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Medical School Options

Hey guys, I recently sat my UCAT and got 2420 B3. As a result I'm re-evaluating the unis I'm looking into

GCSEs: 998888888
- The 2x 9 are in English literature and Religious Studies.
- I got a grade 8 in maths, chemistry, biology, physics and English language

Predicted A-levels: A*AA
- A* in psychology and As in Chemistry and biology

Work experience and Volunteering:
- I did a 4 day work experience in a hospital shadowing doctors

- I've been volunteering with BHF since last year November

- I've also done biology Olympiad and got a bronze and I've done various positions of responsibility in my school


With the above info, cause of my GCSEs I'm looking into unis that focus more on high GCSE or have a low UCAT threshold/ don't consider it.

I'm definitely thinking of Cardiff, Keele, Aston and Anglia Ruskin. I'm also looking into Kent and Medway Medical school, Leicester and University of East Anglia.

Could someone please tell me which universities are my best bet. Thank you
Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

The Medicine forum gets a high volume of questions being posted, and some of these are already answered by the resources and Megathreads that members of the community and volunteers have created. This is an automatic post which is designed to highlight these resources. Below is a list of threads and articles that could answer your question (you should be looking in the original post of the megathreads). If one of the below threads is a more relevant place to ask your question, please post a reply in that thread to ask your question. If your query is answered by one of the Megathreads or articles linked below, and you would like us to close this thread for you, please reply to this thread with just the words "thank you". A member of our team will then get it locked.

Megathreads
(Please read the first post, before then posting any further questions you have within that thread.)
The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread
The Ultimate 'Am I Good Enough For Medicine?' Angst Thread
Medicine A-Level subjects queries
Work Experience and Voluntary Work

2023 Applicants:
Official Undergraduate Medicine 2023 Entry
Graduate Entry Medicine 2023 Entry
Medicine 2023 entry for resit / retake / gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2023 Entry
Medicine Interview discussion 2023 Entry
2023 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Index of Individual Medical School Applicants' threads 2023 Entry

2024 Applicants :
Official Undergraduate Medicine 2024 Entry
Graduate Entry Medicine 2024 Entry
GAMSAT 2024 / 2025 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2024 Entry Discussions Megathread
Medicine 2024 entry for resit / retake / gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2024 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2024 Entry
2024 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2024 Entry

2025 Applicants :
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2025 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2025 Entry
GAMSAT 2025 / 2026 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2025 Entry Discussions Megathread


Other application years:
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2026 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2026 Entry

Useful Articles:
GCSE Requirements for Medicine
Everything you need to know about the BMAT
Work Experience as a Graduate or Mature student
Medicine Personal Statement Advice
Medicine Personal Statement Advice (Graduate Entry)
Interview Frequently Asked Questions
MMI Medicine Interview Tips
What to do after an unsuccessful first application
Funding medicine as a second degree

If your query is answered by one of the Megathreads or articles linked above, and you would like us to close this thread for you, please reply to this thread with just the words "thank you". A member of our team will then get it locked.
Original post by sincere-dock
Hey guys, I recently sat my UCAT and got 2420 B3. As a result I'm re-evaluating the unis I'm looking into
GCSEs: 998888888
- The 2x 9 are in English literature and Religious Studies.
- I got a grade 8 in maths, chemistry, biology, physics and English language
Predicted A-levels: A*AA
- A* in psychology and As in Chemistry and biology
Work experience and Volunteering:
- I did a 4 day work experience in a hospital shadowing doctors
- I've been volunteering with BHF since last year November
- I've also done biology Olympiad and got a bronze and I've done various positions of responsibility in my school
With the above info, cause of my GCSEs I'm looking into unis that focus more on high GCSE or have a low UCAT threshold/ don't consider it.
I'm definitely thinking of Cardiff, Keele, Aston and Anglia Ruskin. I'm also looking into Kent and Medway Medical school, Leicester and University of East Anglia.
Could someone please tell me which universities are my best bet. Thank you

Hi there,

First off, well done on your GCSEs and predicted A-levels—you’ve got a strong academic background and some great experiences under your belt. I understand that your UCAT score might have shifted your strategy a bit, but it’s good that you’re considering universities that look beyond just the UCAT.

Given your profile, UEA could be a great option for you. UEA’s Norwich Medical School takes a more holistic approach to admissions, meaning they consider your GCSEs, A-level predictions, and personal statement alongside your UCAT score. While your UCAT score might be on the lower side, your strong GCSEs and A-level predictions, as well as your work experience and volunteering, could make you a competitive candidate. Feel free to call us at our clearing line and we can help further: 01603 943837.

Best of luck with your applications, and if you have any more questions about UEA or anything else, feel free to ask!

Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology
Reply 3
Thank you Daniel, this is very useful to hear!
Original post by sincere-dock
Hey guys, I recently sat my UCAT and got 2420 B3. As a result I'm re-evaluating the unis I'm looking into
GCSEs: 998888888
- The 2x 9 are in English literature and Religious Studies.
- I got a grade 8 in maths, chemistry, biology, physics and English language
Predicted A-levels: A*AA
- A* in psychology and As in Chemistry and biology
Work experience and Volunteering:
- I did a 4 day work experience in a hospital shadowing doctors
- I've been volunteering with BHF since last year November
- I've also done biology Olympiad and got a bronze and I've done various positions of responsibility in my school
With the above info, cause of my GCSEs I'm looking into unis that focus more on high GCSE or have a low UCAT threshold/ don't consider it.
I'm definitely thinking of Cardiff, Keele, Aston and Anglia Ruskin. I'm also looking into Kent and Medway Medical school, Leicester and University of East Anglia.
Could someone please tell me which universities are my best bet. Thank you

Try posting here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7312527&page=354
Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
Hi there,
First off, well done on your GCSEs and predicted A-levels—you’ve got a strong academic background and some great experiences under your belt. I understand that your UCAT score might have shifted your strategy a bit, but it’s good that you’re considering universities that look beyond just the UCAT.
Given your profile, UEA could be a great option for you. UEA’s Norwich Medical School takes a more holistic approach to admissions, meaning they consider your GCSEs, A-level predictions, and personal statement alongside your UCAT score. While your UCAT score might be on the lower side, your strong GCSEs and A-level predictions, as well as your work experience and volunteering, could make you a competitive candidate. Feel free to call us at our clearing line and we can help further: 01603 943837.
Best of luck with your applications, and if you have any more questions about UEA or anything else, feel free to ask!
Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology

Hi Daniel,
I am interested to know a little more about the entry requirements for Medicine at UEA. I was under the impression that it was quite heavily weighted on higher UCAT scoring, based on passed years criteria. Has this changed?
Reply 6
Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
Hi there,
First off, well done on your GCSEs and predicted A-levels—you’ve got a strong academic background and some great experiences under your belt. I understand that your UCAT score might have shifted your strategy a bit, but it’s good that you’re considering universities that look beyond just the UCAT.
Given your profile, UEA could be a great option for you. UEA’s Norwich Medical School takes a more holistic approach to admissions, meaning they consider your GCSEs, A-level predictions, and personal statement alongside your UCAT score. While your UCAT score might be on the lower side, your strong GCSEs and A-level predictions, as well as your work experience and volunteering, could make you a competitive candidate. Feel free to call us at our clearing line and we can help further: 01603 943837.
Best of luck with your applications, and if you have any more questions about UEA or anything else, feel free to ask!
Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology

So what was UEA's UCAT cut off for the last 3 years? Have they changed their scoring metric and are now using academics, as well as UCAT? If so, why does the website not reflect this, given it says
UCAT

The overall score is used to rank the applicants for selection for interview.

The overall score is used alongside the interview score to rank and select applicants to whom an offer is made.

The SJT component score is included within the interview score.

Reply 7
Original post by sincere-dock
Thank you Daniel, this is very useful to hear!

Trust me, it really wasn't as it bears no resemblance to how they actually shortlist
Original post by sincere-dock
Hey guys, I recently sat my UCAT and got 2420 B3. As a result I'm re-evaluating the unis I'm looking into
GCSEs: 998888888
- The 2x 9 are in English literature and Religious Studies.
- I got a grade 8 in maths, chemistry, biology, physics and English language
Predicted A-levels: A*AA
- A* in psychology and As in Chemistry and biology
Work experience and Volunteering:
- I did a 4 day work experience in a hospital shadowing doctors
- I've been volunteering with BHF since last year November
- I've also done biology Olympiad and got a bronze and I've done various positions of responsibility in my school
With the above info, cause of my GCSEs I'm looking into unis that focus more on high GCSE or have a low UCAT threshold/ don't consider it.
I'm definitely thinking of Cardiff, Keele, Aston and Anglia Ruskin. I'm also looking into Kent and Medway Medical school, Leicester and University of East Anglia.
Could someone please tell me which universities are my best bet. Thank you

Hi there!

Nice range of work experience alongside strong academic grades, and great to see you looking at ARU and different universities across the UK 😊

As you might be aware, here at ARU we have Essex’s first School of Medicine based at our Chelmsford campus. Our Medicine students benefit from GP simulation rooms, a multi-functional SuperLab, the ARU Anatomy Centre and a Harvard style lecture theatre all to boost their skills to become the next generation of confident, professional doctors 💪

Your predicted A-Levels and GCSE grades look good, and as stated on our Medicine webpage: While we include the UCAT score within our selection process, we do not have a standard cut off value. I’d advise reaching out to our Medicine Admissions team if you have any questions around your application and applying to us. Feel free to pop them a message:

📞 +44 1245 687906
📧 [email protected]

Or if you have any general enquiries:

📞 +44 1245 493131
📧 [email protected]

Have you attended an Open Day with us yet? If not, our next Open Day is Saturday 5th October 😊 It might be a good chance for you to speak with the academics and student ambassadors in-person in the Medicine department, take a tour of the campus and student accommodation, and to see if ARU is right for you. Feel free to book your place today.

