2.2 Arts degree.....help!

[Dan1979]

A few things come to mind reading this thread:

RAF - it sounds like you're in a better position to know than me, but when I was researching an RAF sponsorship I was under the impression that the minimum requirement was 6 years post-qualification. I eventually settled on a professional studies loan instead.

Money - as others have said, don't worry about it. I'll be ~£55,000 in debt in 4 years - student loan from first degree, student loan from medicine and professional studies loan. I had a graduate loan of £8,000 after my first degree and paid it off with no problems inside 18 months. I'm also managing to live reasonably well throughout this degree - down the pub a couple of nights a week, get the odd CD or whatnot. Don't worry about money.

Access courses - I did an integrated foundation year rather than an access course and found it very useful. I'm not sure if your qualifications are quite enough to get in BUT I know of many people who have been given places without completely fulfilling formal qualifications from the prospectus. It's worth trying an application this year for foundation year - if you're planning on spending a year or two studying A-levels anyway, you might as well give it a shot. I started AS-level chem and bio, then got offered an unconditional offer for foundation medicine at Sheffield so didn't need to carry them on.

A-levels and work - I struggled a lot to study enough for AS-levels while I was working a full-time job. I can't even imagine doing 2 full A-levels whilst working. Worth a thought.

Friends and family - who gives a monkeys what they think? Fortunately mine were mostly supportive (if a little sceptical that I'd do it), but really, it's your life.

WRITE TO THE MED SCHOOLS - it's been said before in this thread, but do this. Do it now It's the only way you're going to get an accurate picture of what each med school will make of your particular application. Don't be picky about geographical location - just apply to the sympathetic institutions.

Just my tuppence worth

[bigdaikon]

They will also train you so you specialise in aeronautical(?!?!) medicine.....what with helping all those pilots out! HA! I'm sure the army is also specialised to an extent.

Hey Kyasarin, yeah the RAF and it's "Aviation Medicine" looks pretty interesting (I looked into it myself), but career options are restricted (in terms of training specialties)compared to civvy street. Still, lots of the other stuff's appealing, and what's 3 yrs eh?! As for your Q about A levels, I also did mine over 1 yr (3 at AAD), but it was bloody tricky as I was working at the time (and naturally I regret the D). You may want to speak to DH2005, as he (I guess the gender) studied law but has chosen to take access to medicine instead of science A levels. Oh, and if you're wondering, no, I'm not a med student...I'm applying this year...

[Varied A]

Just a thought here, but what about the unis which offer a 6 year medicine program, with a pre-med year? They're designed for arty people aren't they? I know KCL do one...

[Eponine_hugo]

Hey Lea

Thanks for the response.

Hmmm, i realise with an arts degree i HAVE to do either the A-Levels or the Access course....so, you were told that A-Levels were better? Hmmm, i'm 24, so maybe the A-Levels are a better option? If you don't mind me asking, WHAT universities are you applying for? The bigger and better ones? AND, are 2 A-Levels enough? (i.e is it ok that you didnt sit the relevant 3 in the same sitting?)

You havent put me off. I'm determined, but i am confused, all the information i'm reading contradicts itself!! Some people say, as an arts graduate the access course/re doing A-levels is fine, and that my degree wont screw me, as its TOTALLY unrelated subject, whereas, others say, sod it, you havent a chance in hell with a languages degree, EVEN IF you have the relevant work experience and the access course/A-Levels. Also, im NOT looking into gaining graduate entry, the 4 yr course. Just the regular 5 yr one that everyone does! :-)

Agghhhh!! Oh the confusion!!

A-Levels/Access...A-Levels/Access......

help!

thanks again Lea,

k

Ok - cnt remember if I replied to this already, so forgive me if I have. I applied to Oxford, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool.
Please don't do the A levels in 1 year - just done exams and the A2 is hard when done in 1 yr - don't think I've got the grades I need......

[christie]

Hiya

Anyone starting access courses this year with a 2.2 degree wary about whether theres any point?? Especially as many universities are taking a hardened view on results lower that 2.1s??

[DH2005]

Hey christie

Have you spoken to medical schools about whether they'll accept you with a 2.ii?

[christie]

Hi Dh

yes ive spoken to the universities over the past 2 years or so and had some respond saying theyd consider me; but then some admissions departments have altered their policies somewhat this year.. and im thinking rather negatively if there is any point- what if all the universities change their mind!!

[DH2005]

I understand your concerns, babe.

If you're coming to King's Lynn this September you need to button-down the medical schools that will definitely consider you. Phone their admissions departments and get an official yes or no.

[kyasarin]

Havent checked this thread for a while, nice to know it's still going strong.

I too worry about the policy with 2.2s.....but liek someone said earlier, maybe it helps that i have an arts degree. Id hate to put money, time and hard effort into something simply to be told NO THANKS!

And to Mr Bigdaikon........the name, the name, dont happen to be a jetter over in Japan do you, and frequent a certain BD site? Just wondering, coz im in Japan too.....small world.

Anyway, thanks for all your help guys, it's stil early days as ill be staying abroad for at least another year, but i DO like to worry about the future...i cant put the doctor thing out of my head. im trying...

[pinkgirl]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone knows what the deal is with a scottish non-honours (ordinary) degree, superceded by a 2:1 in a non-science degree. In my 3rd year in the non-honours degree i acheived all 2:1 grades.

Thanks!!