The Student Room Group

Imperial vs. UCL

Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!)
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them?

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life
All lectures are recorded
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible
Broader range of BScs
More SSCs offered
Very positive student feedback and the students seem more "vibrant"

I know that a lot depends on my personal feelings, but I would be very grateful for any extra info/advice!

Thank you in advance and sorry for such a long post! :colondollar:

Scroll to see replies

Original post by DriveInSaturday
Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!)
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them?

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life
All lectures are recorded
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible
Broader range of BScs
More SSCs offered
Very positive student feedback and the students seem more "vibrant"

I know that a lot depends on my personal feelings, but I would be very grateful for any extra info/advice!

Thank you in advance and sorry for such a long post! :colondollar:


You pretty much have the same reasons I do :smile:

Hence firming UCL over Imperial, but would be MORE than happy to go to either :smile:

What decided it for me was the cheaper accom, better student life, "arty" students and lighter work ethic (supposedly).
Original post by kingcoltzan
You pretty much have the same reasons I do :smile:

Hence firming UCL over Imperial, but would be MORE than happy to go to either :smile:

What decided it for me was the cheaper accom, better student life, "arty" students and lighter work ethic (supposedly).


I keep switching between the two - partly what makes it so hard is because I LOVE them both :smile: I had almost decided on UCL when I began to wonder if maybe I should go with Imperial, as I had always thought it would be my first choice...!

I was wondering if anyone knew why the UCL thread on here has a lot fewer posts/views than the Imperial thread - is there generally more interest in Imperial or is there no particular reason?
Original post by DriveInSaturday
I keep switching between the two - partly what makes it so hard is because I LOVE them both :smile: I had almost decided on UCL when I began to wonder if maybe I should go with Imperial, as I had always thought it would be my first choice...!

I was wondering if anyone knew why the UCL thread on here has a lot fewer posts/views than the Imperial thread - is there generally more interest in Imperial or is there no particular reason?


Thats like asking why there are the most posts on the Barts page (I think - if I recall correctly?) :tongue:

It doesn't really say anything meaningfull...Perhaps you could say less posts = less TSR users applied/with offers which means less TSRians and more "real" people :tongue: But tbh thats a pretty pointless argument.
Reply 4
Avatar for Revenged
Revenged
15
choosing between imperial and ucl is like comparing two eggs. there are no big points of difference. they are both london and we have the same style of teaching.

in london you face the same problems whichever one you go. i think teaching hospital in london are perhaps the worst places to do clinical years as a student. too many students, nasty consultants and pointless silly sign off tasks that prevent you learning.

really i think what i think ucl and imperial both lack is hands on medicine. i think the people who design courses for such big clinical years have become very detached. i may get back involved in medical education and try and make it better. medicine has become now form orientated that you have to prove competency through forms but some medical schools take it too far and I found much of it very restricted. you have very little freedom to pursue interests.

my best advice would be to to pick one based on your personal reasons. you should not be picking based on the courses. think about the area, the people, your outside interests and where you would fit in best. if you are interested in art and which to join artistic societies then ucl, if you want to row then imperial. this is how i suggest you think about it. gl
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 5
Avatar for carcinoma
carcinoma
17
Original post by DriveInSaturday
! :colondollar:


You should look at the Cons to make your decision rather than the Pros.

I would choose UCL on the 2012 Curriculum alone. They have made some significantly good changes.
Original post by DriveInSaturday
Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!)
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them?

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life
All lectures are recorded
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible
Broader range of BScs
More SSCs offered
Very positive student feedback and the students seem more "vibrant"

I know that a lot depends on my personal feelings, but I would be very grateful for any extra info/advice!

Thank you in advance and sorry for such a long post! :colondollar:


What a fortunate problem you have, haha. Having known a few UCL medics while I was there, I can tell you their work ethic isn't too shabby either :wink:

Oh, and they just got given their own bar to hang out in on Gower St. Bastards.
Original post by DriveInSaturday
Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!)
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them?

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life
All lectures are recorded
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible
Broader range of BScs
More SSCs offered
Very positive student feedback and the students seem more "vibrant"

I know that a lot depends on my personal feelings, but I would be very grateful for any extra info/advice!

