Would I be rejected from a uni even if I reach their grade requirements?

I want to apply to medicine and for this scenario assume that my personal statement is perfect. If I were to meet the grade &UCAT requirements for a medicine course in uni is it possible for me to still be rejected by them because someone else happens to have higher alevel grades?
Currently I have AAA predicted in my 3 subjects and I’m considering retaking. Will it make a difference? Is it worth it?

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Karter_

If I were to meet the grade &UCAT requirements for a medicine course in uni is it possible for me to still be rejected by them because someone else happens to have higher alevel grades?

Unfortunately, yes.

Reply 2

George&Mary

It is a competitive process. Many many people take more than one cycle to get a place. Because of the competitive nature of it it is very easy to apply to a med school which on paper you meet the entry requirements for and not get a place, or even an interview. That is why it is really important to give the time to your UCAT, the stronger your score the greater the choice.

Then go to the which uni Megathread and work out your strategic choices. This thread has experts on it who kindly share their knowledge of the practical application of the med schools admissions policies to help you refine your list. Then go for it. A lot of places won’t look at the PS when sifting for interview. But those that do, want specific things. So if your strategic choices are one of them, then leave time to tailor it.

No, If you are predicted 3 As then you should be OK. Some med schools look at predicted grades as part of the sift to determine who gets an interview invite, but quite a few don’t.

For the majority it is normally the interview score which determines who is offered a place (some may look at UCAT, or SJT, or contextual factor too,or a combo) but for most the important thing is interview score at offer making stage. So put the prep in.

Work hard to achieve those 3 As. If you don’t then yes, resit if you need to.

But, if you are suggesting that it would be necessary now to resit to get A* before you even apply then no. And not really needed if you get 3 As and have a strong UCAT (and meet GCSE minima) next year in my view.

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 3

Jonjon7

Original post by Karter_

"is it possible for me to still be rejected by them"

Yes, thats the true fact and I am bracing against it myself too. Taking UCAT aside, my predicted grades 4A* (Chem, Bio, Math, Physics) but it does not offer my any advantage over other candidates with say A*AAA. Bottom line is whether the medical school sees any potential in me being a doctor from their perspective.

"because someone else happens to have higher alevel grades"

Not necessarily the case.

Press on - your grades are still very competitive. Focus on UCAT

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 4

Jasmine6789

Original post by Karter_

Yes bc medicine is very competitive but your grades are still good so don’t retake. A level grades are not the only thing they look at so if you have a high UCAT and good ps you should be fine.