The process of getting into medical school can be difficult and is often described as a series of hurdles. However, do not allow this to put you off from pursuing your passion in embarking on a career in medicine. It is advised that you view the initial process as an opportunity to learn more about yourself, further your interests and hobbies, give back to society and develop yourself as an individual. The skills, opportunities and knowledge that you gain through this process are directly linked to medical school and your vocation as a doctor and I encourage you to view this process as the first step of an extraordinary journey. Adopting this mindset will make the process more enjoyable, less stressful and will help you to develop a passion that can be seen easily at interview.
Below is a brief guide that will hopefully give you a good overview of what it takes to successfully gain a place to study Medicine at University.
Step 1- Get the grades
The requirements at GCSE varies widely for each medical school. However, at A-level, the grades do not vary as widely and range from A*AA to AAB. It is important to choose your subjects carefully as the medical schools specify which subjects they want and this does differ slightly.
At each level, it is important to work hard and to the best of your ability to achieve the best grades you can to maximise your choice of medical schools.
Due to the reforms in the GCSEs, there is some debate over whether a 4 or 5 should count as a pass (the old grade C). If these grades apply to you check carefully whether the university you are applying to uses a 4 or 5 as a cut-off.
Step 2- Personal development and discovery
This is your opportunity to create the unique element of your journey. These experiences will most likely influence your personal statement and how you perform at interview.
This step encompasses your volunteering, work experience, extra-curriculars and if you choose to your EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
Volunteering can take many forms from working in a charity to shop to working at a breast milk bank. This should be preferably completed over a long period of time, I started mine during year 12. An extended period of time shows commitment and also allows you gain a wide range of experiences to talk about at an interview. Try to choose something that you will enjoy or find interesting and not necessarily the opportunity that is easiest to get, as you will be doing this for a long time. Additionally, if you have negative feelings around this experience this could show at interview.
Work experience is essential but can be difficult to obtain. Apply early and accept the offers you are given. Once you arrive there make the most of the opportunity, volunteer for any opportunities and ask questions.
Extra-curricular activities often come up at interview. Through extra-curriculars you have the opportunity to develop other skills. Additionally, hobbies such as music, sport or dance can be used to show a well-rounded candidate who enjoys medicine but has outlets to relax and help prevent stress.
EPQs are not compulsory but can be desirable for some medical schools. Additionally, not all schools/colleges offer it so it may not be an option for everyone.
Overall, this step is very personal and what you choose to do can say a lot about your personality. This comes across at interview and in your personal statement. By attending open days you can get a feel for the character of each medical school and whether it aligns with the opportunities that you have chosen.
Step 3- Choose your universities and attend open days
Once you have chosen a few universities that you would consider going to, try to go to their open days. Get a feel for the medical school and whether it suits you, as well as the university as a whole.
It is important to choose a university that you will be happy to be at, as you will be there for at least 5 if not 6 years. If you think you would like to visit home often and you are from London, St. Andrews University in Scotland might not be the best choice.
Step 4- BMAT/UKCAT
The last step before the UCAS application is to take the UKCAT. BMAT is taken once applications are in. The summer after Y12 should include lots of revision for these exams. Try to consider which universities you are applying to before you start revising as you may not be sitting both exams, many people do not. If you did not take 11+ exams I would recommend starting a little earlier if you can juggle it alongside your studies, as 11+ students took similar but easier exams.
You are given your UKCAT results before you apply. Match your score to the requirements of the medical school.
The last steps are of course the personal statement, filling out UCAS application and the interview.
Try to get as much support from your school and tutoring group as you can for this part, as they will be well versed in these areas. My only advice is to remember that it is your personal statement, try to personalise it as much as you can and be as genuine as possible.
By Calisha A, Private Tutor in London
Calisha is embarking on a degree in Medicine at one of UK’s Top Universities. She is also an 11+ tutor, having successfully passed exams for some of London’s most competitive independent and grammar schools such as City of London for Girls, Dame Alice Owen, to name a few. If you are interested in arranging 1 to 1 tuition in 11+ or applying for medical school, contact us today.