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Is applying to summer schools necessary???

Is it necessary to apply for summer schools? I don't understand what summer schools actually do, can someone explain it to me? Is it something that i would need to do since im looking to go into dentisty? If i don't do summer schools, do i still have a chance of getting into university if say i get good grades and a good ucat score?

Reply 1

It is not in any way essential.

Most Summer Schools are designed for 'widening participation' to encourage those who wouldn't otherwise feel confident about applying to University. Others are just money-making schemes for the Unis running them.

Look at something like one of these short, free, online courses - Dentistry - Free Online Healthcare Course - FutureLearn - OR - Study Dentistry: How to Become a Dentist - Dentistry Course - FutureLearn - will give you an insight into the job and what Dentistry as a degree is all about - so useful but again, not essential.

Reply 2

Hello,

I am a medical student and I did not go into a summer school.

I think it is helpful for students who are not really sure what they want to pursue and would like to look at other options.

Best of luck,
Haya - MBBS V

Reply 3

Original post
by McGinger
It is not in any way essential.
Most Summer Schools are designed for 'widening participation' to encourage those who wouldn't otherwise feel confident about applying to University. Others are just money-making schemes for the Unis running them.
Look at something like one of these short, free, online courses - Dentistry - Free Online Healthcare Course - FutureLearn - OR - Study Dentistry: How to Become a Dentist - Dentistry Course - FutureLearn - will give you an insight into the job and what Dentistry as a degree is all about - so useful but again, not essential.

I really hope what u said it true! Coz i am at a unique position which I am 18 in year 12 and almost all summer schools requires you to be 16-17 years old which means i cannot do any summer schools and i wanted to apply for med

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymous#4489
I really hope what u said it true! Coz i am at a unique position which I am 18 in year 12 and almost all summer schools requires you to be 16-17 years old which means i cannot do any summer schools and i wanted to apply for med

Applying aged over 18 is very common, stop worrying.

Reply 5

Original post
by McGinger
Applying aged over 18 is very common, stop worrying.

I couldnt find any summer schools that accepts 18.. js 16-17 tho..

Reply 6

Original post
by Anonymous#4489
I couldnt find any summer schools that accepts 18.. js 16-17 tho..

You don't NEED to do a Summer School to be considered for Dentistry - whatever age you are.

Reply 7

Original post
by McGinger
You don't NEED to do a Summer School to be considered for Dentistry - whatever age you are.

Sorry to be annoying, but idk i feltnlike its such a shame that i lost this opportunity to cound as an excurricular, would i be disadvantaged?

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymous#4489
Sorry to be annoying, but idk i feltnlike its such a shame that i lost this opportunity to cound as an excurricular, would i be disadvantaged?

For the final time - no UK Dentistry School gives preferential offers to any applicant because they have been to a Summer School. You are NOT going to be disadvantaged.

Reply 9

From an application standpoint, summer schools aren't useful as an extracurricular to talk about in PS or interview. But depending on the summer school, they can make the application process easier.

Some med/dental summer schools give a contextual offer with reduced grades if you pass their requirements.

Insight to Bristol guarantees an interview if you attend the summer school

And other med/dental summer schools hold MMI mocks and workshops to help you with the application

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