I have average GCSEs - nothing too great. Average A levels. I am on a gap year, I want to build a career in medicine, having watched my little brother go through a mental illness, it has really inspired me to give back. I can see it as a career I would enjoy. I plan on taking an English degree, getting a first or at least a 2:1, applying for graduate medicine and performing well in my UKCAT/BMAT.
Am I dreaming here or can I still get in despite average grades? There's also an access course, but I am going to apply for graduate medicine first, if I don't get in, I will do the access course. I know some Unis don't want Science A levels (mines aren't) and those are the ones that I will apply to. I think it was Newcastle that doesn't mind GCSE and A levels results but I still want to seek advise.
How can I make myself stand out?
I am working full time during my gap year, learning to drive and I am my little brothers carer. I was thinking of applying to a care home and volunteering there, & then ask my Uni (Essex) next year to help me find placements in surgeries (so it's recent) and I have also shadowed a doctor abroad.. What else do you reckon I should do to stand out?
Also, UKCAT/BMAT REALLY matter, so how do I perform amazing in it? I am not the best at Maths (C) and my Science is okay, nothing too crazy, so I thought I would start preparing a little early on. What do you reckon?
(Typed in a rush, excuse grammar/spelling mistakes)