Thank you in advance and sorry for such a long post! :colondollar:


Lol, everyone hates us :/ Whatever I guess.


I can't tell you anything about UCL, but Imperial Medical programme is taught in the first two years at two campuses (some lectures are at the Life Sciences building in South Kensington, others are at the Charing Cross campus). South Kensington is an awesome area and it's decent being right next to Hyde Park but you'll spend most of your student life at one of these wonderful medical establishments here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_College_School_of_Medicine#Campuses_and_associated_hospitals

And here are UCL's for comparison:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCL_Medical_School#Associated_hospitals_and_institutes

All in all there isn't a lot in it, if you have a preference to be around humanities students for whatever reason, then UCL's probably better. Keep in mind though you're likely to end up socialising almost exclusively with Medics due to the nature of the course.
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 8
Avatar for master y
master y
12
Original post by DriveInSaturday
Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!)
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them?

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life
All lectures are recorded
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible
Broader range of BScs
More SSCs offered
Very positive student feedback and the students seem more "vibrant"

I know that a lot depends on my personal feelings, but I would be very grateful for any extra info/advice!

Thank you in advance and sorry for such a long post! :colondollar:


As a medical applicant next year, could i ask you if you did anything which made you stand out the the universities? (I'm so jealous you've got offers from both!)
Original post by master y
As a medical applicant next year, could i ask you if you did anything which made you stand out the the universities? (I'm so jealous you've got offers from both!)


BMAT.

BMAT decides IMO 80% whether you get an offer or not for Imperial. And that doesn't mean having 7 7 5A, it can be 5.1 5.1 3.5A, that is more than enough :smile: Just as long as it's above the cutoff.

UCL there is less so a deciding factor, everything counts and its hard to "stand out" as such, but your chances of getting an interview are much higher if your academics, BMAT, predictions, PS, everything basically are of a high standard.
Original post by Revenged
choosing between imperial and ucl is like comparing two eggs. there are no big points of difference. they are both london and we have the same style of teaching.

my best advice would be to to pick one based on your personal reasons. you should not be picking based on the courses. think about the area, the people, your outside interests and where you would fit in best. if you are interested in art and which to join artistic societies then ucl, if you want to row then imperial. this is how i suggest you think about it. gl


Thank you for this advice - yes, they are so similar in many ways that I will try to simply decide which I prefer in terms of the feel of the place and people.

Original post by carcinoma
You should look at the Cons to make your decision rather than the Pros.

I would choose UCL on the 2012 Curriculum alone. They have made some significantly good changes.


Thank you - the 2012 Curriculum looks brilliant!

Original post by TurboCretin
What a fortunate problem you have, haha. Having known a few UCL medics while I was there, I can tell you their work ethic isn't too shabby either :wink:

Oh, and they just got given their own bar to hang out in on Gower St. Bastards.


Thanks! The UCL medics definitely seem hard-working too, I agree.

Original post by innerhollow
Lol, everyone hates us :/ Whatever I guess.


I can't tell you anything about UCL, but Imperial Medical programme is taught in the first two years at two campuses (some lectures are at the Life Sciences building in South Kensington, others are at the Charing Cross campus). South Kensington is an awesome area and it's decent being right next to Hyde Park but you'll spend most of your student life at one of these wonderful medical establishments here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_College_School_of_Medicine#Campuses_and_associated_hospitals

And here are UCL's for comparison:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCL_Medical_School#Associated_hospitals_and_institutes

All in all there isn't a lot in it, if you have a preference to be around humanities students for whatever reason, then UCL's probably better. Keep in mind though you're likely to end up socialising almost exclusively with Medics due to the nature of the course.


Thank you so much for your advice - I didn't at all mean to suggest that this was my opinion about Imperial students (they have always seemed friendly when I visited!) - just what I've read on TSR and wanted to confirm that it wasn't true!! Thank you for the links :smile:

Original post by master y
As a medical applicant next year, could i ask you if you did anything which made you stand out the the universities? (I'm so jealous you've got offers from both!)


