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There may be more practical help available to you offered by the university's Widening Access scheme as you live in Newport (as long as you don't go to Rougemont or somewhere posh like that). It's worth asking the person in your school that deals with that kind of thing if they have any contacts that you could use. In my experience it's the career advisers, biology teachers and head of sixth that usually are the most helpful. I know you're only 15 now, but you'll have to start preparing your applications in about a year's time - and that will fly by!
As for your GCSE English, don't worry! You don't have to be able to think up crazy stories. They're looking at the quality of your writing. Try to base it on something in your life or something you've seen or heard. In an exam situation, spend a few minutes planning what to write so that you don't get confused or stuck halfway through. Never be embarrassed to ask your English teachers for extra help. Explain to them that you feel that you're struggling a little and that you have ambitious career plans which means it's important that you do well. Knowing when to get help with things is an important quality as a doctor.
Definitely take Biology and Chemistry at A Level. I'd say do anything you enjoy for your 3rd and 4th subjects. Cardiff encourage diversity and like applicants to mix arts with sciences. If you really enjoy P.E. then take it, but I don't think that it will be a massive help with the degree if that's your sole reason for choosing it. Maths and English are solid, heavyweight subjects that will appeal to traditional universities, but don't underestimate the workload, especially as you have lots of work experience and life skills to participate in over the next two years.
Work hard to get good grades at GCSEs (that's A*, A and B grades) and start thinking about your personal statement NOW by sorting out work experience, participating in voluntary work and taking up responsibilities in your school and community.
The previous post suggests looking at your grades to decide where to apply. I always advise against this. If your grades aren't that great, then you will struggle to get into any medical school. You need to find the four schools that really appeal to you and choose them. It's easy to get lost in the rumour and hearsay of medical applications. Try not to listen to it. Just be yourself, make sure your application is the best it can be and find the places that are best suited to you.
Cymro.
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