Received Feedback

**Chwirkytheappleboy** · 01-02-2010, 06:02 PM

I got feedback from Cambridge today. Apparently I don't have enough work experience. It's quite encouraging because it's what I personally considered to be the weakest part of my application already, and is probably the easiest thing to work on in time for a second application (if that becomes necessary)

**magpie7** · 02-02-2010, 09:51 PM

Oh nice.

How much Work Experience did you have by the way?

And do you know if you can ask for Feedback even if they gave you an offer?

**Chwirkytheappleboy** · 03-02-2010, 01:01 AM

Hardly any, just St. John Ambulance. It's been exceptionally difficult to find any because no hospital wants volunteers outside of the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday, but I work full time so can't do that. I've also tried taking time of work to get a "block" of experience in a week or so, but nowhere has been willing to give me any because they get inundated with requests so they all have particular groups of people that they're willing to offer placements to and no one else (e.g. students at particular schools etc). The only work experience I should be able to do is a week at KCLH, but they promised that in June 2009 and it still hasn't materialised...

Anyway, I was aware that my work experience record was poor, so I specifically emailed Cambridge about it before applying and their response was that there are no work experience requirements whatsoever for applicants to the GEP course, so it's slightly frustrating that they evidently do care about it. But nevermind, it's useful to know for next time.

I don't know about asking for feedback when you have an offer. Why would you want any? Surely their response will be "we liked you so we made you an offer, congratulations"?

**apugrad** · 03-02-2010, 03:22 PM

I agree it's very difficult getting adequate work experience if holding down a job. If you are particularly keen on Cambridge, then consider trying to get a few days experience in some of the Cambridge regional hospitals i.e. Addenbrookes or ideally in relation to GEP, Bury St Edmunds West Suffolk Hospital, this might show some commitment to the course. Remember experience doesn't have to be volunteering. Shadowing multi-disciplines is an excellent way of seeing medicine working at all angles. Best of luck with your other applications.

**Chwirkytheappleboy** · 03-02-2010, 06:15 PM

Thanks. I don't particularly have my heart set on Cambridge over anywhere else, but it's useful to know what they thought because it's likely to be applicable to all other Unis that consider me. Obviously I'll only need to find further work experience if the rest of my applications this year are unsuccessful...