Thank you, that's very kind! I don't really know what it was, as I didn't think that the interviews went particularly brilliantly, but I spent a lot of time on my personal statement and tried to match which unis I applied to with my strengths - e.g. I do Latin A2 and did History at AS, and UCL say that they like some arts subjects. I worked hard for my BMAT too (!!) and did a lot of research about current medical news, ethics, interview questions etc. and looked at TSR a lot!! And did a bit of interview prep with people I didn't know very well to try to simulate the real thing - which was very useful, I think - made me less nervous! Good luck with your application :smile:
Reply 11
Avatar for akash297
akash297
Original post by kingcoltzan
BMAT.

BMAT decides IMO 80% whether you get an offer or not for Imperial. And that doesn't mean having 7 7 5A, it can be 5.1 5.1 3.5A, that is more than enough :smile: Just as long as it's above the cutoff.

UCL there is less so a deciding factor, everything counts and its hard to "stand out" as such, but your chances of getting an interview are much higher if your academics, BMAT, predictions, PS, everything basically are of a high standard.


:colone:
Reply 12
Avatar for anisah150
anisah150
Original post by DriveInSaturday
Thank you for this advice - yes, they are so similar in many ways that I will try to simply decide which I prefer in terms of the feel of the place and people.



Thank you - the 2012 Curriculum looks brilliant!



Thanks! The UCL medics definitely seem hard-working too, I agree.



Thank you so much for your advice - I didn't at all mean to suggest that this was my opinion about Imperial students (they have always seemed friendly when I visited!) - just what I've read on TSR and wanted to confirm that it wasn't true!! Thank you for the links :smile:



Thank you, that's very kind! I don't really know what it was, as I didn't think that the interviews went particularly brilliantly, but I spent a lot of time on my personal statement and tried to match which unis I applied to with my strengths - e.g. I do Latin A2 and did History at AS, and UCL say that they like some arts subjects. I worked hard for my BMAT too (!!) and did a lot of research about current medical news, ethics, interview questions etc. and looked at TSR a lot!! And did a bit of interview prep with people I didn't know very well to try to simulate the real thing - which was very useful, I think - made me less nervous! Good luck with your application :smile:


congratz for getting both offers:thumbsup::thumbsup: you must really be proud of yourself if you dont mind me asking what as level grades did you achieve
Reply 13
Avatar for voygehr
voygehr
3
Original post by DriveInSaturday

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind)

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind)


Wait, what? Last time I checked Imperial was third best uni for medicine in the world, just after Harvard Med School and Oxford. UCL is not even ranked in the top 50. What rankings are you referring to?

[Source]
Reply 14
Avatar for Mr Young
Mr Young
8
Original post by voygehr
Wait, what? Last time I checked Imperial was third best uni for medicine in the world, just after Harvard Med School and Oxford. UCL is not even ranked in the top 50. What rankings are you referring to?

[Source]


on that link you just posted UCL is ranked 7th?
Original post by voygehr
Wait, what? Last time I checked Imperial was third best uni for medicine in the world, just after Harvard Med School and Oxford. UCL is not even ranked in the top 50. What rankings are you referring to?

[Source]


UCL is number 7 from your 'source'..........
Reply 16
Avatar for voygehr
voygehr
3
Original post by Mr Young
on that link you just posted UCL is ranked 7th?


You are completely right. Did a quick search for 'UCL' which returned nothing. My bad. Still, Imperial is 3rd, hence I wonder how OP got it the other way around?
Original post by voygehr
You are completely right. Did a quick search for 'UCL' which returned nothing. My bad. Still, Imperial is 3rd, hence I wonder how OP got it the other way around?


Well it depends which rankings the OP used, just did a quick search of "uk medicine rankings" on google, 3 links showed that UCL are above Imperial for 2012.

source 1
source 2
source 3

I'm sure there are other rankings which rank Imperial higher, but this just shows that rankings are subjective, with each one looking at slightly varying factors. Besides, UCL and Imperial always rank so closely within one another it shouldn't even matter anyway.

Also, something else the OP may find helpful in deciding, UCL's male:female ratio is ~49:51; Imperial's ~64:36. Obviously whether these are good or bad depends on OP's gender :wink:
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by voygehr
Wait, what? Last time I checked Imperial was third best uni for medicine in the world, just after Harvard Med School and Oxford. UCL is not even ranked in the top 50. What rankings are you referring to?

