A-levels is better than Access to Medicine Courses

[Mark____]

As long as you get there in the end, my friend.

[Miss M.]

Points taken but Im still with Josh. You're giving yourself the advantage by doing Alevels.
But as you wish.
Oh and I wans't referring to the fact that srudents will view access courses as beneath them, doubt it fusses them, I meant unis.

Emma.

[exotica]

^-co -signed Mark....I think to each their own and different things work for different people,depending on their circumstances.

I found the access course(King's lynn-and Im sure all the major ones do the same thing) more appropriate for me, as it covers all the Science subjects but with a medical relevance.The help we were given during the UCAS application process and the continuing support that the tutors constantly give made this a better choice for me.

To say one is better than the other I think will be an injustice to two equally valuable pathways towards the same goal.Different unis will always have different prefrences for their cohorts and the best thing is to research as much as you can before applying.To be honest I did not see the students at King's lynn struggling for offers any more than what everyone else is going through.

[Daveyboy00]

I'm biased as I'm on an Access course myself, but I feel Access is the most appropriate for mature students. You get a hell of a lot more support (with UCAS form, mock-interviews etc and also from fellow students who are all in the same boat) than you would going to night-school or something similar, and doing three A Levels. Plus, one of the things admissions tutors are looking for is commitment (to a life-long career, the initial 5 yr course, then continual professional development) and what can show commitment more than giving up full-time work (as most people on my course have) to join an Access course?!
But, some people still find A Levels is the best option for them, for whatever reason, so each to their own. But I'd say to mature students seriously wanting to be a doctor - do an Access course.

[Miss M.]

I'd say do A-levels.
You'll regret it if you don't.

[thinkerbelle]

*oh my goodness* Are you aware how many exams there are during access and how often it is assessed, on top of a huge workload?! (btw not saying that a levels arent either) How can you compare two extremes, when you've not experienced both. Access to Medicine is not an average "access" course. Yes, a lot of people dont get in, but equally if they were take a levels they prob wouldnt either cos there are too many other things involved.

Rant over

[Miss M.]

True. But as you put in brackets, as are Alevels.
Candidates sitting Alevles are able to achieve offers far more easily than those on access courses, some gaining 3 or 4 offers. Now maybe access was the right course for you but this thread was aimed at those undecided on whether to do Alevles or Access.
So come undecided people, join the bright young things in Alevels. Haha.

[josh19_2005]

well the students that did that are currently doing A-Levels, some whom are my friends, most of them got offers from universities. but as i said previously whatever suits you, you should really go that route. i felt A-Levels suited me better than Access to Medicine, so i chose A-Levels over Access. I was offer the Access to Medicine course at Kings Lynn before i actually when to do A-Levels, i turned it down as i commited myself to do A-Levels. But anyways guys good luck to everyone!!

[Dr.C]

I would only pick A levels cos personally it sounds easier to me!! Talkin 2 thinkerbelle a tiny bit about access and it sounds a lot harder to me! A lot of work, all in one year, with millions of exams and assessments ALL the time. I cant see how anyone would think someone on an access course is less than someone doin a levels. After all if it wasn't good enough then people wouldn't be doin medicine would they, cos they wouldn't be at a high enough standard.

[taal]

the reason a2m is better is because the unis dont take in to account GCSE's as much if your applying with it.. for e.g. a2m with B/C's in english and maths is enough to meet the minimum requirements but if you do a - levels they look at you gcses is well, this way is more competitive...