Cardiff Medical School Applicants 2014

Can anyone tell me what they mean by a 'sliding scale' for achieved a levels??...I only score 23 points for gcse's but I have achieved my A levels so I rung admissions and the woman said I'd get extra points but i'm still confused!

Hi, did my UKCAT a few days ago:
Average: 665
Wasn't really expecting above 650 if i'm honest, with the lack of preparation (also has some issues at home).
Achieved a levels grades: AAA in Bio, Chem, Maths and A in AS Economics, B in AS Critical Thinking. (C in EPQ)
GCSE's: 5A*'s, 3A's, 1B.


Other: 1 week GP Surgery, 2 weeks hospital placement, was coaching rep, Student Health Ambassador at & Head of Events on the Student Executive board in college, worked in retail store part time, currently a volunteer as West Midlands Fire Station, I plan on working for most my Gap year. Also attended a Medicine career event at Keele Uni in year 12. Also just secured volunteering at a local surgery (No idea what i'll be doing, she just said to pop in on Monday to start - But every little helps!)

I've already achieved my A level grades, with AAA so does that balance me on the academic criteria for the points (GCSE's sum up to 22) ? Also i haven't actually got any volunteering at a care home/hospice, in a "caring" environment (Not for lack of trying I tell you!) confused

Many Thanks in advance!

Hey guys, I applied to cardiff last year with a gcse score of 22 and AAA acheived at A2, they said i would get extra points on a sliding scale. So I think a score of 22+ for you guys will be ok.
I'm thinking of applying here again!

I got 8A*s 5As and a B at GCSE and 4As at AS. I'm predicted A*AA.. UKCAT 717.5
Would Cardiff be a good choice with these grades?
Also, regarding the course, what type is it? And what's the interview like? Also, what's the applicant per place ratio like?
One last question.. what do they put a lot of weighting on when they look at applications?
Sorry for all these questions.. It's just, I have a week ish left to apply, and I only know 2 of my choices, which are Imperial and Southampton..
Thank you

Also i haven't actually got any volunteering at a care home/hospice, in a "caring" environment (Not for lack of trying I tell you!) confused

Good luck to all the applicants. Feel free to ask any questions about the university or the course itself.

Hi, I got 7A* and 3As for GCSE, what would be my total points? Also do I need to include my english lit GCSE score? I'm planning to apply in 2014 and so I would like to know the cut-off point for GCSE, is that possible?

Thanks

Hi, I got 7A* and 3As for GCSE, what would be my total points? Also do I need to include my english lit GCSE score? I'm planning to apply in 2014 and so I would like to know the cut-off point for GCSE, is that possible?

Thanks

Your GCSEs should be fine to apply to Cardiff with (I think they'll give you 26 points), and Cardiff doesn't really place a lot of emphasis on the UKCAT either.
According to this article:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_Competition_Ratios

The Applications:Place ratio was 7 for last year.

With regard to the interview, I had three people: a consultant, a fourth year medical student and a lecturer. I found the interview to be very relaxed, and even enjoyable. Most of the questions were based on my Personal Statement, along with a couple of ethical questions. I think they were looking for me to take the initiative and steer the interview, as it was all very open.

For your application, they will score your top 9 GCSEs, with A* receiving 3 points, A 2 points and B 1 point. I don't think they really look at AS Levels, or the UKCAT.

For your personal statement I would recommend reading this:
http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/medical-education/undergraduate/admissions/entry-requirements/non-academic-criteria/

A reflective PS will be a huge help, try not to just list everything you've done. You will be able to expand upon your PS in the interview.

Best of luck with the application process, feel free to ask if you have anymore questions.



I didn't have any volunteering experience at a care home or hospice either. I think they understand how difficult it can be to get volunteering experience. The experience that you do have sounds fine to me. You just need to try and reflect on what you saw on your placements.

Almost certainly applying to Cardiff!

What's that score you're talking about? @OP.

Cus I dont have GCSEs or As, I have equivalents. So can I calculate that?

Also do you know of any people from the EU studying med in UK? It's really competitive and sometimes I feel there's no realistic possibility for med there for me.

Hi do you know exactly how many extra points are given if you have AAA ready achieved??


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Hey, this probably sounds stupid but i have 9.5A* and an A..I take it that would be 27 points, but I got AABB at AS and am predicted A*AAA? But, what else do they score you on and what is that out of, like will they look at my predictions and my AS results? Finally what was the cut-off to be invited for interview? Anyone got any idea??? Much appreciated

I'm in year 13 and I'm not studying biology for Alevels (nor As). The requirement says that a minumum of grade C in a fourth AS level (grade A if biology or chemistry). Does that mean that if Chemistry is taken at A-levels, biology has to be taken at As-levels (and viceversa)?

This is the requirement from the Website:
"AAA in at least two sciences out of Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Statistics (one of which must be Biology or Chemistry) and a minimum of a grade C in a fourth AS Level (Grade A if Biology or Chemistry).

General Studies is not accepted and Critical Thinking is only accepted at AS Level.

We welcome students with a broad range of studies therefore your third A-Level subject does not have to be science related"

I'm in year 13 and I'm not studying biology for Alevels (nor As). The requirement says that a minumum of grade C in a fourth AS level (grade A if biology or chemistry). Does that mean that if Chemistry is taken at A-levels, biology has to be taken at As-levels (and viceversa)?

This is the requirement from the Website:
"AAA in at least two sciences out of Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Statistics (one of which must be Biology or Chemistry) and a minimum of a grade C in a fourth AS Level (Grade A if Biology or Chemistry).

General Studies is not accepted and Critical Thinking is only accepted at AS Level.

We welcome students with a broad range of studies therefore your third A-Level subject does not have to be science related"

Sent my application off today, just got to wait for my headteacher to attach my reference, but he's already written it so I should officially be a Cardiff applicant tomorrow morning. Good luck to all you guys; not too much luck though, obviously...

Sent my application off today, just got to wait for my headteacher to attach my reference, but he's already written it so I should officially be a Cardiff applicant tomorrow morning. Good luck to all you guys; not too much luck though, obviously...

Would 23/27 jeopardize my application to Cardiff? I've e-mailed the PA of the Dean of Medical school but she's out of office. I'm doing the IB with a 39-40/42, so I'm well above the requirement for IB... it's just the GCSE bit bringing it down!