how competitive are acces to medicine courses?

**Tdevil** · 16-09-2007, 01:16 PM

Hi,
I am applying to study medicine for 2008 entry but i am also planning to apply to some access courses as a back up as my circumstances are a little complicated for direct entry.
Im a graduate in optometry but only recieved a 2.2 degree after being ill in my final year, after speaking to some unis they have said i can apply to them as long as my uni and gp confirm my ilness. In addition mt a levels arent fab, A(psychology) B Biology and C Chemistry so think an access course will bring me up to level with first year medics.
But how competitive are they to get onto? i have noticed that norwich has places still avliable for this year is this due to lack of applications or something else that i am missing??.
also does anyone know if i will be applicable to apply to the course as i have a BSc, i have spokent o the colleges and they have said to apply and they will decide then.
Thanks for all your help im so glad to have found this forum as have been on admissions and student rooms but no where has got a dedicated access to medicine page

**doc2bee** · 16-09-2007, 01:41 PM

The places available at West Anglia college are due to a administration error and definitely not due to lack of applications - there were 100 places given and a waiting list was produced but due to this error only 60 turned up on the day so the college is trying to fill the places with the waiting list and other suitable applicants.

I have a BSc degree in psychology and i had no problem getting onto an access course (although i was told i must get a 2:1 otherwise i would be wasting my time - having said that many people on the course have 2:2s)

Sell yourself in your CV and mini personal statement - if you get an interview you are guaranteed a place - i have heard of no-one who got an interview then NO offer. So just sell yourself on paper.

**racheljane** · 16-09-2007, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tdevil

...have been on admissions and student rooms but no where has got a dedicated access to medicine page

I've been trying to get one off the ground for nearly a year now but lack of time & willing helpers I'm afraid!

If anyone's interested in contributing it's at www.access2med.net/forum

**Daveyboy00** · 28-09-2007, 06:13 PM

Message for TDevil - I received a 2:2 in Biochemistry and was told by COWA not to bother applying as I wouldn't get in. Went to CCN last year for access and manged to get three offers, so don't be disheartened. There was one other person I know of who had a 2:2 on the CCN course too, so you're not discriminated against if you apply there.
Best of luck!
Daveyboy

**Tdevil** · 28-09-2007, 07:14 PM

wow thats really useful to know thanks just out of curiosity what a levels did you get and work exoerience did you have thanks

**Daveyboy00** · 01-10-2007, 08:43 PM

I got Psychology A, Biology B, Chemistry B and Physics C. The thing that stood out on my application was the amount of work experience I had (5 years in various roles in the NHS), but obviously this is a bit excessive.
Just make sure you have done some volunteering/shadowing (preferably in a clinical environment) and have spoken to doctors about what it's like to have a career in medicine, as these things are likely to come up at interview.

**Tdevil** · 01-10-2007, 08:56 PM

wow thats great to know as my a levels are psychology A, Biology B, Chemistry C and AS PE and General studies BB, I have a reasonale about of work experence, i spent 1 day a week for a year working in various clinics along side drs and other health care profesionals and im currently volunteering in a mental health day centre as well as working as an optometrist since 2005, i hope this is considered enough!