*MEGATHREAD* - The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread [part 6 of 6]
18
Which Medical School should I apply to?
If you are wanting advice about med school applications, we need (as a minimum)
•
GCSEs and full grade/subject breakdown
•
A levels, subjects and predictions
•
UCAT and breakdown of subsections
•
SJT band
•
Brief mention of work experience
•
Any contextual or WP flags
•
The research you have done and any preferences
Medicine 2021 Entry requirements
GCSEs for Medicine 2021 Entry requirements
Shamelessly ripped from @Hygeia post from the first part of this thread:
As it's getting closer to the medicine deadline, more and more of these threads are appearing in the forum and people are getting a little frustrated with the them so this thread is for all of those queries (the x uni or y uni questions, the where should I apply with these grades etc).
A couple of FAQs
Which medical schools are easier to get into?
The simple answer here is none of them, all medical schools are very competitive and those with a lower applicant to offer ratio one year are likely to have a much higher one the next year.
However, it is possible to apply smart - for example, getting into Birmingham if you don't have the requisite number of A*s would be very difficult where the same number of A*s at another medical school are fine. Similarly, if your UKCAT is not brilliant, applying for medical schools which love the UKCAT might not be very sensible. You can make it easier for yourself by doing some research into the medical schools (using the links I posted earlier).
Should I apply to X university or Y university?
This is a very personal decision you have to make on your own as it is where you may be studying for 5 or 6 years. Do you have a gut instinct over which to go to? What is it you like about each? What don't you like? Have you visited both, if so, which did you feel more 'at home' at? Some people find it helpful to draw up a list of pros and cons for each if they're really struggling to decide. You can also have a look at what current students say about their medical schools in the link I posted earlier.
Please post in this thread rather than create any further threads on this topic. We have an excellent community of advice-givers in medicine who will follow this thread and support you. They may not see or reply to a different thread that you create though. However, we always recommend doing your own research!
Link to the previous "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?"
[Part 4 of 6]: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7102578
[Part 5 of 6]: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7312527
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New thread time 
Quoting everyone who posted in the last version of the thread
Quoting everyone who posted in the last version of the thread
Spoiler
(edited 1 year ago)
Just another reminder in addition to the first post that advisors (volunteering in their spare time) are unlikely to respond and advise on your posts if you have not posted your stats in a clear and coherent structure.
Use paragraphing and bold if necessary. Ensure you include all the details in the requested format as stated in the first post. Make things easier for advisors to help you. This is a huge privilege, please show them some respect
If your post has possibly been missed and users posting after you have received a reply or it has been a really long while, then quote your original post or share a link to it. However, please try to be patient!
Doing your own research is paramount! Help advisors with at least 4 universities you are considering. This is your application process, so find out as much as you can about the selection criteria to set your mind at ease a bit.
Click on the links below to help guide you:
Minimum UCAT score trends
Previously BMAT universities information
Use paragraphing and bold if necessary. Ensure you include all the details in the requested format as stated in the first post. Make things easier for advisors to help you. This is a huge privilege, please show them some respect
If your post has possibly been missed and users posting after you have received a reply or it has been a really long while, then quote your original post or share a link to it. However, please try to be patient!
Doing your own research is paramount! Help advisors with at least 4 universities you are considering. This is your application process, so find out as much as you can about the selection criteria to set your mind at ease a bit.
Click on the links below to help guide you:
Minimum UCAT score trends
Previously BMAT universities information
Reply 3
Hi everyone,
I have a couple questions regarding my application.
UCAT stats:
GCSEs:
Predicted A Level grades:
Work experience:
My questions are:
Many thanks in advance 
I have a couple questions regarding my application.
UCAT stats:
•
verbal reasoning 740
•
Decision making 720
•
Quantitative reasoning 690
•
Abstract reasoning 600
•
Situational judgement band 1
•
Overall score 2750
•
9999888776
•
9s in English lit and lang
•
9 in biology
•
8 in chemistry
•
7 in maths
•
A* chemistry
•
A* biology
•
A psychology
•
volunteering in a care home
•
Tutoring
•
Pharmacy
•
Other relevant info- member of my school’s medicine society, won a medical ethics essay competition, no contextual or WP flags
1.
Should I apply to kings college or kings edmp? I’ve been receiving mixed opinions due to my UCAT score, with some telling me I’ll be rejected pre interview for the normal 5 year course while others tell me I have a reasonable shot.
2.
