The Student Room Group

Medicine with not enough gcses

Hi.I came to england just before year 10 starts .So the school I get accepted into did not have spaces for many subjects. So I only did english language,english literature,biology,chemistry,maths,physics and btec IT.I was struggling with all the subjects especially in english language and literature throughout GCSEs because my english is not good.I end up failing English literature. I only got grade 3 in english literature.I managed to get grade 9 in biology ,chemistry,physics, and maths.and I got a grade 4 in english language.I'm going to resit english language. I got a level 2 merit in BTEC IT. I already know that with my results, getting into medicine is impossible.I feel like all I did was science and maths. I started my alevels.I'm doing Chemistry,Biology and maths.I really do not want to give up on doing medicine. Do you have any advice on this.Will universities consider my application if I do well in my a levels? Should I try to get a lot of working experiences ? Or should I do some GCSEs after a level by taking a gap year
Original post by Sarah21456
Hi.I came to england just before year 10 starts .So the school I get accepted into did not have spaces for many subjects. So I only did english language,english literature,biology,chemistry,maths,physics and btec IT.I was struggling with all the subjects especially in english language and literature throughout GCSEs because my english is not good.I end up failing English literature. I only got grade 3 in english literature.I managed to get grade 9 in biology ,chemistry,physics, and maths.and I got a grade 4 in english language.I'm going to resit english language. I got a level 2 merit in BTEC IT. I already know that with my results, getting into medicine is impossible.I feel like all I did was science and maths. I started my alevels.I'm doing Chemistry,Biology and maths.I really do not want to give up on doing medicine. Do you have any advice on this.Will universities consider my application if I do well in my a levels? Should I try to get a lot of working experiences ? Or should I do some GCSEs after a level by taking a gap year

My advice would be to apply to medical schools who do not use GCSEs to shortlist for interview or don’t consider them beyond meeting the minimum requirements, such as UCL and Imperial. Other than resitting English language, there’s not much point in doing more GCSEs during or post A levels. You should aim to meet the minimum A level requirements of the universities you want to apply to and work hard on your UCAT when the time comes. For now, focus on your English language resit and your A levels. You should also be aware that most medical schools will want a 6 in English language minimum.

Reply 2

I’d say you should concentrate on your A-Levels, most medical schools would prefer A or A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and Maths. Resitting both your English exams will make your application much more competitive. However, you may be able to choose universities that are more lenient when it comes to GCSE grades (Newcastle, etc). On the topic of making your application competitive, get as much work experience as you can. Southampton do an online medical work experience that is usually aimed at those who come from a disadvantaged background, also find work experience in a ward, in a GP, shadowing nurses or doctors.

If you don’t get into university, you can still get into a Graduate Entry Medicine course. So, look at taking a course such as Biomedicine or even nursing which will help with getting into a GEM uni.

Hope this helps! :smile:
Original post by Sarah21456
Hi.I came to england just before year 10 starts .So the school I get accepted into did not have spaces for many subjects. So I only did english language,english literature,biology,chemistry,maths,physics and btec IT.I was struggling with all the subjects especially in english language and literature throughout GCSEs because my english is not good.I end up failing English literature. I only got grade 3 in english literature.I managed to get grade 9 in biology ,chemistry,physics, and maths.and I got a grade 4 in english language.I'm going to resit english language. I got a level 2 merit in BTEC IT. I already know that with my results, getting into medicine is impossible.I feel like all I did was science and maths. I started my alevels.I'm doing Chemistry,Biology and maths.I really do not want to give up on doing medicine. Do you have any advice on this.Will universities consider my application if I do well in my a levels? Should I try to get a lot of working experiences ? Or should I do some GCSEs after a level by taking a gap year

Improve your English grade and you will be fine. Universities understand that if you came to the country Year 10, there is a valid reason not to have the standard set of GCSEs.

You don't need to waste time taking more GCSEs, they aren't a test of knowledge, they are a test of academic progression. Your progression was materially and legitimately affected by moving to a new country (and quite likely operating in a new language).

Reply 4

Original post by threeportdrift
Improve your English grade and you will be fine. Universities understand that if you came to the country Year 10, there is a valid reason not to have the standard set of GCSEs.
You don't need to waste time taking more GCSEs, they aren't a test of knowledge, they are a test of academic progression. Your progression was materially and legitimately affected by moving to a new country (and quite likely operating in a new language).


But where will I mention about coming to england just before year 10?and about the strugglings of language barrier?.I can mention that in my personal statement. But what if they did not check my personal statement and reject my application after seing my GCSE results
Original post by Sarah21456
But where will I mention about coming to england just before year 10?and about the strugglings of language barrier?.I can mention that in my personal statement. But what if they did not check my personal statement and reject my application after seing my GCSE results

Your UCAS referee should include any details of circumstances that have caused disruption to your studies in your reference. Don’t mention this in your personal statement, unless it is relevant in some way (e.g. coming to England inspired you to pursue medicine).

Reply 6

Original post by bibachu
Your UCAS referee should include any details of circumstances that have caused disruption to your studies in your reference. Don’t mention this in your personal statement, unless it is relevant in some way (e.g. coming to England inspired you to pursue medicine).


I got it. Thank you soo much

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