For those of us starting at COWA in September 2010

[talknerdytome]

Not sure if this is too early or not, but thought it might be nice for those of us who are starting at COWA in September to have a thread!

Couple of topics which might be good to know...

1. Your name and age
2. Where you plan on living whilst studying at COWA
3. Why you're doing A2M
4. UKCAT!!
5. Pre-reading

1. My name is Lizzy and I'm 20 (21 in August!)

2. I will probably continue to live with my boyfriend once I've finished my degree, in Herts/Essex and commute in.

3. I'm in my final year of uni at the University of Birmingham studying Psychology, I applied to graduate entry medicine courses this year but unfortunately didn't do very well in my GAMSAT. I figured A2M was my best bet at getting into med!

4. The UKCAT terrifies me! I plan to begin studying once I've finished my finals (end of May) and I hope that will be enough time.

5. I haven't really looked at the pre-reading list yet...but I'm sure I will soon!

[lucky13]

Hey

I have a place for 2010 too

1. Hannah, 26
2. Was probably going to rent a room but have also seen some pretty cheap studios nearby (but do I want to be hassled with worrying about bills, also it's quite anti-social...so, at the moment, undecided)
3. Initially looked at doing A-levels but the only colleges that seem to take 'mature' (hehe) students are independent/private colleges asking for £5000 a TERM. I thought the structure of A2M was quite appealing, esp. the part about doing a medically-related project.
4. UKCAT - the thing that worries me is the amount of time you're given to complete the test! Though I was contemplating taking the BMAT in November too (must be mad)
5. I've got the Human Biology book from the pre-reading list but thats it, to be honest I'm finding it a little tricky on knowing where to start with revision/preparing for the course.

I am thinking of deferring my place though, I just got offered a job at this teaching hospital which, if I did for a year, would open up sooooo many doors with work experience (and give me time to save up some much needed money) hmm....

[talknerdytome]

Cool =]

I took the GAMSAT last year and it was evil! I'm hoping the UKCAT will be slightly better.

Which job? I guess it depends if you don't mind waiting an extra year to start. I can definitely understand the financial side though, not sure how I'm going to cope =/

[talknerdytome]

Hey Will,

I was interviewed on the 12th as well! As far as I can remember there was only one guy there, I'm guessing that was you?

Good luck with the job! Sounds good.

I have quite varied voluntary experience, but nothing in the NHS. I've done lots of mentoring, also some political stuff, went to South Africa for a few weeks and recently worked with people with acquired brain injuries. However, I've applied to be a HCA as I know I need something in the NHS, I think that's what let me down with my applications this year! If you want to make sure your work-experience is bullett-proof i'd think about doing some sort of voluntary thing, they like to know you are 'well-rounded' person (awful term!).

What is it you've been doing since you left school?

[talknerdytome]

That's quite a career change! What prompted that?

Where will you be commuting from? CRB checks are a pain, I've been lucky with the volunteering I've done, they've never really bothered. One woman actually said to me 'meh...you look normal'!

[talknerdytome]

I'll try and dig it out for you at some point learna =]

Haha, fair enough! Much more sensible than some of my friends, lol.

I grew up in Essex/Suffolk, and now live with my boyfriend in Essex/Hertfordshire when I'm not at University in Birmingham. I went straight to uni from school, but I was a bit of a naughty kid and didn't get the greatest grades, so decided to do Psychology instead of Medicine. Got to university and lived with a load of medics, and thought '*@#*'...that's what I want to do!' lol

[rob09]

A little later than the rest of you guys at posting here, but hey!

I had my interview on 15th January and got offered a place

1. Rob, 24 (25 in July - scary!!!)

2. I'll be moving to Kings Lynn with my partner around mid-August most likely, so we'll be looking for our own flat/house. Any ideas how to find out - doesn't seem to be that many around in Kings Lynn!

3. A2M is (in my opinion) the best way into medical school for those of us past 18! I did look into going to college part time, or even full time, but it'd take longer, be more expensive...I just much prefer the idea of A2M!

4. I'm pretty scared of UKCAT also, again, I agree - time-wise it's daunting! I'll order a few books from Amazon and study up soon though!

5. I've ordered a few books from Amazon on chemistry/biology/physics - although, they're American! Stupid - I should have checked first! Oh well, so I'll prob buy a couple of the books on the reading list soon and get studying!

Like you Hannah, I also am considering deferring for 1 year...but I don't know - I'd much rather start now, but I don't want to have to be worrying about £££ whilst trying to study. I could also do with more work experience related to the NHS I think...so a bit undecided yet!

[talknerdytome]

Hey Rob =]

I know what you mean about A2M being the best way in. I've heard it being described as 'the best kept secret in applying for medicine' and I think that's very true. What's nice about it is not EVERYBODY who is over 18 does it.

[eddy_565]

1.Eddie Blackman
2. Staying in the premier inn for the first week then going from there!
3. I figured that for someone who already has clinical experience this was the best option for me.
4. will be taking before november deadline as i want to have as much time to practice as possible.
5. A Level Bio, Chem, Physics, Anatomy, Physiology, Maths?

See You all Monday!!!!

[UKAmerican]

Hi all,

I'm a mature student applying to start COWA in September 2011.
Does anyone have any tips for the statement? They only allow 250 words to explain why you want to do medicine and what your intended career progression is.

Thanks!!!