I am currently a Scottish college student looking to re-apply for medicine this year. I am sending out e-mails to universities around the UK to find out who would consider me with my educational history. It's pretty rubbish so bear with me and be respectful
I am currently 24. I sat 5 SQA Highers in my 5th year at high school, aged 16, and gained BBBCC. In my 6th year I gained BBD in my Advanced Highers and a C in a further additional Higher. Disappointed that I did not gain the entry requirements for medicine, I began an English Literature degree at Glasgow University. In my 2nd year I fell pregnant and became a single mother and took the opportunity to leave University without the intention of returning. I was 20 when this happened.
Facing the difficulties of becoming a single parent, I was pretty sure I would not return to education. However, last year, with encouragement and support from friends and family, I decided to try and apply for medicine. Since then I have began college to resit my Higher exams. This has involved difficulties - as most students only take 3 or 4 subjects, timetabling has meant that I teach myself Higher Maths and will sit the exam as an external candidate. It has also involved "crashing" a Higher in History, that is to say, studying a subject I have never really done before (not since I was 12 actually). Despite these difficulties, I have performed incredibly well in my prelim exams and I am confident I will gain AAAAA by the end of the year.
I know some universities will take one look at my application and decide I am not a good candidate: it is understandable. However, I gained a 680 average on the UKCAT exam, received two interviews from my application to medicine this year and my lack of success in gaining a conditional offer has only made me more determined to reapply this year.
Any advice for an idiot? Pretty sure my situation is by no means unique, if a little complicated
PS I noticed that someone e-mailed universities about applying during a degree a few weeks ago, but I can't find the thread or the info they gave!