A101 GEM University of Oxford 2022

Hi @Neuro Alex, thanks for the advice!

just wanted to confirm if this link has the entry criteria that you mentioned in your post that the academics compare your application against: https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/medicine/accelerated/selection-criteria

Just had a couple of questions:
1) Was wondering how you got to know the weighting of each aspect of the application?
2) do you have any advice in terms of preparing for the BMAT?
3) would you recommend applying after you've graduated with a BSc and taking a year out to do some work experience?

Hi @Neuro Alex, this was really helpful and congrats on the acceptance (I didn't get past the interviews myself). Would you mind if I privately messages you in the near future. Would love to hear your thoughts on application ranking and colleges.

Hey guys - I’m a current GEM student at Oxford who has just finished the first year. Feel free to drop any questions my way.

Hi there - no problem!

Correct, those selection criteria are the most important thing to know inside-out when creating an application.

1. I knew by asking last year. This year I believe they are being more transparent about it. Definitely watch those videos and the Q&As as they discuss scoring the application plus BMAT deciles.

2. 100% use the official BMAT prep resource revision guide. Tailor your efforts towards the subjects you haven’t studied before. I skipped over the biology within a couple of days and focused on the physics / chemistry I hadn’t done in ages. The maths is something that got better with practice papers as the questions are quite tricky and difficult to revise for. Obviously, as always do the papers and really go over with a fine tooth comb mistakes. Don’t panic early on if your scores are low. Be strict with the time limit on section 2 and record where you got to. But also finish the paper so as not to lose practice questions. Work quickly from the start because the questions get harder and harder. I would say the hardest biology are still quick to answer though so don’t miss these ones. Half
of section 1 is sort of like DM of UCAT. Learning critical thinking concepts is a must. I was strong at these and more average in the problem solving. As with DM, writing things down is a must. You are a lot less pushed for time here and may well have time to go back. Questions get harder (ignore data analysis questions no longer in syllabus but you want to practice being accurate and avoiding silly mistakes here. Essays again a few practice ones don’t go mad it is least important but definitely plan out a structure and ensure you produce a balanced argument with a sound conclusion.

3. I wouldn’t really recommend one route over another. There is room for a lot of different pathways and experience. A year break for some work experience would definitely give you some points in the ‘commitment to medicine’ criterion so that’s no bad thing. I guess for Oxford always remember that the academic / science side of thing is most important so never lose sight of this in your PS / references.

It doesn’t seem like this thread is still active but I was wondering if anyone else was unable to sit the BMAT because of technical issues? I know my supplementary form isn’t amazing so I was hoping the BMAT could improve my application

I wasn't able to sit the BMAT either. I emailed Oxford in the afternoon and I was told that they will review the special considerations form and will consider applicants without a BMAT score when it is clear that they have made every reasonable effort to take the test.

I wonder how our applications will be weighted and compared to others, especially if some people have managed to sit the BMAT?

I’ve not received an email from my test centre about this. I’m working full time and had to take annual leave to sit the BMAT so I don’t see how that could work for me if it is rescheduled so close!

I don’t understand how it could work either, like many people I had to travel and take time off labs which really isn’t ideal on very short notice! I’ve been following the main BMAT thread, and although some have received emails others haven’t been told anything specific yet - it’s all very odd

Heard back from my test centre at 3PM today. Won’t be able to attend though as my work can’t find anyone else to cover for me under such a short notice. I work in a busy theatre so I understand their point, such an awful position to be in. Gonna get in touch with Oxford and hope they will still be able to consider my application. Best of luck for those of you who are sitting the exam tomorrow!

Hey everyone! For those who have applied for this year, does anyone know when we will find out if we have been shortlisted for interview?

Also, does anyone know the dates interviews will be held this year (is it confirmed as the 16th-17th of December yet), and if they are in person or online?

Thanks!