MUST get in to Medicine. But how?

[Johura]

Hi guys,
I'm an A-Level student, currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology an I'm in my first year.
I've heard so much about how difficult it is to get it to Medicine, I'm starting to doubt my chances of gettin in...
Just wanted a few pointers on what I should do to increase my chances of getting in.
Thanks.

[MyNameIsImi]

Pretty much the stock answer, really. Get good AS levels (if you haven't already), get some volunteer and/or work experience under your belt, get a good UKCAT score (the way to go about doing this is debatable, but just practice - there are a couple of good books and some practice tests on the UKCAT website), and look and/or think of as many interview questions and answers as possible without coming across as having learnt all of your practiced answers by rote. If you do that you've got just as good a chance as anyone else. Good luck!

[NV05]

Agreed; spend some time browsing the site and you'll see lots of discussions on what to do and how, and what admissions tutors will want on your application. Good luck.

[RoxieP]

Firstly, don't doubt yourself. Yes medicine is hard to get into, but not impossible. Don't listen to people who are being negative or defeatist, if I had I wouldn't be where I am now. I got in as a mature student of 28 with bad A levels and did an access course.

Just work really hard to get good grades and get lots of work experience, something that shows long term commitment and that you are not scared to get your hands dirty - I did paid work as a health care assistant in an old people's home and I worked as a Samaritans volunteer for 2 years, I believe this set me apart from those who had shadowed a GP for a couple of days.

Good luck, you can do it!

[Johura]

Thanks for the help guys.
This was my first post, so I thought I'd get some advice before I start browsing the site.
Thanks again, much apreciated.