Advice regarding how to apply

[sprite]

Hey folks!

Well, some backstory: I'm 21, been working full time for just over 2 years. I left school with A2s in English Language & Literature (A), Human Biology (B), Chemistry (D) and General Studies (A), with ICT (A) at AS Level. I went to the University of Leeds to study Criminology which I didn't enjoy at all - mainly the course and some other social factors which aren't relevant.

I want to study medicine.

This will be for September 2008 - in the meantime, I intend to save and get some voluntary work under my belt.

So I need to investigate the Access To Medicine/Foundation Programmes.

But, I'm a bit confused.

Sussex Downs is on my list as I can commute there (I'm in Surrey), and it seems that getting through their course leaves you in good standing for future study.
I am unwilling at this point to move away from home for financial reasons, but after a year it will certainly be something I would consider. That said, I like living close to London and there is a lot of schools here.

I'm reading a lot of good things about Lambeth also - are there any other 'good' ones to consider in London that would leave me with my options open?

The other thing is the Foundation courses. I was thinking of applying via UCAS to Kingston/St George's for instance, Southamption aswell, but would it be a bad idea to do it at the same time as the Access courses or not?

I obviously want to have as many 'chances' as possible, so am a bit worried that if I applied via UCAS and then say got onto the Sussex Downs course that it might leave me a bit awkward the following year....


Any tips?

[blueberrypie]

Sussex Downs and Kings Lynn are the only recognised access to medicine courses (as far as I am aware). If you were able to get onto Sussex Downs one, you would be in a good position to get into medicine.

Lambeth is lovely and the staff are really nice and helpful, however, as you have probably seen on these threads, it only qualifies people to access mostly the six year courses in the london area and the five year courses elsewhere.

Did you complete your degree or did you leave early? Because I am not sure how this stands with medicine. If there were extenuating circumstances this shouldn't be a problem, but you may need to look into it.

I wish you well with whatever you choose to do. I am not trying to sound negative, but make sure you do your background research. Good luck.