IELTS or GCSE English Language for Medical universities

Deadaboodee

7

Hello

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 1

Slikeen

2

Original post by Demaa

Hello,
I’m currently in year 12 and an applicant for Medicine. I came to the UK about two and half years ago from the Middle East, and I’ve sat my GCSEs when I’ve been in the UK for a year and a half. I only started learning English when I moved to the UK, so because of that I achieved grade 4 in English language. Since there are a very few selection of medical universities (or no universities) accepts 4 in English language, I decided to resit the exam aiming for at least a 6. Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan as I got the same grade. And again, I sat English language GCSE last May. I’ve tried literally EVERYTHING, from past papers to tutors to Youtube channels to reading books, but I still don’t know why it’s not working.
My teacher advised me to try IELTS, since English is a foreign language for me, but I know it’s a tough exam and I have no one to help me prepare for it. I’m very conflicted whether to sit or not. I’m currently preparing to my UCAT (which I’m hoping to do end of August) and writing my Personal Statement.
Do you think it’s a good idea to sit it? And if yes, then when can I start preparing and what can help me to prepare?

Hi
I think GCSE English Language is a tough ask for someone with little English experience, but so is the IELTS exam. Both exams contain a lot of unseen sections, so the most preparation you can do is practicing technique and hundreds of questions. Youtube is a great source for both, as many examiners and teachers post their ideas on there. Another exam you may want to try that is similar to the IELTS is OET. It's basically the same, but all the questions are related to medicine, as it is designed for foreign medical students. Either way, good luck whatever you do and remember to practice, practice, practice!

Reply 2

snakeswolf

4

Hello,
As a former IGCSE Student I can tell you that GCSE is difficult enough, as are IELTS in it's own way.

One thing I would recommend for you, is to identify how you personally learn, I managed to crack the code on my learning 4 years after my IGCSE and for some reason, despite being a British & former IGCSE graduate, I still need to take an IELTS (probably because it's been 5 years since IGCSE & 14 years since I've been in the UK). I have less than 2 days to prep and I'm currently freaking out because while some of the practice tests match the passages I recall solving way back in 2016-17 for my prelims, they have a way of twisting words to distract you.

General tips: Learn your strategies for each section & subject. Don't overthink your answers if you have extra time left. Make sure you understand the task and what the task is asking of you. At the same time, don't go too deep into the meaning of it; that's where they'll catch you. It's a distraction! Wishing you all the very best. Please do contact your universities of choice and understand their requirements.

Take Care.

Reply 3

Suybi

8

Original post by Demaa

Hello,
I’m currently in year 12 and an applicant for Medicine. I came to the UK about two and half years ago from the Middle East, and I’ve sat my GCSEs when I’ve been in the UK for a year and a half. I only started learning English when I moved to the UK, so because of that I achieved grade 4 in English language. Since there are a very few selection of medical universities (or no universities) accepts 4 in English language, I decided to resit the exam aiming for at least a 6. Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan as I got the same grade. And again, I sat English language GCSE last May. I’ve tried literally EVERYTHING, from past papers to tutors to Youtube channels to reading books, but I still don’t know why it’s not working.
My teacher advised me to try IELTS, since English is a foreign language for me, but I know it’s a tough exam and I have no one to help me prepare for it. I’m very conflicted whether to sit or not. I’m currently preparing to my UCAT (which I’m hoping to do end of August) and writing my Personal Statement.
Do you think it’s a good idea to sit it? And if yes, then when can I start preparing and what can help me to prepare?

Hello,
Have you tried Pearson IGCSE English as second Language?It is 1 paper 3 Hours.Although it is though,it uses less tough vocabularies and languages than GCSE which is mostly 19th century texts.

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

I’d check with specific unis before taking English as a Second Language as some may not accept it.

IELTS or GCSE English Language for Medical universities

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