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CLOSED - The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread [part 4 of 5]

i did my ucat today and ended up getting a score of 2230 which is pretty low and i got band 3 for SJT which i’m pretty disappointed in as i was getting band 2 in my mocks on medify.

i’m not sure what to do as i was going to apply for bristol along with exeter , southampton and possibly kings or imperial however those are out the question due to the score.

i’m definitely applying for exeter as i have a guaranteed interview there but idk what to put for my fourth uni as my choices are now exeter, imperial and brighton as it seems i’m going to have to sit the BMAT in november. my predicted grades are AAA but my gcses are pretty average where they are mainly 5’s and 6’s and one 7.

can anyone suggest any advice or any unis that don’t consider ucat as much - i’ve heard of cardiff not considering it much but they’re entry point system for getting an interview doesn’t look too promising for me as i only have 12 points in total ( including gcses and predicted a levels ). the last thing i want to do is have to do a gap year or retake the ucat.

soz 4 the long paragraph but if anyone could help that would be much appreciated and thank u in advance <33

Reply 21

Zk23

1

Hi, I am gap year student applying for the second time .Could some one reccomend which unis I should apply to. I need 4 interviews as interviews are not my strongest point.

GCSE :

English literature - 9
Combined science - 9,8
Maths - 8
History - 8
Religious studies - 8
German - 7
Computer science - 7
P.E - 6
English language - 5

Retake English language - 9

A levels (Achieved) :

Psychology - A*
Biology - A
Chemistry - A

UCAT Score :

VR - 540
DM - 690
QR - 800
AR - 870
Total - 2900 SJT - Band 2

Work experience :

- Observe GP online work experience
- 2 weeks at a local pharmacy
- A few weeks in a caring home
- Also caring for my mother at home

Nothing contextual for me

Due to my original 5 in English language I have to either apply to unis who accept a 5 in GCSE English language or accept GCSE resits. I was thinking of definitely applying to Kings College London and Manchester. For my other 2 options, I'm thinking either bristol, newcastle, Southampton or UEA. UEA might be a good choice as interviews are not my strongest point and they give offers based on interview and ucat score. What would you guys recommend?

Reply 22

020200

15

Original post by mariaknightt

Hi, I would love some advice on which med schools to apply to :smile:

:

13 GCSEs, 4 7s, 6 8s, 2 9s, 1 A*
Biology-7
Chemistry-7
Maths-8
Physics-7
English language-8
English literature-8
History-8
French-9
Geography -7
Latin-9
Greek-8
Italian-A*
Music-8

A-levels predicted: A*AAA

Biology: A
Chemistry: A
Maths: A
French: A*

UCAT
Verbal Reasoning: 570
Decision Making: 640
Quantitative Reasoning: 700
Abstract Reasoning: 620
SJT band: 1
OVERALL: 2530 Band 1 SJT

Brief work experience

BSMS and Observe GP virtual work experience
A variety of online courses, articles and lectures watched, some research done in 2-3 topics, I run 2 science clubs
Volunteering in Covid-19 vaccination centre
2 weeks work experience in a gynaecology department
Kissing It Better volunteer, talking to elderly in homes online
Many extracurricular activities, including music (went to a music college for 6 years, diploma in piano and grade 8 clarinet) and languages (bilingual as well, not sure if I should mention that?)
King's College Hospital Volunteer for a few months in neuro ward

Any contextual info: none

I have read Edinburgh/King's like SJT, is that a an option or is my UCAT score too low?
What other unis should I realistically consider, and what unis could I go for that may be possible?

Thanks so much!

Would probably avoid KCL - UCAT, GCSEs likely too low, and even though you have SJT B1, it probably won't be enough to compensate. Plus you aren't eligible for contextual pts. Could apply though if you're other options are safe but it's risky in my view regardless.

Edinburgh is probably too high for your UCAT too (but I could be wrong, not an expert on Scottish unis)

Reply 23

mariaknightt

6

Original post by 020200

Would probably avoid KCL - UCAT, GCSEs likely too low, and even though you have SJT B1, it probably won't be enough to compensate. Plus you aren't eligible for contextual pts. Could apply though if you're other options are safe but it's risky in my view regardless.

