Mature student wanting to study medicine previous poor grades?

Original post by mature.student.

I am looking into Access to Medicine courses - any thoughts on the distance learning one?

Just weighing in as I'm also looking at this route. I think medical schools are extremely fussy with which specific courses/colleges they accept, so I'm not leaving it to chance with a distance learning choice.

Reply 6

ellewright2002

1

Original post by mature.student.

I am looking into Access to Medicine courses - any thoughts on the distance learning one?

I am doing an Access course in nursing and midwifery at West nottinghamshire college. It is all online so you can do it from anywhere

Reply 7

Hiya,

I have almost finished a distanced access to medicine course and have just been invited to interview at BSMS. Lots of med schools accept this specific distance access (distance learning centre) and I know two people from last year who are currently studying medicine now.

I highly recommend it 🙂 and doing a physical access course wouldn't have been an option for me as I have 4 children and run a business/travel for work.

Reply 8

Original post by King2023

Hiya,
I have almost finished a distanced access to medicine course and have just been invited to interview at BSMS. Lots of med schools accept this specific distance access (distance learning centre) and I know two people from last year who are currently studying medicine now.
I highly recommend it 🙂 and doing a physical access course wouldn't have been an option for me as I have 4 children and run a business/travel for work.

Hi there, I've seen from your other posts that you've now received 2 interview offers and 1 on the way from Bristol thanks to their guaranteed interview policy, well done!! An incredible achievement given that you have 4 children AND run your own business!

Do you mind me asking a couple of questions about your course and application? Firstly, how have you found the course itself, and how long has it taken you so far? I know the face-to-face ones are intense given that they have to be done within a year, so I'm imagining the distance learning centre one to be a bit more manageable? And secondly, regarding the application itself, did you get any support from the centre on UCAT/personal statement/reference etc?

Massively good luck with your interviews! :smile:

Reply 9

Original post by maturemedapp

Hi there, I've seen from your other posts that you've now received 2 interview offers and 1 on the way from Bristol thanks to their guaranteed interview policy, well done!! An incredible achievement given that you have 4 children AND run your own business!
Do you mind me asking a couple of questions about your course and application? Firstly, how have you found the course itself, and how long has it taken you so far? I know the face-to-face ones are intense given that they have to be done within a year, so I'm imagining the distance learning centre one to be a bit more manageable? And secondly, regarding the application itself, did you get any support from the centre on UCAT/personal statement/reference etc?
Massively good luck with your interviews! :smile:

Hiya,

Yes that's right! An interview from BSMS and Exeter now and one on the way from Bristol, I can't really believe it myself haha. Just waiting on one more. Thank you so much for your good luck wishes :smile:

I am more than happy to answer any questions, there's not a lot of info for those in a position like myself so any help I can give I would be glad to.

The access course I have found challenging but very enjoyable. I wouldn't really say distanced is less intense due to having to self-pace and fit it in around all other commitments, not going in person to a course means you're only really held accountable by yourself so it can be tricky to keep motivated at times. You're given an independent learning plan (ILP) to complete with deadlines for each unit and after falling behind quite a bit around half way into the course due to UCAT and just life lol, I challenged myself to catch up and get ahead of it as far as I could and that helped me to keep pushing on. I started the access course in Feb 2024 and due to finish in Feb 2025, however I am currently ahead of my ILP by 6 weeks and only have 2 units left so I'm hoping to finish before Xmas. I will say though, I am an extreme hyperfocuser, this quick progress has been thanks to many 12+ hours solid courswork sessions haha.

I am a pretty independent learner but my tutor with DLC has been very supportive as and when I've needed it through the course and there are lots of prerecorded webninars on the DLC platform on each topic too. There are also examinations with the access to medicine course but again, he was great and the materials really are thorough. One of the first ungraded units in the course is around professional development and involves creating a draft of your personal statement so that helped to have a base to work on later. Once you have completed 6 credits you can apply to uni through DLC (by linking your UCAS to them) and your tutor will then provide you with an academic reference, which is what I did. He also checked my whole application and personal statement for any errors or typos etc and then I submitted! There are help pages about UCAS applications etc on the DLC platform and webinars too, but most of my understanding came from independet research.

UCAT is where I feel I fumbled the most throughout this journey. I booked it early to get it out of the way (still recommend this) however I allowed only 3 weeks of study for the UCAT. This wasn't enough, as I underestimated the fact that I had been out of GCSEs for over a decade so it was like relearning this again. Maths is something I am very strong with, and all of the quantitative reasoning section is based on GCSE math so I thought what a breeze! Wrong. I was over complicating calculations because I couldn't remember the simple GCSE rules etc so I had to relearn it all. It's not really a difficult test, untimed I scored in the high 9th decile every time. However, because the real test is so time constrained, you need to have the knowledge deeply embedded for fast recall so if I had given myself 3 months to study instead, I feel I would have scored in the 9th decile on the actual test. I am pleased with my 7th decile score and thankfully it's been enough for me to get interviews at this stage, but if I could go back this is what I would change. DLC didn't really have much on UCAT, I used medify to study which was great and lots of youtube videos.

