Direct entry into second year. Is this advisable?

Hi

I am greatly considering applying to University of Edinburgh to study Biology or Biomedical sciences. My predicted grades are A*AAA/AAAA for A Levels in biology, maths, history and chemistry. There is a route for me to enter into the course in the second year if I achieve AAB in my A-Levels however what disadvantage would I be at if I were to start the course without having done the first year of the degree?

Thanks

Hi, can I ask how this went? I am currently in a similar situation and I need to make my decision about whether to enter into first or second year by next week. I am also applying for Biomedical science.

Just thought I'd let you know that first year is usually a lot of basic A Level stuff in a bit more detail, and getting people onto the same level. Biomedical sciences will share a lot of lectures with students from similar courses like Biology and Biochemistry in the first year, because they want all of you to learn the basic Biology and Chemistry A Level content again. If they're offering you direct entry into second year, it's probably because you've exceeded the usual entry requirements, and wouldn't benefit much from the first year content.

If you accept the offer for Year 2 entry, you'll have lower tuition fees and graduate a year earlier, and would probably feel like you're on the same academic level as your peers. However, you might find it difficult to socialise, as most people have already established their friendship groups in first year and already know each other. Also, you will be expected to know the A Level content like the back of your hand, as they won't be repeating any of that in Year 2 - they will be moving onto brand new topics when you start. Year 2 also counts towards your degree, so there won't be an opportunity for you to have a relaxed year (most people do badly in first year while they're socialising etc and then get serious for second year).

Think about the advantages/disadvantages and which aspects are more important to you. It sounds like a good opportunity to me but it may not be the right decision for you.
Good luck and well done

Thank you for the advice, there's so much to weigh up! I'm not from Scotland but also im 18 so if I was to go into first year I'd be a year older than my Scottish peers, so i have no idea what to do

Hi

I am greatly considering applying to University of Edinburgh to study Biology or Biomedical sciences. My predicted grades are A*AAA/AAAA for A Levels in biology, maths, history and chemistry. There is a route for me to enter into the course in the second year if I achieve AAB in my A-Levels however what disadvantage would I be at if I were to start the course without having done the first year of the degree?

Thanks

I wouldn’t recommend it, coming from a biomed student with almost identical grades

May i ask how come? did u do biomed direct entry cuz I'm looking at direct entry in biomed but worried about the social aspect and would it be very difficult to catch up?

Hi,
Did you end up doing direct entry? and if so, could you share some of your experiences please? I am having trouble deciding to accept my second year entry offer for physics or not