Which is better for old people - A levels or Access programme?

**Dr.Ead** · 17-02-2006, 10:37 AM

I am planning on doing 3 or 4 A-levels to get into medical school as opposed to an Access programme. I plan on starting them this September. Do you think this is a better idea for older students ( I am 29)???

**Mary** · 17-02-2006, 08:00 PM

i am 30 and currently on the King's Lynn Access course, and I think it is a smart option. It depends on the opportunity to take a year off though. I am extremely happy with this particular option, and I must say it pays off. I had four interviews over 6 choices. Three of them for medicine (UEA, UCL, GKT). it is an extremely subjective matter though...it depends on how strong a student you are. I hear that A levels are more manageable than the Access course, which is really intensive. On the other hand, if you are not lucky, you might find an A level instructor that just cannot guide you to the right level of competency you need to score above 80% in the final exams. Have you reassurance that the A level courses you will be doing are good?

I can see why you wonder because I went through the same decision the last summer. Then I though that an access course could give me what i needed in half the time than the A levels, and I took this decision. I would recommend it. I see it is really appreciated by many high profile med schools. And...home students do not pay any fee.

**DH2005** · 17-02-2006, 08:00 PM

You're going to take 3 or 4 A levels?! Yowch... that's serious overkill. Access to Medicine would be much (much) less hard work, and would also probably offer better odds of getting you into medical school.

The mean age of the current King's Lynn intake is 27, I think. You'd be a little older than most of us - there are lots of folks between 24 and 28 - but you'd not be conspicuously old. I can think of several people who are 35+.

What's your current academic profile? Also, and maybe more importantly, how much medical work experience do you have?

... oh, and, heya Mary!

**Dan1979** · 17-02-2006, 09:07 PM

You should also consider premed/foundation year courses, which are similar to Access schemes but with the advantage that upon successful completion of the premed year, you progress automatically to the regular 5-year degree. Only one set of applications, and once you're in, you're in.

If you're interested, check the Sheffield, Dundee, Cardiff and Kings sites to get more information on 6-year courses.

**Dr.Ead** · 17-02-2006, 11:30 PM

Is Kings Lynn programme full up for this year?

**Mary** · 18-02-2006, 09:23 PM

King's Lynn course runs from september to june as an ordinary high school course. I think they did not fill in all the places (around 80) for september 2007. in the meantime you could begin to study by yourself (some Science GCSE revision notes will do). Why don't you give the college a call? You'll find all the contacts for the King's Lynn centre on their website:
www.col-westanglia.ac.uk

**DH2005** · 21-02-2006, 09:27 PM

Several people in this year's intake didn't apply until April or May of 2005. As Mary has advised, give the College a call, and request an application brochure.

If you have any further questions, by all means send me a private message.