Medicine 2017 entry

I apologise if this has already been answered before but do universities tend to look at the breakdown of the scores (i.e each section VR, QR, AR and SJT) or do they look at the overall average to make a decision? Many thanks

I apologise if this has already been answered before but do universities tend to look at the breakdown of the scores (i.e each section VR, QR, AR and SJT) or do they look at the overall average to make a decision? Many thanks

GCSEs:
- 9A*s, 4As, 1B

AS Levels:
Biology A
Chemistry B
Maths A
Psychology B
Gov&Politics D (two year early entry)

Hoping to be predicted AAA/A*AA for A2, for Bio, Chem and Maths

Work experience/volunteering:
2 weeks at a hospital shadowing doctors in the stroke unit
Ongoing volunteering at a care home
3 years+ volunteering at library

Wider reading:
Being Mortal
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
sBMJ
The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine
Bad Science

Potential universities:
UCL
Queen Mary
University of Bristol
University of Sheffield
University of Liverpool

UKCAT:
Verbal Reasoning: 630
Quantitative Reasoning: 710
Abstract Reasoning: 680
SJT: Band 2

Is it realistic to be applying to medicine based on these qualifications?

I apologise if this has already been answered before but do universities tend to look at the breakdown of the scores (i.e each section VR, QR, AR and SJT) or do they look at the overall average to make a decision? Many thanks

Hi guys,

I just did my UKCAT today and I am quite disappointed since I was getting around 700 in my mocks but only came out with 637, Band 2 today.

I also have 6A*s 4As for GCSE and I am predicted 3As minimum with the possibility of it being A*AA at A2. (I will know for sure once I start sixth form again)

I have looked at places to apply and so far I have narrowed it down to:

UEA
Bristol
Liverpool

And I'm unsure of where else to apply hence I know my GCSEs are nor strong enough for GCSE heavy universities, and it would be risky to go for UKCAT heavy universities, or even ones with a cut off of 650.

What should I do next? Is it worth applying the year after or should I do the BMAT?



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Do the BMAT and look at BSMS, imperial, leeds, lancaster etc. I would say bristol, sheffield, liverpool, would be good, UEA may be riskier.


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Im applying for foundation medicine/access courses because my predicted grades will be AAB/ABB, although my personal target is A*AA (english lang, biology,chemistry)I got an A in AS geography
I got 2A* 7A's and 1B(drama) at gcse

My personal statement is quite good as i have loads of extra curricular as well as care experience.

I can apply for:
Newcastle
Hull York
Southampton
Nottingham
UEA

I really like UEA and Hull York but no clue about the others. If I do get A*AA ill try st georges through clearing as I live near london and commuting would be cheap ( how hard would it be to commute for an hour everday considering medicine is a difficult course ?)
Which unis should I apply for considering my gcses grades were low (but the highest in my school) and what ukcat score do I need to have a good chance.

Also does anyone know how many people apply to foundation courses and how competitive it is

I'm trying to work out if Bristol is a risky/wasted application for me - I want to apply to Oxford so I'd rather have more solid options but I do really like Bristol. TIA for any replies

GCSE: 11 A* 1 A (further maths)
AS Level: A in Maths (didn't sit any other because my school is weird and/or tight)
UKCAT: 2520/2700 Band 1 (VR 900 QR 890 AR 730 average 840)

Bristol gives 10% weighting to UKCAT, 20% to academic achievements and 70% to the statement so I'm not sure if I should consider elsewhere as it's a bit of a shot in the dark, especially when you consider Oxford might be a wasted application depending on the BMAT and how nasty they're feeling this year. My other two are Sheffield and Newcastle which are both safer due to their use of the UKCAT. Problem is, I really like Bristol - is it worth it??

GCSE: 6A* (English x2, French, German, Biology, Chemistry)
7A (Maths x2, Physics, History, Drama, Dance, Music)

AS: A in French (will be probably dropping) and B in maths (but will be retaking next year).
Studying biology and chemistry on the reformed A Levels, so no AS grades count.
A2 predictions: AAA (but could probably be pushed to A*A*A)

UKCAT: VR - 670 QR - 800 AR - 640 (2110 total and 703 average) SJT - Band 2


I'm considering Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham, Barts, Kings and Sheffield at the moment, but I'm unsure what universities my stats would suit. HELP!!!!

Why are your predicted grades so low? Can you not try to get predicted higher?

I think foundation courses are more competitive in figures, but I don't know how they actually compare realistically.
Don't rely on SGUL being in clearing next year. They were this year, they will do everything they can to make sure they're not this year.

Yes 100% i know so so so many med schools which will automatically interview you with those stats, wheras bristol will look at your PS and that is always riskier as it is subjective.

You will be pretty much gauranteed an interview at:
- aberdeen
- dundee
- st andrews
- glasgow
- newcastle
- southampton
- exeter
- plymouth.
- UEA
- Kings
- leicester
- cardiff
- birmingham
- QUB

I would go for somewhere that looks at both GCSEs and UKCAT ad you will storm the system (honestly!) like leicester, Kings, birmingham, st andrews etc.

As for sheffield (sorry about previously but i edited it as just re-read the new admissions policy) good choice based on your stats.

You are an outstanding applicant and you have a great chance at the schools i listed above and ofc oxford!

Feel free to PM me if you need more detailed advice x Natalie x


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Thanks for replying! I've pretty much talked myself out of Bristol now Just got to think I'd rather have a place at any medical school than a rejection from Bristol and a wasted choice!
I considered Exeter but it's a long way across country so Birmingham is looking very appealing now. SO close to finally deciding - it's been a nightmare
Thank you

Haha thanks, and yeah. Oh great, more pressure then . It's so annoying as its been like AS, UKCAT,BMAT, then Interview (hopefully tho I can't really revise) then mocks then A2 like it never ends I'm never feeling revision but just got to get on with it I guess

Yup, just gotta keep that end goal in sight