Medicine volunteering

Hello,

I have got these grades in my GCSE 566677778. This includes 5 in English language, 7's in my sciences and maths and finally an 8 in my chemistry. I did health and social care which was a BTEC (got L2D*). I wanna apply for medicine even though I know it will be super difficult. But I wanna get some work experience in NHS for my personal statements. Do you guys have any idea on how to stand out with there grades and make it to a med schools, what work experiences I should do. I wanna shadow a doctor, but I heard there is requirement to do so, does anyone know the requirements for gcse to shadow a doctor. Anyone else got the same score as me and got into med school, please talk to me, I am so stressed and tell me which university you go and how you got in as well as what uni's gave you a place. Give me advice guys 😢😭

Reply 1

username7763421

The vast majority of UK med schools require a minimum grade 6 in English Language. There are very few who accept a 5 ( unless you are a contextual applicant - you should check whether you meet the criteria). Your A-level predictions and UCAT score will be very important, as your GCSE grades are quite low as compared to the average med applicant. You can check the PDF posted here to see which unis you'd have a chance with, if any.

https://learn.myucat.co.uk/strategic-applications

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

UEA Rep Daniel

Official Rep

Original post

by AngelYaya29

Hello,
I have got these grades in my GCSE 566677778. This includes 5 in English language, 7's in my sciences and maths and finally an 8 in my chemistry. I did health and social care which was a BTEC (got L2D*). I wanna apply for medicine even though I know it will be super difficult. But I wanna get some work experience in NHS for my personal statements. Do you guys have any idea on how to stand out with there grades and make it to a med schools, what work experiences I should do. I wanna shadow a doctor, but I heard there is requirement to do so, does anyone know the requirements for gcse to shadow a doctor. Anyone else got the same score as me and got into med school, please talk to me, I am so stressed and tell me which university you go and how you got in as well as what uni's gave you a place. Give me advice guys 😢😭

Hi there,

First of all, don’t panic — lots of students have got into medicine with grades similar to yours, so it’s definitely not impossible. Med schools look at the whole picture, not just GCSEs. Your sciences and chemistry are very good, and the Distinction* in Health and Social Care will also be seen positively. What matters now is how you strengthen your application with A levels (aim as high as possible, especially in chemistry and biology) and how you use work experience to show commitment.

For experience, shadowing a doctor is great if you can get it, but it’s not the only way. There aren’t fixed GCSE requirements for shadowing — it’s more about whether a hospital or GP practice can accommodate you. Try contacting your local NHS Trust or GP practice’s work experience team. Some hospitals have formal application processes, and places can be limited, so apply early.

Equally important is showing you’ve worked with people in a caring or responsible role. Volunteering in a care home, hospice, hospital ward, or even something like St John Ambulance can really stand out. These experiences show empathy, teamwork, communication, and resilience, which are exactly the skills medical schools want to see. You could also consider online opportunities like Observe GP (run by the Royal College of GPs) or MOOCs on health and medicine, which can be mentioned in your personal statement.

When you write about your experiences, don’t just list them — reflect on what you learned about medicine and about yourself. For example, how did volunteering teach you about the challenges of caring for people, or about listening and communication? That reflective part is what really helps you stand out.

And remember, medicine admissions are competitive for everyone. Many people apply more than once or take alternative routes like biomed first, then apply for graduate entry medicine. So keep your options open, but definitely give medicine a shot if that’s your goal.

Best,
Daniel
PhD BioMed

Reply 3

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

Original post

by AngelYaya29

Hello,
I have got these grades in my GCSE 566677778. This includes 5 in English language, 7's in my sciences and maths and finally an 8 in my chemistry. I did health and social care which was a BTEC (got L2D*). I wanna apply for medicine even though I know it will be super difficult. But I wanna get some work experience in NHS for my personal statements. Do you guys have any idea on how to stand out with there grades and make it to a med schools, what work experiences I should do. I wanna shadow a doctor, but I heard there is requirement to do so, does anyone know the requirements for gcse to shadow a doctor. Anyone else got the same score as me and got into med school, please talk to me, I am so stressed and tell me which university you go and how you got in as well as what uni's gave you a place. Give me advice guys 😢😭

Hi there,

there has already been some fantastic advice on this thread, so I will not repeat what has already been mentioned. However, I would really consider the BSMS (Brighton and Sussex Medical School) virtual work experience. I did this a couple years ago (my degree is Medical Biology) and found it very useful. the link is here:

https://bsmsoutreach.thinkific.com/courses/VWE

They also have a newsletter, and when combined with this virtual work experience, it shows proactivity and passion.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 4

McGinger

Entry requirements for each UK Medical School -
UK medical school entry requirements - Medical Schools Council

Remember that any volunteering that gives you 'people skills' is worthwhile - so contact your local Hospital 'Friends' who organise shops and tea trollies etc in the hospital, local aged care homes, special schools etc - they often need help for 'activities'.
Work experience - Medical Schools Council