I’m also applying to qmul, so should I apply to Glasgow or Nottingham as my 3rd application? My points for Nottingham are 131/152, and although I meet Glasgow’s threshold I’m unsure as to whether it’s absolutely unrealistic to apply as an RUK student.
3.
Would keele, Anglia Ruskin, or Aston be better suited for my safety choice?
Reply 4
13
Original post
by hikaru07Hi everyone,
I have a couple questions regarding my application.
UCAT stats:
GCSEs:
Predicted A Level grades:
Work experience:
My questions are:
Many thanks in advance
I have a couple questions regarding my application.
UCAT stats:
•
verbal reasoning 740
•
Decision making 720
•
Quantitative reasoning 690
•
Abstract reasoning 600
•
Situational judgement band 1
•
Overall score 2750
•
9999888776
•
9s in English lit and lang
•
9 in biology
•
8 in chemistry
•
7 in maths
•
A* chemistry
•
A* biology
•
A psychology
•
volunteering in a care home
•
Tutoring
•
Pharmacy
•
Other relevant info- member of my school’s medicine society, won a medical ethics essay competition, no contextual or WP flags
1.
Should I apply to kings college or kings edmp? I’ve been receiving mixed opinions due to my UCAT score, with some telling me I’ll be rejected pre interview for the normal 5 year course while others tell me I have a reasonable shot.
2.
I’m also applying to qmul, so should I apply to Glasgow or Nottingham as my 3rd application? My points for Nottingham are 131/152, and although I meet Glasgow’s threshold I’m unsure as to whether it’s absolutely unrealistic to apply as an RUK student.
3.
Would keele, Anglia Ruskin, or Aston be better suited for my safety choice?
You have already been advised Kings will be risky, but if you have your heart set, go for it.
Its your application and your risk taking appetite.
Reply 5
Original post
by ash210You have already been advised Kings will be risky, but if you have your heart set, go for it.
Its your application and your risk taking appetite.
Its your application and your risk taking appetite.
Would you recommend I apply to the 6 year course instead? Id rather minimise the risk
Reply 6
13
Original post
by hikaru07Would you recommend I apply to the 6 year course instead? Id rather minimise the risk
I think that will be safer than A100.
Reply 7
Hi all, just looking at past years ucat thresholds. Can the spike in 21/22 be attributed mostly to a covid induced mass deferral? Ofc scores can be pretty variable but are we more likely to expect that seen in 23/24 than before? Just looking at Glasgow which was at 2870 in 2022 but 2690 in 2023 for RUK, slightly concerned as at 2740. Thanks!
Reply 8
Original post
by ToothedJarlHi all, just looking at past years ucat thresholds. Can the spike in 21/22 be attributed mostly to a covid induced mass deferral? Ofc scores can be pretty variable but are we more likely to expect that seen in 23/24 than before? Just looking at Glasgow which was at 2870 in 2022 but 2690 in 2023 for RUK, slightly concerned as at 2740. Thanks!
Same here, I have 2750 and I don't know if I have a chance at Glasgow as an RUK applicant. However, it has been said that UCAT thresholds will be similar to last year as the UCAT final data was similar to last year. Therefore I think that the RUK cutoff will still be around 2680/90 as that’s what it was in previous years- I think the 2500 from last year was a contextual applicant
Reply 9
Hi. These are my stats. Please let me know which med schools would be suitable. Thanks.
GCSEs: 9888777766. 9 was in maths. I originally got a grade 5 in English language and resit to get a 7.
Predicted: A*A*A
UCAT:2550 B2
Work experience: Have done 2 hospital work experiences and had a job supporting children with learning disabilities. Also been volunteering for over 3 years.
I am thinking of applying to Keele, Sunderland, KMMS and UEA
GCSEs: 9888777766. 9 was in maths. I originally got a grade 5 in English language and resit to get a 7.
Predicted: A*A*A
UCAT:2550 B2
Work experience: Have done 2 hospital work experiences and had a job supporting children with learning disabilities. Also been volunteering for over 3 years.
I am thinking of applying to Keele, Sunderland, KMMS and UEA
Reply 10
Original post
by Someone20Hi. These are my stats. Please let me know which med schools would be suitable. Thanks.
GCSEs: 9888777766. 9 was in maths. I originally got a grade 5 in English language and resit to get a 7.
Predicted: A*A*A
UCAT:2550 B2
Work experience: Have done 2 hospital work experiences and had a job supporting children with learning disabilities. Also been volunteering for over 3 years.
