Graduate entry Medicine options?
Hey all,
I am interested in applying for Graduate entry Medicine for 2025 entry.
So a bit of background about me.
During sixth form I did not get the predicted grades to even apply for Medicine so was hoping to apply with success of clearing. I received my results and they were DEEE in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Religious Studies. I somehow persuaded myself to just start an undergraduate degree in Biomedical science. Somewhere along January of my first year I decided to resit my A-Levels alongside first year of my degree. It was only in my first year that I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I only decided to resit Maths, Bio and Chem. I received A*AC in Bio, Chem and Maths respectively and an average of 64% for my first year. I was told I would not be able to apply due to the C in Maths so I decided to complete the degree and apply for GEM instead.
I have now completed my degree (2.1) and sat UCAT 3100 B2. When I last sat the UCAT (2021) I achieved a score of 2480 and this was just below average but it seems this year with removal of BMAT more candidates are sitting the UCAT and it could potentially go really well or poorly with scaling. I know the C I got in Maths is letting me down but I was thinking to apply for Cambridge, Manchester, Cumbria and Newcastle. Do you think they would be feasible options? I know for Cambridge I would likely have to resit Maths and aim for an A* to get A*A*A. I am only interested in applying for 4-year GEM courses as I cannot afford the 5-year.
Thoughts anyone?
I am interested in applying for Graduate entry Medicine for 2025 entry.
So a bit of background about me.
During sixth form I did not get the predicted grades to even apply for Medicine so was hoping to apply with success of clearing. I received my results and they were DEEE in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Religious Studies. I somehow persuaded myself to just start an undergraduate degree in Biomedical science. Somewhere along January of my first year I decided to resit my A-Levels alongside first year of my degree. It was only in my first year that I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I only decided to resit Maths, Bio and Chem. I received A*AC in Bio, Chem and Maths respectively and an average of 64% for my first year. I was told I would not be able to apply due to the C in Maths so I decided to complete the degree and apply for GEM instead.
I have now completed my degree (2.1) and sat UCAT 3100 B2. When I last sat the UCAT (2021) I achieved a score of 2480 and this was just below average but it seems this year with removal of BMAT more candidates are sitting the UCAT and it could potentially go really well or poorly with scaling. I know the C I got in Maths is letting me down but I was thinking to apply for Cambridge, Manchester, Cumbria and Newcastle. Do you think they would be feasible options? I know for Cambridge I would likely have to resit Maths and aim for an A* to get A*A*A. I am only interested in applying for 4-year GEM courses as I cannot afford the 5-year.
Thoughts anyone?
Reply 1
Would certainly avoid Cambridge.
I would recommend Warwick, Newcastle, Southampton + QMUL. This list isn’t comprehensive, but you have a very good shot at getting an Interview at all of these unis.
Manchester requires you to get at least BBB in your a levels in your first sitting, so I wouldn’t apply.
For the Cumbria/imperial GEM course, I’m not 100% sure how they shortlist applicants, but you probably have a good shot there if you want to apply.
I would recommend Warwick, Newcastle, Southampton + QMUL. This list isn’t comprehensive, but you have a very good shot at getting an Interview at all of these unis.
Manchester requires you to get at least BBB in your a levels in your first sitting, so I wouldn’t apply.
For the Cumbria/imperial GEM course, I’m not 100% sure how they shortlist applicants, but you probably have a good shot there if you want to apply.
Reply 2
There is no graduate medicine at Bristol.
Reply 3
Original post
by ErasistratusVThere is no graduate medicine at Bristol.
Reply 4
Original post
by lanky_giraffeWould certainly avoid Cambridge.
I would recommend Warwick, Newcastle, Southampton + QMUL. This list isn’t comprehensive, but you have a very good shot at getting an Interview at all of these unis.
Manchester requires you to get at least BBB in your a levels in your first sitting, so I wouldn’t apply.
For the Cumbria/imperial GEM course, I’m not 100% sure how they shortlist applicants, but you probably have a good shot there if you want to apply.
I would recommend Warwick, Newcastle, Southampton + QMUL. This list isn’t comprehensive, but you have a very good shot at getting an Interview at all of these unis.
Manchester requires you to get at least BBB in your a levels in your first sitting, so I wouldn’t apply.
For the Cumbria/imperial GEM course, I’m not 100% sure how they shortlist applicants, but you probably have a good shot there if you want to apply.
Hey there!
Thanks for the response. May I just ask why you say to certainly avoid Cambridge? Is their GEM course not ideal or is it because I am not a competitive enough applicant? And if so is it the retakes?