If you do have any questions or queries, do let us know.

Good luck!
Jemma
Original post by ElizabethLB
Hi Daniel,
I am interested to know a little more about the entry requirements for Medicine at UEA. I was under the impression that it was quite heavily weighted on higher UCAT scoring, based on passed years criteria. Has this changed?

Hi there,

Thanks for your question. You’re right that UCAT scores are an important part of the admissions process for Medicine at UEA, but it’s worth noting that UEA considers more than the UCAT score.

To be competitive, you’ll need AAA at A-level, including Biology or Chemistry, and at least six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Maths and two science subjects. Don't get me wrong, UCAT score is important but UEA values well-rounded candidates who excel academically and have relevant experiences, such as work in healthcare settings.

Feel free to reach out to our admission team as they will be able to help with further: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/enquiries. Alternatively, you can chat with current students and academic at UEA: https://www.uea.ac.uk/ask-us

Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology
Reply 10
Original post by UEA Rep Daniel
Hi there,
Thanks for your question. You’re right that UCAT scores are an important part of the admissions process for Medicine at UEA, but it’s worth noting that UEA considers more than the UCAT score.
To be competitive, you’ll need AAA at A-level, including Biology or Chemistry, and at least six GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, including Maths and two science subjects. Don't get me wrong, UCAT score is important but UEA values well-rounded candidates who excel academically and have relevant experiences, such as work in healthcare settings.
Feel free to reach out to our admission team as they will be able to help with further: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/enquiries. Alternatively, you can chat with current students and academic at UEA: https://www.uea.ac.uk/ask-us
Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology

Yes, they use GCSEs and A levels as minimum requirements, like most other med schools.
Unless things have changed this year, there are no additional benefits to having more than AAA at A level or 6 x 7 s at GCSE. It would be helpful if you could confirm this is still the case? Or are points now allocated in shortlisting for GCSE and/or A level grades?

For years, it has worked that applicants must meet the minimum requirements adn then are ranked on UCAT scores and cut offs have been >2600 for years.
They also use UCAT as 50% of post interview scoring and offer rates for those with lower UCATs are therefore much lower.

If UEA have changed their shortlisting criteria, that is useful information you can post here.

I get you guys are paid to push your unis, but giving misleading information about med school admissions doesn't help anyone. If you don't know, find out or don't post.
Original post by ARUOfficial
Hi there!
Nice range of work experience alongside strong academic grades, and great to see you looking at ARU and different universities across the UK 😊
As you might be aware, here at ARU we have Essex’s first School of Medicine based at our Chelmsford campus. Our Medicine students benefit from GP simulation rooms, a multi-functional SuperLab, the ARU Anatomy Centre and a Harvard style lecture theatre all to boost their skills to become the next generation of confident, professional doctors 💪
Your predicted A-Levels and GCSE grades look good, and as stated on our Medicine webpage: While we include the UCAT score within our selection process, we do not have a standard cut off value. I’d advise reaching out to our Medicine Admissions team if you have any questions around your application and applying to us. Feel free to pop them a message:
📞 +44 1245 687906
📧 [email protected]
Or if you have any general enquiries:
📞 +44 1245 493131
📧 [email protected]
Have you attended an Open Day with us yet? If not, our next Open Day is Saturday 5th October 😊 It might be a good chance for you to speak with the academics and student ambassadors in-person in the Medicine department, take a tour of the campus and student accommodation, and to see if ARU is right for you. Feel free to book your place today.
If you do have any questions or queries, do let us know.
Good luck!
Jemma

Thanks Jemma. I'll contact your admissions teams to ask some more questions
Original post by sincere-dock
Hey guys, I recently sat my UCAT and got 2420 B3. As a result I'm re-evaluating the unis I'm looking into
GCSEs: 998888888
- The 2x 9 are in English literature and Religious Studies.
- I got a grade 8 in maths, chemistry, biology, physics and English language
Predicted A-levels: A*AA
- A* in psychology and As in Chemistry and biology
Work experience and Volunteering:
- I did a 4 day work experience in a hospital shadowing doctors
- I've been volunteering with BHF since last year November
- I've also done biology Olympiad and got a bronze and I've done various positions of responsibility in my school
With the above info, cause of my GCSEs I'm looking into unis that focus more on high GCSE or have a low UCAT threshold/ don't consider it.
I'm definitely thinking of Cardiff, Keele, Aston and Anglia Ruskin. I'm also looking into Kent and Medway Medical school, Leicester and University of East Anglia.
Could someone please tell me which universities are my best bet. Thank you

Did you go to grammar school or not?
Original post by Ambitious1999
Did you go to grammar school or not?

Yes I did

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