is there any hope?

[ozzy9317]

Hey i was wondering what my chances are of getting into Medicine as a graduate entrant as i don't have the required grades to apply directly.

My GCSE grades are poor and so are my A-levels however I can apply to some what limited Universities with my grades.

I'm thinking of doing radiotherapy(therapeutic) and then apply to medicine but I havnt started my application yet and was wondering my best options?

any help will do

Thanks

[giella]

Now if your GCSE and A level results were poor, why do you think you can cope with the demands and pressures of a medical degree?
Medicine doesn't get any easier. The job itself is even harder than the 4/5/6 year degree and you have to be able to cope with that for the rest of your life. It's an intellectually, physically and emotionally demanding career that never stops.
You're certainly not ready for it right now, from what you're saying. In your case, a degree would certainly help to prepare you for a medical degree. Just remember that a degree is not a passport to medicine.
If you're attracted by the money and leadership of medicine, then I don't blame you. There are other ways to make money in respectable ways and otherways to be a leader.
If it's the caring aspect of medicine which attracts you, then there are other ways to do that too.
If it's the science which attracts you, then I would assume you would have to be pretty good at it in order to enjoy it. And if it is just the science, there are plenty of other things you can do.

It has to be a combination of all three and then more if you want to be a doctor. Convince yourself of that first and then think about medicine.


Sorry to be blunt. I can't answer the question "what are my chances?" because there is no answer. If you want my honest opinion, that's what you have.

[giella]

As far as your best options go, and I apologise for ranting a little before, you want to look at Biochemistry or Biomedical sciences, or possibly Pharmacology. A straight Biology or Chemistry degree would probably hold you in good stead as well in most places.
Radiology is an acceptable option, but from a respectable university is a must.
Degrees in anatomy, zoology, phyiscs etc will also help. However, they don't necessarily give you the precise grounding that will enable you to get ahead when and if you eventually come to do medicine.

[latestarter]

I think you are at the beginning of your journey...

Have you just finished your A-levels or were they years ago - this makes a difference. There are widening access schemes at more and more universities for those who for one reason or another performed badly at school but have the potential to be a doctor.

Clearly, you face obstacles and possibly need to prove your academic ability in some way. But then again, you say your grades are poor, but haven't stated what they are.
e.g. my GCSEs are 1 A, 2B, 4C and 1D - so according to most on here I wouldn't stand a chance - but I did get an interview, even if I didn't get in. I also don't have any A-levels, and returned to take an Access course 18 years after my GCSEs!

I have managed to get my 2:1 degree and have since studied at post-grad level - so can prove that my 16-18 education was subject to extenuating circumstances.

I am not dissing anything that has been said above, it remains a very tough course and career to choose.

Take time, work in the NHS and don't rush into your degree until you know that you will excel at the end of 3 years ready for a graduate med place.
If radiotherapy attracts you, and I can see why, then put your heart into it - make sure you get that 2:1!

good luck!

[ozzy9317]

My grades aren't poor because of capability, its down to interests and circumstances. I was predicted A's in my (4)A levels,I just didn't give them the time they required.I know I can get the grades if i did them again so I know i can cope with academia side.

I know its medicine that I want to do cause like you said all them elements you mentioned drive me towards a career in med. (Also I don't know how accurate the career finder tests are but they also confirmed what i already knew and that was my Ideal career was Medicine----(Not that I wanna emphasize what the career finder test told me)Because I had the grades to do another degree,i applied but to no suprise I didnt enjoy it as it wasnt science related.The only thing that made me apply was the idea that if i fufilled the 3years i could apply for a post grad entry(naive yes i know )

Btw I appreciate the way you answered my question, It was exactly the answer i was looking for, It was great help..thanks

Thanks for the help and support guys..everything you said was really helpfull..

I was also interested in knowing how I would go about getting work experience and if you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks guys