Yeah I have heard that Warwick have been known to be quite nit-picky with experience. I would say I have a decent amount of experience:
•
Worked as a SEN teaching assistant (6 months part-time)
•
Worked as a HCA in the community and hospital settings (2 months part-time and 7 months respectively )
•
Completed BSMS virtual work experience
•
Volunteered in Sunday school (Five years)
•
Gained clinical experience on placement as a Physician Associate student (1600 hours)
•
Youth Leader (3 months till date)
On the Warwick thread for 2024 entry I read that someone had a higher UCAT score than me and received a pre-interview rejection so I guess it came down to their wEX criteria.
I heard SOTON require really high UCATs so I guess I will have to wait and see when interim results come out how my score would fair?
QMUL I heard they give preferential treatment to those that have obtained a 1st Class Degree. Does anyone know if this is true?
Yeah with Cumbria/Imperial GEM being new I wonder how stringent they would be but yeah would want to apply there.
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousHey there!
Thanks for the response. May I just ask why you say to certainly avoid Cambridge? Is their GEM course not ideal or is it because I am not a competitive enough applicant? And if so is it the retakes?
Yeah I have heard that Warwick have been known to be quite nit-picky with experience. I would say I have a decent amount of experience:On the Warwick thread for 2024 entry I read that someone had a higher UCAT score than me and received a pre-interview rejection so I guess it came down to their wEX criteria.
I heard SOTON require really high UCATs so I guess I will have to wait and see when interim results come out how my score would fair?
QMUL I heard they give preferential treatment to those that have obtained a 1st Class Degree. Does anyone know if this is true?
Yeah with Cumbria/Imperial GEM being new I wonder how stringent they would be but yeah would want to apply there.
Thanks for the response. May I just ask why you say to certainly avoid Cambridge? Is their GEM course not ideal or is it because I am not a competitive enough applicant? And if so is it the retakes?
Yeah I have heard that Warwick have been known to be quite nit-picky with experience. I would say I have a decent amount of experience:
•
Worked as a SEN teaching assistant (6 months part-time)
•
Worked as a HCA in the community and hospital settings (2 months part-time and 7 months respectively )
•
Completed BSMS virtual work experience
•
Volunteered in Sunday school (Five years)
•
Gained clinical experience on placement as a Physician Associate student (1600 hours)
•
Youth Leader (3 months till date)
I heard SOTON require really high UCATs so I guess I will have to wait and see when interim results come out how my score would fair?
QMUL I heard they give preferential treatment to those that have obtained a 1st Class Degree. Does anyone know if this is true?
Yeah with Cumbria/Imperial GEM being new I wonder how stringent they would be but yeah would want to apply there.
Sounds like your wEX is good enough for Warwick, and I'm pretty sure your UCAT would be good enough for Southampton.
I think QMUL do prefer first-class degrees, but I think most of them do. Your UCAT is very good, so your overall profile may be good enough for an interview.
For the new Imperial/Cumbria course, I would look closer into their admissions process and how they shortlist candidates, but from my knowledge, it is weighted solely on the UCAT (I would not quote myself on that).
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousHey there!
Thanks for the response. May I just ask why you say to certainly avoid Cambridge? Is their GEM course not ideal or is it because I am not a competitive enough applicant? And if so is it the retakes?
Yeah I have heard that Warwick have been known to be quite nit-picky with experience. I would say I have a decent amount of experience:
On the Warwick thread for 2024 entry I read that someone had a higher UCAT score than me and received a pre-interview rejection so I guess it came down to their wEX criteria.
I heard SOTON require really high UCATs so I guess I will have to wait and see when interim results come out how my score would fair?
QMUL I heard they give preferential treatment to those that have obtained a 1st Class Degree. Does anyone know if this is true?
Yeah with Cumbria/Imperial GEM being new I wonder how stringent they would be but yeah would want to apply there.
Thanks for the response. May I just ask why you say to certainly avoid Cambridge? Is their GEM course not ideal or is it because I am not a competitive enough applicant? And if so is it the retakes?
Yeah I have heard that Warwick have been known to be quite nit-picky with experience. I would say I have a decent amount of experience:
•
Worked as a SEN teaching assistant (6 months part-time)
•
Worked as a HCA in the community and hospital settings (2 months part-time and 7 months respectively )
•
Completed BSMS virtual work experience
•
Volunteered in Sunday school (Five years)
•
Gained clinical experience on placement as a Physician Associate student (1600 hours)
•
Youth Leader (3 months till date)
On the Warwick thread for 2024 entry I read that someone had a higher UCAT score than me and received a pre-interview rejection so I guess it came down to their wEX criteria.
