Access course dilemma!

What course is it you want to do after the access course? If Birmingham has recommended it then it's probably a good idea, however my access course was very intense and I'm not sure I could have fit that level of self learning in as well.

I could complete the physics credits before I start my access course in September.

It's so hard accommodating to all of the universities needs but it has to be done to increase my chances of getting a place.

So my situation was that my Access to Medicine course was changed by the college to include no physics, as the college felt that universities prefer more Biology and Chemistry modules for medicine applicants. This was good and bad, as it did give us more biology and chemistry, but it limited our choice of uni's, and also made it harder to get into certain places; this was because some uni's state all biology and chemistry must be at distinction level. Therefore if we had some physics modules, a couple of merits wouldn't have hurt us, but on our course we had to get every module at distinction to be able to get into those universities.

You won't be able to accommodate every uni's requirements. What I did was target my applications to universities I knew I had a good chance with based on my modules. Ultimately I definitely think I would have struggled to do my access course and additional physics stuff at the same time.

I managed to get a place for medicine starting in September this year, so if you plan properly, it's entirely possible. Just don't put too much work onto yourself.

So my situation was that my Access to Medicine course was changed by the college to include no physics, as the college felt that universities prefer more Biology and Chemistry modules for medicine applicants. This was good and bad, as it did give us more biology and chemistry, but it limited our choice of uni's, and also made it harder to get into certain places; this was because some uni's state all biology and chemistry must be at distinction level. Therefore if we had some physics modules, a couple of merits wouldn't have hurt us, but on our course we had to get every module at distinction to be able to get into those universities.

You won't be able to accommodate every uni's requirements. What I did was target my applications to universities I knew I had a good chance with based on my modules. Ultimately I definitely think I would have struggled to do my access course and additional physics stuff at the same time.

I managed to get a place for medicine starting in September this year, so if you plan properly, it's entirely possible. Just don't put too much work onto yourself.

I left school with only 2 GCSEs at C+ which certainly made my situation more difficult (I believe to be a result of personal problems), and this scratches a few unis off of the potential list.

If you think it was as a result of personal problems, a lot of universities will allow you to submit mitigating circumstances for lower GCSE grades. Best thing to do is speak to them before your application.

I wouldn't target the lower requirements, just tailor your application towards ones you know you have a good shot with.

How do I know I have a good shot? Sorry if it's a silly question

Well just from a quick glance at the list you posted, Bradford as an example doesn't even mention Physics, just numbers of credits at distinction and merit.

Ultimately if there's a uni that you really have your heart set on that requires physics, do it before you start your Access course.

Thanks, I really want to go to Birmingham, and they suggest online physics.

Really appreciate the replies

No worries mate, best of luck. Access courses are hard work but if you put the work in they are totally worth it.

I think what I'll do is do the online physics and complete my access course, then apply. if I don't get a place next year then I'll do as much as I can do fulfil other unis requirements