Hi guys, how are you?
Today I am really stressed and I don't really know why this is but I just can't stop thinking about everything and its really BAD! As a result, I have no idea of what to write here so I think I may do a 'Choosing a Medical School' mini guide, now that I am an offer holder I guess I can do one :P
1.Requirements that should be taken into account before applying:
- AS Levels and subjects specified. All medical schools but East Anglia currently ask for Chemistry A Level so make sure you take it! Also one more science is needed so either Physics, Maths or Biology and most medical schools will also require AS Biology. Maths and Physics are NOT required to study medicine.
-A Level predictions. For example Birmingham says that you need AAA prediction (including Chemistry) in order to get an interview.
- GCSEs requirements: KCL, Birmingham, Leicester, Bristol, East Anglia, UCL (foreign language for 2012 apparently) all want good GCSEs grades and they normally specify what they want in the prospectus/website so always research this because there is no point wasting a choice if you don't meet them. note: Oxford short-list depends on GCSEs and BMAT results so the higher the GCSE the better in that sense but an outside BMAT can make up for poor GCSE results.
-UKCAT, unlike with the BMAT you will know what is your average for this test so you have to use it to your advantage. Bristol and Birmingham as well as BMAT unis (UCL, ICL, Oxbridge) don't use UKCAT so if you don't have a strong score then you can go for these. KCL, Sheffield, Barts, Nottingham normally look for high UKCAT scores and lately seems Manchester to be using the UKCAT to rank the applicants.
2.Course Structure and number of years:
All medical schools have different course structures. Some are very traditional, meaning the first 3 years are preclinical so you do a lot of pure science (St Andrews, Oxford and Cambridge) and then you go into the clinical years. Others have more integrated course structures. The teaching methods are also important some will use lectures while others will go for PBL, so you have to make sure you go with the one that suits you best. The number of years for a medicine degree is normally 5 years. However, many medical schools offer a 6 year course where you have an intercalated degree; with some this is compulsory.
3.Location, social environment, general things...
The location is important for many people as well as the reputation (even though for medicine it does not matter) and just other aspects like if its a multi faculty or a hospital based medical school. For me, for example, the idea of a hospital based school didn't convince so I always went for universities offering a wide range of courses.
Well that's all I can come up with right now, I hope someone finds it useful :D
M
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