I heard SOTON require really high UCATs so I guess I will have to wait and see when interim results come out how my score would fair?
QMUL I heard they give preferential treatment to those that have obtained a 1st Class Degree. Does anyone know if this is true?
Yeah with Cumbria/Imperial GEM being new I wonder how stringent they would be but yeah would want to apply there.
I know this is an irrelevant question but could you tell me how you got to work as a SEN teaching assistant and a HCA, what are the requirements? Any qualifications needed?
Reply 7
Original post
by lanky_giraffeWell, you would have to resit a level maths and achieve an A*; Cambridge is not a massive fan of resits, so your chance of an offer would be low even if you did get an A*. I would just not apply to Cambridge to save the hassle.
Sounds like your wEX is good enough for Warwick, and I'm pretty sure your UCAT would be good enough for Southampton.
I think QMUL do prefer first-class degrees, but I think most of them do. Your UCAT is very good, so your overall profile may be good enough for an interview.
For the new Imperial/Cumbria course, I would look closer into their admissions process and how they shortlist candidates, but from my knowledge, it is weighted solely on the UCAT (I would not quote myself on that).
Sounds like your wEX is good enough for Warwick, and I'm pretty sure your UCAT would be good enough for Southampton.
I think QMUL do prefer first-class degrees, but I think most of them do. Your UCAT is very good, so your overall profile may be good enough for an interview.
For the new Imperial/Cumbria course, I would look closer into their admissions process and how they shortlist candidates, but from my knowledge, it is weighted solely on the UCAT (I would not quote myself on that).
Yeah not worth resitting A levels and cba tbf.
Thanks think so too.
Yeah not gonna bother with QMUL wasn’t too keen anyways.
So what I found for the Imperial/Cumbria shortlisting is that they rank eligible applicants according to their GAMSAT and UCAT scores. Only thing is considering they are using two admissions tests and GAMSAT is known to be the more trickier one out of the two I wonder if they may give more preferential treatment to GAMSAT candidates. I heard that Swansea may be doing a similar thing with this year being the first they are using UCAT.
Reply 8
Original post
by S7479I know this is an irrelevant question but could you tell me how you got to work as a SEN teaching assistant and a HCA, what are the requirements? Any qualifications needed?
Hey there, no such thing as an irrelevant question
So funny enough I only started working as an SEN teaching assistant this year. I got the role through working with teaching agencies - I live in London so there are loads. If you live in a big city this’ll defo be something I’d imagine would be quite straightforward to get into. Although I’m a graduate all they needed was an up-to-date CV, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or the numerical equivalent, right to work documents and a DBS on the update service.
With regards to the HCA role I started working in it whilst studying. So I’ve worked in both community and hospital settings. My first HCA role was in a community setting once again through an agency and all they needed were right to work documents and DBS. For the hospital HCA role they required a bit more since it was a permanent role rather than HCA. They asked for a care certificate, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C and experience of working in a customer facing environment.
Hope that helps
Reply 9
Original post
by AnonymousHey there, no such thing as an irrelevant question
So funny enough I only started working as an SEN teaching assistant this year. I got the role through working with teaching agencies - I live in London so there are loads. If you live in a big city this’ll defo be something I’d imagine would be quite straightforward to get into. Although I’m a graduate all they needed was an up-to-date CV, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or the numerical equivalent, right to work documents and a DBS on the update service.
With regards to the HCA role I started working in it whilst studying. So I’ve worked in both community and hospital settings. My first HCA role was in a community setting once again through an agency and all they needed were right to work documents and DBS. For the hospital HCA role they required a bit more since it was a permanent role rather than HCA. They asked for a care certificate, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C and experience of working in a customer facing environment.
Hope that helps
So funny enough I only started working as an SEN teaching assistant this year. I got the role through working with teaching agencies - I live in London so there are loads. If you live in a big city this’ll defo be something I’d imagine would be quite straightforward to get into. Although I’m a graduate all they needed was an up-to-date CV, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or the numerical equivalent, right to work documents and a DBS on the update service.
With regards to the HCA role I started working in it whilst studying. So I’ve worked in both community and hospital settings. My first HCA role was in a community setting once again through an agency and all they needed were right to work documents and DBS. For the hospital HCA role they required a bit more since it was a permanent role rather than HCA. They asked for a care certificate, GCSE Maths and English at Grade C and experience of working in a customer facing environment.
Hope that helps
Heyyy,
Thank you very much for replying, it was really helpful. I want to study either biomedical science or biochemistry but I’m quite unsure in which one I should go with. I also want to do GEM afterwards, do you have any tips for the UCAT, as your score was outstanding.
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