do i stand a chance

**cat201** · 12-10-2011, 04:34 AM

am 20 years old this is an overview of my qualifications.
G.C.S.E -- 2 A, 5B and 2D
A level CDD in chemistry , maths and Biology
Access to medicine; overall distinctions, with an a merit in biology and a project and cowa.
applying for manchester 6yr, bristol 6yr leeds 5yr and liverpool 5yr.
i know i have poor academic grades for my a levels, in my defence the school i attended had a really poor pass rate, but i should have worked hard

.
1. should i add my a levels to my current application or just leave them?
2. should i even bother applying?
3. should i add the fact that am doing biomed first year?

**ashok_t** · 10-11-2011, 12:07 AM

The vast majority of med schools don’t accept access to medicine applicants who sat science a-levels and didn’t get the required grades for medicine, i.e. access courses can not be taken as ‘A-level re-sits’. I don’t know of a single med school that don’t take this view – although there might be a few. My college would not let people on the access course who sat science a-levels and didn’t get good enough grades for that very reason. So my gut reaction is to say to you don’t whatever you do mention your a-levels, but that maybe being dishonest and if they found out?! I just realised that by now you will have already applied?! What did you decide to do? There is always biomed and graduate entry if the a-levels prove a huge problem

**Mathsfreak** · 21-06-2012, 08:33 PM

I'm 19 and I want to get into an access to medicine course
I did chemistry, biology and maths - my grades didn't go well I had alot of family problems at home, my school was aware of that. Do you think I'll have a chance to get into an access course? :S

**Nua** · 21-06-2012, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by Mathsfreak

I'm 19 and I want to get into an access to medicine course
I did chemistry, biology and maths - my grades didn't go well I had alot of family problems at home, my school was aware of that. Do you think I'll have a chance to get into an access course? :S

I think 19 is slightly on the young side to be applying for an Access to Medicine course. They generally take people 21 and over, as it is an entry route for mature students, and by definition 'mature' is someone 21 and over. Plus, it's not just a question of getting onto an Access course, you have to think about your chances for medical school also. Some medical schools may not class you as a mature student, so they will question your intention of taking the Access course. Having said that, I think you should email medical schools directly, explain your situation and ask them what they think you should do because they are the only people that can provide concrete information for individual cases. Especially as you have some extenuating circumstances. They may allow you to re-sit your A-Levels, as long as documentary evidence is provided to back up your claims that family problems caused your grades to slip. I would say that if Access is the route you want to take then by all means give it a try and see where you end up. I heard from someone that there was a girl on the Lambeth course last year who was 19, so maybe they are not so strict with having a minimum age requirement.

All the best

**Mathsfreak** · 22-06-2012, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by Nua

I think 19 is slightly on the young side to be applying for an Access to Medicine course. They generally take people 21 and over, as it is an entry route for mature students, and by definition 'mature' is someone 21 and over. Plus, it's not just a question of getting onto an Access course, you have to think about your chances for medical school also. Some medical schools may not class you as a mature student, so they will question your intention of taking the Access course. Having said that, I think you should email medical schools directly, explain your situation and ask them what they think you should do because they are the only people that can provide concrete information for individual cases. Especially as you have some extenuating circumstances. They may allow you to re-sit your A-Levels, as long as documentary evidence is provided to back up your claims that family problems caused your grades to slip. I would say that if Access is the route you want to take then by all means give it a try and see where you end up. I heard from someone that there was a girl on the Lambeth course last year who was 19, so maybe they are not so strict with having a minimum age requirement.

All the best

Hey thanks for the reply.

I applied Manchester and I got an Interview on 26th june :S I think I'll explain to them my situation and hope they let me on

I can't sit my A-levels again.

**Nua** · 22-06-2012, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by Mathsfreak

Hey thanks for the reply.

I applied Manchester and I got an Interview on 26th june :S I think I'll explain to them my situation and hope they let me on

I can't sit my A-levels again.

If they offered you an interview, then I guess they think you stand a chance. Just let them know at the interview that you're really committed and you should be fine.

Good luck!