The Student Room Group

Medical school

So what a-levels did people pick in order to get into medical school? Also, what grades will I need to get in GCSEs? Obviously, I'll be aiming for top grades, but I just need that extra motivational push to get high grades.

My current choices for A-levels are:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Psychology

My future career choice is CAMHAS Psychiatry, which is why psychology is on there.

I just need some advice on what to dooo
Original post
by Esther_13812
So what a-levels did people pick in order to get into medical school? Also, what grades will I need to get in GCSEs? Obviously, I'll be aiming for top grades, but I just need that extra motivational push to get high grades.

My current choices for A-levels are:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Psychology

My future career choice is CAMHAS Psychiatry, which is why psychology is on there.

I just need some advice on what to dooo

Those A-level choices look fine to me. The GCSE grades will depend on individual medical schools so I would have a look at some medicine courses to see what they require. I will say you have absolutely ages to decide what speciality you will choose so I wouldn't worry too much about that although psychology will be useful regardless of what you choose.

Reply 2

2025 Entry requirements for each UK Medical School - Entry requirements | Medical Schools Council

Useful Mooc - short, free online course - to do over the summer - Applying for Medical School - Online Course - FutureLearn

Reply 3

Original post
by Esther_13812
So what a-levels did people pick in order to get into medical school? Also, what grades will I need to get in GCSEs? Obviously, I'll be aiming for top grades, but I just need that extra motivational push to get high grades.
My current choices for A-levels are:
1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Psychology
My future career choice is CAMHAS Psychiatry, which is why psychology is on there.
I just need some advice on what to dooo

Hiya,

From all the universities I have checked (Queen Mary's, UCL etc) you need a minimum of Grade 6 in English and Maths, as well your sciences, however I would have a look at the requirements for specific universities you are considering. I know that for Oxford, they are slightly more concerned about GCSE grades, as obviously the more 9s you have the better.

For A-Levels, I have chosen Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Economics, and currently in Year 12 the work load is not too much. You do not need to choose a fourth (in fact it is strongly advised against), but if you would like a 'safety net' then choose 4 or maybe and EPQ. You can always drop the fourth but never start a course anytime in the year.

Once you finish your GCSEs, I would advise to start reading around your career choice, so you can show in your personal statement how interested you are in Psychiatry, attend lectures, complete MOOCs or online work experience (I sound like the head of careers in my school). This also helps you decide if you truly want to do Psychiatry, of if it is just a whim.

In my school we were pushed to choose what we wanted to do in Year 11, but lots of my classmates changed subjects in the first term of Year 12. So priority right now would be doing good in your GCSEs, and take things one by one.

Reply 4

Original post
by stressedchild
Hiya,
From all the universities I have checked (Queen Mary's, UCL etc) you need a minimum of Grade 6 in English and Maths, as well your sciences, however I would have a look at the requirements for specific universities you are considering. I know that for Oxford, they are slightly more concerned about GCSE grades, as obviously the more 9s you have the better.
For A-Levels, I have chosen Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Economics, and currently in Year 12 the work load is not too much. You do not need to choose a fourth (in fact it is strongly advised against), but if you would like a 'safety net' then choose 4 or maybe and EPQ. You can always drop the fourth but never start a course anytime in the year.
Once you finish your GCSEs, I would advise to start reading around your career choice, so you can show in your personal statement how interested you are in Psychiatry, attend lectures, complete MOOCs or online work experience (I sound like the head of careers in my school). This also helps you decide if you truly want to do Psychiatry, of if it is just a whim.
In my school we were pushed to choose what we wanted to do in Year 11, but lots of my classmates changed subjects in the first term of Year 12. So priority right now would be doing good in your GCSEs, and take things one by one.

Just to clarify, I haven't actually gotten into Med School yet (that's for next year), but I have been given working at grades of A*s and As

Reply 5

Hey, I’m a medicine offer holder. I took Bio, chem and modern history and got 999999988 at GCSE. Your a levels are a really good choice and common in people applying for medicine so no need to worry! Let me know if you have any other questions!!

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