*MEGATHREAD* Medicine 2018 Applications Interviews Offers

Hi,

Any views on SGUL? They seem to be always the lowest scored. They also had places available in clearing over the past 2 years.
However seeing they are linked with St George's Hospital, I would have thought plenty learning opportunities are given: A&E, paediatrics, etc. Are they really the worst of the bunch? Would it be the lack of a student life, quality of teaching/learning opportunities or opportunities once you graduate?

Thank you, I gathered that and I thought they are either really inundated by lesser quality applications or they are really clever in exploiting the flaws within the application process with reliance on predictions which are known to be unreliable.

Views about what? It's in London, which makes it over-priced, over-hyped and over-crowded??*
(*all views expressed are the author's own and do not represent anything other than her dislike of "That London" and the number of medical students fighting over each patient)
It does better than Barts, UCL, Imperial and Kings for how prepared its graduates feel for their F1 jobs but is in the bottom 1/3 of specialty exam pass rates (above Barts, below the other 3 London Med Schools).
In terms of other league tables, as I have said, I feel the only thing of any relevance to UG medicine is student satisfaction, and if you are looking at this, Kings is a resounding bottom on every scoring system. Barts is usually top of the London 4 (sitting 10-15th, with Imperial usually next and then either SGUL or UCL (with the 3 of them in the bottom 3rd).
Seems I am not the only one who finds London med schools less than stellar, even their own students are not hugely enamoured!!

I got the Cardiff one at 1pm today, in an email from the uni. It hasn't showed up in UCAS Track. Apparently I'll get a second email in the next 3 days to book it, but that hasn't arrived yet. I'm afraid I don't know about International students at Cardiff but I do know Birmingham start sending international invites towards the end of December. Also I was deferred entry to Cardiff so I don't know if that makes a difference?

Thank you, much appreciated. I applied to SGUL changing my initial option at the last moment, thinking it a safer option to get an interview. At cca 30 miles London is closest to home, although that doesn't help much given that commuting is not an option from where I live. I would definitely have to pay a fortune in rent.
The reason I raised the question is that, not being familiar with the medical education system (first generation of British subject), I was puzzled by the low scoring SGUL receives, in contrast with the view I formed of the St George's hospital when watching Channel 4's 24 hrs in A&E. Watching that made me think: "That's a good place to learn medicine!".

Bear in mind that TV shows are edited to make the subject look good!

All medical schools have their good points and bad points and almost all medical students have a good time wherever they go (despite surveys saying they are more or less satisfied with the teaching etc). Before application, people need to check that the med school suits the strengths of their stats (you've gotta be in it to win it!), and then check that they like the course, teaching style, city, atmosphere and general "feel" of the place. Few are lucky enough to have limitless choice about where they apply and most base their decisions on a few essentially trivial points about the uni, yet most have a great time, pass their exams and come out as a doctor at the other end. ANd then end up with a fulfilling and successful career.
League tables are unhelpful and change most years. The confidence intervals for stats I quote are pretty large and within them there is significant variation if you break professional exams down into specialty. The only real thing I would be asking at an open day would be about F1 preparedness and how a med school proposed to tackle low scores in this, because many do turn it round in a single year, so it is possible! And again, within each cohort, those with drive and initiative will seek out the experience to ensure they DO feel prepared (or will learn damned quickly when they hit the wards!)

I've been invited to an interview at Cardiff and Plymouth today!!!!

I've been invited to an interview at Cardiff and Plymouth today!!!!

I've been invited to an interview at Cardiff and Plymouth today!!!!

Congratulations!! what are your stats if I may ask? are you Undergraduate and if so, what's your back up?

I'm an Undergraduate. I applied to:
Bristol- Interview
Plymouth- Interview
Cardiff- Interview
Birmingham- Acknowledgement
Birmingham- Offer for Biomedicine (AAB)

UKCAT- 2840 (710 Average) Band 1
GCSEs- 9A*s, 2As, B in English Language (Resat and achieved an A)
Predicted Grades- A*A*A (Chemistry, Biology, Maths respectively
Work Experience- 1 year in care home, 3 days at GP, 1 day in surgical outpatients, 2 days in radiology, 1 day at a community mental health clinic, 1 day with occupational health, 8 months at a neurological centre, part-time job tutoring kids, charity shop volunteering, NCS, Bronze/Silver/Gold DofE, Robinson College Women in Science Festival, Debate chamber summer school

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE APPLYING!

The question is, why does it seem like no one has applied to Exeter medical school this year?

Congratulations!! what are your stats if I may ask? are you Undergraduate and if so, what's your back up?

Forgot to say, my back would be (if I achieved the required grades) to take a gap year and find a job as a healthcare assistant

Did you try emailing/calling them?