Why is this the case?

In my mind, the difference between A and A* is simply how neeky somebody is. In my opinion, the knowledge gap between an A grade and an A* is nowhere near as big as the difference between let's say an A and a B

You realise B is 70%, A is 80%, A* is 90%. All the same difference.

No it isn't: you do not understand how the A* works. It's a lot easier on paper than it is in the exam, it's exponentially more difficult gaining those last few % so imo there's a world of difference between 88% and 92%, for example.

If it really is that hard then surely only the best candidates will get them, and surely only the best candidates are admitted to medicine.

It is that hard. Only the best candidates are given medicine places, but your logic assumes that the all the best candidates need to achieve A*'s - that isn't true.

Of course they don't need A*s but my original question was that universities give so much weighting to GCSE A* and having all A's at GCSE is considered a big disadvantage for medicine, so rather than me saying AAA A-level is a disadvantage, why isn't A* an advantage?

GCSE's are a completely different thing so it's irrelevant for you to bring them up, the only similarity between the A* at GCSE and the A* at A-Level is that they share the same symbol.

I have already answered your question.

They are not that different with the exception that A-levels are harder.

GCSE's are graded on a linear scale, with the higher your % then the higher the grade you achieve. There is the same difference in 'ability' between a C grade and a B grade as there is between an A grade and an A* grade.

A-Levels are graded on this linear scale up to the A grade, where then afterwards the system becomes a bit more blurred. The A* was introduced as a 'stretch and challenge' grade, first conceptualised to replace the AEA, so are not based on this same linear scale as GCSE's and up-to-grade-A A-Levels. Add this to the fact that the A* grade requires 80% at AS (not 90% because there are no 'stretch and challenge', AEA-style questions in the AS paper) and 90% at A2, it is not a linear way of marking. It is better to see the A* grade as a special recognition for people that sat the test well on the day rather than a continuation of the standard letter grading system.

Fair enough but I reckon unis should take UMS scores like Cambridge do for a more transparent admissions policy rather than predictions.

I always thought getting the A* at A level is pips. Providing that you've got an A in the exam the only thing you need to tip you over to an A* is to write a few carefully selected sentences that give the impression you've read around the subject in the long answer questions. It's all about ticking their boxes.

Are you creating these threads because you are worried that your academics are the only thing you have going for you?

No I believe I will have a good all round application (UKCAT pending)

My work here is done.