5th Year Medic @ Imperial; AMA
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Original post by redvelvet02
Hello, i just finished year 11 and i wanted to ask you is it’s too early to start preparing. At the moment i’m not sure on studying medicine but i am considering doing dentistry (dependant on my gcse grades and how i cope at alevel).
1) Is it a good time looking into the general necessities of med/dentistry (example entrance exams and work experience?)
2) Also is there any good work experience available. it’s hard for me to find some, as i do struggle with socialising and there isn’t a lot of places where i live.
3) and also what did you get at gcses... just wondering?
thanks for reading!! ❤️❤️
1) Is it a good time looking into the general necessities of med/dentistry (example entrance exams and work experience?)
2) Also is there any good work experience available. it’s hard for me to find some, as i do struggle with socialising and there isn’t a lot of places where i live.
3) and also what did you get at gcses... just wondering?
thanks for reading!! ❤️❤️
1) I think it's fine to start considering medicine this early, especially when looking at what subjects to take in 6th form. It's also a good chance to get work experience as you can never have enough, and summer is generally the best time to get some.
2) If possible try to see if your local hospital has an application process. Most do, although it can be a bit time consuming to go through so starting early is always good. Other than that, look at volunteering at local nursing homes and hospices, as a long term investment is always important.
3) Gosh GCSEs was a while ago, but I believe I got something like 7A*s and 4As.
Original post by ShyB
Hi!What GCSE grades do you think would get me into Imperial? Do they heavily look upon these or is it more about your A-levels. I haven't received my GCSE results but I'm hoping they will be A's at least 
Obviously I'm not part of the admissions team so I can't give you accurate information, but I believe Imperial doesn't look a lot at GCSEs compared to how other unis might. Generally the will care about A-levels more, but doing the best you can in GCSEs always helps obviously.
Original post by SanityGone
Which accommodation did you stay in for year one? I firmed imperial (pending grades) to start this autumn. I just put my halls preferences in but obviously I could be allocated any of my five choices. How did you find the one you were in? From the experiences of your coursemates are there any others you might have preferred?
I lived in Eastside halls, which is one of the two accomodations right on campus. Generally being closer always feels nicer just because you don't have to worry about long commute times and are closer to others etc. That being said I've heard most halls are good in their own right in terms of facilities, especially the further ones which are bigger had gyms and better common rooms so they each generally have their own benefits. That being said, most being generally think being as close as possible is ideal.
Original post by palmtree29
Hi, thank you so much for doing this
1. What time do your days start at the earliest? - I'm considering commuting to university as accommodation in London is expensive, but I want to avoid waking up at like 5am to get to the uni for 7:30.
2. Do you have any advice for interviews? - I'm pretty confident with most other aspects of the application but interviews are kinda stressing me out at the moment
3. Which other medical schools did you apply for?
1. What time do your days start at the earliest? - I'm considering commuting to university as accommodation in London is expensive, but I want to avoid waking up at like 5am to get to the uni for 7:30.
2. Do you have any advice for interviews? - I'm pretty confident with most other aspects of the application but interviews are kinda stressing me out at the moment
3. Which other medical schools did you apply for?
1) The earliest I have ever started is 9am for lectures. However when you are on placement at hospitals it can be earlier.
2) When I interviewed Imperial was a panel, but next year it is becoming MMI so my advice is harder to apply. Generally speaking though, the best thing to do is prepare resources in advance, such as evidence for certain questions and skills you know they might question you about. Other than that, if possible try to get as much experience with practice interviews because just practicing answers with friends does not replicate the type of nerves you feel in a real thing. Practice with any current medical students you know, any doctors you know, or any teachers you know etc.
3) I applied to St Georges, Kings, Queen Marys and obviously Imperial, of which I got 4 interviews.
Hi, thanks for doing this!
I’ve got a one week’s A&E work experience placement under my belt and I feel I’ve learnt a lot from it, but I can’t help but think it might not be enough for a competitive medical application. What do you think of this?
