having a bit of a wobble
Hello!
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
Reply 1
Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. 
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
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
Medicine 2025 entry for resit/ retake/ gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2025 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2025 Entry
2025 entry A100/ A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2025 Entry
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
For Community Feedback:
Medicine Community Feedback and Suggestions
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.
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
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
Medicine 2025 entry for resit/ retake/ gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2025 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2025 Entry
2025 entry A100/ A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2025 Entry
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
For Community Feedback:
Medicine Community Feedback and Suggestions
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.
Reply 2
12
Hi there,
Why is it that you're thinking of applying to a different course? Are you having doubts about Medicine or the rejection maybe? I went through a similar thing a month ago - I've just applied as well - of thinking of reapplying next year for Physics because I love the subject and was wrestling between it and Medicine.
I suggest you properly research each alternative route - and by that I mean the nitty gritty. What do they teach on the courses? What careers can you get afterwards? What is the job and pay progression like? How competitive is it to get a job? And can you get in touch with anyone doing the degree? Answer: yes you can. If you go on university websites you'll see chat functions with current students - that's what I did to all the courses I was thinking of applying to and I just asked them questions and that really helped me.
I've decided I want to stick to Medicine and actually I think I'm a lot more passionate about it now than I was before because I gave myself the chance to put Physics to rest because of all that research. So give yourself some time to process and research everything!
Why is it that you're thinking of applying to a different course? Are you having doubts about Medicine or the rejection maybe? I went through a similar thing a month ago - I've just applied as well - of thinking of reapplying next year for Physics because I love the subject and was wrestling between it and Medicine.
I suggest you properly research each alternative route - and by that I mean the nitty gritty. What do they teach on the courses? What careers can you get afterwards? What is the job and pay progression like? How competitive is it to get a job? And can you get in touch with anyone doing the degree? Answer: yes you can. If you go on university websites you'll see chat functions with current students - that's what I did to all the courses I was thinking of applying to and I just asked them questions and that really helped me.
I've decided I want to stick to Medicine and actually I think I'm a lot more passionate about it now than I was before because I gave myself the chance to put Physics to rest because of all that research. So give yourself some time to process and research everything!
Reply 3
20
Original post
by esme2006Hello!
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
Biomed = not just lab-work!
Two recent grads I know are currently ...... working on a vaccination trial in Malawi for Smith-Kline ........ and project managing for NHS Blood Donation.
Reply 4
20
PS. Look at Pharmacy - massive changes in the industry are increasing the role in front-line health care and preventative healthcare.
Reply 5
1
Original post
by esme2006Hello!
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
Hey! I am currently a third year at Exeter on the Bsc Medical Sciences course. They are changing the course to Biomedical Sciences for those joining in 2025 but I would be happy to help with any questions you may have as there is a large similarity between the two and I know people doing biology too. I am currently going through the graduate entry medicine application process and I have done numerous interview so that might be helpful to you if you want some advice. I would say that this course has as much lab work as you want. For us, the core modules didn't have a lot of lab work (you have more in first year) maybe 2 hours per week. But then depending on the chosen modules, this will vary. The medical school here is really good and I would definitely recommend going for the undergraduate medicine rather than graduate if you can (it is alot less student debt and less stress tm). We have alot of flexibility in our module choices and can do a large number of biosciences modules (you can also do out of programme modules if you want i.e. politics or non-med sci related bio modules). I would say to you to be sure you want to do medicine as it is a lot to take on and is a lot more vocational at the end of the day compared to a normal taught science degree.
Reply 6
Original post
by esme2006Hello!
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
I have applied for med to Exeter, Plymouth, Leicester and Cardiff (deferred entry) and got 3 interviews and a cardiff rejection- I have already had 1 interview and the other 2 are in a couple weeks.
However, I have been having some doubts and am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to another course at Exeter (this is where I really want to go) but after looking at different courses I am at a bit of a loss. I looked at Biomed but I don't particularly want to be a lab scientist, but if I change my mind again and want to go back to medicine this seems like the easiest route. I prefer the look of Biological Sciences as there is more flexibility and variation. I have other options after either of these degrees ie a law conversion or going into teaching, as well as post grad medicine, but as I said, I am just a bit confused at the moment
Is anyone else going through this?
Hello
I completely understand the uncertainty you're feeling about your medical school journey.
It's actually quite common for students to have doubts during this process and it's really mature of you to be thinking through your options carefully.
Firstly, congratulations
on getting 3 interviews - that's a fantastic achievement!Before making any decisions, I'd suggest:
1.
Complete your remaining interviews - you might find they help clarify your feelings about medicine and leave no room for regret.
2.
Consider what specifically is causing your doubts - is it the length of training, the nature of the work, or something else? (Sorting this out would probably clarify at least what you know you don't what to do in the future)
3.
Research your alternative options thoroughly
- both Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences are excellent courses.
