GRADMED Gamsat Preparation course

**Selena Chester** · 29-07-2005, 12:23 AM

just wondered if anyone is thinking of taking any of the Gradmed GAMSAT Preparation courses? I know they are expensive, but I was thinking of taking a couple of modules. Has anyone spoken toanyone who has taken the course? How did they find it?

**midnite-oil** · 01-08-2005, 12:37 AM

I am considering it too.

What's your background? I only have science O levels (yes I really am that old!) and am self studying with books.

I only have one chance for this GAMSAT, with family commitments, and will have to return to teaching if med doesn't work out.

**Selena Chester** · 02-08-2005, 11:45 PM

Hi midnight oil,

I am 23, I graduated last year with an English and Sociology degree, so deciding to study medicine is a bit of a turn around, but I really have my heart set on it now. I think I am going to go ahead and go on the course after discussing it with different people. What about you?

**midnite-oil** · 03-08-2005, 04:43 PM

Hi Selena,

Are you planning on the full course or just the 3 weekends in December?

How much science have you already done?

I am 33, have a maths degree, (physics A level but took it in 1988!) and am at home with kids fulltime. I have got Des O'Neill notes - very detailed but expensive.

I'm considering the 3 weekend GradMed course. Do you happen to know if they get oversubscribed ?

I am stuggling alone with chemistry books, (sort of fun, but mostly hard work), my brain hasn't functioned at this level for a very long time.

With an english degree I guess you're going for George's?

Best of luck!! Are you doing any work experience or anything?

Midnite-oil

**Foxy** · 03-08-2005, 05:06 PM

hi there

I didn't do GRADMED myself but I have heard good reports of it - if you can afford it it's probably well worth doing.

Cheers

(Georges GEP 2005)

**Selena Chester** · 03-08-2005, 08:47 PM

Hi midnite oil,

I was planning on doing the full course, but I am not sure, mainly because of the money. A family member has very kindly offered to pay, but in a way, I think that money would be better spent on my first year of fees (assuming I get in that is!). It's a difficult decision.

I have A-level Biology, and I'm starting AS-level Chemistry at my local college in September (I think the class is going to be full of 16-17 year olds so I hope it'll be ok!) But I will not have covered much of the syllabus by January, which is why I am still considering the Gradmed course.

I am going to apply to Georges and Kings (they accept a degree in any discipline too) and also Queen Mary's 5 year course. I can only really apply to London universities because I don't want to be too far from home for family reasons. Where are you thinking of applying?

Although I've done English, the non-science sections of GAMSAT seem really hard from what I have seen in the sample papers, so any help I could get with those from this course would also be good.

I have done a week of work experience, and I'm trying to arrange some more and I am hoping to begin some volunteering soon. How about you?

Selena

**midnite-oil** · 03-08-2005, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the info Foxy. You must be pretty excited about starting - I hope I'll be joining you next year!!!

Selena, I am putting all my eggs in one basket for George's - it's the only practical option for me because of the financial implications of a 5yr course. Kings is MSAT isn't it? I haven't really looked into it. Perhaps I should. Do you know when that exam is taken? I'm not sure I'd be up to 2 lots of exhausting endurance tests!

Feel free to PM if you' d like to. We may be neighbours (you're in Surrey too apparantly!)

**Selena Chester** · 06-08-2005, 02:52 PM

Hi mid-nite oil,

It might be worth having a look into Kings, it does mean another exam, but MSAT does not assume any prior scientific knowledge, so you will not need to revise for it as such, you can find out about it on the acer website.

Selena

**Rachael** · 15-08-2005, 09:23 PM

Hi Selena, Midnite-Oil

I'm also considering the GradMed intensive course - the fees for the full course are pretty hefy, and it's also a major time committment.

Has anyone compared / considered the Dr Prep courses (www.drprep.com)? They're much shorter - and cheaper! Interested to hear your thoughts ...

Rachael

Btw: I'm also in Surrey!

**sammy21** · 16-08-2005, 02:40 PM

hey there
i am considering the full course, but doesnt seem very relevant for me, im a science graduate with a 2.2 in BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences in july 2005. got good a-levels in biology, chem and maths. how long is the course and how much does it cost? is it only based in london?
i know its seems a very expensive way to revise but this is my only chance and if the success rate is high then it will be worth it! i also cannot remember anything from A-levels or from my degree! also i know i wont revise everything i need if left to my own devices! also working full time so its hard at the mo.
what do u think? will look into dr prep too. oh and gonna buy a full set of des o'neill and ozimed papers, will they be useful?
thanks in advance!
Sammy