I’ve got a one week’s A&E work experience placement under my belt and I feel I’ve learnt a lot from it, but I can’t help but think it might not be enough for a competitive medical application. What do you think of this?
Okay so I know this is about a different subject but I hear that the physics course at Imperial is supposedly 'better' than Oxford yet Unistats seems to say otherwise. Do you know anything about this?
Though if I'm being honest the two of them are quite different and offer wildly different experiences so I wouldn't say its comparable but I am interested in why people say that the Oxford course isn't that good?
Though if I'm being honest the two of them are quite different and offer wildly different experiences so I wouldn't say its comparable but I am interested in why people say that the Oxford course isn't that good?
Original post by fruitshoot
A while ago I made one of these threads and got a positive response, so I try to repeat it every year around UCAS application time to help those looking to apply for medicine, or have got their offer to study medicine/medicine in London/medicine at Imperial. Hence I thought it might be worth doing another one since these threads get buried. I am currently in my 5th (out of 6) year at Imperial College London studying the normal Medicine course.
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Original post by andromeda_galaxy
Hi, thanks for doing this!
I’ve got a one week’s A&E work experience placement under my belt and I feel I’ve learnt a lot from it, but I can’t help but think it might not be enough for a competitive medical application. What do you think of this?
I’ve got a one week’s A&E work experience placement under my belt and I feel I’ve learnt a lot from it, but I can’t help but think it might not be enough for a competitive medical application. What do you think of this?
If that is all the work experience you have then I don't think it will be sufficient for a strong application. A key importance is varied experiences so you have a portfolio of things you can say you saw and things you learnt. Speaking from personal experience the work experience I wrote and spoke about were:
- 1 week shadowing a GP
- 1 week shadowing a consultant ward round in the Urology wing
- 1 week at a pharmacists
- a few months volunteering at a rehab unit
Note the variety in experiences; it's not just enough to have lots of work experience if it was all just shadowing doctors doing the same thing. A very important thing is volunteering work, such as at a hospice or nursing home as it shows dedication to medicine and caring for people. Btw, having work experience in A&E is very cool and I think with a lot of other supporting experiences could form a strong application as you will have unique experiences to talk about I doubt others will be able to.
(edited 4 years ago)
BUMP 1/3
Hello
I am currently waiting for my results to confirm my offer, do you recommend I do any reading in preparation for the first year or I just take time off to relax?
I am currently waiting for my results to confirm my offer, do you recommend I do any reading in preparation for the first year or I just take time off to relax?
Original post by fruitshoot
A while ago I made one of these threads and got a positive response, so I try to repeat it every year around UCAS application time to help those looking to apply for medicine, or have got their offer to study medicine/medicine in London/medicine at Imperial. Hence I thought it might be worth doing another one since these threads get buried. I am currently in my 5th (out of 6) year at Imperial College London studying the normal Medicine course.
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Original post by TinasheK
Hello
I am currently waiting for my results to confirm my offer, do you recommend I do any reading in preparation for the first year or I just take time off to relax?
I am currently waiting for my results to confirm my offer, do you recommend I do any reading in preparation for the first year or I just take time off to relax?
Congrats on getting the offer. I don't see any reason to do any pre-reading, especially since the first few modules of the course are meant to get everyone the same levels since people may be coming in with different levels of biology and chemistry teaching. At most you could look over some biology notes from A level which relate to human biology, but even that is excessive in my opinion. Enjoy your summer and relax after 2 years of hard work.
Original post by harini01
What do you think it is about the course at Imperial which makes it stand out from other medical unis? i.e. UCL, kings, etc.
Obviously I have limited experience in the courses at other universities, but firstly I can say studying medicine in London compared to the rest of the country is definitley more interesting and exciting in my opinion. As far as Imperial itself, I think the opportunities you get by studying at a "high ranking" institution is something that makes it stand above the rest. Sorry I couldn't give a more complete answer.