I am thinking of applying to Keele, Sunderland, KMMS and UEA
GCSEs: 9888777766. 9 was in maths. I originally got a grade 5 in English language and resit to get a 7.
Predicted: A*A*A
UCAT:2550 B2
Work experience: Have done 2 hospital work experiences and had a job supporting children with learning disabilities. Also been volunteering for over 3 years.
I am thinking of applying to Keele, Sunderland, KMMS and UEA
3 more things needed
a. are you a contextual applicant
b. have you personally checked each of your sensible sounding options will accept that resit and that all GCSEs meet grades and subject requirements
c. as October now, when do you need to show school your application
Reply 11
Dear Support team:
My stats are below:
predicted A-Level grades A* A* A*
GCSE grades: Physics(9), Biology(9), Chemistry(9), Maths(8), English Language(7), History(7), Music (6), Computer Science(6) and English Literature(5). I initially achieved 5 in Eng. Language and resat to achieve 7.
UCAT: 2730 (8th decile) with Band 3 .
I attend a state school since age 11.
I volunteer at Hospital and have completed virtual work experience with Medic Mentor.
I have also previously done volunteering at a charity shop.
I have done 2 weeks lab work KCL biology department.
I was an Honours student in my school.
My university choices are:
Could you please advise if my profile is competitive enough for an interview from my choices? Thank you
My stats are below:
predicted A-Level grades A* A* A*
GCSE grades: Physics(9), Biology(9), Chemistry(9), Maths(8), English Language(7), History(7), Music (6), Computer Science(6) and English Literature(5). I initially achieved 5 in Eng. Language and resat to achieve 7.
UCAT: 2730 (8th decile) with Band 3 .
I attend a state school since age 11.
I volunteer at Hospital and have completed virtual work experience with Medic Mentor.
I have also previously done volunteering at a charity shop.
I have done 2 weeks lab work KCL biology department.
I was an Honours student in my school.
My university choices are:
1.
KMMS A100
2.
QMUL A100
3.
Plymouth A100
4.
Confused between KCL EMDP A101, Southampton A100 and Sheffield A100
Reply 12
1
Hello please can I have some advice. I study in Wales just to let you know
GCSEs
Chemistry - A*
Wesh Second Language - A*
Physics - A*
Biology - A*
Mathematics - A*
English Language - A
English Literature - A*
Mathematics - Numeracy - A*
Business Studies - A*
Computer Science - A*
A-Levels Predictions
Biology - A*
Chemistry A*
Further Mathematics - A*
I already have an A* IN A level Maths that I did in one year during YEar 12.
UCAT
580 - VR
770 - DM
740 - QR
620 - AR
2710 UCAT, SJT B3
Work Experience - Shadowing consultants in clinics and shadowing consultants in hospitals. Volunteering at the Red Cross
Contextual - I know cuz I study at a non-selective state school in Wales I'm contextual for some
My options that I am considering: Cardiff, Exeter, Birmingham and Liverpool
I have strong GCSEs so I reckon I stand a somewhat good chance at Cardiff. I am contextual for Exeter cuz of school in Wales and combined with my 3A* prediction I think I stand a good chance as well. Birmingham I am also contextual but may be a bit risky and my quintile is POLAR4 quintile 4.
I would like to ask if these are good options that I have chosen and I would like to ask regarding Sheffield as I really love Sheffield and I noticed that there 2024 UCAT Cutoff for interview was 2440 which was mad lower than other years and I know it is going to rise but obvs I don't know how much so I don't know whether it's a risk I should take. and also about Queen Marys Barts as they replied in an email saying it's no longer 50:50 UCAT to UCAS Tariff Points so I don't know if Barts is worth the risk as well.
GCSEs
Chemistry - A*
Wesh Second Language - A*
Physics - A*
Biology - A*
Mathematics - A*
English Language - A
English Literature - A*
Mathematics - Numeracy - A*
Business Studies - A*
Computer Science - A*
A-Levels Predictions
Biology - A*
Chemistry A*
Further Mathematics - A*
I already have an A* IN A level Maths that I did in one year during YEar 12.
