Graduate entry route

**Reidaroo** · 14-04-2009, 07:07 PM

Hi everyone, not sure if anyone can help.

I'm a 29 year old arts graduate (2i) and I've been working full time (non-medical/anything related) since 2001. I've decided I'd like to try the graduate entry route to medical school, however, I don't have the a-levels required. I've been looking at the Access courses. What I am struggling to find out is whether I am too-qualified for the Access course as I've already got a degree. Also, whether medical schools who offer graduate schemes are inclinded to take students who've attended Access courses? I'm trying to do some voluntary work in the medical field to get some decent experience. My first post-university job involved a lot of first aid so I'd like to build on that experience.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'd be really keen to hear form any other students who've gone the Graduate route.

Thanks so much,

**louise colette** · 14-04-2009, 07:23 PM

Hey Reidaroo!

I've come from an Access/grad entry route so that definitely is a good option IMO!

I can't comment on other access courses, but the COWA access to medicine course particularly likes those who've been successful in other fields and then thought about medicine later on. So a previous degree is great and in fact helps to demonstrate that you're a good bet as you've successfully seen something through to the end...

First aid and any other experience you can get would be really useful, but so would any transferable skills i'm sure you'll have gained from your career and general life experience so far.

I'm not sure that an access course is strictly necessary for grad entry but it does of course demonstrate your commitment so it's never wasted. I applied to medicine in the same academic year as I started my access course which meant that I picked up some science (which helped for GAMSAT) but didn't waste any time - if time's an issue for you!

Feel free to PM me or ask me any questions on here whenever you like x

**UKUSUK** · 14-04-2009, 07:57 PM

I'm in a similar situation. I have a finance degree from a US university and am interviewing at COWA in June to hopefully start in September. I want to apply to 4 graduate entry programs: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and Kings. I know, however, that Imperial and Oxford require the degree to be in the sciences. Imperial has a checklist of topics that should have been covered. During my finance studies, however, I took several university level science courses (Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics).

1. I'm wondering if my science background and access course experience (hopefully...) will make me eligible for these graduate programs, despite not having a science degree.

2. If I don't get into any of these 4 programs, am I automatically considered for their 5-6 year programs? I will only be taking the UKCAT, as none of the above graduate programs want the BMAT. If I don't get into any at all, what happens? I just have to reapply next year?

3. How do universities look at the access course considering the average student is only a few weeks into the program upon application? Do they offer places contingent upon certain access course performance in the future?

4. Is there any sort of guidance counselors at COWA to help you apply to medical schools and help you assess your chances at the schools? I would hate to have no acceptances, but am having a hard time comparing myself to other applicants as my degree was earned in the US.

Thanks

**louise colette** · 14-04-2009, 08:20 PM

Hey UKUSUK!

I'll answer what I can...
If you aren't successful for the 4 year courses they won't automatically consider you for their undergrad course, although I have a feeling King's might. Anyone else confirm this? And yes you would have to wait and apply again the next year if you didn't get an offer. Harsh I know.

Grad entry courses will make an offer with no conditions on the access course. Normal 5-6 year courses often make the offer conditional though. In COWA's case this was usually distinctions in each subject - 6 distinctions.

COWA spend most of the first 2 weeks or so of the course concentrating on the application process and this is timetabled. It's in their interests to get people as prepared as possible. If they don't think you're a suitable candidate they'll tell you and if you're not a suitable candidate full stop then they don't accept you onto their course either! Getting a place at COWA is a pretty good indicator of future success, although of course it may take more than one year of applications and some people forget this.

Good luck!

**Reidaroo** · 14-04-2009, 08:22 PM

I'd no idea COWA spent so long on the application process. As you said it's in their interest to get as many of their students into medical school. This all makes me want to get in to COWA even more......

**Airtones** · 14-04-2009, 08:50 PM

Hey Reidaroo!

Don't worry about being overqualified for an access course. They have everybody on them from no A-levels, no degree to degrees and even PhDs.

Generally with an arts background, especially a few years back the 4 year graduate route isn't probably going to be very fruitful (although thats not to say it won't be). Really the 4 year route is geared towards picking up the droves of biomed/medical biochem type graduates within a year or two of graduating.

I'd look into access like COWA with the intention of moving onto a 5 year undergraduate medicine course. At my medical school we must have about 5-10 graduates who have come through this route.

**Reidaroo** · 14-04-2009, 10:09 PM

Hi Airtones, thanks for the response.

Why is the 4 year option not suitable for arts graduates? The reason I ask is that've noticed that a large number of the medical schools won't let you apply for the 5 year option if you've already got a degree. But then again you're saying that there's 5-10 graduates on the regular 5 year courses.....it's all v confusing!

Thanks,

Reid