Edinburgh is probably too high for your UCAT too (but I could be wrong, not an expert on Scottish unis)

Thanks! Oh, is 9 8/9s considered low for these unis? Sorry for the question overload, but what do you think about applying to Liverpool/Exeter/Manchester?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 24

020200

15

Original post by mariaknightt

Thanks! Oh, is 9 8/9s considered low for these unis? Sorry for the question overload, but what do you think about applying to Liverpool/Exeter/Manchester?

Ah my mistake, apologies!!! I misread your stats and just thought you had 3 A* grades.

Here's my new advice haha:

KCL: GCSEs are fine, but UCAT may be slightly too low. You'll need to check what kind of UCAT scores are typically expected there - I believe successful candidates normally have 650+

Manchester: Would avoid. Cut-off last year was 2640 and is likely to go up yet again this year, so even if you are trying to be optimistic I would look elsewhere - maybe UEA?

Liverpool: I personally am not sure about Liverpool. My knowledge is based on places I've looked at for myself and whatever else I've picked up, but check their website and maybe someone else can advise you on this @GANFYD

Edinburgh: Again, not sure, so hopefully someone else can help

Reply 25

mariaknightt

6

Original post by 020200

Ah my mistake, apologies!!! I misread your stats and just thought you had 3 A* grades.

Here's my new advice haha:

KCL: GCSEs are fine, but UCAT may be slightly too low. You'll need to check what kind of UCAT scores are typically expected there - I believe successful candidates normally have 650+

Manchester: Would avoid. Cut-off last year was 2640 and is likely to go up yet again this year, so even if you are trying to be optimistic I would look elsewhere - maybe UEA?

Liverpool: I personally am not sure about Liverpool. My knowledge is based on places I've looked at for myself and whatever else I've picked up, but check their website and maybe someone else can advise you on this @GANFYD

Edinburgh: Again, not sure, so hopefully someone else can help

Thanks so much!

Reply 26

GamingJoey

1

Hi, I am hoping I can apply to the unis I want to

GCSE :

English literature - 8
English language - 8
Chemistry - 9
Biology - 9
Maths - 9
Further maths - 8
Physics - 8
Geography - 8
Religious studies - 8
French - 6
Computer science - 7

A levels (Predicted) :

Maths - A
Biology - A*
Chemistry - A*

UCAT Score :

VR - 760
DM - 810
QR - 730
AR - 750
Total - 3050 SJT - Band 2

Work experience :

- Observe GP online work experience
- BSMS Virtual Work experience
- One-year volunteering at a charity shop before Covid
- Two days shadowing a consultant colo-rectal surgeon at the hospital

I am in Polar Quintile 1 but I am not in a contextual school so I don't know how much that matters for most Unis. However, Newcastle will give me a contextual offer I think.

I am hoping to apply to KCL, Manchester, Leicester, Newcastle. My personal statement however may not be the best so is there any medicals schools that don't care too much about it that I am missing?

Reply 27

stmarys

12

hi,

GCSEs
English language - 9
English literature- 9
Maths -9
chemistry- 9
physics - 9
biology - 9
history - 9
spanish - 9
RE - 8

A levels (predicted)
Chemistry - A
Biology - A
Maths - A

UCAT Score
VR - 570
DM - 690
AR - 690
QR - 730
Total - 2680
Band 2

Work experience
- medic mentor programme
- Observe Gp online work experience
- bsms virtual work experience
- (going to shadow a a doctor for 5 days..)

- volunteering at vaccine clinic
- volunteer at charity shop (6 months)

Contextual
- polar quintile area 1
- contextual school

i was thinking manchester (perhaps with WP+), Birmingham (as i have all contexual and gcse points), Leicester and Liverpool? Do u think these are all a bit too competitive for me to get an interview and are there any other med schools that i have a better chance at?

appreciate any help :smile:

Reply 28

Someonetohelp

2

Hey I was interested in applying to Liverpool but am unsure about my GCSE situation.

