Help me with my dream :(

[jozepy]

Hi guys,

My name is Joe
I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction. Basically because my dad is an officer in the army my family has moved around alot over the past few year so i decided to take a level 3 ICT course (dont ask why, it was just a spare of the moment thing) I gained an overall grade of a distinction. I left school with all my GCSE grade at a D - because i changed school twice during studying. Well anyway, I was wondering the best possible route for me to get into medicine school. I have applied to study Biology, chemistry and maths at A-level. But after completing my a levels do you think my GCSE's will make it harder for me to get into University? I would really appreicate replies .

[giella]

You have to look at the GCSE requirements for medical schools and ask yourself, "do I meet them?" With the majority of medical schools, the answer will be no. Unfortunately, these requirements don't just disappear as we get older and pile more qualifications on top.

What you have to do is find a way to meet the requirements. Requirements for mature students are somewhat flexible, so there may be an alternative to GCSEs that is more appropriate to a mature learner and that medical schools would find acceptable. However, resitting GCSEs may well be something you have to do.

Remember, it's more important than ever now that you patch any holes in your applicant profile. Record numbers are applying to university and the vocational subjects will be hardest hit. Universities are in a position where they may have to raise the bar again just to make the number of applications manageable. There are early indications that medical schools are preparing to do just that.

Your current plan sounds a lot like you're putting the cart before the horse. Don't get caught in that mindset. Your GCSEs probably need attending to before your A level grades would be worth anything in terms of an application to medical school, so you may as well do those first and show progression and development in your education [this also indicates a mature approach to learning]. Also, whilst A level chem and bio are quite possible without any previous study, A level Maths without a good grounding in the subject is incredibly hard. My school wouldn't even allow you to do it without a minimum grade A at GCSE. You may want to rethink that choice.

I have no doubt that you would be able to achieve the grades you needed at A level if you tried. This is a message of encouragement as much as it is a warning. However, A levels will take 2 years. There may be other ways you could be spending that time.
Take this coming academic year to retake a number of GCSEs and get them up to an A grade. Also use that year to get some experience that shows a consistent commitment to care/medicine/the community. Perhaps then you might be in a position to start an access to medicine course or an OU course, which would take a year.

I've outlined that plan because you may be very conscious that you don't want to delay medical school any longer than is absolutely necessary. This would fit in with the two year time frame you've allotted yourself for A levels. You would also be getting experience which is as important if not more so than checking the education boxes.

[jozepy]

Hi,
I cannot thank you enough for your reply . I have just got in touch with my local college and they are doing evening courses for people who want to retake there GCSE's. They only offer maths, english and biology.

I took this from the Kings College entry requirements -
Chemistry and Biology, at least one at A-level. If A-level Maths is offered, Further Maths is acceptable at AS-level only. GCSE requirement: at least grade B at English Language and Maths, if not offered at A/AS-level

I would of thought they would require a lot more GCSE's.

[elmiradoc2005]

Hi,
I couldn't do well in my GCSEs due to illness so I got 2 GCSEs Maths and Science. However, I did well in my A-levels. I've contacted some unis, such as Bristol, Keele, St Andrews, Aberdeen, and they said that they would consider just my A levels. Places like UEA, asked me to do more GCSEs. However, your case is different.
You should contact them directly.
Some unis like Leicester, Cardiff and UCL just ask for English, Maths and dual Science. Personally, I think getting As in dual Science GCSE is very easy,after you've completed your AS level.

I hope that helps

[giella]

Don't just read what you want to see. Does no part of you think that they might expect a little bit more in a serious applicant? And that they might use GCSEs as an indicator of ability?
You should be pushing yourself to do as much as you possibly can, not the bare minimum.

[jozepy]

Don't just read what you want to see. Does no part of you think that they might expect a little bit more in a serious applicant? And that they might use GCSEs as an indicator of ability?
You should be pushing yourself to do as much as you possibly can, not the bare minimum.

Thanks for your posts mate . I'm more determined now to push myself more than ever, I want to study medicine more than anything in the world.