Original post by kaiag
Do you think the extra cost of living in London to go to Imperial is worth it despite no real impact on your job prospects compared to other unis.
I would argue there is a real impact on your job prospects. Firstly, you are studying at a high-ranking institution where you are taught by lecturers who are genuinely leaders in their respective fields of study. Secondly, there are a whole host of opportunities to take your studies further and make your applications stronger that I would argue wouldn't be available at other universities. Also, studying medicine in London is way more exciting and interesting and opens you up to way more clinical experiences compared to other parts of the country in my opinion. I would say all of these things come together to make tangible impact on your studies and your job prospects.
What kind of opportunities to take your studies further/make applications stronger are available at imperial?
Original post by fruitshoot
I would argue there is a real impact on your job prospects. Firstly, you are studying at a high-ranking institution where you are taught by lecturers who are genuinely leaders in their respective fields of study. Secondly, there are a whole host of opportunities to take your studies further and make your applications stronger that I would argue wouldn't be available at other universities. Also, studying medicine in London is way more exciting and interesting and opens you up to way more clinical experiences compared to other parts of the country in my opinion. I would say all of these things come together to make tangible impact on your studies and your job prospects.
Original post by fruitshoot
A while ago I made one of these threads and got a positive response, so I try to repeat it every year around UCAS application time to help those looking to apply for medicine, or have got their offer to study medicine/medicine in London/medicine at Imperial. Hence I thought it might be worth doing another one since these threads get buried. I am currently in my 5th (out of 6) year at Imperial College London studying the normal Medicine course.
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Feel free to ask me any questions about:
- University life in general
- Studying medicine
- Studying at Imperial/London
- The application process
- Anything else that you are worried about!
Hello,
I wanted to ask what is your average time table like on a weekly basis?
I mean that what times do you typically start lectures and when does it typically finish?
Are there any days where you only have a half day of study and the rest of the day off?
How far do/did you have to commute to the teaching hospitals?
Thanks
Original post by laloon
Hello,
I wanted to ask what is your average time table like on a weekly basis?
I mean that what times do you typically start lectures and when does it typically finish?
Are there any days where you only have a half day of study and the rest of the day off?
How far do/did you have to commute to the teaching hospitals?
Thanks
I wanted to ask what is your average time table like on a weekly basis?
I mean that what times do you typically start lectures and when does it typically finish?
Are there any days where you only have a half day of study and the rest of the day off?
How far do/did you have to commute to the teaching hospitals?
Thanks
Timetable can vary per year, but generally when there is lectured content it's 9-5. Wednesday is always a half day to allow for extracurricular and sports. Depending on the hospital and the general area where students live out, it can take anywhere from 30mins to 1hr30mins at an extreme. Some hospitals offer student accommodation during placements and even offer to reimburse for extended travel, as well as providing things like shuttle buses.
Original post by fruitshoot
Timetable can vary per year, but generally when there is lectured content it's 9-5. Wednesday is always a half day to allow for extracurricular and sports. Depending on the hospital and the general area where students live out, it can take anywhere from 30mins to 1hr30mins at an extreme. Some hospitals offer student accommodation during placements and even offer to reimburse for extended travel, as well as providing things like shuttle buses.
Hello fruitshoot,
thanks for the reply.
I have a few more last questions...
How often do you commute to teaching hospitals? Is your average timetable, say, mostly made up of medical lectures or can it be either way around from time to time?
Also, when you're in the teaching hospital then what else could you be expected to do in addition to observing patients?
I appreciate your help its really valuable.
Good morning @laloon
Hi sorry to barge in, and I must admit I have not read the numerous posts on this thread, but just saw your Q, and thought I would try to help out while @fruitshoot recovers from his/her last night on take!