"GCSEs attained by the end of Year 11 which must include English Language, Mathematic, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (or Core & Additional Science) at minimum grade B/6.
A minimum score of 15 points from the best 9 GCSEs or equivalents (where A*/A/7/8/9 = 2 points; B/6 = 1 points). BTEC (Non-Science) Level 2 and OCR awards (Distinction*/Distinction = 2 points) BTEC (Non-Science) Level 2 and OCR awards (Merit = 1 point).
Two points is the maximum score awarded in each subject area (e.g. only one of Maths and Further Maths)."

I have 5 x 9's (Bio,Chem,Phys,Eng lit + lang)
8-Maths + A in Further Maths
7-Geography and 6 in history.
While I have 9 GCSE's but would end up with a score of 13 should I contact them as my high school would not let most do more than 8 GCSE's with Further maths being only given to some.
2690 UCAT band 3 , 3A* achieved in bio, chem and eng lit.

Reply 29

ax_lx

5

hiya!
i am a reapplicant to medicine and im on a gap year and would just like some advice on where to apply for 2022 entry :smile:

my gcse's are the following :
6 9's - Bio,Chem,History, Georgraphy, Religious Studies and English Literature.
2 7's - English Language & Maths
2 6's - Physics and Spanish.

my a- levels are :
Biology - A
Psychology - A
Chemistry - B( CAG 2020) A (after resist in 2021 as I did the autumn exam in 2020 which counts as a first sit and got a B in it.)

UCAT is as follows
Total Score - 2420
VR- 640
DM -620
QR - 620
AR - 540
SJT - Band 1 ☺

I have also have tons of volunteering too much to write down

Reply 30

GANFYD

OP

18

Original post by 020200

@GANFYD Which of these 3 would you say is most advisable based on my stats for my 4th spot. I'd say my firm 3 choices are safe (HYMS, Leicester, UEA) as we outlined a while back but from the remaining 3 competing for my 4th spot, what would you advise. I've got all the data and info I need for them (they all consider grads and undergrads together) but seems like it's a coin toss :/

Manchester: My UCAT (2760 B1) seems okay but all depends on how much cut-off goes up (you're of the opinion that it'll rise to around Sheffield I think?)

Sheffield: Cut-off was 2740 last year. I meet all their requirements but may rise to/above my score so not sure

Aston: I score 31/36 (mentioned previously). However last year's cut-off was 29 and due to the fact they consider GCSE grades and there was grade inflation with these, cut-off may also go up, just depends on how much

Sorry for the pestering lol but if prodded which would you personally go for? :smile:

Personally? Sheffield, as I would not want to live in Machester or Birmingham and I love Julian! But my reasons are not your reasons :smile:

You have successfully identified the issues, and I do not have a crystal ball

Reply 31

ClarissaBella

11

Attention please, past applicants who were offered interviews at Manchester via the holistic route. If you are reading, it would be wonderfully helpful if you could please let us know the year you interviewed, your UCAT score, your SJ band, any extras you had such as A*s (how many), GCSEs above the requirement (i.e, how many A*s in addition to As), and EPQs (grade please) and/or extra A level (grade please).

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 32

mariaknightt

6

Original post by mariaknightt

Hi, I would love some advice on which med schools to apply to :smile:

:

13 GCSEs, 4 7s, 6 8s, 2 9s, 1 A*
Biology-7
Chemistry-7
Maths-8
Physics-7
English language-8
English literature-8
History-8
French-9
Geography -7
Latin-9
Greek-8
Italian-A*
Music-8

A-levels predicted: A*AAA

Biology: A
Chemistry: A
Maths: A
French: A*

UCAT
Verbal Reasoning: 570
Decision Making: 640
Quantitative Reasoning: 700
Abstract Reasoning: 620
SJT band: 1
OVERALL: 2530 Band 1 SJT

Brief work experience

BSMS and Observe GP virtual work experience
A variety of online courses, articles and lectures watched, some research done in 2-3 topics, I run 2 science clubs
Volunteering in Covid-19 vaccination centre
2 weeks work experience in a gynaecology department
Kissing It Better volunteer, talking to elderly in homes online
Many extracurricular activities, including music (went to a music college for 6 years, diploma in piano and grade 8 clarinet) and languages (bilingual as well, not sure if I should mention that?)
King's College Hospital Volunteer for a few months in neuro ward

Any contextual info: none

I have read Edinburgh/King's like SJT, is that a an option or is my UCAT score too low?
What other unis should I realistically consider, and what unis could I go for that may be possible?

