UKCAT (if applicable): 2710 (Avg: 677.5) SJT Band 2
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 months in GP practise, 1 week in Hospital A, 1 week in Hospital B, REACH programme, Week long trip to Lourdes assisting disabled people with personal care, 5 week Nuffield research placement
Extra Curricular: shift leader at Cancer Research charity shop, Saltire Award/ Ambassador, Buddy and Maths tutor in school, Youth Achievement Award, guitar, swimming, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
Universities applied to and decisions:
University of Edinburgh - rejected (think because of my UKCAT and STJ)
University of Glasgow - offer (AB Advanced Highers)
University of Dunde - offer (BBB Advanced Highers)
University of Aberdeen - offer (BBB Advanced Highers)
Deferred?: No
National 5 (Scottish applicants): 6As (English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, History and Computing)
Higher grades (Scottish applicants): 6As all band 1s. (English, Maths, Chemistry, Human Biology, History and Computing)
UKCAT (if applicable): 2710 (Avg: 677.5) SJT Band 2
Work Experience/Volunteering: 3 months in GP practise, 1 week in Hospital A, 1 week in Hospital B, REACH programme, Week long trip to Lourdes assisting disabled people with personal care, 5 week Nuffield research placement
Extra Curricular: shift leader at Cancer Research charity shop, Saltire Award/ Ambassador, Buddy and Maths tutor in school, Youth Achievement Award, guitar, swimming, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
Universities applied to and decisions:
University of Edinburgh - rejected (think because of my UKCAT and STJ)
University of Glasgow - offer (AB Advanced Highers)
University of Dunde - offer (BBB Advanced Highers)
University of Aberdeen - offer (BBB Advanced Highers)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 4A*, 6A, 1C
A2 Results: ABC (History, ICT, Physics)
Previous Degree (if applicable): BSc Computer Science at the University of Nottingham - First Class
UKCAT (if applicable): 702.5 Band 2
GAMSAT (if applicable): 67 (67, 59, 70)
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week on hospital work experience program, 1 day shadowing a major trauma doctor, 2 days shadowing a consultant gastroenterologist, 9 months volunteering in a care home, 4 months as a HCA (ongoing).
Extra Curricular: Judo, muay thai, UAS, shooting.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Warwick GEM - Offer - Declined
St George's GEM - Offer - Accepted
Nottingham GEM - Withdrawn before interview
Durham (5 year) - Offer - Declined
Deferred?: No
GCSEs: 4A*, 6A, 1C
A2 Results: ABC (History, ICT, Physics)
Previous Degree (if applicable): BSc Computer Science at the University of Nottingham - First Class
UKCAT (if applicable): 702.5 Band 2
GAMSAT (if applicable): 67 (67, 59, 70)
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week on hospital work experience program, 1 day shadowing a major trauma doctor, 2 days shadowing a consultant gastroenterologist, 9 months volunteering in a care home, 4 months as a HCA (ongoing).
Extra Curricular: Judo, muay thai, UAS, shooting.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Warwick GEM - Offer - Declined
St George's GEM - Offer - Accepted
Nottingham GEM - Withdrawn before interview
Durham (5 year) - Offer - Declined
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016
Deferred?: No
National 5s: 8As
Highers: 5As
Advanced Highers: predicted 3 As
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 755 avg Band 1
GAMSAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in hospital ward; around 6 months of volunteering at care home
Extra Curricular: piano, paired reading in school, some clubs in school, dofe bronze.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Edinburgh- Conditional (Firm)
Glasgow- Conditional (Insurance)
Aberdeen- Conditional (Declined)
St. Andrews- Conditional (Delined)
Advice: I can only speak for Scottish universities but generally speaking, don't let all the 'amazing' stats of people from tsr fool you into thinking that you need months of work experience or heaps of extracurricular activities or read medical journals in your spare time to get into medical school. I felt so put down because I had so little work experience and extrac. stuff but in the end I got four offers because it's the reflection on what you learnt that actually matters, not what you did and how long you did it for. The UKCAT is really really important but it is only a part of your application, and in terms of interviews, all the interviews I went to were fairly friendly and none of them asked any ridiculous questions. I'm so glad I don't have to go through the application process ever again because it nearly killed me.
Deferred?: No
National 5s: 8As
Highers: 5As
Advanced Highers: predicted 3 As
Previous Degree (if applicable): N/A
UKCAT (if applicable): 755 avg Band 1
GAMSAT (if applicable): N/A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 1 week in hospital ward; around 6 months of volunteering at care home
Extra Curricular: piano, paired reading in school, some clubs in school, dofe bronze.
Universities applied to and decisions:
Edinburgh- Conditional (Firm)
Glasgow- Conditional (Insurance)
Aberdeen- Conditional (Declined)
St. Andrews- Conditional (Delined)
Advice: I can only speak for Scottish universities but generally speaking, don't let all the 'amazing' stats of people from tsr fool you into thinking that you need months of work experience or heaps of extracurricular activities or read medical journals in your spare time to get into medical school. I felt so put down because I had so little work experience and extrac. stuff but in the end I got four offers because it's the reflection on what you learnt that actually matters, not what you did and how long you did it for. The UKCAT is really really important but it is only a part of your application, and in terms of interviews, all the interviews I went to were fairly friendly and none of them asked any ridiculous questions. I'm so glad I don't have to go through the application process ever again because it nearly killed me.
(edited 8 years ago)
Year of Entry: 2016 International
Deferred?: No
iGCSEs: 5A* 4A
IB Predicted: 43/45
UKCAT (if applicable): 705 Band 2
BMAT (if applicable): 6.2 4.0 3.0A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 2 weeks doctor shadowing
Extra Curricular: Piano, Violin, DoE Gold
Universities applied to and decisions:
Barts and The London - Offer (Firm) <3
University of Exeter - Offer (Insurance)
University of St. Andrews - Rejected Post-Interview
UCL - Rejected Pre-Interview
Advice: Be the best you can be on UKCAT day, applying to your strengths is the most important step.
Deferred?: No
iGCSEs: 5A* 4A
IB Predicted: 43/45
UKCAT (if applicable): 705 Band 2
BMAT (if applicable): 6.2 4.0 3.0A
Work Experience/Volunteering: 2 weeks doctor shadowing
Extra Curricular: Piano, Violin, DoE Gold
Universities applied to and decisions:
Barts and The London - Offer (Firm) <3
University of Exeter - Offer (Insurance)
University of St. Andrews - Rejected Post-Interview
UCL - Rejected Pre-Interview
Advice: Be the best you can be on UKCAT day, applying to your strengths is the most important step.
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