Gap Years, Medicine, Resit's, A-levels
So, I'm currently resitting my A-levels, again. This will be my second resit, as I did get discouraged during my last resit due to my close aunt's death.
I have my eyes set on Medicine, and I am determined to do whatever it takes to get in.
My stats are 9's in IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, GCSE Chemsitry, RS, Psychology. 8's in GCSE Maths, History, Spanish and 6 in English.
I didn't do so great in my first A-levels and received a DDD, with no revision. My last resit was not so great either due to bereavement in my family.
Although I can see the mistakes I made, I decided to resit my A-levels a last time. My Predictions based on my mocks have been A*AA and I am trying to do as well as I can to attain those grades by the summer.
Issue is I have never gained a single med interview, I've faced rejections from medical schools this year too. My UCAT results have been 2300 Band 2.
Now I've came here to ask. What should my next steps be? I am determined to take as long as it takes to reach medicine.
Currently, the choices I can see is either, taking another gap year after my exams, and acing the UCAT. And applying through the Undergrad way.
The other option would be to take on biomedical Sciences (which I have an offer for this year) and take the internal transfer route which QMUL does after the end of the 2nd year of Biomed.
In regards to the first option, I am worried I might face rejections solely due to the fact, I've resat my A-levels, twice. I appreciate the fact Medicine is very competitive, so Applying through an internal route or applying as an undergrad again, will be competitive and not guaranteed, but I am worried of the fact if I do an internal transfer, the spaces are limited, and in the case I am not successful that way, I might stick with a degree, I'm not 100% interested in.
I want to maximise my chances into getting into Medicine. I've heard into Graduate Entry Med, but have seen around 7 applications for a single space on the GEM programme, compared to 3.5 applications for a place, on the UnderGrad Programme. Please do update this if this is changed, or incorrect. But the competition in GEM is even higher than Undergrad.
So what would be the best option for me be? I wouldn't like any answer's saying 'you're not cut out for medicine'. I would like constructive criticism here. I believe if you are determined to reach something, no matter how many obstacles or set-backs you face, you will achieve it. Thanks in advance for any answers
I have my eyes set on Medicine, and I am determined to do whatever it takes to get in.
My stats are 9's in IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, GCSE Chemsitry, RS, Psychology. 8's in GCSE Maths, History, Spanish and 6 in English.
I didn't do so great in my first A-levels and received a DDD, with no revision. My last resit was not so great either due to bereavement in my family.
Although I can see the mistakes I made, I decided to resit my A-levels a last time. My Predictions based on my mocks have been A*AA and I am trying to do as well as I can to attain those grades by the summer.
Issue is I have never gained a single med interview, I've faced rejections from medical schools this year too. My UCAT results have been 2300 Band 2.
Now I've came here to ask. What should my next steps be? I am determined to take as long as it takes to reach medicine.
Currently, the choices I can see is either, taking another gap year after my exams, and acing the UCAT. And applying through the Undergrad way.
The other option would be to take on biomedical Sciences (which I have an offer for this year) and take the internal transfer route which QMUL does after the end of the 2nd year of Biomed.
In regards to the first option, I am worried I might face rejections solely due to the fact, I've resat my A-levels, twice. I appreciate the fact Medicine is very competitive, so Applying through an internal route or applying as an undergrad again, will be competitive and not guaranteed, but I am worried of the fact if I do an internal transfer, the spaces are limited, and in the case I am not successful that way, I might stick with a degree, I'm not 100% interested in.
I want to maximise my chances into getting into Medicine. I've heard into Graduate Entry Med, but have seen around 7 applications for a single space on the GEM programme, compared to 3.5 applications for a place, on the UnderGrad Programme. Please do update this if this is changed, or incorrect. But the competition in GEM is even higher than Undergrad.
