2:2 looking likely with AABB A-levels: options from here

Hey everyone, I'm currently studying a Biomed degree and a 2:2 is looking likely when I graduate at the end of this year, meaning my options for graduate entry medicine are limited to Nottingham. I do have an interview with them coming up so hopefully that will go well, but in case it doesn't I need a contingency plan.

I also studied four a levels and got AABB, not as good as I was hoping for but given I had to take two months off in first year thanks to a spinal operation and then was suffering with depression for my second year the results could have been a lot worse.

My game plan is this:
a) if I don't get my place at Nottingham this year, take the year out and look for a small-time job as well as work experience. I could also look into doing an A-level independently, as this website:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_Resit_Policies
shows that they can be resat post-y13. I assume I have understood this correctly?

I will then reapply for Nottingham and hope they offer me another interview.

b) if the second application to Nottingham fails, then my only option would be to independently study Biology a level and get an A, pushing my a levels up to AAAB. I would also need to find £45000 in tuition fees, which would be from me getting a job and saving every penny for a good few years. I would then go through the typical procedure of applying for an undergraduate place through UCAS, but I would need to check which medical schools would accept an a level from someone who sat it independently.

Does anyone have any comments/constructive criticism of my plan here?

Reply 1

Democracy

SGUL would also accept a 2:2.

And if you did a masters degree, so would GKT and Warwick.

I don't think resitting your A levels would be a very effective use of your time - 5 year degrees (except for Exeter and Plymouth) will still look at your degree result.

Good luck for your Notts interview.

Reply 2

username2130115

i do wonder why you are not doing so well at university when you have decent A-Level grades.

Reply 3

anon117

Original post by Democracy

I'll have to consider St George's then - thanks for that info. I also didn't know that undergrad entry degrees would look at my degree result, so that's good to know.

Would it be worth doing another 3 year degree with the intention of getting a 2:1?

Thanks, I'll probably be spamming the forum if I get an offer there lol.

I had a bit of trouble with depression during my second year so I decided to take a year out then redo the year, unfortunately it didn't go so well.

Reply 4

Democracy

Original post by anon117

Definitely not - firstly you wouldn't be able to get loans/grants for a second non-medical/dental undergraduate degree, and secondly, the medical schools would still look at your first undergraduate degree.

If you're going to do further study, you should do a masters degree.

I think the best things to do would be:

1) Try your absolute hardest to get a 2:1 - as I understand it you're still at uni, so this is a possibility right?

2) If you get a 2:2, try and smash the GAMSAT.

3) Consider doing a masters degree if you want to be able to apply to Warwick and GKT.

Your A levels are very good so there's no point trying to redo them, and it would be madness to start another undergrad degree.

Reply 5

anon117

Original post by Democracy

I haven't considered a masters degree so far; would it be possible to graduate, then pick up the masters degree after a year of not being at university?

A 2:1 would require me to get like 80 in the summer exams, it's not very likely.

I have already got a very good mark on the GAMSAT, around 70 or 71, so if Nottingham offer me a place then I should be ok with a 2:2. The GAMSAT lasts for 2 years as well so I won't need to resit it for next year.

Hmm, fair enough about the a level grades. The only problem is that now all uni places ask for AAA minimum, which I don't meet. Point taken on the extra undergrad degree.

Reply 6

Democracy

Original post by anon117

That's an excellent score - I would definitely try to work with what you have in that case. Also consider applying to SGUL if you're not successful this year. All the best.

Reply 7

prospectivemed56

Original post by anon117

I haven't considered a masters degree so far; would it be possible to graduate, then pick up the masters degree after a year of not being at university?

I'm starting back at university next year, having been away for 4 years - the same length of time I was there the first time round! You'll be fine doing a Masters after a year out. However, have a look at applications now, as you may be able to apply to study this September.