Kings Lynn over Norwich?

**Kylie Reeve** · 15-03-2007, 08:38 PM

Hey guys,

Its been a while since Ive posted on here, but feel that i'm really needing some good advice right now. After a few unsuccessful attempts applying for medicine i've reasoned that going down the Access route may be my most feasible option.

Its been a pretty disheartening process seen as i have a 2.1 in occupational therapy, and a levels in biology, chemistry, maths and english language, loads of clinical work experience and spend what time i can fundraising and volunteering, so I felt as a good all-rounder I might be in with a shot at getting onto a med course. However, so far it is not to be! But this is something i really want and i'm committed to succeeding so i'm not gonna give up!

Consequently, i've applied to 3 Access courses (or at least i will have once i've been to the Sussex info session; the others are Kings Lynn and Norwich). I had my interview in Norwich and have been offered a place, and have now been invited to interview at Kings Lynn.
My quandry now is that i'm unsure whether to attend the Kings Lynn interview as i'm from just outside Swindon, and it was a bit of a trek to drive to Norwich, plus i've been given little notice to sort out my work shift. To any Kings Lynn or Norwich Access students, past or present, would I be at a disadvantage going to Norwich over Kings Lynn? I really did like Norwich when i went for my interview, but the reason i'm a bit wary is because comparing the info i've been given from both colleges, it seems the Kings Lynn course is more widely accepted at med schools, and obviously i want to maximise my chances of getting a place this time! Does anyone know if this is the case? And what are people's experiences on these courses?

I'm sorry to have rambled so much, but whilst I'm pleased to now have an option, I want to make the most sensible decision for my future. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Kylie.

**taal** · 16-03-2007, 12:09 AM

id actually be really happy if i got an interview for college of west anglia mate... they have a 90% success rate for getting people in... id definitely go for the interview.. im hoping i get one too...

take care

**DH2005** · 18-03-2007, 05:35 AM

I joined the West Anglia course in September 2005 and entered medical school in September 2006, along with nearly all of my intake... West Anglia, all the way. No doubt.

Send me a private message, if you have any questions.

**olimaunsell** · 18-03-2007, 02:15 PM

Hey Kylie -

I don't know much about the Norwich access course, although I had heard they were launching one this year.

I am currently on the King's Lynn 2006/7 course, and all I would say is that it is still the best route if you want to stand a good chance of getting into a range of med schools. It remains the most widely accepted course in the UK, and therefore allows you to apply to almost anywhere, with a very high success rate. The newer access courses that are linked to particular med schools will not, in my opinion, stand you in such good stead for applying elsewhere. If however you are set on going to UEA, Manchester, St George's, Bristol, Brighton etc, then perhaps joining their six year programme (ie access +5) is your best bet, but it might only be advantageous in relation to that particular med school.

The King's Lynn course is excellent. Lecturers are generally very good, nice mix of people (backgrounds, ages etc), and the course / assessment structure is very well thought-out. I would strongly recommend it, as long as you can put up with living in a dive for 9 months

Hope this helps.

**louise colette** · 18-03-2007, 02:32 PM

Hey Kylie,
King's Lynn is definitely your best bet if you really want to stand a good chance of a place at med school via an access course - I'm there at the moment.

Having said that though, have you thought of sitting GAMSAT? With your background I would think you'd do very well. I took it this year and did much better than I had expected and now I wish that I'd kept working for another year (I'm a nurse) and just applied to the GAMSAT universities. Hindsight's a wonderful thing though!

Did you spend much time on your personal statement on previous applications? It can't be either your educational or professional background that let you down, so maybe you didn't sell yourself well enough?

Feel free to PM me if you like! Don't give up...x

**Kylie Reeve** · 19-03-2007, 11:07 PM

Thanks for your responses guys, they've been really useful. It seems that everyone is really positive about the Kings Lynn course, so i'm pretty keen to have my interview now, even if i did have to ask very sweetly to change my interview date! In all fairness, the lady i spoke to was more than willing to help.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me what a typical week consists of, as i'm in the process of planning ahead financially, and trying to ascertain if part time work is feasible.

Kylie x

IWANNABEADOCTOR · 20-03-2007, 01:56 AM

Kylie,

I had my interview their today. PM me if you want any advice.

**louise colette** · 20-03-2007, 02:21 AM

Kylie, it's perfectly possible to work part time. Most people either get every Friday or alternate Fridays off, plus the weekend of course, and many people choose to work. It's just a matter of discipline!
I've never regretted this course x

**DH2005** · 20-03-2007, 04:32 AM

Some people worked. I preferred to chill-out when I wasn't studying.

There's not much to do in King's Lynn (seek and ye shall find, however...), but what with all the fuss and hassle of getting into medical school, time spent either alone or chatting with my housemate was important to me.

I wonder how the Mighty Lynn might have changed, since I left - not at all, probably...

**Daveyboy00** · 20-03-2007, 02:13 PM

Hello Kylie - As the only person here that seems to be on the Access course at Norwich, I thought I'd post my viewpoint!! (I'm not the only one studying Access at City College by the way!). Choose whichever course/college you feel more comfortable with. Go to the interview at King's Lynn, Sussex Downs and then decide. I too had interviews and Kings Lynn and Norwich, and found I like Norwich more and so studied here. It has not been a disadvantage in any way. I've had 4 interviews, and I know of others that have had 3 or 2. I also know that a third of us on the course have offers already, and some have still yet to hear/be interviewed. So don't think of Norwich as second-rate to Kings Lynn. Yes, it hasn't been running as long and is not as well-established, but it is being more recognised every year. So be positive. And whichever path you take I wish you luck!!
Daveyboy