Thanks so much!

@GANFYD I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this? Any advice would be really appreciated, thanks!

Reply 33

leiaprst

9

hi everyone :smile:

could someone give me some advice or guidance on where I should apply? I'm on a gap year and want to reapply as I didn't get any offers for 2021 entry med. Last year I applied for Southampton (got an interview, waitlisted but no offer), Plymouth (post-interview rejection), St Georges (post-interview rejection) and King's (no interview, rejected). When I applied last year it was with with predicted A*AA in Bio, Chemistry and Maths respectively and a UCAT score of 2740 band 1 SJT.
My current stats are:

A levels (All Achieved)
A* in Chemistry
A in Biology
A in Mathematics

GCSES
9-8 in Combined Science (Double Science)
7 in English Language
7 in English Literature
7 in Mathematics
9 in Religious Studies
8 in French
7 in Art
6 in German
A in ICT Shortcourse

UCAT
600 in Verbal Reasoning
690 in Decision Making
630 in Quantitative Reasoning
670 in Abstract Reasoning
Total Score: 2590 (647.5 Average)

Band 1 in Situational Judgement

Work Experience
Done work experience in primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals shadowing surgeons, anaesthetists, A&E consultants, radiologists, clinical pharmacists and optometrists. Im also currently working in a primary hospital as a medical records clerk which I'm going to be doing throughout my gap year. Have also done long-term volunteering (6 months) at a local library.

Extenuating Circumstances
I had to resit my AS year due to health problems, so when I applied last year I had to make sure I was applying to unis that accept resits due to extenuating circumstances, and then filled out any extenuating circumstances forms of the unis that provided them, as well as my tutor sending a letter of extenuating circumstances along with my application to the unis of my choice. In my first AS year I achieved C, C, C, D in Biology, Mathematics, English Literature and Chemistry respectively. Once I reset the year I achieved A, A, B in Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry respectively. I know universities don't tend to look at AS level results, however I thought should mention it here just in case.

Is my UCAT score considered below average? I think its worth reapplying to Plymouth and Southampton as the only thing that let me down last year was my interview performance, and I was 2 points away from the interview points threshold for Plymouth. However, I am aware that Southampton is a UCAT heavy uni- hence why I applied there last year, would it be silly to apply there this year with my current UCAT score? What other unis do you advise me to read about? The unis on my current list that I've been researching are Aberdeen, Anglia Ruskin (though I read they don't accept gap year applicants? Is that true?), Birmingham, Cardiff, UEA, Exeter, Hull York, KMMS, Queen's Belfast, Plymouth and Lincoln. A lot of people that I've spoken to have advised me to read about Cardiff because its where I live and apparently they prioritise welsh applicants? Though I don't see the point applying there if my stats aren't good enough, whether they prioritise welsh applicants or not haha :biggrin:

Any comments, advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated :smile:

Reply 34

GANFYD

OP

18

Original post by mariaknightt

@GANFYD I was wondering if you had any thoughts on this? Any advice would be really appreciated, thanks!

Edinburgh needed 8 x 8/9s at GCSE (inc core subjects), A*A*A inc A* in chem, B1 and probably >3000 UCAT last year for RUK
Kings needed around 8 x 8/9s and 2780+ UCAT
So both of those are likely to be risky for you

Have a look at ARU, Aston, Lincoln, QUB, Liverpool, Edge Hill, HYMS
Keele and Sunderland are options if you have good material for their R&R form
Plymouth looked for an A* predicted in a science subject last year, so you could check if they are planning the same and they would be an option if not
You can check your UCAS tariff, if oyu have lots of music points, adn look at successful combinations of this and UCAT on the Barts website, but bear in mind this was for 2020 entry, and cut offs went up a lot most places, last year
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/smd/undergraduate/courses/admissions-statistics-for-medicine--dentistry/

Reply 35

Moe989

8

Hi just did my UCAT and got 2580 , band 3

I am a grad with 2.1 in Biomedicine

I got BCC A levels, with C in biology and English lit, B in psychology and no chemistry.