UCAT
580 - VR
770 - DM
740 - QR
620 - AR
2710 UCAT, SJT B3
Work Experience - Shadowing consultants in clinics and shadowing consultants in hospitals. Volunteering at the Red Cross
Contextual - I know cuz I study at a non-selective state school in Wales I'm contextual for some
My options that I am considering: Cardiff, Exeter, Birmingham and Liverpool
I have strong GCSEs so I reckon I stand a somewhat good chance at Cardiff. I am contextual for Exeter cuz of school in Wales and combined with my 3A* prediction I think I stand a good chance as well. Birmingham I am also contextual but may be a bit risky and my quintile is POLAR4 quintile 4.
I would like to ask if these are good options that I have chosen and I would like to ask regarding Sheffield as I really love Sheffield and I noticed that there 2024 UCAT Cutoff for interview was 2440 which was mad lower than other years and I know it is going to rise but obvs I don't know how much so I don't know whether it's a risk I should take. and also about Queen Marys Barts as they replied in an email saying it's no longer 50:50 UCAT to UCAS Tariff Points so I don't know if Barts is worth the risk as well.
Reply 13
I am an international student and l've done GCSEs and currently studying for my A levels.
GCSEs- 6 subjects; 5 A*s 1A-
Biology- A*
Chemistry- A*
Physics- A*
Mathematics- A*
Computer science- A*
English language- A
I only took 6 GCSE subjects as I didn't have any idea that taking less would affect my future application prospects and I was never made aware of this by my school either. What's done is done, though.
UCAT- 2530; Band 3
VR- 580
DM - 680
QR- 630
AR- 640
Average comes out to be 632.5
Predicted A levels- Biology, Chemistry and Physics- A* A* A*
Fairly strong extracurriculars- Head-boy of the school; President of the community service club; Lead roles in multiple stage plays; 3 MUNs. Some might sound a bit irrelevant but I can easily link them all to required skills in a doctor in the personal statement so there's that.
Very sure that I will get amazing letters of recommendation, I’m getting them from my chemistry and physics teacher. Should I instead get one of the two from my biology teacher? Would it be of more significance? However I think he hasn’t been able to know me as well as my physics and chemistry teacher.
Finding medical work experience as a high school student in India, where I live, is next to impossible, still:-
Observed at a local hospital for a week.
Talked to a few doctors about their life experiences, job satisfaction and career in general
Conducted food and plantation drives which should count as interaction with the community.
Taught 3 underprivileged kids (aged over 10) how to read, write and count over a span of 2-3 months which taught me to be a veritable and adaptive teacher.
Still, I feel like I'm lacking in every aspect one way or the other and it's kind of frustrating because l've always managed to get top notch grades (again, I did not realize that I should've taken more than 6 GCSEs, like 8 or 9 perhaps) and yet I am left with minimal application possibilities.
I need advice on which universities should I apply to as the deadline is closing in.
Current shortlisted ones-
King's College London
Cardiff University
Plymouth University
Brunel university
I really wanted to apply to the University of Birmingham but it places high emphasis on the UCAT score, doesn’t it?
Other options that I might consider-
Aberdeen university
Norwich (UEA)
Exeter university
Queen Mary university London
UCL
Imperial college London
(Would love to hear more info about the standard of each of these as per entry requirements and if I'm fit for them, thanks a lot in advance!)
I was pretty optimistic about Cardiff until I realised they score you out of your best 9 GCSEs so having 6 would obviously put me at a great disadvantage. I know I’ve asked a lot in a single post but any input is highly appreciated! 🥂
GCSEs- 6 subjects; 5 A*s 1A-
Biology- A*
Chemistry- A*
Physics- A*
Mathematics- A*
Computer science- A*
English language- A
I only took 6 GCSE subjects as I didn't have any idea that taking less would affect my future application prospects and I was never made aware of this by my school either. What's done is done, though.
UCAT- 2530; Band 3
VR- 580
DM - 680
QR- 630
AR- 640
Average comes out to be 632.5
Predicted A levels- Biology, Chemistry and Physics- A* A* A*
Fairly strong extracurriculars- Head-boy of the school; President of the community service club; Lead roles in multiple stage plays; 3 MUNs. Some might sound a bit irrelevant but I can easily link them all to required skills in a doctor in the personal statement so there's that.
Very sure that I will get amazing letters of recommendation, I’m getting them from my chemistry and physics teacher. Should I instead get one of the two from my biology teacher? Would it be of more significance? However I think he hasn’t been able to know me as well as my physics and chemistry teacher.
Finding medical work experience as a high school student in India, where I live, is next to impossible, still:-
Observed at a local hospital for a week.
Talked to a few doctors about their life experiences, job satisfaction and career in general
Conducted food and plantation drives which should count as interaction with the community.