In terms of your couse considerations biological Sciences would give you more flexibility and a broader foundation, which could be valuable if you're uncertain about your future direction. The variety in the course content might help you discover what truly interests you.
While Biomedical Sciences might be the more straightforward route back to medicine, choosing it solely for that reason might not be the best approach if you're not interested in the laboratory aspects.
Remember, there's no rush to make this decision; you could also consider taking a gap year to gain some work experience in different fields and clarify your interests.
Whatever you decide, both your current offers and potential alternative courses are great options that keep multiple career paths open. Focus on what genuinely interests you rather than what seems like the 'safest' route.
Biological Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology
Reply 7
esme2006
OP
6
Original post
by 185MHey! I am currently a third year at Exeter on the Bsc Medical Sciences course. They are changing the course to Biomedical Sciences for those joining in 2025 but I would be happy to help with any questions you may have as there is a large similarity between the two and I know people doing biology too. I am currently going through the graduate entry medicine application process and I have done numerous interview so that might be helpful to you if you want some advice. I would say that this course has as much lab work as you want. For us, the core modules didn't have a lot of lab work (you have more in first year) maybe 2 hours per week. But then depending on the chosen modules, this will vary. The medical school here is really good and I would definitely recommend going for the undergraduate medicine rather than graduate if you can (it is alot less student debt and less stress tm). We have alot of flexibility in our module choices and can do a large number of biosciences modules (you can also do out of programme modules if you want i.e. politics or non-med sci related bio modules). I would say to you to be sure you want to do medicine as it is a lot to take on and is a lot more vocational at the end of the day compared to a normal taught science degree.
I just got an offer for med at exeter!!! I genuinely cannot believe it- I think a lot of my doubt about medicine may have stemmed from the fact i didnt think i would get in to med schoool in the first place, and i had all my hopes set on exeter, very much all or nothing kind of thing.
Reply 8
Original post
by esme2006I just got an offer for med at exeter!!! I genuinely cannot believe it- I think a lot of my doubt about medicine may have stemmed from the fact i didnt think i would get in to med schoool in the first place, and i had all my hopes set on exeter, very much all or nothing kind of thing.
wow!
that's absolutely amazing!🎉 Congratulations on the offer
.I'm glad your doubts can be laid to rest
wishing you the best of luck in your future.
Maery
Biological Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology
Reply 9
Original post
by esme2006I just got an offer for med at exeter!!! I genuinely cannot believe it- I think a lot of my doubt about medicine may have stemmed from the fact i didnt think i would get in to med schoool in the first place, and i had all my hopes set on exeter, very much all or nothing kind of thing.
Very well done! Huge congrats in your achievement!
If you don't mind answering, how did you get on in the ucat? I'll be taking it this year so I'm just looking for different people's perspectives on things like when they started studying and any specific strategies they used.
Thanks in advance!
Reply 10
12
Original post
by esme2006I just got an offer for med at exeter!!! I genuinely cannot believe it- I think a lot of my doubt about medicine may have stemmed from the fact i didnt think i would get in to med schoool in the first place, and i had all my hopes set on exeter, very much all or nothing kind of thing.
Oh wow congratulations! And your top choice as well 🎉
Reply 11
esme2006
OP
6
Original post
by stilllearning123Very well done! Huge congrats in your achievement!
If you don't mind answering, how did you get on in the ucat? I'll be taking it this year so I'm just looking for different people's perspectives on things like when they started studying and any specific strategies they used.
Thanks in advance!
If you don't mind answering, how did you get on in the ucat? I'll be taking it this year so I'm just looking for different people's perspectives on things like when they started studying and any specific strategies they used.
Thanks in advance!
I got 2820 band 2, so nothing crazy high
Reply 12
Original post
by esme2006I got 2820 band 2, so nothing crazy high
Still above average. No tips for an up and comer like myself?
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- University post
- My Boyfriend is going to a friends birthday party with other girls
- Is it too late to drop my fourth As level in March after entering for the exam?
- I'm a Teach First mentor - ask me anything
- Do I still have a chance to apply for uni??? With failed GCSE’s
- Single parents
- A Level Music Performance HELP
- ✨ Parent roundtable discussion with Student Roost: Wednesday 23 July, Birmingham
- Maths worries and Nursing
- Medicine entry requirements
- EQP ideas - based on Islam§
- Help Choosing Between Parade Green and Dorset House
- experience with a year abroad during uni??
- just something to do before paper 1 creative writing incase i have to make a story
- University of Glasgow Disability Services?
- Doubting about doing my PGCE
- How do I research unis?
- Final year biomed student - overwhelmed, panic :(
- Official Mature Students Uni Applicant Thread 2026
- Cambridge AMES 2025 applicants
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 weeks ago
*MEGATHREAD* - The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread [part 6 of 6]Medicine
487
2609
Last reply 2 months ago
2025 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer sendersMedicine
279
1004
Last reply 4 months ago
Official: Keele University Medicine A100 2025 Entry Offer Holders 🎉Medicine
55
107
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
