Choosing your subject - Medicine

It is well known that applications to medical school are particularly competitive and that some very able applicants are rejected.  To put this into context, in 2006, 20000 people have applied to read Medicine, whilst universities have only 7000 places available. Given that every applicant can apply to four universities, this means that there have been, on average, over eleven applicants for every place. Of the 20000, significant numbers are from people who have applied in previous years but were rejected and are making a second application.  These applicants are often more attractive to universities than are applicants who are applying during their A levels, because they already have their A levels, are a little older and more mature and, most importantly, have probably used their year out to gain some experiences that are relevant to medicine and show commitment to it.  There is, therefore, an increasing chance that those who wish to become doctors may have to apply more than once.  One interesting statistic is that, of the 40% of applicants who were made an offer last year, about 87% received only one offer and were rejected by the other three universities.

 

To maximise their chances of making a successful application students must be aware of the medical school's requirements, both academic and non-academic and the purpose of this page is to set these out and to try to ensure that you do all that is possible.

 

The medical schools are looking for students who have the academic ability to cope with the course, are committed to a career in medicine for the right reasons, have informed themselves thoroughly about medicine as a career and have the right personal qualities. These qualities include initiative, the ability to work in a team, good communication and interpersonal skills and determination.

 

On the academic front, good GCSE results are essential; medical schools expect to see many grades at A and A*, especially in the sciences, maths and English.  At 'A' level, most schools require two sciences, to include Chemistry, with Biology the usual preferred second science.  There are no universities that require three sciences or two sciences and maths.  In fact, there is a widespread and increasing preference for the third A level subject to be in the Arts or Humanities (though it must be an academic subject). The usual grade requirement for A level is AAB, sometimes specifying the A at Chemistry, though a few require AAA.  Cardiff University Has produced a guide to UK medical school requirements; click on this link to read it.

 

www.cardiff.ac.uk/medicine/admission_info/pdf_docs/

UKMedSchool%20Guide%202006.pdf

 

Applicants have to be able to demonstrate their commitment to medicine.  Work experience is the best way to do this.  The school helps those in the Fifth Year to obtain some hospital experience but students should regard this as the very minimum; students in the sixth form should seek additional experience either in a hospital or with a GP.  Some arrange to do voluntary work in Rest Homes or something similar.  In fact, this is becoming more common now that it has become so difficult to get hospital work experience in Cornwall.  In addition to this, many students will attend one of the sixth form conferences that are arranged, for example the MEDLINK conference at Nottingham University.

 

Successful applicants are usually fully involved outside the classroom.  The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is held in high regard by admissions tutors as evidence that the applicant has the right personal qualities.  Playing a team sport is useful though not essential (we can't all be good at sport) and to be a team captain more so.  Students who are made school prefects are at an advantage as these are almost invariably those who get involved in many aspects of school life and are also both responsible and reliable.  The ACHE scheme is useful, in that it demonstrates the caring nature that admissions tutors look for.  There are many other activities both in school and out that allow the student to demonstrate the right qualities - the Young Enterprise scheme, for example, or being a member of an orchestra.  Whatever, the successful applicant is one that is fully involved.  The reason is that applicants have to be able to show that they can handle a busy lifestyle and that they have outlets for the stress that being a doctor can create.

 

They also look for applicants who can relate to people of all types and backgrounds, so any experiences or employment that exposes you to a wide range of different people can be useful.

 

Almost all medical schools will interview good applicants.  It seems that, at interview, they are looking for evidence of commitment and the right personal qualities, but in addition, they are likely to ask questions about the state of the NHS or some of the ethical questions that influence doctors’ lives.  It therefore is important that potential doctors keep themselves informed about these issues by reading good papers.  It might be useful to take clippings from newspapers about the latest developments in medicine. 

 

Universities are increasingly putting details of their requirements onto the Entry Profile on the UCAS website.  This can include very specific advice about the personal statement and the interview.  Read this very carefully.  Alternatively, look on the university or department website for this information.

 

There are two additional tests for those who intend to apply for medicine:

• UKCAT – the UK Clinical Aptitude Test.  24 university medical schools have adopted this test, which will start in the summer of 2006, and will be sat by those who intend to apply for entry in 2007.  Candidates will need to register in June 2006 through www.ukcat.ac.uk and sit the exam in the period 11th July until 28th September 2006 at a centre nearby. Their advice is to sit the test earlier rather than later; by sitting the test before application is made, the universities hope to give better advice about the individual’s suitability for medicine. The fee for this is £60, though bursaries are available – see the website for details.  
• BMAT – Biomedical Admissions Test.  Seven universities are using this test.  The test is sat in November, at school, but note that it is usually sat in the school’s half term holiday – don’t go away without checking dates.  Information and sample tests are at www.bmat.org.uk .  The school has a book of tests and guidance in the library.  The cost of the test is £21.50.

 

Applications for medicine are made early; the UCAS closing date is 15th October, so the school’s own internal closing date is 30th September.  This means that you should do much of your research and decision making in the L6, and should have a good draft of your personal statement by the start of the Autumn Term.

The quality of your personal statement is critical in the selection process.

 

Discuss it with Mr Worthington early in the term.

 

There are some very useful websites.

 

www.londondeanery.ac.uk/careerguide/

 

www.bma.org.uk

 

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

 

www.medschoolsonline.co.uk

 

www.wanttobeadoctor.co.uk

 

www.admissionsforum.co.uk

 

www.gmc-uk.org.uk

 

www.medschoolguide.co.uk