Advice on what to do with bad grades for medicine
I’m a UK student hoping for medicine and I want straight, realistic advice.
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum.
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The Medicine forum gets a high volume of questions being posted, and some of these are already answered by the resources and Megathreads that members of the community and volunteers have created. This is an automatic post which is designed to highlight these resources. Below is a list of threads and articles that could answer your question (you should be looking in the original post of the megathreads). If one of the below threads is a more relevant place to ask your question, please post a reply in that thread to ask your question. If your query is answered by one of the Megathreads or articles linked below, and you would like us to close this thread for you, please reply to this thread with just the words "thank you". A member of our team will then get it locked.
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Medicine A-Level subjects queries
Work Experience and Voluntary Work
GANFYD's "Which medical schools accept retake A-Levels" list
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Medicine UCAS Extra for 2025
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So, you're going to medical school.... MKII
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Increase in the NHS Bursary and expenses for placement
The postgraduate exams thread
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Work Experience as a Graduate or Mature student
Medicine Personal Statement Advice
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Interview Frequently Asked Questions
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What to do after an unsuccessful first application
Funding medicine as a second degree
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If your query is answered by one of the Megathreads or articles linked above, and you would like us to close this thread for you, please reply to this thread with just the words "thank you". A member of our team will then get it locked.
Reply 2
Original post
by GiansinghI’m a UK student hoping for medicine and I want straight, realistic advice.
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
i dont do dentistry/med so idk if this is entirely applicable, yeah gcses are important but your A-Levels/UCAT matter more, as long as you meet the minimum GCSE requirements and you do good for both A-Levels and UCAT im sure you can get onto the courses you want
Reply 3
20
Original post
by GiansinghI’m a UK student hoping for medicine and I want straight, realistic advice.
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
Not everyone applying for Med has amazing GCSEs, and not all Unis want this. Unis will set minimum grades in specific GCSE subjects, typically English and/or Maths, and they may also look at your 'overall GCSE profile'. However, increasingly Unis are relying more on UCAT scores as a selection tool.
What A level subjects are you taking - and what would you expect as your 3 final grades?
Are you likely to be eligible for Contextual offers - low performing state school, FSM, in-care etc?
Why do you think that Dentistry is 'harder' to get into than Med or Optom - and which job actually interests you the most
And remember that there are many other roles within the NHS than these - Explore roles | Health Careers
Reply 4
5
Original post
by McGingerNot everyone applying for Med has amazing GCSEs, and not all Unis want this. Unis will set minimum grades in specific GCSE subjects, typically English and/or Maths, and they may also look at your 'overall GCSE profile'. However, increasingly Unis are relying more on UCAT scores as a selection tool.
What A level subjects are you taking - and what would you expect as your 3 final grades?
Are you likely to be eligible for Contextual offers - low performing state school, FSM, in-care etc?
Why do you think that Dentistry is 'harder' to get into than Med or Optom - and which job actually interests you the most
And remember that there are many other roles within the NHS than these - Explore roles | Health Careers
What A level subjects are you taking - and what would you expect as your 3 final grades?
Are you likely to be eligible for Contextual offers - low performing state school, FSM, in-care etc?
Why do you think that Dentistry is 'harder' to get into than Med or Optom - and which job actually interests you the most
And remember that there are many other roles within the NHS than these - Explore roles | Health Careers
Im in year 12 currently and im studing Biology Chemistry and Geography
And im only illegible for the offer with postcode.
Dentistry is too hard pretty much impossible for me now as most dental schools want minim 5 7s and I unfortunately dont meet this.
Reply 5
20
Original post
by GiansinghIm in year 12 currently and im studing Biology Chemistry and Geography
And im only illegible for the offer with postcode.
Dentistry is too hard pretty much impossible for me now as most dental schools want minim 5 7s and I unfortunately dont meet this.
And im only illegible for the offer with postcode.
Dentistry is too hard pretty much impossible for me now as most dental schools want minim 5 7s and I unfortunately dont meet this.
Talk to your school about resitting your Eng / Maths GCSEs - this is usually very straightforward and something most schools will be happy for you to do. You would just list these resits alongside your pending A levels on your UCAS application, and any offers would include these grades as an extra condition, and this would not disadvantage any Uni application.
Also - if you are a potential Contextual applicant, look at 'Gateway' courses for both Dent and Med. These are Widening Participation (WP) Foundation-style course for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and have lower entry requirements. Each Uni will use different criteria for what they consider to be 'WP' - so check on each each course page carefully. Examples :
BDS Gateway to Dentistry | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
Gateway Year to Medicine MBChB | University of Leeds
Not all medical schools even score GCSEs as part of shortlisting - quite a few only have minimum requirements for English language and/or maths and don't score GCSEs at all otherwise.
