Advice Along the Way...

[Kingsley]

Hi, sorry if this is in the wrong forum (or sub), I've just joined so im not really sure where to post things.
Im 15 at the moment, living in Newport. I was really hoping to study medicine when im older in Cardiff, I feel that science is my life, I absolutely love it. Becoming a doctor is a lifelong dream and ambition (even though im only 15, but still ) Im basically in top sets for everything in school, and I have been estimated to get mostly A's and B's. All is going well, just I dont feel really confident in GCSE English, which obviously, is essential . I can spell fine and use grammar fine, its just i haven't got a good imagination to write stories and things. Anyway, enough of that, I was hoping that everyone can give me alot of advice and plans of what to do to help me along the way to Uni and some advice on GCSE English, like exam tips and coursework tips, and how to improve grades and how to improve further on English alltogether. I know it will be pretty hard, but im willing to do pretty much anything to get there.
Thanks alot for reading, and good luck to EVERYONE in everything.
Thanks alot.
Oh yea, i was wondering on advice on what to take for A levels. I was going to take Biology, Chemistry and P.E (Theres alot of anatomy and physiology in that right?).
But, I've been thinking of taking Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, again

[stephy1202]

Hi Kingsley,
Try your best with GCSEs to get As and A*s and don't worry too much about english. You've still got a year. As long as you've got a collection of top grades I'm sure you'll be fine.

A levels, i wouldn't advise taking both Biology and PE to A2. Some universities aren't keen on the idea of overlap. Which there is in these subjects. Also I wouldn't just choose subjects based only on what medicine there is in them.
Look at university entry requirements. Most ask for Chemistry and one other science subject at A2. Then choose acaedemic subjects that you're good at, so you've got more chance of getting those top grades.

When you get your grades think carefully about where you apply in terms of entry requirements.
And do some work experience before you decide Medicine is definately what you want to do. It will give you a more realistic view of what the career is all about.

[Cymro]

There may be more practical help available to you offered by the university's Widening Access scheme as you live in Newport (as long as you don't go to Rougemont or somewhere posh like that). It's worth asking the person in your school that deals with that kind of thing if they have any contacts that you could use. In my experience it's the career advisers, biology teachers and head of sixth that usually are the most helpful. I know you're only 15 now, but you'll have to start preparing your applications in about a year's time - and that will fly by!

As for your GCSE English, don't worry! You don't have to be able to think up crazy stories. They're looking at the quality of your writing. Try to base it on something in your life or something you've seen or heard. In an exam situation, spend a few minutes planning what to write so that you don't get confused or stuck halfway through. Never be embarrassed to ask your English teachers for extra help. Explain to them that you feel that you're struggling a little and that you have ambitious career plans which means it's important that you do well. Knowing when to get help with things is an important quality as a doctor.

Definitely take Biology and Chemistry at A Level. I'd say do anything you enjoy for your 3rd and 4th subjects. Cardiff encourage diversity and like applicants to mix arts with sciences. If you really enjoy P.E. then take it, but I don't think that it will be a massive help with the degree if that's your sole reason for choosing it. Maths and English are solid, heavyweight subjects that will appeal to traditional universities, but don't underestimate the workload, especially as you have lots of work experience and life skills to participate in over the next two years.

Work hard to get good grades at GCSEs (that's A*, A and B grades) and start thinking about your personal statement NOW by sorting out work experience, participating in voluntary work and taking up responsibilities in your school and community.

The previous post suggests looking at your grades to decide where to apply. I always advise against this. If your grades aren't that great, then you will struggle to get into any medical school. You need to find the four schools that really appeal to you and choose them. It's easy to get lost in the rumour and hearsay of medical applications. Try not to listen to it. Just be yourself, make sure your application is the best it can be and find the places that are best suited to you.

Cymro.

[Muffin2]

yes there is a lot of anatomy and physiology in PE, i would have loved to have done it but our school wouldn't let you take it to A2

[Mistymaple]

Newport, cool

Definately spend this year trying your best to hit those A*s and As. Prove to teachers that you can do one better than their predicted ones. Cardiff especially concentrates on GCSEs rather than AS/predicted A2 grades.
Try and get some voluntary work experience now. Spend your Saturdays doing something that'll look great on your personal statement. It'll be worth it!
English... I'm doing English Lit at A2 and for some reason find it a pretty cool subject. For GCSE preparation I spent time reading (great 'revision' to tell your parents "Oh, I'm revising for English by reading Harry Potter" or whatever!) and planning story ideas for the Language paper. Then when I went in I could fit one of my pre-planned stories to the title they gave me. Also, stick in those technical language terms (simile, personification, sibilance etc) everywhere! Great bonus points.
Mm, as someone said, Biology + PE is quite a dodgy combination for A2 since there's a lot of overlap. Do Biology and Chemistry plus 2 that you enjoy and think you could get an 'A' in.
Good luck!