Hope this helped and if you have any other questions just give me a shout 🙂

Reply 10

Original post by King2023

Hiya,
Yes that's right! An interview from BSMS and Exeter now and one on the way from Bristol, I can't really believe it myself haha. Just waiting on one more. Thank you so much for your good luck wishes :smile:

I am more than happy to answer any questions, there's not a lot of info for those in a position like myself so any help I can give I would be glad to.
The access course I have found challenging but very enjoyable. I wouldn't really say distanced is less intense due to having to self-pace and fit it in around all other commitments, not going in person to a course means you're only really held accountable by yourself so it can be tricky to keep motivated at times. You're given an independent learning plan (ILP) to complete with deadlines for each unit and after falling behind quite a bit around half way into the course due to UCAT and just life lol, I challenged myself to catch up and get ahead of it as far as I could and that helped me to keep pushing on. I started the access course in Feb 2024 and due to finish in Feb 2025, however I am currently ahead of my ILP by 6 weeks and only have 2 units left so I'm hoping to finish before Xmas. I will say though, I am an extreme hyperfocuser, this quick progress has been thanks to many 12+ hours solid courswork sessions haha.
I am a pretty independent learner but my tutor with DLC has been very supportive as and when I've needed it through the course and there are lots of prerecorded webninars on the DLC platform on each topic too. There are also examinations with the access to medicine course but again, he was great and the materials really are thorough. One of the first ungraded units in the course is around professional development and involves creating a draft of your personal statement so that helped to have a base to work on later. Once you have completed 6 credits you can apply to uni through DLC (by linking your UCAS to them) and your tutor will then provide you with an academic reference, which is what I did. He also checked my whole application and personal statement for any errors or typos etc and then I submitted! There are help pages about UCAS applications etc on the DLC platform and webinars too, but most of my understanding came from independet research.
UCAT is where I feel I fumbled the most throughout this journey. I booked it early to get it out of the way (still recommend this) however I allowed only 3 weeks of study for the UCAT. This wasn't enough, as I underestimated the fact that I had been out of GCSEs for over a decade so it was like relearning this again. Maths is something I am very strong with, and all of the quantitative reasoning section is based on GCSE math so I thought what a breeze! Wrong. I was over complicating calculations because I couldn't remember the simple GCSE rules etc so I had to relearn it all. It's not really a difficult test, untimed I scored in the high 9th decile every time. However, because the real test is so time constrained, you need to have the knowledge deeply embedded for fast recall so if I had given myself 3 months to study instead, I feel I would have scored in the 9th decile on the actual test. I am pleased with my 7th decile score and thankfully it's been enough for me to get interviews at this stage, but if I could go back this is what I would change. DLC didn't really have much on UCAT, I used medify to study which was great and lots of youtube videos.
Hope this helped and if you have any other questions just give me a shout 🙂

Thank you very much for going into such great detail about the course. I was initially thinking of messaging your privately, but I'm glad I decided to stick to this thread now, as this will be hugely insightful and valuable information for those looking into DLC/Access in future

The course seems fantastic to be honest, I have to say I'm really surprised by the level of support you've received throughout, as well as by the quality of the content itself. Definitely a viable alternative to the face-to-face colleges. Also, well done for going from being behind to now being 6 weeks ahead of your target finish, that's brilliant (although 12+ hour days sounds mental!). How great it would be to start the new year having completed the course already and maybe even have an offer by the end of Jan (not sure when unis typically start sending post-interview offers)! 🙏

I will heed your warning about UCAT. From other info I've seen about it, it does seem to require at least 2-3 months of prep, will make sure not to leave it to the last minute. I totally get what you mean by the QR ones - I did some SHL psychometric tests recently, and found that the quantitative ones weren't necessarily hard, just a massive time-sap.

How are you preparing for the interviews? I've seen there are loads of YouTube videos that help with questions/scenarios.

Reply 11

Original post by maturemedapp

Thank you very much for going into such great detail about the course. I was initially thinking of messaging your privately, but I'm glad I decided to stick to this thread now, as this will be hugely insightful and valuable information for those looking into DLC/Access in future
The course seems fantastic to be honest, I have to say I'm really surprised by the level of support you've received throughout, as well as by the quality of the content itself. Definitely a viable alternative to the face-to-face colleges. Also, well done for going from being behind to now being 6 weeks ahead of your target finish, that's brilliant (although 12+ hour days sounds mental!). How great it would be to start the new year having completed the course already and maybe even have an offer by the end of Jan (not sure when unis typically start sending post-interview offers)! 🙏
I will heed your warning about UCAT. From other info I've seen about it, it does seem to require at least 2-3 months of prep, will make sure not to leave it to the last minute. I totally get what you mean by the QR ones - I did some SHL psychometric tests recently, and found that the quantitative ones weren't necessarily hard, just a massive time-sap.
How are you preparing for the interviews? I've seen there are loads of YouTube videos that help with questions/scenarios.

