GEM is it a pipe dream? Realistic time management for GAMSAT?

Hi guys!

I am taking the plunge to pursue my dream! I am excited, and if all fails, I can say I tried.

So, I have a 2.1 in a joint English and History degree and will be sitting the GAMSAT.
Have purchased plenty of materials, but I am the type to overstress, have anxiety as deadlines approach (going to sit the September exam).

I haven’t done Sciences/Maths since GCSE and I got Cs. Lol. Am I able to learn, revise and work through the entire contents by this time? I have spent about two weeks on cells… I am getting extremely stressed and overwhelmed with how much I need to learn and take in. I have tried practice papers and I am still clueless! I am trying to spent a month on each subject, i.e. Biology this month, next month Chemistry (btw, focus on organic chem. only or both?)… Ah, getting so freaked out! I was struggling with section 1 and my degree is in English, for God’s sake!

Meanwhile, applying for PGCE September too, as a backup in case medicine is truly a pipedream…

Also, I have started volunteering on a ward in two different hospitals. I am struggling with shadowing doctors, and my local surgery offered me work experience but I spent the entire time in reception. Did not see a single doctor – is this not pointless? I have been working retail for five years, I am hoping this would suffice too?

Honestly, would really APPRECIATE help here!

Reality check here. You have an arts degree. You have no A levels in a science subject and you are struggling already. GEM is harder to get in than undergrad son I think your chances are pretty slim. And If you are struggling now, if by some miracle you would get onto GEM the science ramps up considerably.

Of course you just try but be prepared for disappointment

Reality check here. You have an arts degree. You have no A levels in a science subject and you are struggling already. GEM is harder to get in than undergrad son I think your chances are pretty slim. And If you are struggling now, if by some miracle you would get onto GEM the science ramps up considerably.

Of course you just try but be prepared for disappointment

Bit harsh? Yes it’s hard but it’s doable - I have an arts degree, no science A levels and got 3 offers for GEM in my first application cycle.

OP - do your best on GAMSAT/UKCAT and get as much work experience as possible and you have every chance of getting in. It’s hard work yes, but not impossible 🙂

Thanks but I don't need a 'reality check' when I know exactly what I am getting into. Hence I am asking for advice, not criticism.

There is a nicer way to speak to someone... you sound just like the teachers I had at my awful school, never optimistic and always making others feel bad for aspiring to achieve their dreams.

'Miracle?' Lol. Wow.

You have a terrible attitude.

I will message you once I get my offers

No I am being realistic. TSR is full of dreamers who have these wild ambitions. Nothing wrong with ambition but you need to be realistic. Your chances are small. You asked if it was a pipe dream . Do not be swayed by the one response who said they got three offers. You do not know their background. My flatmate has a first from St George's in biomedical science . He has a distinction in some sort of medical technology masters from Cambridge yet still did not get onto GEM. Once you know your enemy you can begin to tackle them

Reality check here. You have an arts degree. You have no A levels in a science subject and you are struggling already. GEM is harder to get in than undergrad son I think your chances are pretty slim. And If you are struggling now, if by some miracle you would get onto GEM the science ramps up considerably.

Of course you just try but be prepared for disappointment

'Once you know your enemy you can begin to tackle them' - that is better. I like that.

I know what you mean but it came across rude. I have a friend that got into Oxbridge at the age of 30 for med. and he has a PhD in cancer research so I totally get how hard it is but I still want to try!

I agree this is a bit harsh (although it's good to be aware of the level of challenge). I completely disagree with the implication that if @TeaAndToast22 were to get a place, they would struggle further - if they satisfy the university that they would be able to do it, then there is no reason to doubt that, and universities that accept arts graduates have systems in place for supporting them.

As far as I remember @GEM_2019 didn't do GAMSAT (I may be wrong...). The UKCAT is a different experience all together. I decided to do both, as you don't get your GAMSAT results until after you've applied, and then I applied to mix of places. My work exp is similar to yours (hospital volunteering with 2 days of shadowing). This approach might work for you too OP?

No not rude. Realistic. GEM is famously harder to get onto . My daughter briefly considered it. She has a first in maths and two masters. My son looked into it. He has a physics degree from Bristol. You can take umbrage at my comments but the reality is that it will be difficult. As I said know thine enemy

Thank you. I am aware of the struggle hence asking for help and advice I am a quick learner, just overthink and perfect things.

Thank you, how did you manage the shadowing? I could maybe ask a few months in my experience?

How long did you study for the GAMSAT, can I ask?

Realistic isn't telling someone in a condescending/belittling tone 'you have no science A levels, science degree and therefore have very LITTLE chance' when Nottingham takes 30-40% arts graduates a year. Realistic isn't being harsh either. It was harsh. I will leave it at that.

As to the degree, I am applying to those that do not mind.

Brilliant so let me know when you have been accepted. And learn some humility

Learn how to communicate with others, and learn to not belittle. I feel sad for you, clearly middle aged or over and yet you feel the need to put down a 20 year old...

You need to learn how to accept advice from your seniors. I am not putting you down. I am telling you to be realistic. I have 30 years experience in the nhs . You attitude will not get you into GEM

Avoid commenting on my post.

Learn some to have some respect from your elders. I have worked in the NHS for many years - your attitude will see you blocked from the start. Arrogance is not tolerated

No I am being realistic. TSR is full of dreamers who have these wild ambitions. Nothing wrong with ambition but you need to be realistic. Your chances are small. You asked if it was a pipe dream . Do not be swayed by the one response who said they got three offers. You do not know their background. My flatmate has a first from St George's in biomedical science . He has a distinction in some sort of medical technology masters from Cambridge yet still did not get onto GEM. Once you know your enemy you can begin to tackle them

Thank you - yes, they were incredibly harsh. Nothing positive to come out of that at all.

Can I PM you some questions?


Thanks! Feel better, the other person put me down.