is it worth applying?

**gm88** · 11-05-2008, 10:54 PM

I really dont know whether i should apply to BL for 2009 entry. Im quite dubious because i know a lot of people have been rejected but i dont know if my academic qualifications are good enough. At GCSE i got 1A*, 2Bs and 7As. At AS im likely to get AABB and A2 im going to be predicted at least AAB but if i twist my teachers arm i reckon i can get it up to AAA. I mean is it even worth applying to medicine this year or would it be better to take a gap year if i get predicted AAB - evry day its begnning to seem a better idea. and i know the grades are going up to AAA for 09 entry

**469er** · 11-05-2008, 11:31 PM

Not that I know anything about anything, but, if you're happy to take a gap year and go a year later anyway, wouldn't it be worth applying this time round in order just to get the experience of perfecting your PS, preparing for interviews (and maybe doing a few too)? I feel like a different person after this year's application cycle, and if I had to reapply (I don't) feel I'd be much more savvy about everything. And you may surprise yourself!

**f_debelder** · 12-05-2008, 01:31 AM

Say you take a gap year and don't apply this year. You will have wasted an application cycle. What's the point, there's no harm in trying eh.

Wo/Man up, and take the plunge.

**Jonny-R** · 12-05-2008, 10:18 PM

2009 undergrad application is AAAb at A-level and the AS you drop now mate. Keep that in mind.
Edit:
Horray. Just re-read your post and you specifically mentioned that at the end.
If you're going to apply I would imagine having predicted AAA is a must. Make sure they know you can get it.

**Preston 1990** · 13-05-2008, 09:17 PM

Queen mary look at the UKCAT very heavily, i think they interview in order of highest UKCAT down to lowest providing u meat their minimum requirements (but double check that), the lowest i kno of someone who had an interview this year was like 615, so in terms of ur grades if ur UKCAT is good then u should be ok. Also there is no harm in applying next year you have nothing to lose and may get in so go for it. Also, defo go to the open day and speak to the admissions tutor as well.

good luck mate

**AD07** · 16-05-2008, 12:18 AM

Agree with the above...i really think you should apply. I don't understand why you said that you "dont know if my academic qualifications are good enough"...you got 8 A*/As and 2 Bs in gcses which is definately good enough for most unis (I ended up with a D in 1 gcse!). Just make sure you stay clear of birmingham cuz i think they have a minimum requirement of 5 A*s at gcses. If you're predicted AAB at A level then that is good enough for most unis but then i think you souldn't apply to barts if that is what you are predicted. Only apply to barts if you are predicted AAA because otherwise it would be a waste of a choice.

If you really want to take a gap year then you might aswell apply for deferred entry atleast. Otherwise, as mentioned above, you will have wasted a whole application cycle.

**kiki_12** · 18-05-2008, 04:31 PM

I got the same GCSE grades as you so that doesnt seem to be a worry - they are good.

Try and badger, plead, beg, promise your teachers you will get AAA and tell them how important it is you are predicted that.

As faraaz said why waste a cycle - if you dont get AAA to apply for 2009, your grades arn't going to change for 2010, just go for it.

**tyzer23** · 21-05-2008, 06:44 PM

dude my gcses were a lot worse than yours, so just make sure you work on the personal statement and do well on the UKCAT.

But definately apply 2009 to get some feedback from unis and to get an idea of where you stand so if it doesn't work out you will be even more prepared after a gap year.