Graduate Entry Medicine: 2016 Entry

Probably not going to get any interviews this year with 665 in the UKCAT. I plan to sit the GAMSAT, MCAT and UKCAT next year and applying to Duke in Singapore, Warwick, Swansea, SGUL, and Barts.

My stats- Crap A Levels AADbd, first class honours in a BSc that no one understands, MSc in science communication, consistently on the 70th centile for aptitude tests which is good but not good enough, years and years of voluntary work, current NHS employee, decent clinical experience and all the extra curriculars you could shake a stick and I interview like a boss...but that's not going to help until I manage to nail an admissions test.

Slightly cynical, slightly exasperated, totally resigned to being the oldest grad on the programme when my chance finally comes around. Good luck guys, hopefully some of us will be future classmates.

Hello!

What's your background? And why have you chosen only Scotland and only 5 year courses?

At the moment I'm torn about applying - have had many crises of confidence (unsuccessful application this year) and sometimes wonder if I'm mad to want to do it at all!

Also am 29 and I feel very old to begin something so life changing.

All that aside I'm just really excited at the prospect!

What about you? How do you feel about it?

Sorry if above is too much information!!


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Hey guys,

Was wondering if you could help me out here. I am 25 years old with a 2.1 business degree (240 ucas points i.e. rubbish a-levels) from a decent Midlands University but thinking about applying for GEM for the 2016 intake.

I understand that I would need a good amount of varied work experience, how much would you guys consider to be a good amount of work experience? The application would have to be submitted to ucas in October, is there enough time to build up a good enough amount of work experience between then and now to get an interview- or do you need years on top of years worth of work experience to get in?

Also, I am not too keen on the UKCAT as it is more difficult to revise for compared to the GAMSAT, is that correct? This would obviously affect which 4 universities I would apply for GEM. I was so far thinking Swansea, Notts and St Georges- any ideas on university choices also? Thanks in advance folks!

regards,

Jono

think you're in the same boat as me mate. I dont know what to do with my 4th choice. Might just randomly apply abroad to fill the hole. See where is cheapest. I want to Birmingham University, you?

Dont worry, I will be 30 when I start. I'm doing the test in sept 15 for 16 entry. I know plenty of medics and once the GEM and undergrad courses merge in year 2 there are plenty of people 30 +. Lots of people in the same boat. Keep plugging away- we will retire at around 75 I reckon. Even if you find your career at 35, still 40 years to go. Plenty of time!

Hi all


Is anyone else feeling completely overwhelmed by this? I've been doing some research but there seems like so many things to consider that I don't know where to start. I think I'm good for the experience as I'm a current NHS worker with a clinical role but I'm not sure whether I'll also be expected to have done some other things as well?

Currently trying to finish my BSc with a good enough grade whilst working full time and starting to think about GAMSAT and UKCAT.

I've resigned myself to having no social life for the next few months but I'm wondering what sort of extracurricular stuff might be useful that I'd have time to pick up.

I first did a degree in sociology and politics, then worked as a healthcare assistant, then trained as a nurse. I work as a nurse on an acute admissions unit at the moment.

My academic record is pretty bad - I only did 2 A levels and got BC. 2.1 for my BA and a distinction for nursing.

That limits where I can apply to so am willing to go just about anywhere! I can't afford to do the 5 year although I think I would stand a better chance!


Posted from TSR Mobile

Hi, I am currently working a nurse too so its nice to hear from someone else taking the same pathway. How long have you been nursing for?

I first did a degree in sociology and politics, then worked as a healthcare assistant, then trained as a nurse. I work as a nurse on an acute admissions unit at the moment.

My academic record is pretty bad - I only did 2 A levels and got BC. 2.1 for my BA and a distinction for nursing.

That limits where I can apply to so am willing to go just about anywhere! I can't afford to do the 5 year although I think I would stand a better chance!


Posted from TSR Mobile

My background: didn't consider medicine as a career until late on in my school career, after I'd already chosen to study languages/arts etc for my highers. So, I went on to FE college to pick up the sciences I didn't do and started a degree in Biomedical Science. I'm limited to Scotland for financial reasons, mostly. As a Scottish domiciled student, I would pay home fees, which are substantially lower than the £9k I would pay going elsewhere, even with the extra year. There are no 4 year GEM courses offered in Scotland.

I am pretty excited and nervous about it, but a little bit freaked out that I'll be applying this year after talking about it for so long. I'm not as old as many grad entrants, but still feel aged comapred to some of the 17 and 18 year olds I'll be applying with.

What is your background?

Just to say it's definitely possible to make the transition from nursing. I'm currently in my first year of gem.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Hi, thanks for your response. Can I ask which university's you applied for? I'm limited to some because of my non science A levels but the gem programmes, although more competitive, are looking to be the more likely option. Did any of the unis you applied for/interviewed for have any concern or negative opinions on you changing from nursing because I've heard some don't like it. And did you have a lot of experience beforehand?