MANCAT(Mcr) Access to Medicine

[Jolt]

They're the same course. MANCAT doesn't exist anymore really, it's now part of a larger institution known as 'The Manchester College' which has a number of campuses around Manchester. Nichols and Northenden are both part of the college and it's the same full-time course, the only difference is that they are located in quite different parts of Manchester. I don't know much about the part-time course, there was only one person that was on it at our campus, and they changed to the full-time course eventually. I too have heard that some medical schools do not accept the course if it is taken part-time. Whether there is any truth to that I don't know, but having heard some of the other random criteria that medical admissions use, it wouldn't surprise me. The best thing to do in this situation is email a few of the universities that you would eventually like to apply to and ask if they accept the course and under what circumstances.

Don't read too much into the entry criteria, it's basically there to make sure you have the minimum qualifications that universities expect in conjunction with the A2M. Once you apply you go through computer based aptitude testing and an interview before you get a place. Apparently there were a few hundred people who applied for the course last year and only fifty or so finally got on the course. The course itself is accredited by the OCN examining board and is accepted in the place of A Levels at a pretty impressive range of medical schools.

It's a good course and it'll do the job if you can combine it with a solid UCAS application.

[Anamie]

Hey all,

I received a letter from MANCAT regarding an assessment day. They have called me in for a 3 hour examination, including writing a short essay. I rang in to ask what would come up and the onli thing I was told was english and maths was being assessed. If anybody has been to this before please could you let me knw as I am worried.

Thanks

[Anamie]

Hey there,

Ive applied to the Manchester college for this september and they want to call me in for the assessment day. Im realli worried as to what comes up...I rang the admissions and she didnt give much away. What type of questions and topics come up? and what do they ask on the interview?

Would be sooo grateful if you replied
Thanks

[Amstel]

hi anamie, dont worry too much about the assessment. i dont quite remember what is was but i think it was gcse level maths and english. look through some gcse level revision books. you will be ok.
the interview is not too bad. it does not come close to a medschool interview. it is basically a chat. they want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into and that a place at medical school after the course is not guaranteed.

[Born 2 b Medic]

Hi, it is nice to hear that u have received a call 4 assessment.

I did apply for the course, but I have not heard anything from them yet. I would love if I get called early cause I need to concentrate thereafter on the UKCAT. I just assume the assessment questions are pretty much GCSE standard Math n English as Dr Ibrahim also told me like that...He also added that GCSE scores, in line with medical school requirements, would be strictly aimed at selecting applicants.
But the ironic part is the fact that the score that u get in UKCAT will effectively determine ur season regardless of the access course unless u opt 2 apply for uni's like Liverpool.
Plz let us light up this thread.... I was too frustrated surfing on past threads.

regards,

[Born 2 b Medic]

Hi, I am waiting for MANCAT's assessment for the access course. But what is worrying me is the prospect of gettin admitted to a medical school.
I have foreign qualifications that are deemed 2 b lower than British qualifications, n they told me to do GCSE Maths n English alongside the access to go in line with medical school's requirement. Even if it is going down n adding stress, I think it would be manageable as long as I stick to my aims! Admission representative at Manchester Uni told me that for matured students, who take the access route, it would only be GCSE Math n English at grade 'B' that will be required, besides distinction in each module of the access course, unlike traditional applicants!

My worst fear is "Will I b able to impress admission teams with predicted grades even 4 GCSE Math n English?" I am afraid they will be left with nothing concrete to prove previous competency. Secondly, the likes of Cardiff, Bristol n St George would only consider applicants with access qualifications for their 6-yr programme. But it would be kind of harsh in my opinion to ask an ageing matured student take that route when he could, instead, take an intercalated degree option.
Last year, UK CAT cut-off point for Manchester Uni was 650, n it's expected to rise again this year! Applying to non-UK CAT uni's would be much competitive as most applicants think that it would be an easier option, but some of them do not even appreciate access qualifications. So, which student-friendly medical schools would be attainable for matured students who fulfil the grade level asked 4 access?
I would appreciate if i get advice on these issues from people who did take da access route to read medicine.

[Anamie]

Hey

I applied to MANCAT for the access to med course and was successful in getting an interview. My main worry is the interview though as this area is generally my weakness. Was wondering wt they ask you on the MANCAT interview...can you help?

[Jolt]

I wouldn't worry too much about it -they're pretty informal.

As I remember mine was pretty quick, he just confirmed my assessment scores and talked briefly about my background. The majority of the time was taken up by him telling me about the course and what would happen over the year.

I will say that if you feel interviews are your weakness, it's worth considering that your success on this path will ultimately come down to how well you do at your university interviews, and they can be pretty tough even for someone who doesn't mind interviews.

[Anamie]

Dear Jolt,

Thank you so much, i definitely feel bit relaxed now...what type of questions did they ask bout ur background? is it just a discussion about your statement?

Are you currently studying for this access course?

Anam

[Jolt]

If I'm honest, I can't remember exactly what they asked. It was more conversational than anything else. I think they're basically trying to determine how articulate you are in person, whether you turn up on time and properly attired - things like that. I'd expect questions like why you want to do medicine, why you didn't study it earlier and what you've been up to in the meantime. Nothing too tricky. I also remember questions about how I would support myself through the course, and how I would travel to college.

They're pretty busy at the moment so I doubt they interview many people. You've obviously already made it through the academic screening, so this just to make sure you're not a crazy person I think.

And yea, I'm on the course at the moment. Last week or two now!