I don't see any reason you couldn't successfully apply for medicine on the basis of the above provided a) you actually want to do medicine (you seem to rather just be grasping at the straws of any healthcare course perceived as well paying) and b) you will take and do well in the relevant A-level subjects (which you seem to be doing).
Applying to medicine is all about applying strategically based on your profile, and part of that is carefully researching how different medical schools shortlist for interview and ensure you only apply to those you have the strongest profile for. In this case you'd want to avoid GCSE heavy medical schools (e.g. Cardiff, Oxford) and focus on those which don't score GCSEs and/or only have minimum requirements (e.g. UCL, Imperial).
I don't see any reason you couldn't successfully apply for medicine on the basis of the above provided a) you actually want to do medicine (you seem to rather just be grasping at the straws of any healthcare course perceived as well paying) and b) you will take and do well in the relevant A-level subjects (which you seem to be doing).
Applying to medicine is all about applying strategically based on your profile, and part of that is carefully researching how different medical schools shortlist for interview and ensure you only apply to those you have the strongest profile for. In this case you'd want to avoid GCSE heavy medical schools (e.g. Cardiff, Oxford) and focus on those which don't score GCSEs and/or only have minimum requirements (e.g. UCL, Imperial).
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 7
I can't speak on a dentistry stand point, but for med SOME unis don't look at GCSEs and only ensure that you meet expectations (like if they say 6s in 5 subjects and you got that than you can still apply and it doesn't negatively impact your application). However, you will need to research into what unis do this and what they require (e.g I think Manchester has a minimum GCSE requirement? but obvs Oxford doesn't and Cardiff). I will say when applying try to get some strong A level predictions and UCAT to make your application more competitive and apply strategically!
Good luck and its not the end of med as there's lots of applicant who does score all 8s or 9s
Good luck and its not the end of med as there's lots of applicant who does score all 8s or 9s
Reply 8
Original post
by GiansinghI’m a UK student hoping for medicine and I want straight, realistic advice.
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
My GCSEs are:
Biology – 8
Chemistry – 7
Geography – 7
Punjabi – 7
English Language – 6
English Literature – 6
Physics – 6
Maths – 6
RE – 6
They’re also not the clean set of 8s and 9s you see most med applicants posting online. That’s what’s messing with my mental health severely these past months ever since my results in August.
I was hoping of dentistry but I cant lie thats long gone now. But medicine and optometry?
Thank you all for reading
Heyy, I’m a year 13 medicine applicant and I’m here to tell you that honestly it is ABSOLUTELY FINE to not have all 8s and 9s. As long as you meet the university’s requirements for gcse grades then you have already ticked a box for them. From the grades you have listed above you will be absolutely fine in applying to pretty much all medical schools!! I was in pretty much the same position as you are describing last year but when I researched I saw that applicants are only required to meet the grade requirements and their UCAT score weighs more heavily than alevel predicted grades in the selection process. So the key take away from what I’ve said is as long as you meet the grade requirements for your chosen unis just focus on getting as high as high a UCAT score as possible now to ensure you are in the best position for recieving interview offers next year. Good luck to you and all other aspiring medics! I’m happy to answer anymore questions you have and I hope this has reassured you😆
Reply 9
5
Original post
by zjzjjzHeyy, I’m a year 13 medicine applicant and I’m here to tell you that honestly it is ABSOLUTELY FINE to not have all 8s and 9s. As long as you meet the university’s requirements for gcse grades then you have already ticked a box for them. From the grades you have listed above you will be absolutely fine in applying to pretty much all medical schools!! I was in pretty much the same position as you are describing last year but when I researched I saw that applicants are only required to meet the grade requirements and their UCAT score weighs more heavily than alevel predicted grades in the selection process. So the key take away from what I’ve said is as long as you meet the grade requirements for your chosen unis just focus on getting as high as high a UCAT score as possible now to ensure you are in the best position for recieving interview offers next year. Good luck to you and all other aspiring medics! I’m happy to answer anymore questions you have and I hope this has reassured you😆
Tysm this did help in my anxiety ( ig u could call it that ) I was going to ask, when should I revise for my UCAT? I was thinking of doing like an hour or so a week till March then kicking it up since my gcses were mediocre and best and I need a higher UCAT to make up for it
Reply 10
Original post
by GiansinghTysm this did help in my anxiety ( ig u could call it that ) I was going to ask, when should I revise for my UCAT? I was thinking of doing like an hour or so a week till March then kicking it up since my gcses were mediocre and best and I need a higher UCAT to make up for it
You’re welcome and it’s great to see you validating your feelings! It shows emotional intelligence which is great in a medicine applicant😉
Also I just wanted to say your GCSE’s ARE NOT MEDIOCRE they are really really good and as long as they meet the requirements you’re all good.
