4 year or 5 year

[Giggy]

Hi, I'm currently in my 2nd year of a Medical Biochemistry degree at Leicester and hopimg to apply to medical schools in my 3rd year for 2011 entry. So far I'm averaging 68%, though it's possible I could build that to a 1st. I know the 4 year course requires a 1st whereas the 5 year course requires a 2:1. I don't think a 1st is beyond me but from that point of view it may be easier to play it safe and go for the 5 year course.

I did well at A-level (4.5 A grades) but my GCSEs let me down (2A*,4A,1B,2C) though I did get A*A* for double science and A for maths, english and english lit. I didn't apply to Birmingham as an undergrad because I knew I didn't reach the GCSE requirements, my understanding now is that I do for a graduate. Is this correct?

In terms of work experience I did the standard shadowing at a hospital and a medical practice. Since my rejection for undergrad entry I have taken up a holiday job as a care assistant at a nursing home. I also work each summer as one of the main leaders at my church's holiday club, last year being in charge of a team of about 30 kids and working with the other adults. I've been trying to organise volunteer work in Leicester (with both VISTA and WRVS) but both times after registerring I never heard back. However I may try contacting WRVS again over the summer to see if I can do anything useful while I'm at home in Telford.

That's my application in a nutshell, would I be better off selecting the 4 year or 5 year course on UCAS? I'm currently leaning towards the 5 year course as it's not quite as competitive, however I'm also aware that if i took a 5 year course my only way to finance it would be a fairly big bank loan, so in that sense a 4 year course would be preferable.

More importantly, when I emailed the admissions they told me I was elligible for the 5 year course. In2008 however Liverpool advised me to apply to their course even though it then turned out I didn't meet the entry requirements. Do I sound like someone who's in with a shout if I were to apply this October?

[PRoberts]

Hi Giggy,
Well I just thought that Id let you know that I applied to the 4 year course this year with a predicted first & got rejected without an interview about a month ago & when I asked why it was because I hadnt already got my degree & they only interviewed people with firsts already & they said that if I got a first I could apply next year. So my advice would be not to apply to the 4 year course because for me it was a wasted application.

[chocolat-e-fudge]

agree with above. to apply for birmingham 4 year course you need to have already achived a 1st class honours degree.

[Giggy]

Thanks for the advice, will know to rule out Birmingham's 4 year course next year. I also received a PM informing me that the 5 year course is actually more specific on GCSEs than they let on, even for graduates. My GCSEs are one of my weak areas so this may not be my best option for applying.

If I don't get a place anywhere on this cycle and I manage a 1st in this degree I'll take the 4 year course into account for next time.