Best study tips for aspiring medics?

1.

Getting good grades! You will have to achieve certain predicted A Level grades and minimum GCSE grades to get an offer. This varies between med schools but all are competitive - have a look at the Medical Schools Council website if you're interested.

2.

Work experience. You will need to prove to medical schools that you know what is involved in the career, which is best done by shadowing someone in the field, but can also be supplemented with reading articles/ books and talking to medical students and doctors. Lots of places offer virtual work experience if you are struggling to find opportunities. If your school runs a medical society, I recommend getting involved with this.

3.

Volunteering. As well as this, you will need to have done some long term work (either paid or volunteering) in a caring setting to demonstrate commitment and develop the key skills they are looking for e.g. empathy, communication, team work etc. I shadowed a diabetic nurse for two days, shadowed an anaesthetist for a week and spent a year volunteering in a community centre for people with learning disabilities during year 12. I also had a part-time job in a shop (customer service role). Care homes and hospital volunteer programmes are other popular options.

4.

UCAT. The UCAT is an entrance exam you will take, usually during the summer before year 13. It is recommended to do at least 6 weeks of preparation for this, which people mostly do using practice questions. This is a very important exam as it is often weighted highly by medical schools - for example at Leicester our offers are based 50% on UCAT and 50% on GCSE grades.

5.

Extracurricular activities. Engaging in some extracurriculars makes you a more well-rounded student and develops those key skills like leadership and team work. Perhaps more importantly, it is important to keep up hobbies for fun and stress relief during what can be quite a busy and stressful period!