You’re so welcome, ahh yes I hope it helps others too!

It really has been a great course, I’ve learnt so much and I would highly recommend it to anyone consider doing an access. And proof is in the pudding that it’s a good enough access to get interviews at med schools so I’m super pleased 😊 thank you, yes I’m really hoping to be able to fully relax over Christmas so will be lovely if I can crack the last 2 units out in time. It’s definitely doable if you stay motivated and nothing motivates quite like having interviews in the pipeline haha.

Yes you’re exactly right, it’s such a time-sap and that’s for sure the biggest issue with the UCAT. Once you know what you’re doing and having the timings relatively under control (doable in about 2 weeks), increasing your score is a really slow process so allowing 2-3 months will definitely mean you’ll get the best score you can. Kharma medic YouTube videos were really helpful too so I’d recommend him for UCAT advice.

My plan is exactly that, lots of YouTube and TikTok video advice and practice questions. If I find any particularly good ones in the lead up to my interviews I’ll be sure to share them here again too. If you do hear of any specific interview support sites/videos I’d love to hear!

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey and please do let me know how you get on 😊

Reply 12

Original post by King2023

You’re so welcome, ahh yes I hope it helps others too!
It really has been a great course, I’ve learnt so much and I would highly recommend it to anyone consider doing an access. And proof is in the pudding that it’s a good enough access to get interviews at med schools so I’m super pleased 😊 thank you, yes I’m really hoping to be able to fully relax over Christmas so will be lovely if I can crack the last 2 units out in time. It’s definitely doable if you stay motivated and nothing motivates quite like having interviews in the pipeline haha.
Yes you’re exactly right, it’s such a time-sap and that’s for sure the biggest issue with the UCAT. Once you know what you’re doing and having the timings relatively under control (doable in about 2 weeks), increasing your score is a really slow process so allowing 2-3 months will definitely mean you’ll get the best score you can. Kharma medic YouTube videos were really helpful too so I’d recommend him for UCAT advice.
My plan is exactly that, lots of YouTube and TikTok video advice and practice questions. If I find any particularly good ones in the lead up to my interviews I’ll be sure to share them here again too. If you do hear of any specific interview support sites/videos I’d love to hear!
Wishing you the best of luck on your journey and please do let me know how you get on 😊

Ooh thanks so much for the recommendation, I'm currently in the phase of scouring the web and collecting resources for UCAT, applications, MMIs, useful reading etc, like a squirrel gathering acorns! 😂 I've added Kharma Medics to the list.

In terms of interviews, here are some things I've come across:

BSMS MMI Example (that from BSMS itself, came across this link from another thread here somewhere. A useful starting point)
Other YouTubers:
Rohan Yesudian (a few MMI videos in this playlist)
Aspiring Medics (they have loads of videos, and even more material on their own website. I'm actually running through their "Online Work Experience" course now, they run through lots of interesting topics and conditions etc)
Medic Mind (I've seen a couple of clips from this playlist, although a lot of the videos are older, it seems to be a helpful intro to the main key areas, like ethical pillars, roleplays, scenarios etc)
Ali Abdaal (particularly helpful to Ethics)

Aside from that, this is useful for Ethics:
https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/medical-ethics/
https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/ethical-guidance-for-doctors

And GMC guidance:
https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards

Hopefully some of that is useful to you, and that you find lots of questions to practice in general - good luck!

Reply 13

Original post by maturemedapp

Ooh thanks so much for the recommendation, I'm currently in the phase of scouring the web and collecting resources for UCAT, applications, MMIs, useful reading etc, like a squirrel gathering acorns! 😂 I've added Kharma Medics to the list.
In terms of interviews, here are some things I've come across:
BSMS MMI Example (that from BSMS itself, came across this link from another thread here somewhere. A useful starting point)
Other YouTubers:
Rohan Yesudian (a few MMI videos in this playlist)
Aspiring Medics (they have loads of videos, and even more material on their own website. I'm actually running through their "Online Work Experience" course now, they run through lots of interesting topics and conditions etc)
Medic Mind (I've seen a couple of clips from this playlist, although a lot of the videos are older, it seems to be a helpful intro to the main key areas, like ethical pillars, roleplays, scenarios etc)
Ali Abdaal (particularly helpful to Ethics)
Aside from that, this is useful for Ethics:
https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/medical-ethics/
https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/ethical-guidance-for-doctors
And GMC guidance:
https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards
Hopefully some of that is useful to you, and that you find lots of questions to practice in general - good luck!

Thank you so much, what an incredibly useful list of resources! The only ones I had were the BSMS and Medic Mind ones, so there’s so much there for me to look at. Really appreciate that, thank you 😊

Reply 14