Just to mention what else you will be required to do either from 3rd year OR earlier depending on the course structure at your chosen uni/hospital (I did my medicine a while ago, but most things are similar today):-
a) Some patients will be assigned to you each week; you will be "clerking" them i.e. taking a full history (Open history, then history of main complaint, related symptoms, past medical history [PMH], Review of Systems [asking specific Qs about each functional system of the body e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory, urinogenital, etc. - as you will know, any part of the body can have effects on any other part], family history [FH], drug history, social history [smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.]), performing a physical examination and ordering the necessary blood tests, ECG, radiographs (X-rays), etc. DON'T PANIC AT THIS STAGE AT ALL - the skills will be taught and you will learn by experience, although it might be daunting the first few times.
b) You will present the patients in a) to your consultant on that firm during the ward rounds, in which the consultant will ask you and your colleagues detailed Qs about the illness/possible causes of the patients problems, the results of the "tests", diagnosis and treatment options.
c) As mentioned in b) above, you will attend ward rounds in which you will see a number of patients in one/two wards. The round will normally be done by the consultant of the specialty [you will do the various medical specialties in 10-12 week firms], and a qualified junior doctor will be present together with a registrar.
d) You will attend out-patient clinics, in which you will do similar to the work in a) but much briefer, with the history and examination more geared to the patient's problem, of course due to the shorter time available.
e) You will be on "take" from time to time in a rota system with your class-mates. This means you will be on call 24 hours OR whole weekend, when you will be called out [including at night] to see newly admitted patients, mostly from A & E at night time, but also others referred urgently by GPs, etc. You will do similar to a) with them, but a little more expediently as the patients might be very unwell - DON'T WORRY! There will be doctors there to support you and to learn from.
THIS MIGHT SOUND LIKE A LOT OF WORK - yes it is, medicine is not for the squeamish! But you will manage, and you will enjoy it.
Best of luck!
M
Hi sorry to barge in, and I must admit I have not read the numerous posts on this thread, but just saw your Q, and thought I would try to help out while @fruitshoot recovers from his/her last night on take!
Just to mention what else you will be required to do either from 3rd year OR earlier depending on the course structure at your chosen uni/hospital (I did my medicine a while ago, but most things are similar today):-
a) Some patients will be assigned to you each week; you will be "clerking" them i.e. taking a full history (Open history, then history of main complaint, related symptoms, past medical history [PMH], Review of Systems [asking specific Qs about each functional system of the body e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory, urinogenital, etc. - as you will know, any part of the body can have effects on any other part], family history [FH], drug history, social history [smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.]), performing a physical examination and ordering the necessary blood tests, ECG, radiographs (X-rays), etc. DON'T PANIC AT THIS STAGE AT ALL - the skills will be taught and you will learn by experience, although it might be daunting the first few times.
b) You will present the patients in a) to your consultant on that firm during the ward rounds, in which the consultant will ask you and your colleagues detailed Qs about the illness/possible causes of the patients problems, the results of the "tests", diagnosis and treatment options.
c) As mentioned in b) above, you will attend ward rounds in which you will see a number of patients in one/two wards. The round will normally be done by the consultant of the specialty [you will do the various medical specialties in 10-12 week firms], and a qualified junior doctor will be present together with a registrar.
d) You will attend out-patient clinics, in which you will do similar to the work in a) but much briefer, with the history and examination more geared to the patient's problem, of course due to the shorter time available.
e) You will be on "take" from time to time in a rota system with your class-mates. This means you will be on call 24 hours OR whole weekend, when you will be called out [including at night] to see newly admitted patients, mostly from A & E at night time, but also others referred urgently by GPs, etc. You will do similar to a) with them, but a little more expediently as the patients might be very unwell - DON'T WORRY! There will be doctors there to support you and to learn from.
THIS MIGHT SOUND LIKE A LOT OF WORK - yes it is, medicine is not for the squeamish! But you will manage, and you will enjoy it.
Best of luck!
M
Does Imperial have a competitive atmosphere?
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