Medicine - strategic application advice

Hi everyone, as its approaching the deadline i would really appreciate some advice on where to apply for the highest chance of interviews and offers. My stats are as follows:
GCSEs: I have 12 x A* (i am from Wales so our GCSEs are still using letters )
A levels : Predicted 4 A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Welsh Baccalaurete
UCAT : 2160 B2 VR-660, DM-680,QR-820
WEX: I am worried that my personal statement is quite weak. I have I week of hospital shadowing,2 weeks in a pharmacy,6 months of volenteering at a day centre ,year 7 mentoring at school and am in the process of starting to volenteer at a care home.I dont have many supercurriculars asside from a few books and essay competitions.
I don't think that i'm eligble for contextual but am from a state school.
I want to apply to places which use gcses in the selection process.From my reasearch i have shortlisted:
Cardiff - I am from Wales which should give me a slight advantage and they score GCSEs
Leicster- GCSEs are scored (number of 9s) and a point system is used for UCAT
Manchester- I think they invite to interview based of UCAT but have high post inerview success
Birmingham- Score GCSEs, I think i would just be within the cutoff and have high post interview sucess. Although not sure i like the city.
Exeter- Dont score GCSE although have my 3 A* predicted which would be necesssary. Just not sure if my UCAT is high enough.
Newcastle- Score GCSEs and UCAT. Again am not sure if my ucat is high enough with it used post interview aswell.
Also considering sheffeild,leeds and liverpool and anywhere else you suggest :smile:

. Would reaaly appreciate what people think of this list. THANK YOU

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

UoL Students

Official Rep

Hi,

Final year medical student at Leicester here! Your GCSEs, predicted grades and UCAT look great, so very well done! You will almost certainly meet the minimum entry requirements for most medical schools. Have a look at the Medical Schools Council website to be sure - they have the minimum entry requirements for each medical school summarised. You can find Leicester's minimum entry requirements here and detailed information about how we score applicants for interview here.

As for your work experience, remember it is quality over quantity. Most medical schools are understanding that it is challenging to get NHS work experience, so long-term volunteering roles in caring roles such as the day and care home are great. What is important is that you reflect on the experiences you have had, and think about what they have taught you about the role of a doctor and the skills and attributes of a healthcare professional. Have a look at the NHS core values are think about how you have demonstrated these in your extracurriculars and work experience, as these will almost certainly be examined at interview. For example, perhaps at the day centre you have had to develop your communication skills and your empathy?

Best of luck with your applications! Please feel free to message if you have any questions about medicine, Leicester or university in general.

Frankie (Final year med student)