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If you are still in school, 6th form: It's never too late to think about what career path you wish to take in the future. Especially if you are thinking of a career such as medicine it is important to make some decisions early. The fact that you are here and wish to find out more alone shows you are off to a good start. Remember medicine is a lifestyle choice and not just a job. Studying medicine is in some ways similar to doing a vocational qualification. It is also one of the most exciting careers, with lots of opportunities, potential and certainly very rewarding. It is a dynamic field which is constantly changing.
Is medicine the right career path for me? I don't think anyone could ever be completely certain whether or not medicine is truly the right career path for them before they embark on this long road. You are looking at least 5 years at university, followed by 2 years foundation training followed up by lengthy periods of speciality training thereafter. You will be looking at many exams, regular appraisals and assessments even after reaching the top. Medicine entails lifelong learning and is constantly changing. Perhaps you may be contributing to some of these changes in the not so distant future. It goes without saying that it is far from what is potrayed on TV shows. Talk to friends and family who are in the medical profession before you make the decision whether or not this is the right career path. If you think it might be then carry on reading
What subjects to do for A-Levels? Gone are the days when it was mandatory to do all science subjects to be able to secure a place in medical school. Most medical schools expect a minimum of 3 x A-Level subjects. Most will expect you to have taken Biology and /or Chemistry at A or AS level. The requirements change every year and from university to university. Therefore, we recommend that you visit the university websites to find out more information. At least 2 science subjects are recommended. A large number of A-Levels doesn't necessary help you secure a place in medical school. By all means take more than 3 if you feel you can cope and you wish to learn more things and also if you wish to keep options open . When should I apply? Remember you will apply for university before the completion of the two years of A-Levels. In fact you will apply after the end of AS levels. Some students may wish to take a gap year before starting university. Medical students may also wish to do this. Click here to read more about gap years.
How will I apply? You will be using the central UCAS application system. Your school or college will provide more information on how to register. Find out more by visiting Find out more by visiting www.ucas.ac.uk.
What grades do I need? Your GCSE grades are very important universities set grade requirements based on GCSEs. It is important you have good AS grades and provisional grades which are calculated form AS grades. Most UK medical schools now expect candidates to sit a standardised medical school admissions exam (UKCAT, BMAT). Please make sure that the medical school you wish to apply to sets this as a requirement. Different universities also have different A-level grade requirements. Most now expect 3As or 2As and B as a minimum. Once you have got through the interviews you will be offered a provisional place at the medical school you chose (if you received more than one offer).
Which medical school to apply to? You are allowed a choice of four medical schools to apply to. It goes without saying that some will be a lot more competitive than others to get into. Oxford, Cambridge and the London Universities traditionally have high competition ratios and limited places. However, one should not be discouraged from applying to any one of the above. It is wise to always however have back up option at a slightly less competitive. We recommend you visit the universities during their open days, visit the medical faculty and speak to current students. Also remember location might be quite important to some and not so much for others for various reasons. TIP: This site is all about making the next generation of surgeons. There are some universities that will carry a natural advantage of pursuing a surgical career than others, namely the ones listed in the paragraph above. Some medical schools no longer have dissection. Some have minimal prosection exposure. It may be worth finding out on your open day whether your medical school provides dissection or prosection.
The application The application will comprise of many different parts. Seek help from your educational tutors on this. The personal statement plays a crucial role in being short listed and receiving a call for an interview. There are many resources available online and we recommend you seek support from your personal/educational tutors, friends and family with regards to this.
The interview If you are short listed by any of the four universities (may be one or more) you will be called for an interview. Be well prepared, dress the part. Know what you wrote in your personal statement and be ready to talk about it and defend it. Some questions that are guranteed to come up:
Be ready to talk about things that you may have done (or consider doing having read this if you haven't done so already) which will make you stand out from the rest. Try using them if any of the questions above were to be asked
Interviews may usually last for 20 - 30 mins After the interviews relax and keep working hard to get the grades you need in your A-Levels and before you know it you will be informed of your offers. Then you will have to choose one of a maximum of four possible offers you may receive. For more information please visit: UCAS information pages on specific courses |