Your plan seems great as small bits of prep little and often helps a lot with your skills which is vital in a skills test like the UCAT. It also helps avoid burnout which helps a lot mentally.
For me I scored in the 71st percentile with a band one and I did all my preparation over a month and I was EXTREMELY BURNT OUT to the point where even now I feel the aftermath so TAKE IT FROM ME your plan is great and I wish you the very best of luck and success in your journey to medicine!!
Reply 11
5
Original post
by zjzjjzYou’re welcome and it’s great to see you validating your feelings! It shows emotional intelligence which is great in a medicine applicant😉
Also I just wanted to say your GCSE’s ARE NOT MEDIOCRE they are really really good and as long as they meet the requirements you’re all good.
Your plan seems great as small bits of prep little and often helps a lot with your skills which is vital in a skills test like the UCAT. It also helps avoid burnout which helps a lot mentally.
For me I scored in the 71st percentile with a band one and I did all my preparation over a month and I was EXTREMELY BURNT OUT to the point where even now I feel the aftermath so TAKE IT FROM ME your plan is great and I wish you the very best of luck and success in your journey to medicine!!
Also I just wanted to say your GCSE’s ARE NOT MEDIOCRE they are really really good and as long as they meet the requirements you’re all good.
Your plan seems great as small bits of prep little and often helps a lot with your skills which is vital in a skills test like the UCAT. It also helps avoid burnout which helps a lot mentally.
For me I scored in the 71st percentile with a band one and I did all my preparation over a month and I was EXTREMELY BURNT OUT to the point where even now I feel the aftermath so TAKE IT FROM ME your plan is great and I wish you the very best of luck and success in your journey to medicine!!
Tysm, if you dont mind me asking what did you get in yr GCSES?
Reply 12
Original post
by GiansinghTysm, if you dont mind me asking what did you get in yr GCSES?
I don’t mind it’s absolutely fine!!
English lang: 8
English lit: 9
Maths: 7
Science: 8,8 (combined)
Business: 9
Computer science: 6 (ONE MARK OFF A 7 OMG!!)
History:9
Religious studies: 9
Reply 13
Original post
by GiansinghTysm, if you dont mind me asking what did you get in yr GCSES?
If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask
Reply 14
5
Original post
by zjzjjzI don’t mind it’s absolutely fine!!
English lang: 8
English lit: 9
Maths: 7
Science: 8,8 (combined)
Business: 9
Computer science: 6 (ONE MARK OFF A 7 OMG!!)
History:9
Religious studies: 9
English lang: 8
English lit: 9
Maths: 7
Science: 8,8 (combined)
Business: 9
Computer science: 6 (ONE MARK OFF A 7 OMG!!)
History:9
Religious studies: 9
Thats soo good well done!
Reply 15
Original post
by GiansinghThats soo good well done!
Awww thank youuu!! Your results are amazing too!😆
Reply 16
5
Original post
by zjzjjzIf you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask
What a levels did u do
Reply 17
5
Original post
by zjzjjzI don’t mind it’s absolutely fine!!
English lang: 8
English lit: 9
Maths: 7
Science: 8,8 (combined)
Business: 9
Computer science: 6 (ONE MARK OFF A 7 OMG!!)
History:9
Religious studies: 9
English lang: 8
English lit: 9
Maths: 7
Science: 8,8 (combined)
Business: 9
Computer science: 6 (ONE MARK OFF A 7 OMG!!)
History:9
Religious studies: 9
I was 1 mark of a 7 from Maths English Literature language and physics snd 2 marks of for RE I got robbed of 7s and it lowkey messes with my mental health sm😭
Reply 18
Original post
by GiansinghWhat a levels did u do
I’m doing biology, chemistry and (religion philosophy and ethics) it’s in brackets because it’s one level even though it FEELS LIKE 3😔💔
Reply 19
Original post
by GiansinghI was 1 mark of a 7 from Maths English Literature language and physics snd 2 marks of for RE I got robbed of 7s and it lowkey messes with my mental health sm😭
Awwww bless you. I understand how you feel. In what ways does it affect your mental health?
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