University of Bristol

Bristol

Medicine

Hi,

I've completed my GCSEs last year, I achieved 2 A*s, 1 A in Biology, chemistry and Physics. I achieved 9 in Maths, 6 in English Language, B in Business Studies, C in History. I am going to choose uni with low GCSEs weighting:

Bristol
Dundee
Exeter
Glasgow
Keele
Plymouth
Newcastle

Im currently studying A levels Biology, Chemistry and Law. Does anyone have any disagreements regarding the choices of universities that I'm going to apply for this year:

Thanks

Reply 1

Harold Saxon

What are your predicted A-Level grades?

University of Bristol

Bristol

AAA

Just make sure you get the highest possible UKCAT result. It is objectively hard, begin studying right after you finish your AS exams.
Remember a medicine offer is a medicine offer no matter where you go, about 60% of med applicants don't get an offer at all, so play it safe and work hard.

Reply 4

luqman12673863

Original post by tremen222

Thanks, I guess the hard part is trying to find universities to play to my strengths....

Reply 5

AthenaSphinx

For Exeter, they shortlist you on your predicted grades so it might be a good idea to move them up a bit. Also check the university requirements as some uni's need you to be predicted A*, A, A. When I was researching previously, I read that Liverpool look at A*s and A's with the same number of points. Also don't worry about GCSE's that much, lot's of uni's look at you holistically - Personal statement, UKCAT/BMAT, A level predicted grades etc.
Hope this is helpful! :smile:

Reply 6

username2337287

Original post by luqman12673863

Remember you have the choice of 4 universities, for medicine. It is reccommended for medical applicants who prefer a university with a "low GCSE weighing", to choose Keele. Keele may not boast an extravagent reputation overall, however provide the best facilities for medicine. Moreover, at the end of the day you're going to become a medic, and the aptient will not ask you, during their operation, the university which you graduated from. The consequences will be the same. Having said this, it is important that you select a university which has a prefferential method of teaching. For example, I prefer the tutorial system, since I like to express my methodology and opinions regarding a topic, verbally to a tutor. I enjoy academic discussions regarding topics and news related articles; in addition to the collegiate system. Therefore my choices will be adapated and conformed to choosing Oxford, Durham, Imperial and Kings.

It is not about getting from A to B, it is about the journey you take.

Reply 7

Stardust987

The only thing I would say is unless you are going to be predicted 3A* s and a very high UKCAT, Exeter is a very risky choice. This is speaking from experience. Exeter's cut off point this year was 3A*s and a UKCAT of 2670.

Reply 8

AthenaSphinx

Original post by Stardust987

I didn't realise Exeter had a cut-off. I don't think they do as they have reserve interviews happening in the last week of February, which are for those people that got the predicted grades but their UKCAT was a bit lower.

Reply 9

Stardust987

Still, students have to have 3A*s predicted.

Reply 10

AthenaSphinx

Original post by Stardust987

Still, students have to have 3A*s predicted.

Yeah that's true. Of if you have achieved 2A*s , 1A and above, you will also be considered as well I think. Where did you apply?

Reply 11

Stardust987

Original post by AthenaSphinx

Yeah that's true. Of if you have achieved 2A*s , 1A and above, you will also be considered as well I think. Where did you apply?

Exeter- rejected pre-interview. I am predicted A*,A*,A, A and have a UKCAT of 2620.
Plymouth-Offer
St George's-Offer
Bristol- Still waiting

Reply 12

AthenaSphinx

Original post by Stardust987

Exeter- rejected pre-interview. I am predicted A*,A*,A, A and have a UKCAT of 2620.
Plymouth-Offer
St George's-Offer
Bristol- Still waiting

Woah, that's amazing! Congratulations on the offers you got, you must be so happy! I'm sure you will get Bristol, it's probably a matter of time :smile:

. Which university is your first choice?

Reply 13

Stardust987

Original post by AthenaSphinx

Woah, that's amazing! Congratulations on the offers you got, you must be so happy! I'm sure you will get Bristol, it's probably a matter of time :smile:

. Which university is your first choice?

Thank you! Plymouth is my first choice and Bristol is my second I think. What about you?