Taught 3 underprivileged kids (aged over 10) how to read, write and count over a span of 2-3 months which taught me to be a veritable and adaptive teacher.
Still, I feel like I'm lacking in every aspect one way or the other and it's kind of frustrating because l've always managed to get top notch grades (again, I did not realize that I should've taken more than 6 GCSEs, like 8 or 9 perhaps) and yet I am left with minimal application possibilities.
I need advice on which universities should I apply to as the deadline is closing in.
Current shortlisted ones-
King's College London
Cardiff University
Plymouth University
Brunel university
I really wanted to apply to the University of Birmingham but it places high emphasis on the UCAT score, doesn’t it?
Other options that I might consider-
Aberdeen university
Norwich (UEA)
Exeter university
Queen Mary university London
UCL
Imperial college London
(Would love to hear more info about the standard of each of these as per entry requirements and if I'm fit for them, thanks a lot in advance!)
I was pretty optimistic about Cardiff until I realised they score you out of your best 9 GCSEs so having 6 would obviously put me at a great disadvantage. I know I’ve asked a lot in a single post but any input is highly appreciated! 🥂
Reply 14
Original post
by ToothedJarlHi all, just looking at past years ucat thresholds. Can the spike in 21/22 be attributed mostly to a covid induced mass deferral? Ofc scores can be pretty variable but are we more likely to expect that seen in 23/24 than before? Just looking at Glasgow which was at 2870 in 2022 but 2690 in 2023 for RUK, slightly concerned as at 2740. Thanks!
Not mass deferral, just a massive increase in applications because of the pandemic (for whatever reason) which by nature meant more high scorers to compete with. The numbers are now dropping a bit but not down to pre-pandemic levels yet.
Reply 15
Original post
by AquilegiaNot mass deferral, just a massive increase in applications because of the pandemic (for whatever reason) which by nature meant more high scorers to compete with. The numbers are now dropping a bit but not down to pre-pandemic levels yet.
The number of UCAT takers has drastically dropped in 2024 hasn’t it? It was consistent with over 30k students in the previous 3-4 years but it was 20k in 2024 if you look at the UCAT statistics on the official websites that they’ve published. Wouldn’t that mean overall lower cut offs and less competition?
Because I noticed the cut offs were some of the lowest in 2017 and in that year as well the number of UCAT takers was relatively lower at 24k and yeah this year it’s even lower as I said so maybe that’s a correlation, do you think?
Reply 16
Original post
by Aaditya27The number of UCAT takers has drastically dropped in 2024 hasn’t it? It was consistent with over 30k students in the previous 3-4 years but it was 20k in 2024 if you look at the UCAT statistics on the official websites that they’ve published. Wouldn’t that mean overall lower cut offs and less competition?
Because I noticed the cut offs were some of the lowest in 2017 and in that year as well the number of UCAT takers was relatively lower at 24k and yeah this year it’s even lower as I said so maybe that’s a correlation, do you think?
Because I noticed the cut offs were some of the lowest in 2017 and in that year as well the number of UCAT takers was relatively lower at 24k and yeah this year it’s even lower as I said so maybe that’s a correlation, do you think?
37913 tests taken this year. More than any other year. From the ucat website.
Reply 17
Original post
by MedMama3 more things needed
a. are you a contextual applicant
b. have you personally checked each of your sensible sounding options will accept that resit and that all GCSEs meet grades and subject requirements
c. as October now, when do you need to show school your application
a. are you a contextual applicant
b. have you personally checked each of your sensible sounding options will accept that resit and that all GCSEs meet grades and subject requirements
c. as October now, when do you need to show school your application
No I'm not contextual. I have emailed to check if GCSE resits are accepted. They were all fine with it. I need to give in my application as soon as possible. Thanks
Reply 18
Original post
by Topsy-turvy37913 tests taken this year. More than any other year. From the ucat website.
You’re right, my bad fr. Don’t know how I got such inaccurate information. Would you mind taking a look at the question I posted a bit above this, I’m really confused about which unis to select; appreciate the help🥂
Reply 19
Original post
by Aaditya27You’re right, my bad fr. Don’t know how I got such inaccurate information. Would you mind taking a look at the question I posted a bit above this, I’m really confused about which unis to select; appreciate the help🥂
I'm sorry - I'm not an advisor -just an observer and I'm afraid I know nothing about international applicants but hopefully someone will be able to advise you soon. Good luck
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