Question regarding GEP and 5 year course

[iheartmedicine]

Is the selection centre only for GEP at Barts? I am applying to the five year as a graduate/mature student as I do not hold a science degree.

[ryangeleit]

Yes, as far as I am aware if you are applying to the 5 year course as a graduate you are treated the same as everyone else i.e. you will have to attend one interview if you are successful.

[iheartmedicine]

That is what I thought. That is why I was confused about the selection centre, as I had not read about it for the five year programme. It sounds like an adventure though!

[kotoreru]

The Selection Centre's a good experience, iheartmedicine. Recommended.

[Med student wannabe]

For anyone with experience of Bart's GEP what were the group sessions, interview and written exercises like? I'm quite a passive person so if I get a chance I think I might struggle with the group session. Also is a 670 UKCAT average good enough? I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't so I would really appreciate the truth. Also what was the task given during the group session? What sort of questions were asked @ the interview and also what was the written exercise? Sorry to ask a lot. Would really appreciate the help.

Med student wannabe

[kotoreru]

Hard to answer, Med student wannabe. Your UKCAT may be borderline good enough, but who knows?

You may struggle with the group section unless you can either assert yourself, or find a niche role with the others you are put with. Tricky. We were told not to specifically say what the tasks etc. given were, but look around and you will find out no doubt...

Also, regarding the OPs question: I recently met someone who was given a place on the GEP course but also given the option of a place on the 5 year instead.

[swift]

Please excuse my ignorance, but i feel like im best to just ask people who really know the facts, i.e. those of you on the course.
I heard QMUL GEP have a link to a bank, offering great support?
What is the best way as a 1st year biomed student to ensure i give myself the best chance of getting into GEP after?
Is it the done thing to apply in the last year of your UG degree or should you wait? Like work for a year?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[kotoreru]

No idea about that bank thing, swift. :S

Er, increasing your chances? Getting a 1st helps. That said, a mate of mine has a 1st in BioMed and he got turned down for the GEP. I think it's a combo of everything: you need a GREAT UKCAT score, a good degree, a good personality (ha, my mate), and of course a bit of luck.

I've been told that many people applying for the GEP have PhDs and MScs, almost as standard. How are you going to stand out?

Failing that, come sit with us on the 5 year. It's quality.

[Roseofjericho]

Originally Posted by kotoreru

No idea about that bank thing, swift. :S

Er, increasing your chances? Getting a 1st helps. That said, a mate of mine has a 1st in BioMed and he got turned down for the GEP. I think it's a combo of everything: you need a GREAT UKCAT score, a good degree, a good personality (ha, my mate), and of course a bit of luck.

I've been told that many people applying for the GEP have PhDs and MScs, almost as standard.

Most of this is just not true. Getting a 1st does not help, from what i've seen. Most of the people in the current 1st year have 2.1's, a few have MSc's and (off the top of my head) i can only think of 1 with a PhD. What is true is about the UKCAT, as thats largely what selection centre invitation is decided on (assuming you meet all the criteria about work experience, extra-curriculars and a 2.1). Getting a place is then about performance at the selection centre.

The best thing i did was practice aptitude tests online over and over before the UKCAT to get my speed up. UKCAT isn't hard, time is the main factor to get round.

There is a good mix of people who have come straight from uni and who have worked a bit, so go ahead and apply straight away, there are also a number of us who applied more than once so its a good idea to start asap if you really think you want to do it.

[swift]

KOTORERO: If only i had a way to finance that i would be more than happy to do so!

I arranged a careers meeting with my Uni careers advisors today and that was very useful. He didnt say anything to me about getting a PhD of MSc. But i guess it could be something to look into.
Thanks

ROSE: Thank you for clearing some of that up for me, i think i would like to come straight from university given im already 20 in my fist year of BioMedSci!