Oxford chances

I'm in year 12 and want to know what chance I have of getting into oxford for medicine - For my GCSES, I got seven 9s and three 8s - I'm currently doing biology, chemistry and maths + possibly an EPQ. I got a distinction in English language speaking.
I dont have a huge amount of work experience/extracurricular - I've done work experience for a week in year 10 at a primary school and thats about it. For extracurricular, I've got nothing at all.
I volunteer at my school - every Monday I help with KS3 STEM club and every Wednesdays I help with Science support. Going to help out at open days, etc
I attend Medical society and hoping to run it myself next year
I'm set to do my UCAT.
What chances do I have? and how can I improve my chances?

Honestly, you have the whole year to find work experience. Don’t worry too much. Definitely focus on getting the A* predictions - do this by constantly getting As in your mocks and topic tests in class so teachers can confidently predict you grades and this will save you from worrying over summer and at the beginning of y13 as you would technically only have the first month back to increase those predicted (which rarely happens) before you send off your applications in October.
Springpod have some virtual work experiences you can attend which give you certificates. I recommend applying to stuff like K+, the Sutton trust to help you. Attend online lectures about med. Ask your teachers if they know of any work experiences you can do. Don’t worry your journey has just started. You should aim to slowly start y13 content by summer yourself (reading ahead) and also focussing on UCAT and work experience. Do not underestimate UCAT and a lot of people say to do 6-8 weeks of UCAT revision, however I’d recommend starting a little early.
Unis don’t really care about your speaking endorsement for English, you do add it on ur UCAS when putting down your past education and qualifications however I know it doesn’t affect university decisions.

Post on this thread once you've completed your Ucat!
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7312527&p=99820799&page=318&viewing_newpost=1#post99820799
Remember to include a breakdown of your gcses, Ucat and state whether you are contextual
Important: the medical application thread is very busy at this time of the year so be patient💜💜
Good luck!

this was super helpful - Thank you so much 🙂
I was stressing about how much work experience or volunteering I'm meant to do tbh

I guess it’s not about how much you do, rather what you’ve done and how well you can explain how it’s help you develop your interest and liking towards med and also how “good” your work experience is

ohh right - the thing is it is super difficult to get work experience in the medical field so im so lost - ive emailed gps and theyve all rejected me - the nhs u have to volunteer for at least 6 months and i kinda want to focus on my studies right now rather than being in a hospital for the majority of my time, if u get what i mean

Because it’s medicine I know it’s not just about directly working in healthcare! A lot of my friends were told to do work experiences that show you are caring & helping for others. For example, working in a care home. Try doing work experience in a pharmacy too. Anything helps.

thank you so much - this makes sense now. how long would u recommend to work - a day or a week/month or does it not matter how long?

Bang out the UCAT!!!
i recommend at least 3 months

I’d say speak to your local care home and try do once a week as you’ll want to occupy your time with studying

oh yeah i was thinking once a week like every saturday for a few months - thanks a lot!

No worries xx

3 months revision for UCAT or 3 months work experience?

ucat buddy

oh alr bro thanks - any tips for how to revise?

Don’t start way too early
Me personally I did 6 months but with very light revision for the first 3 months, like 1 hour a day max.
Then you ramp up in terms of time spent
I suggest buying both medify and medentry .
Me personally I averaged 3k in medify towards then end of 3.2k on medentry.
However it’s quite sad (and I am very annoyed) since on the test date I was sick so I only managed to get 2890 b3.
Anyways good luck !
As always if u need any help just dm me and I’ll give u my discord so we can chat there

Don’t start way too early
Me personally I did 6 months but with very light revision for the first 3 months, like 1 hour a day max.
Then you ramp up in terms of time spent
I suggest buying both medify and medentry .
Me personally I averaged 3k in medify towards then end of 3.2k on medentry.
However it’s quite sad (and I am very annoyed) since on the test date I was sick so I only managed to get 2890 b3.
Anyways good luck !
As always if u need any help just dm me and I’ll give u my discord so we can chat there