can i still apply for medicine

Hi guys just wanted to know if my chances for medicine are quite limited.
At gcses i achieved :
7 in english literature
7 in maths
8 in english language
8 in french
8 in religious studies
7 in geography
7 in sociology
6 in physics
6 in biology
6 in chemistry ( one mark off a seven but couldn’t afford the remark )
for A levels i’m predicted A* A A and i do sociology biology and chemistry. Do i just have to apply strategically and do good in UCAT or am i just cooked since i got so low in the sciences

Reply 1

eki23

4

Hey! I think your GCSEs are perfectly fine for Medicine, don't worry about it at all - most universities don't really look at GCSEs all that much, and those who do usually expect passes or around 6s (to the best of my knowledge) - the only universities where GCSEs do matter are Oxbridge, for example at Oxford 50% of the Medicine interview shortlisting process looks at how many 8s/9s you have and what % of your grades are 8s/9s (GCSEs can be made up for with a higher UCAT)
So overall, don't be put off! The UCAT is the main thing which decides which universities you can apply to, so I wouldn't tick off Medicine because of your GCSES at all - congratulations by the way, they are really good!

Reply 2

shafo269

OP

8

Original post by eki23

Hey! I think your GCSEs are perfectly fine for Medicine, don't worry about it at all - most universities don't really look at GCSEs all that much, and those who do usually expect passes or around 6s (to the best of my knowledge) - the only universities where GCSEs do matter are Oxbridge, for example at Oxford 50% of the Medicine interview shortlisting process looks at how many 8s/9s you have and what % of your grades are 8s/9s (GCSEs can be made up for with a higher UCAT)
So overall, don't be put off! The UCAT is the main thing which decides which universities you can apply to, so I wouldn't tick off Medicine because of your GCSES at all - congratulations by the way, they are really good!

thanks sm

Reply 3

McGinger

20

As above, Unis do not obsess about GCSEs in the way that many school-leaders expect. Yes, they may require specific GCSE grades in English and Maths, but they will be far more interested in your A level predicted grades, UKCAT score and interview performance.

2025 entry requirements for each UK Medical School -
2025 entry requirements for UK medical schools published | Medical Schools Council

Reply 4

UoL Students

Official Rep

15

Original post by shafo269

Hi guys just wanted to know if my chances for medicine are quite limited.
At gcses i achieved :
7 in english literature
7 in maths
8 in english language
8 in french
8 in religious studies
7 in geography
7 in sociology
6 in physics
6 in biology
6 in chemistry ( one mark off a seven but couldn’t afford the remark )
for A levels i’m predicted A* A A and i do sociology biology and chemistry. Do i just have to apply strategically and do good in UCAT or am i just cooked since i got so low in the sciences

Hi!
I would recommend going for it, but definitely be strategic! I know some unis really focus on work experience/ volunteering for example! Do thorough research, and you will find a uni that aligns with your strengths! Your predicted A Levels are super strong so focus on smashing that UCAT! 💪

Good luck!

Lindo
2nd Year Medical Student

Reply 5

inflated-chemist

4

Original post by shafo269

Hi guys just wanted to know if my chances for medicine are quite limited.
At gcses i achieved :
7 in english literature
7 in maths
8 in english language
8 in french
8 in religious studies
7 in geography
7 in sociology
6 in physics
6 in biology
6 in chemistry ( one mark off a seven but couldn’t afford the remark )
for A levels i’m predicted A* A A and i do sociology biology and chemistry. Do i just have to apply strategically and do good in UCAT or am i just cooked since i got so low in the sciences

yes you can you need a minimum of 5 grades 7-9 for most unis ,some require 6

Reply 6

user3472831

10

Original post by shafo269

Hi guys just wanted to know if my chances for medicine are quite limited.
At gcses i achieved :
7 in english literature
7 in maths
8 in english language
8 in french
8 in religious studies
7 in geography
7 in sociology
6 in physics
6 in biology
6 in chemistry ( one mark off a seven but couldn’t afford the remark )
for A levels i’m predicted A* A A and i do sociology biology and chemistry. Do i just have to apply strategically and do good in UCAT or am i just cooked since i got so low in the sciences