Perth College - Pathway to Medicine Access Course

[George99]

Their site does say "You should not have studied above HNC level before."

Which is a shame because they looked like a good choice for me.

[NickJM08]

i applied and went for interview for stow - having not heard back yet and others having offers i gather i have been knocked back for a place on the course

given the fact i would need to relocate to perth for the course i was wondering if i stood a chance of entry

i have been accepted for access to science and health at college - would this stand me in good stead for admission to perth - pathways to medicine HNC for admission 2010/11?

i am 25, sat my highers 8 yrs ago and due to family circumstances did not achieve my potential. i sat access to humanities and got grades AAA and then went on to study HNC social sciences, i did not complete this due to health issues and my desire to go back and study science instead. i wanted to pursue medicine out of school but my predicted AAAAA took a dive when i had to become sole carer of my parents and siblings at 16. i wanted this other chance to prove myself and study medicine and would like to study at perth

what are my chances of admission

NB: i applied last yr and got though to interview stage im worried that by next yr it will be too popular for me to get in. financially speaking ill be in abetter position to move next yr than i am this yr for study - so im thinking the access to science might give me an edge since my highers are all out of date now

thank you for your time

Nick

[PTMNO1]

Hi Nick,

So you applied for the Perth access course last year? Were you rejected then, and if so did you receive any feedback on your interview performance?

The Perth College pathway to medicine course is tailored for people who haven't completed HNC level before. Normally due to a non-traditional background or circumstances that have rendered you unable to take the "accepted route" into medicine. Therefore, academically I don't see why you can't apply this year as I know there are still places available with interviews coming up. I got onto the course 2 weeks into the first semester

On the relocation thing; how far away do you live? Accomodation can be a bit cheaper in Perth than in most cities. I actually drove down from Aberdeen most days to attend class; worth it for a great opportunity.

The fact that you've been predicted 5 A's before shows you have the potential to do well on any course. I don't think the old highers will be a problem as their stipulating over 21 anyway, so it must be common.

Acceptance is based on a good reflective personal statement and nailing an interview; both of which are do-able if you put the effort in and research the St Andrews course. Hence, other than money issues I don't see why you can't gain a place any year you try.


In summary:

You are over 21
Haven't completed HNC before
Have at least one higher

Can you display your desire to pursue a career in medicine? Work experience, shadowing in healthcare etc..... This is important.

Whether you apply this year or next, your welcome to mail me for any advice or assistance. Good luck in your applications.


Alex

[NickJM08]

I applied last year and got through to the interview stage - but i had to stay in glasgow - so I didn't get the chance to attend the interview.

I sat an access course previously in social sciences and got AAA in my profile - then went on to sit an HNC in social sciences which i did not complete due to health reasons. I had written this in my application for last term which did not seem to be an issue (i dont think) since i was allowed through to the interview stage.

neither of my parents or their families have been to university so i would be the first person in my family to do so - having come from what people politely call an 'economically deprived' area there was not much chance for people in my area to pursue careers or university. #

I am still living in glasgow but trying to get my finances straight before relocation. since i do not drive commuting i think would be near impossible every day so i would be looking to move to perth should i get a place next yr. i have been accepted for access to science which i read on the perth college website as being (if i get an A grade) one of the entry requirements for admission. i am starting voluntary work with the national autistic society also in order to get work experience under my belt so to speak. i have contacts in this field since my brothers both have autistic spectrum disorders and i have cared for them a great deal i thought it would be a good field to undertake.

i know that since i have recieved funding for one HNC they would be unlikely to fund another so i am looking into saving up to fund my own HNC fees. i am aware that it will be seen as a change in career from social sciences to science but i feel i can justify it in that i feel i have reached as far as i can with social sciences educationally speaking; since science was what i had wanted to do since leaving school and had been my plan - having to take time out to care for my brothers put paid to my career path at that time - i feel this would be the second chance i am looking for

i see that there are limited places however, is there anything i can do besides my access course and volunteer work to secure a place?

'demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in medicine'

i see from the website that they stipulate clinical experience - that would be my main worry - would volunteer work with the national autistic society be satisfactory ? or would i need to look into alternatives? i have vast life experience working with autistic individuals, those with ADHD, Schizophrenia, and Profound Deafness and worked for my fathers Autistic charity for two years as well as working on a helpline for suicide prevention.
thanks again

nick

[PTMNO1]

I'm a Glasgow boy myself (Pollok) and its nice to see the different ways of saying "under-privileged."

The funding issue is something I'm not sure about. I don't know if they have different funding tiers.... A few of my friends have done two Bsc Degrees without an issue, so you might get another shot.

To be honest you seem like a good candidate; the only thing that stands in your way is a good personal statement and an excellent interview. Just ensure you understand the course entirely, especially the St Andrews course (refer to earlier posts). Maybe comment on the fact you're showing a record of success with the Access to HNC course, then HNC and graduating to a medical degree.

Work experience is a superb bonus as it shows foresight, and your family experience is more intense and rewarding than any experience you can ever get shadowing a doctor.

I do expect there to be more interest in the course next year as there is a recruitment drive (adverts mainly on this site). However, I'm sure there will be a space for you if you carry through with your intentions.

Good luck on your choice of course this year; if you need any more help just give me a shout.


Alex

[NickJM08]

thanks for your reply - you have reassured me a lot.

This is all that I've ever wanted to do but felt I couldn't because of having to delay my education and general background so I'm putting my all this. It is unqieur in that it seems to genuinely give a chance to those who didn't get it first time around. I will be into getting work experience and working on a personal statement together as I go along. I'm a bit concerned that there will be a lot more interest given this recruitment drive - but no more so than the already packed out Stow college interviews I was at in May which I managed to get an interview for surprisingly since it is a very popular course. I read the entire thread regarding the St Andrews course and I have been reading up on the course and making notes about it for use at interview and personal statement.

i will likely self fund my HNC if the worst comes to it regardless. i think it would be important to take this yr and do my access and get work experience in prior to applying.

thanks again for the advice - you've helped me a lot

nick

[Naz_92]

Hi,

I was just wondering whether their is an age restriction, It's just that I've got the impression that it for applicants who have been out of education, or are either graducates. :| Is that correct, or am I just not reading properly?

[PTMNO1]

Hi Naz,

I can understand your confusion as the course stipulations can be a bit ambiguous. Essentially they want students who are 21 or over at the start of the course; this is because they are trying to make the course exclusive for mature students as it was originally designed to give students a second chance at medical school who didn't think it was an option to them earlier in life. This is complimented by the other stipulations on previous study..... i.e. not having studied above HNC before, this would therefore exclude graduates.

I hope your options are clearer to you now; any more questions are welcome.


Alex

[mosesjudah]

hi alex

pls is this col in london

[leemkule]

It's in Perth, Scotland. Clue is in the title :P. Nowhere near London.