2.2 Arts degree.....help!

**kyasarin** · 05-04-2005, 05:20 AM

Hello, hello!

Yes, im sure this has been covered before, just a bit of clarification really, i really don't wanna get my hopes up about all this business..anyway, i digress...

So, i have a 2.2 in Languages, and now, i thought d like to become a bilingual doctor. Kidding. But, ok, medicine is now at the forefront of my mind.

Do i have a realistic chance or am i flogging a dead horse.....my a-levels were BBC, with a B in Human Biology.

So, the questions are- am i wasting my time? IF i had the choice, should i simply do A-Levels in Physics and Chemistry (possibly even biology again and push the grade up?) OR, the Access course?

This is something ive just discovered, medicine always appealed but i was told not to bother when i was younger, silly me. Then i explained all this to my parents last week, both of whom are nurses, and they just laughed at me!! the buggers! So, its kinda made all my excitement turn into this grim reality...

oh i dont know, i want this bad, BUT is this just a pipe dream??

hit me folks..

thank you!

k

**kyasarin** · 05-04-2005, 09:00 AM

please??!?

**Eponine_hugo** · 05-04-2005, 10:54 AM

Ok - firstly with a 2.2 in a non science degree you're unlikely to get anywhere (competition i have learned is tough). However, your best bet is to get in touch with unis and ask for their opinion. If you're serious about doing this then do what the majority want either access or A levels. I was going to do access myself this year but I was advised that A levels are preferable by the unis which I wanted to apply to - so I'm doing 2 full A levels in 1 year in chem and Bio. However I am only 20, at a bit older some unis may allow an access course. Also check the access course you want to do is ok with each uni you want to apply to - some only take certain access courses. A levels are harder on the whole if you're doing them in 1 yr like me cos your learning A2 stuff when you dont have full AS knowledge - however if your up for a challenge it would really prove how serious you are and how hard you're willing to work. Also you could then apply to any uni with no restrictions that might occur with the access. I feel I must warn you though - 2 science A levels in a year is very hard!!!! Well good luck - hope I've helped and not put you off, if you need more help PM me and I'll see if I can help.
Lea
x

**Eponine_hugo** · 05-04-2005, 11:01 AM

BTW there's more to getting in than A levels / access. Work experience in a care environment is required by most unis for them to even look at you - no matter how good your grades are. I worked part time in a nursing home. Then on top of that in your personal state you need to briefly explain why the change of heart from lang to med. Finally you need hobbies / extra curricular stuff to show you have a life outside of education and can handle stress. In you PS dont just write what you've done, say how its helped experience, knowledge, team work and COMMUNICATION is a biggy too - but u should be ok with a lang degree. Try to state how a lang degree might help u with med ie used to degree work load, working to deadlines, communicatin with patients from other countries (particularly helpful in multi cultural places like London).

**kyasarin** · 05-04-2005, 11:05 AM

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

**kyasarin** · 05-04-2005, 11:06 AM

excellent, thanks!

x

**Eponine_hugo** · 05-04-2005, 11:20 AM

Well all you can do is try. My GCSEs were poor, but I got diagnosed with a learning difficulty in my first A level yr. I did 5 non science A levels and got AAAAB, (and an E in general studies, but we dont talk about that). So for me it didnt matter that I'm only doing 2 now - but the unis tend to see 2 full Alevels in a yr as quite a feat - it is the equivalent of 4 subjects so with your degree as well to show you can learn you should be ok. I applied to Oxford, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool. Now here's where I'm going to scare you - with care work experience, loads of hobbies and those A level grades, plus predicted AA in sciences with 2 advanced extension awards, Oxford, mAnchester and Sheffield rejected me w/o interview. Just had interview at Liverpool (would have been my first choice anyway as it happens) and waiting to hear from them. So competition is tough!!! My advice would be to choose unis with good admissions stats and no offense but avoid London unis cos they can cherry pick their students and I've known straight A students to be rejected w/o interview from them. Also dont just pick unis with low entrance grades - people did that with Sheffield this year because they only ask for ABB - they got over 4000 applicants and therefore only chose outstanding students - so low entrance grades do not exceed your chances of entry. Just check the admissions cycle stats for each uni and pick the unis you meet the entrance requirements to and have good interview / offer percentages. Always ring the unis your considering before applying to check that you're doing what they want. Also you can only apply to 4 med schools, so use your other 2 choices for something like nursing or bio medical science, phiosotherapy or something related that way the whole process isnt a waste of time if you suffer 4 med rejections, which isnt uncommon as you'll see if you look aroung the forum. Take your time and choose carefully - with Oxford I wasted a choice and now wish I'd applied somewhere else to give me a full chance, but nevermind because I've still got hope with Liverpool (apply there btw - lovely interview - very relaxed and good stats - 60% get offered and interview)
Lea
xx

**kyasarin** · 05-04-2005, 11:50 AM

Hello again!

Cheers Lea, that was really interesting, and good for you on those A-Level results.....blimey, you did good girl.

Im sure the chemistry and biology will be fine....

So, just outta interest, and ANYONE else for that matter...

For someone like me, in my position (languages grad, 24, currently a teacher CHANGING professsion, YES), are A-Level or the Access course the way forward...for me, the medical school doesnt matter so much, im just desperate to study medicine......

Im aware of the pros and cons for each, but for people who are mature students, or around my age, what do you think is the best option? Bah, i realise this is all personal, but any input is useful! :-)

Lea- good LUCK!!!!! Im sure youll be fine!!

take care
k

**christie** · 05-04-2005, 11:14 PM

Hi Im curious to know if other previous graduates are worried about how theyre going to pay tuition fees if and when they start studying medicine as a second degree?

The thought of graduating with upto 30kish in debt is scary. Im aware of student loans/professional studies loans etc but the debt is a very negative aspect to studying again.

**kyasarin** · 06-04-2005, 06:35 AM

Hi Christie

Yeah, financial worries are also the top of my agenda too. I did a 4 yr degree previous- my student loan is pushing 15K. (god, i said it). That's scary enough. I guess everybody's situation is different, i certainly DO NOT have affluent parents to help me out, so i'm on my own here! So, for me, my plan is slightly different. IF i secure a place, i'm hoping to get the RAF to sponsor me. They, (and the army for thatmatter) will sponsor you through the last 3 years of your medical degree, but obviously, you have to serve - 3 yrs minimum for the RAF, and 6 yrs minimum for the Army.

I guess this option is extreme for many, but for me, it really appeals. I'm from a military family, my dad is actually an RAF RMN so, the lifestyle is something i've grown up with; all that moving around. With the RAF they will continue to educate and train you, offering postgraduate study if you want- all expenses paid. 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.

But that's just me, and right now, im still contemplating the Access course, just trying to cover all my bases, you know?

Apart from that, i'm currently teaching, so i'm just trying to save, save, save, although i'm so crap at saving. So, i play the lottery and pray. ;-)

good luck with whatever you do!

k