The Student Room Group

Can I get into medical schools with the results?

Hi guys, I’m a year 12 student who is now studying Biology, chemistry and maths(also developing a level 3 EPQ, doing work experiences and possibly going to do ABRSM grade 8 piano) . I’ve done my GCSEs in June which unfortunately I did not get the grades that i wanted as I have got a 6-5 in IGCSE Edexcel Combined science. I asked for a remark ad now I am one mark off a 6-6 in Science. However, I have got a 7 in English language and 7 inn maths. I really want to go to UCL and KCL’s medical schools. I have been doubted by teachers and my parents to be more realistic with my grades instead of looking to go to UCL and KCL. WIth this set of results(plus much better A Level and good EPQ results), can I go to KCL and UCL for medicine, as they have always been my dream schools. Thank you so much. :smile:

Reply 1

oh my god i was typing in a rush that’s why i’ve got so many typos. i’m sorry guys.

Reply 2

It all depends on your A level results..... Most medical schools don't like A level retakes.

If your predicted grades are not high enough to get an interview but your A levels are high enough you can take a year out.

Your UCAT is also very important but unlike A levels it is easy to retake in a gap your and most people get a higher UCAT on their 2nd attempt.

Your work experience etc is very important but can be sorted in a gap year.

Reply 3

Original post
by ringi
It all depends on your A level results..... Most medical schools don't like A level retakes.
If your predicted grades are not high enough to get an interview but your A levels are high enough you can take a year out.
Your UCAT is also very important but unlike A levels it is easy to retake in a gap your and most people get a higher UCAT on their 2nd attempt.
Your work experience etc is very important but can be sorted in a gap year.


Thank you so much!! Hopefully I will be able to get a good result lol

Reply 4

Original post
by onyipresence
Hi guys, I’m a year 12 student who is now studying Biology, chemistry and maths(also developing a level 3 EPQ, doing work experiences and possibly going to do ABRSM grade 8 piano) . I’ve done my GCSEs in June which unfortunately I did not get the grades that i wanted as I have got a 6-5 in IGCSE Edexcel Combined science. I asked for a remark ad now I am one mark off a 6-6 in Science. However, I have got a 7 in English language and 7 inn maths. I really want to go to UCL and KCL’s medical schools. I have been doubted by teachers and my parents to be more realistic with my grades instead of looking to go to UCL and KCL. WIth this set of results(plus much better A Level and good EPQ results), can I go to KCL and UCL for medicine, as they have always been my dream schools. Thank you so much. :smile:

Yes, as above, you need to get good A-Levels as well as a top ucat for these schools. Your gcse's might be ever so slightly too low for these ones so look into it. Also check if you qualify for widening participation as this would allow them to look past your lower gcses, etc.

Reply 5

Original post
by stilllearning123
Yes, as above, you need to get good A-Levels as well as a top ucat for these schools. Your gcse's might be ever so slightly too low for these ones so look into it. Also check if you qualify for widening participation as this would allow them to look past your lower gcses, etc.


Thank you so much, I’m studying at a state school with grades on national average, would that be beneficial?

Reply 6

Original post
by onyipresence
Thank you so much, I’m studying at a state school with grades on national average, would that be beneficial?

Maybe, look into it a bit more. I don't think it sets you back at all, but I don't think it pushes you forward either.
Look into things like your National Deprivement Index or if you are care experienced etc.

Reply 7

i think u should aim a bit lower ngl unless u can get a*aa MINIMUM u r NOT getting into kings or ucl and if u got a 5 and 6 in combined science it might be hard for you.

Reply 8

Original post
by onyipresence
Hi guys, I’m a year 12 student who is now studying Biology, chemistry and maths(also developing a level 3 EPQ, doing work experiences and possibly going to do ABRSM grade 8 piano) . I’ve done my GCSEs in June which unfortunately I did not get the grades that i wanted as I have got a 6-5 in IGCSE Edexcel Combined science. I asked for a remark ad now I am one mark off a 6-6 in Science. However, I have got a 7 in English language and 7 inn maths. I really want to go to UCL and KCL’s medical schools. I have been doubted by teachers and my parents to be more realistic with my grades instead of looking to go to UCL and KCL. WIth this set of results(plus much better A Level and good EPQ results), can I go to KCL and UCL for medicine, as they have always been my dream schools. Thank you so much. :smile:

Hi there,

universities are much more interested in your post-16 qualifications, in your case, your A-levels. I would focus on doing as well as you can with them, and focusing on other entry exams.

Secondly, UCL requires: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6, which you meet
KCL requires: GCSE grade 6/B in both English Language and Mathematics, which you also meet

I would still double check this by emailing KCL or UCL admissions with your GCSE grades and asking if they would be sufficient.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.