I understand I’m limited because of lack of chemistry. However I have done some modules in University. Such as fundamentals of chemistry which covers Alevel content and other modules such as biochemistry and pharmacology ( don’t know if they apply)

Please could I get some options of where to apply

So far I have 1 option

1. Anglia Ruskin

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 36

ey2244

3

@GANFYD

Hi, I'm sorry to tag you and to comment again - I think my post keeps getting lost and my parents are really pushing me to make a choice!
I would really appreciate any help or guidance as to which universities I have the best chance of getting an interview at. My situation is a little complicated, as I am a reapplicant who didn't get any offers for this year. Last year I applied to Liverpool, Leicester, Leeds and UCL, and got interviews for Liverpool, Leeds and Leicester, but didn't end up getting a place at either one. I resat the UCAT this August as I want to reapply for 2022 entry.
On results day I found out I achieved A*, A, B, and will therefore have to retake Chemistry in October, and the results for the October exams come out in December. So I think reapplying may be a little more complicated, as some universities might not accept applicants with an October resit.
Here are my stats:

GCSEs:
Maths IGCSE - 8
English Lit IGCSE - 9
English Lang IGCSE - 9
Biology IGCSE - 9
Chemistry IGCSE - 9
Physics IGCSE - 9
German IGCSE - 9
Geography GCSE - 9
Design Technology GCSE - 9
Further Maths AQA Level 2 GCSE - B

A levels:
English Literature - A* (achieved)
Biology - A (achieved)
Chemistry - B (achieved)
I am retaking chemistry A-level this October, and I'm predicted an A.
Will universities count this as a resit? Or will it be fine, because we didn't technically sit exams in the summer?

UCAT:
Overall - 2810
Verbal Reasoning - 610
Decision Making - 690
Quantitative Reasoning - 710
Abstract Reasoning - 800
SJT band - 2

Work Experience:
- 1 week at a neurorehabilitation ward at my local hospital
- working as a domestic assistant at my local hospital during peak of Covid, working in wards such as ICU and Emergency Department, completing rounds of healthcare training
- 6 months volunteering at a local nursery
- gap year: during my gap year I have got a job working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at the pathology department at my local hospital, and I also plan to volunteer at a local hospital

Any contextual or WP flags:
No contextual points for my school, as I went to a private school, but I live in a POLAR4 quintile 2 area, although I don't think this is taken into consideration unless my school also falls under a contextual flag.
No WP flags either.

Preferences and research:
Based on my research, I think I should be okay for Sheffield and Manchester, though I am not too keen on the PBL aspect of Manchester. Others I am not so sure about - for example, I calculated my score for Birmingham and it comes out as 7.611 - do you think it is safe to apply here? Cardiff don't accept A-Level resits, but I'm not sure if October exams count as resits? For Newcastle, the UCAT threshold for 2021 entry was 2820 - 10 points higher than my UCAT, so I am not sure if it is safe to apply here, and I'm not sure if they accept October resits. For Liverpool and Leicester, I'm not sure if I can reapply, as I applied last year and was rejected post-interview. Bristol take any kind of resits, but I'm not sure if my UCAT is high enough, as the cut-off for 2021 was 2830. I don't think Nottingham will be a good choice, as I score 120 out of 152.

I'm thinking Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, and somewhere else? I welcome any advice or suggestions, and thank you in advance for your time!

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 37

GANFYD

OP

18

Original post by ey2244

@GANFYD

Hi, I'm sorry to tag you and to comment again - I think my post keeps getting lost and my parents are really pushing me to make a choice!
I would really appreciate any help or guidance as to which universities I have the best chance of getting an interview at. My situation is a little complicated, as I am a reapplicant who didn't get any offers for this year. Last year I applied to Liverpool, Leicester, Leeds and UCL, and got interviews for Liverpool, Leeds and Leicester, but didn't end up getting a place at either one. I resat the UCAT this August as I want to reapply for 2022 entry.
On results day I found out I achieved A*, A, B, and will therefore have to retake Chemistry in October, and the results for the October exams come out in December. So I think reapplying may be a little more complicated, as some universities might not accept applicants with an October resit.
Here are my stats:

GCSEs:
Maths IGCSE - 8
English Lit IGCSE - 9
English Lang IGCSE - 9
Biology IGCSE - 9
Chemistry IGCSE - 9
Physics IGCSE - 9
German IGCSE - 9
Geography GCSE - 9
Design Technology GCSE - 9
Further Maths AQA Level 2 GCSE - B

A levels:
English Literature - A* (achieved)
Biology - A (achieved)
Chemistry - B (achieved)
I am retaking chemistry A-level this October, and I'm predicted an A.
Will universities count this as a resit? Or will it be fine, because we didn't technically sit exams in the summer?

UCAT:
Overall - 2810
Verbal Reasoning - 610
Decision Making - 690
Quantitative Reasoning - 710
Abstract Reasoning - 800
SJT band - 2

Work Experience:
- 1 week at a neurorehabilitation ward at my local hospital
- working as a domestic assistant at my local hospital during peak of Covid, working in wards such as ICU and Emergency Department, completing rounds of healthcare training
- 6 months volunteering at a local nursery
- gap year: during my gap year I have got a job working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at the pathology department at my local hospital, and I also plan to volunteer at a local hospital

Any contextual or WP flags:
No contextual points for my school, as I went to a private school, but I live in a POLAR4 quintile 2 area, although I don't think this is taken into consideration unless my school also falls under a contextual flag.
No WP flags either.

Preferences and research:
Based on my research, I think I should be okay for Sheffield and Manchester, though I am not too keen on the PBL aspect of Manchester. Others I am not so sure about - for example, I calculated my score for Birmingham and it comes out as 7.611 - do you think it is safe to apply here? Cardiff don't accept A-Level resits, but I'm not sure if October exams count as resits? For Newcastle, the UCAT threshold for 2021 entry was 2820 - 10 points higher than my UCAT, so I am not sure if it is safe to apply here, and I'm not sure if they accept October resits. For Liverpool and Leicester, I'm not sure if I can reapply, as I applied last year and was rejected post-interview. Bristol take any kind of resits, but I'm not sure if my UCAT is high enough, as the cut-off for 2021 was 2830. I don't think Nottingham will be a good choice, as I score 120 out of 152.

I'm thinking Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, and somewhere else? I welcome any advice or suggestions, and thank you in advance for your time!

Manchester and Sheffield should be OK
That score shold be alright for Birmingham
I do not think Cardiff will count Oct exams as resits, but check with them. They will have more applicants with full marks than they have interview places for, so will use PS and UCAT as a tiebreaker. You have safer options, but make sure oyu tailor your PS to them if you do apply.
Newcastle cut off may come down a little, but it would be very risky, when oyu have other safer options.
Leicester accept reapplicants if you were within 10% of the interview cut off score, and would accept your grades as they are, so not need a resit result.
Liverpool will accept one further reapplication, I think, but read their website carefully.
Nottingham is not likely to be a good choice, but Lincoln should be OK

Also look at QUB, ARU, Aston, Plymouth, UEA, SGUL, Southampton, Kings, Edge Hill, assuming all OK with Oct resits, so check this if interested

Reply 38

Sloth_Roman

6

Hello

Not sure where to apply - I don't mind where I go, I just want to apply to the unis that I have the best shot of getting an interview at.

GCSEs and full grade/subject breakdown
Biology - 9
Chemistry - 9
Physics - 9
Mathematics - 9
Further Mathematics - 9
English Literature - 9
English Language - 9
Drama - 9
Geography - 9
Economics - 7

A levels, subjects and predictions
As of now I believe they are A*AA but they haven't been finalised.

UCAT and breakdown of subsections
UCAT - 2760
VR - 550
DM - 740
QR - 700
AR - 770

SJT band
Band 1

Brief mention of work experience
Volunteering in charity shop
Virtual ward round - included patient interaction
Several other online courses
Potentially volunteering in a hospice soon

Any contextual or WP flags
No

The research you have done and any preferences

I have no preference - I'd just like to know where I have the best shot - then I can start to decide which I like best.