Graduate medicine, qualifications, chances, etc

[jmmo20]

Hi,
I'm considering applying for graduate medicine for 2013 entry. Cambridge is the uni i'm most interested in, since that's where I live with my partner.

So this is my history:

2001-2005 BSc in Molecular genetics, 2.1
2006 research assistant
2007-2011 PhD in virology and medicinal chemistry

Before that I went to school in Spain, so I don't have GCSE or A-levels, but their spanish equivalents.
I don't currently remember my GCSEs but for A levels I know I got:
Biology, Maths, English - A
Chemistry, Philosophy - B
Physics - C

I did this in 2000-2001, so how would I stand in regards to having done an A level int he last 7 years?

In addition, I've done a few weeks of clinical "shadowing" in Spain, with a GP and and psychiatrist, as well as a with a haematologist here in the UK. Do I need some sort of official letter from them stating this?

What would you say are, realistically, my chances to be made an offer?
Which course should I apply to?

thanks.

[snakefisch]

jmmo your background sounds very good. Some graduate entry programmes don't consider A -Levels so you probably have nothing to worry about.
As said above it is best to check the requirements with the places you are applying to.

[alancam]

For Cambridge, your A-levels are now too old. I've been told that "competitive" applications have 3A's/A*s at A-level. But I didn't do A-levels, so you'd have to ask.

If you are really keen on Cambridge, maybe consider sitting A-level Chemistry again and get that A. I'd strongly suggest calling up admissions to ask for specics (you'll need to contact the colleges - Hughes and Wolfson for anyone, Lucy Cavendish for females only).

[alancam]

PS: Yes, I do think it's a tad silly that you have a PhD yet have to think about A-levels!

[jmmo20]

PS: Yes, I do think it's a tad silly that you have a PhD yet have to think about A-levels!

hi Alan, I did actually contact Cambridge and after a few emails back and forth, and a detailed outline of my PhD, they mentioned the required "a-level chemistry" requirement was considered fulfilled in my case.

Good to know, since I did a fair amount of chemistry for my PhD (but the major part was virology).
It's about time now to start writing the statements and getting to do the UKCAT for those schools that require it.

To be honest, I'm more fed up with research right now than I was when I originally opened this thread, so medicine looks more and more like the way to go for me.

[In N Out]

Hey I have poor A-level grades and unlike jmmo20 do not have a Phd to compensate infact I only have a 2:1 in biomed would there be any point in trying to apply to cambridge or would they reject me straight off becoz of my A-levels?

[alancam]

JmmO20 how did you get on?

In n out: Cambridge seems to put quite a lot of emphasis on A levels. I'd advise you speak to your intended college but also consider your reasons for choosing Cambridge.

[In N Out]

thanks Alancam, My reasons are simple I want to do medicine the fact that its in Cambridge doesn't matter but the fact that they don't require an entrance exam matters, and hence why I am thinking of applying. My ukcat wasn't great and I don't know how my gamsat will go so I am looking at options if my gamsat gets really screwed up.

[alancam]

In n out, i'd definitely recommend contacting the colleges. I was in a similar position (but couldn't Apply to unis requiring GAMSAT or bio relevant degrees). The colleges are your mOst important contact in this situation.

[In N Out]

thanks Alancam I will contact the colleges and see what they say.