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please tell me what you know about universities

Hi all, I am currently in the process of looking at medical schools to apply to. Currently I am considering:

Oxford
Imperial
Edinburgh
St. Andrews

I do not know the reputations these universities hold, and obviously the university websites must be taken with a pinch of salt. I was wondering whether any students who know what the reputations and qualities of both studying and living there is like.

I am not so certain on applying at St. Andrews at the moment due to the fact I would have to complete clinical work elsewhere anyways. if you have any other recommendations in place of St Andrews I would be extremely grateful to hear your opinions.

My apologies if my grammar is subpar, I am currently rather ill and would value your patience.

Reply 1

hi there, I'm guessing you are currently year 12 or below...? Choosing medical schools is quite a different process from other degrees in that you should choose the school that fits your eventual profile of combined grades achieved (e.g. GCSEs), UCAT score (you take that the summer before you apply - most school leavers will take it at the end of year 12 before they go into year 13 in September), predicted A level (or IB) grades, and where relevant, your work experience and personal statement. It's usually the first 3 (GCSEs, UCAT and predicted grades) that most places are interested in.

So, if you are in year 12, you should really focus on getting the best predicted grades you can get - a minimum of 3As. Also, start looking to do some work experience - not necessary to do them in a healthcare setting, but you can work in charity shops, or even paid work like in a cafe/restaurant as it's 'customer facing'. Healthcare setting can also be quite broad - eg you can volunteer in a hospice, or special schools. Once you've done your UCAT in the summer, you will still have a couple of months before the early deadline of mid October for med school applicants to decide which schools to apply to.

I don't know much about those schools but if you are keen on them, then you need to know exactly what they require of their applicants. It's not so straightforward as 3As, as I say above.

At the end of the day, the graduates will come out as doctors - if you've never asked where your GP did their training, then I'm pretty certain when you graduate, no one will care as long as you are registered with the GMC.

You should also perhaps visit these schools on open days or read what people say about these places esp in terms of student support and teaching style. Oxford will be quite 'traditional' and not have any patient facing care for the first 3 years or so.

The 2 Scottish universities may also have quota for RUK students - so do check esp if you are not Scottish.

Good luck.

Reply 2

Original post
by ruined-saint
hi there, I'm guessing you are currently year 12 or below...? Choosing medical schools is quite a different process from other degrees in that you should choose the school that fits your eventual profile of combined grades achieved (e.g. GCSEs), UCAT score (you take that the summer before you apply - most school leavers will take it at the end of year 12 before they go into year 13 in September), predicted A level (or IB) grades, and where relevant, your work experience and personal statement. It's usually the first 3 (GCSEs, UCAT and predicted grades) that most places are interested in.
So, if you are in year 12, you should really focus on getting the best predicted grades you can get - a minimum of 3As. Also, start looking to do some work experience - not necessary to do them in a healthcare setting, but you can work in charity shops, or even paid work like in a cafe/restaurant as it's 'customer facing'. Healthcare setting can also be quite broad - eg you can volunteer in a hospice, or special schools. Once you've done your UCAT in the summer, you will still have a couple of months before the early deadline of mid October for med school applicants to decide which schools to apply to.
I don't know much about those schools but if you are keen on them, then you need to know exactly what they require of their applicants. It's not so straightforward as 3As, as I say above.
At the end of the day, the graduates will come out as doctors - if you've never asked where your GP did their training, then I'm pretty certain when you graduate, no one will care as long as you are registered with the GMC.
You should also perhaps visit these schools on open days or read what people say about these places esp in terms of student support and teaching style. Oxford will be quite 'traditional' and not have any patient facing care for the first 3 years or so.
The 2 Scottish universities may also have quota for RUK students - so do check esp if you are not Scottish.
Good luck.

tyy for replying. With any luck I should get at least AAA predicted grades in the summer. I've alr been to see Oxford and I rlly enjoyed it. it's the other three i wasn't so certain on. Obviously medicine is a very difficult degree and i would rather spend it somewhere I'm not additionally discomfited by the environment. i'll keep your feedback in mind, again, thank you for replying. ❤️

Reply 3

Original post
by hp49
tyy for replying. With any luck I should get at least AAA predicted grades in the summer. I've alr been to see Oxford and I rlly enjoyed it. it's the other three i wasn't so certain on. Obviously medicine is a very difficult degree and i would rather spend it somewhere I'm not additionally discomfited by the environment. i'll keep your feedback in mind, again, thank you for replying. ❤️

no problem. All the very best of luck. My child visited Cambridge and was originally thinking of it - his grades/combination of UCAT etc would have got him interviews, but he decided against it. He's received 4/4 interviews so far, so we are pleased.

Reply 4

2026 entry requirements for each UK Med School - UK medical school entry requirements - Medical Schools Council

Useful Mooc - *free* online course - Applying for Medical School - Online Course - FutureLearn

Webinars about applying for Medicine - 3 Feb in specifically aimed at Year 11/12 students who are just starting to think about a possible medical career. Register to be sent the links - MediCafé | Hull York Medical School

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