Quote:
Originally Posted by Imhotep
I, too, am starting at St. George's in September and I only started volunteering in August last year (in a hospice a few times a week), as I only made my final decision that medicine was the right choice for me (after lots of procrastination) in June and it took ages to get my CRB back.
I didn't think I had much of a chance, but thought it would make a good 'practice' year and so gave it a shot anyway. In the St. George's Information Booklet ( http://www.sgul.ac.uk/dms/52B0D910FF...7D8516DFC3.doc) it gives you details on scoring for work experience and, although you can only get the maximum (5) for over a year of experience, from my reading you can get 4 for less as long as you can show at interview what you've learnt.
So, there really is no harm in trying and you can use your GAMSAT score for 2 years.
Stephen |
Hi, thanks very much for this advice and reassurance. I applied for 2008 entry to St Georges but was not accepted - the main reason I thought must be due to my relatively short amount work experience at the time, due to similar reasons as you about late decision for the career etc. I did get an offer at Nottingham/Derby but have had to withdraw for other reasons, so am re-applying to George's and Notts again this year.
As I only found out I had to withdraw last week, I'm now in a similar position with work experience, as I've not had much chance over the past year due to a full-time masters course and job. I definitely won't have a year's experience, but can certainly get a few months from now (well, after 21st Aug when I had in my dissertation!) until interviews, and add that to what I managed to do last year. I'm hoping that this, along with really showing what I learnt from it, will be enough for a score of 3-4 for that q, and hopefully be good enough along with a strong overall interview.
Although I do appreciate that work experience is a very big consideration in the interview for George's, I think it can be difficult for a lot of people to get a year or more regular experience. But I'm not letting this put me off applying to George's at all, as I think less than a year good relevant (and varied!) experience will stand you in good stead.
I'm planning to do more hospice and GP experience (and maybe some more in the hospital), but any other ideas for beneficial work exp?
Thanks in advance for any replies, and good luck to everyone applying for 2009!