[Source]



Original post by Deep456
UCL is number 7 from your 'source'..........



Original post by voygehr
You are completely right. Did a quick search for 'UCL' which returned nothing. My bad. Still, Imperial is 3rd, hence I wonder how OP got it the other way around?



Original post by instrumentalist
Well it depends which rankings the OP used, just did a quick search of "uk medicine rankings" on google, 3 links showed that UCL are above Imperial for 2012.

source 1
source 2
source 3

I'm sure there are other rankings which rank Imperial higher, but this just shows that rankings are subjective, with each one looking at slightly varying factors. Besides, UCL and Imperial always rank so closely within one another it shouldn't even matter anyway.

Also, something else the OP may find helpful in deciding, UCL's male:female ratio is ~49:51; Imperial's ~64:36. Obviously whether these are good or bad depends on OP's gender :wink:



Why does this matter?
Why is it relevant to medicine?

Its not, therefore null and void.
I've just given my tuppance and a bit below. Crossed off reasons I don't think you should take into consideration at all.

Original post by DriveInSaturday
Hello, everyone - this is my first post on The Student Room, but I have been following all the Medicine threads and everyone has been so helpful that I thought I would post my query!

I have offers for Medicine at UCL and Imperial (neither of which I thought I would get!) and am trying to decide which to firm.

This is my current list of pros for each:

Imperial
Slightly more prestigious (although this is debatable and F1 applications are of course blind) see below
South Kensington is a beautiful part of London very true indeed
Strong work ethic (but perhaps to the exclusion of having friends and time to socialise? I have heard so much about how dull/narrow-minded Imperial students are, but I don't know how much of this is true!) Imperial does have a more workaholic/competitive reputation and feel to it, but that is not to say they're any different from students elsewhere. There will be a broad mix everywhere. Imperial medics, just like UCL medics, are well known for their 'work hard, play hard' ethos.
Less harsh re-sit policy for exams see below
I have received the letter saying that if I firm Imperial, I will be able to apply for a scholarship. I know that there are eight scholarships available, but does anyone know how many people are entered for them? well worth looking into this, though they are competitive.

UCL
Currently higher in university rankings (although F1 applications are blind) see below
There are arts students (I'd like to meet people on different courses)
Bloomsbury is perhaps a more student-friendly area (?)
Wider uni life what do you mean by this?
All lectures are recorded this is an absolute LIFE SAVER
BSc timing in 3rd year seems more sensible definitely true - but don't let this swing your decision too much as I'm sure IC medics quickly recap their rusty clinical skills
Broader range of BScs just make sure you don't get hung up on BSc choices, as new ones may get put in and one or two may not be available for a certain year for varying reasons. But yes, the breadth of choice is certainly a good reason.
More SSCs offered don't worry too much about SSCs - though yes, UCL goes give you a fantastic range from science lectures, lab work, clinical, anatomical, languages, arts+medicine/science, journal reviews and even the opportunity to create your own SSC on areas that interest you
Very positive student feedback UCL takes it's feedback ultra-seriously. We're constantly asked to evaluate each module taught, the teaching, resources, availability of books etc. and it all gets acted upon very quickly. and the students seem more "vibrant" there'll be plenty of 'vibrant' and non-vibrant students at both medical schools


On the note of rankings, prestige etc. please please please ignore all that with regards to your career. As you rightly pointed out, F1 applications are blind. From then on, your medical school does not matter at all. Just make sure you pass your medical degree! Afterwards, what will determine your posts will be how well and quickly you perform in your professional examinations (with the royal colleges), how your portfolio looks (with competencies you've gained, examples of skills used, your reflections on your work), research carried out, any initiatives you started etc. You having gone to X medical school over Y will not make the slightest difference in terms of names. However the only difference it can make is an indirect one in the sense that you might have got lucky and had something published at X over Y in your BSc year etc. But that's not inherent to the university itself. So in summary, what determines your success after graduation is WHAT you do, not WHERE you came from.

With regards to the exam policy - in most cases you should not be failing in the first place. The standard is high, but the pass mark is usually set at 50% for medical students. And the vast majority of students at UCL do pass - and those that do fail, end up passing in the retakes as it was more of a case of them not getting their act together in the first place.
(edited 12 years ago)

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you