So what would be the best option for me be? I wouldn't like any answer's saying 'you're not cut out for medicine'. I would like constructive criticism here. I believe if you are determined to reach something, no matter how many obstacles or set-backs you face, you will achieve it. Thanks in advance for any answers
(edited 4 months ago)
Reply 1
Also - I am not able to apply for Widening Participation or Foundation Years any other equivalent programmes. I thought I'd highlight that too just in case anyone does place emphasis on that. Cheers.
Reply 2
I would say the very first thing to do is to focus on getting those 3 As.
After that different doors may open eg a clearing spot? Or reapplying next year (work hard on ucat) and apply strategically to unis who aren’t bothered about resits.
If applying with achieved grades you are in a strong position. If you have no offers/interviews this go round, I would shelve all thoughts about those applications and lock in to achieving 3As.
Then take it from there.
After that different doors may open eg a clearing spot? Or reapplying next year (work hard on ucat) and apply strategically to unis who aren’t bothered about resits.
If applying with achieved grades you are in a strong position. If you have no offers/interviews this go round, I would shelve all thoughts about those applications and lock in to achieving 3As.
Then take it from there.
Reply 3
Original post by Cbfrench1978
I would say the very first thing to do is to focus on getting those 3 As.
After that different doors may open eg a clearing spot? Or reapplying next year (work hard on ucat) and apply strategically to unis who aren’t bothered about resits.
If applying with achieved grades you are in a strong position. If you have no offers/interviews this go round, I would shelve all thoughts about those applications and lock in to achieving 3As.
Then take it from there.
After that different doors may open eg a clearing spot? Or reapplying next year (work hard on ucat) and apply strategically to unis who aren’t bothered about resits.
If applying with achieved grades you are in a strong position. If you have no offers/interviews this go round, I would shelve all thoughts about those applications and lock in to achieving 3As.
Then take it from there.
It's just a constant thought whilst I'm revising as to what I should do in regards to getting a place. You are right about getting the right grades, but I also think ahead as to what I should do. Take on my offer with biomed and have a go at transfer, or take another year out and focus on the UCAT. Also, how likely are the chances of Medicine on Clearing?
Reply 4
Original post by butterfly_005
I'm doing all I can to achieve those A's or higher. I've been constantly revising this time around, as my issue was with procrastination as well. either way, I have to achieve really good grades, no matter the path I take.
It's just a constant thought whilst I'm revising as to what I should do in regards to getting a place. You are right about getting the right grades, but I also think ahead as to what I should do. Take on my offer with biomed and have a go at transfer, or take another year out and focus on the UCAT. Also, how likely are the chances of Medicine on Clearing?
It's just a constant thought whilst I'm revising as to what I should do in regards to getting a place. You are right about getting the right grades, but I also think ahead as to what I should do. Take on my offer with biomed and have a go at transfer, or take another year out and focus on the UCAT. Also, how likely are the chances of Medicine on Clearing?
The truth is, not likely, but still possible. Your UCAT score will have closed doors for you this round. With the correct grades and study again for UCAT, go again next year.
Make yourself a plan - One more go, if I don’t get the grades then I will go biomed and leave medicine out (for awhile)
Realistically you can’t keep resitting so you need to make a plan A, plan B, plan C etc
Reply 5
Original post by Cbfrench1978
The truth is, not likely, but still possible. Your UCAT score will have closed doors for you this round. With the correct grades and study again for UCAT, go again next year.
Make yourself a plan - One more go, if I don’t get the grades then I will go biomed and leave medicine out (for awhile)
Realistically you can’t keep resitting so you need to make a plan A, plan B, plan C etc
Make yourself a plan - One more go, if I don’t get the grades then I will go biomed and leave medicine out (for awhile)
Realistically you can’t keep resitting so you need to make a plan A, plan B, plan C etc
I really do think my UCAT score hindered my application this time around. I could've went the BMAT way, but that's been ruled out. They're making medicine even more competitive now. Making a plan seems like the way to go. Honestly, thank you.
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