Non Science Graduate Help: Basic Study outline

[chris5656]

Hi Chris, well done on passing and being in your second year, it's really encouraging to hear that non science grads are passing, and with only six weeks you really did well. I think you're spot on with the nothing to loose attitude, sometimes self-doubt can be your worst enemy. I just plan to learn what I can understand and use, and give it my best shot.

How is the course going?

Thanks again,

Michael.

Thanks Micheal. Being from a non-science background has not really hindered me here at all. I pick up the science really quickly - its much less boring than economics!

Yeh I went into the GAMSAT not actually expecting to pass because of all I had heard about it (mainly from this forum) and because I had limited time to get ready, so I guess I did not really feel that pressurised. I have tried giving similar advice to one or two of my mates here on the course who struggle a litle with the big 4 hour exams we do, but its a bit harder to apply the 'nothing to lose' principle seeing as they are already at med school and technically have it all to loose! Regardless, I think its just good to try and put things in perceptive and try and take the pressure of a litle bit....... If thats what helps. Some people love being fired up for exams and use the pressure positively.

[Lawyer to Doctor]

I'm counting the days!

Hi Dalek how are you ? I'm getting into my study now of chemistry and not going to bad, but i'm danger of writing out the whole text book, How did you prepare revission notes etc in 6 weeks, did you just put the basics down to a couple of pieces of paper, sounds silly I know, I think i've just become a little overwhelmed. Also you sugessted the ACER past papers where do I get these from, are they just the booklets of UCAS/ACER web site ?

Hope you've had a good day and thank you for all your help.

Michael

[dalek]

Hi, I'm good thanks! As I didn't have much time, I went into planning overdrive - I divided up my study into sessions for Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, biology, the writing sections and practice questions. I worked mon-thurs and one day at a weekend (that I counted as two sessions) - so covered each topic once in a week. I wrote out a plan, and worked out how many sessions I had between now and two weeks before the exams (to give myself time for more questions, and topics I was struggling with). I then divided each subject into topics (loosley based around those mentioned in the griffiths guide) and wrote out which topics I would study at each session. The plan took ages, but once it was done, I stuck to it, and felt happy that I would cover all of the material, with time to spare. To study I wrote summary notes, but as I knew I had a time limit (e.g. needed to cover chapter on isomers in 2 hours) then I only wrote down what seemed important. That's where the griffiths guide is helpful in showing you what's important - also practicing the questions you see what kinds of things come up. The questions are the booklets on the website - there are 3 of them I think.
That is the way I did it, but then I get carried away by lists and plans - from reading this thread it sounds like other people took a much more laid back approach and still got through!
Once you get into a routine you'll be fine :-)

[Lawyer to Doctor]

Hi, I'm good thanks! As I didn't have much time, I went into planning overdrive - I divided up my study into sessions for Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, biology, the writing sections and practice questions. I worked mon-thurs and one day at a weekend (that I counted as two sessions) - so covered each topic once in a week. I wrote out a plan, and worked out how many sessions I had between now and two weeks before the exams (to give myself time for more questions, and topics I was struggling with). I then divided each subject into topics (loosley based around those mentioned in the griffiths guide) and wrote out which topics I would study at each session. The plan took ages, but once it was done, I stuck to it, and felt happy that I would cover all of the material, with time to spare. To study I wrote summary notes, but as I knew I had a time limit (e.g. needed to cover chapter on isomers in 2 hours) then I only wrote down what seemed important. That's where the griffiths guide is helpful in showing you what's important - also practicing the questions you see what kinds of things come up. The questions are the booklets on the website - there are 3 of them I think.
That is the way I did it, but then I get carried away by lists and plans - from reading this thread it sounds like other people took a much more laid back approach and still got through!
Once you get into a routine you'll be fine :-)

Hi Dalek, thank you for the advice as to what you did etc, I think I had the panic gremlins in today that created some self-doubt, I've never been a natural accademic. I have managed to get hold of the ACER booklets so will start looking through them, some of the questions look horrific Lol, anyway thanks for getting back to me.
Oh Did you visit St Georges before applying?? I'm hoping to go on an open day if they have one.

Michael

[dalek]

Panic is only natural - there's a lot to cover! I can't recommend the griffiths guide enough though - that makes it all seem much more manageable. Don't be put off by the sample questions either - once you get used to the style they aren't so bad!
St George's was my only real hope, as I wanted to stay in London, so I didn't visit it before, but I went to the offers day last week and it was excellent.
Best of luck!

[Lawyer to Doctor]

Panic is only natural - there's a lot to cover! I can't recommend the griffiths guide enough though - that makes it all seem much more manageable. Don't be put off by the sample questions either - once you get used to the style they aren't so bad!
St George's was my only real hope, as I wanted to stay in London, so I didn't visit it before, but I went to the offers day last week and it was excellent.
Best of luck!

Hi Dalek how things with you? I start my first lot of work experience next week so hope it goes well. I am plugging away at the chemistry and following your tips for a study plan. I am finding the nuclear chem stuff a bit difficult the Gamma rays etc, did those feature heavily at all on your exam, apart from that it's not going to bad, not start Bio yet though. Anyway hope your well and had ticked off some more days before your course starts.

Michael

[dalek]

I don't think there were any nuclear chem questions in my exam (but I took it in 2008). The majority (maybe all) of the chemistry questions were organic chemistry. I think if something seems complicated, and its not a key topic, then learn the main facts and move on. It's good to get a basic grounding in the sciences, but on the day, there will be a lot of questions where you need to understand the terms, but you just have to work out on the day - its much more application that learning, so don't get too hung up on the detail. Doing the practice questions gives a good flavour of the types of questions (although I spent hours on that physics one about the torque and nothing like that came up at all!).

[randam]

Hi Lawyer to Doctor,

this thread is great... you have inspired me to join you on the journey to GAMSAT.

I am currently waiting to hear back from Swansea admissions tutors regarding my class of degree.

I did a degree in Business Studies part time at Stirling University (about 10 years ago) and at that time it was only a general degree, not an honours course, however... I scored very highly in my exams, and have been advised by Stirling that I have an equivalent to a 2:1........unfortunately, med school places are so competitive, unless i have something in writing, i'll fall at the first hurdle.

I'm 38 ( and was an HR manager) I have a 13yr old son and live in West Wales, so my one and only option is Swansea Grad med course!!! I'm at the end of a career break, and cannot face HR again, so I was looking at my future options................

I've always wished I'd studied medicine, but my life choices took me on a different path, and until this week didn't even know that non science graduates could apply!!!

Trouble is... I've enrolled on a 1 yr PGCE course to start this Sept ( as I didn't know about the Swansea Grad course).... I'd much rather be a Dr than a teacher.... but subject to my degree dilemma, do you think I should still do the PGCE anyway, while applying to med school?

Interested to hear your thoughts, and if my degree is good enough to apply... how do you fancy a 'study buddy' to prep for the GAMSAT?

Miranda

[Lawyer to Doctor]

Hi Lawyer to Doctor,

this thread is great... you have inspired me to join you on the journey to GAMSAT.

I am currently waiting to hear back from Swansea admissions tutors regarding my class of degree.

I did a degree in Business Studies part time at Stirling University (about 10 years ago) and at that time it was only a general degree, not an honours course, however... I scored very highly in my exams, and have been advised by Stirling that I have an equivalent to a 2:1........unfortunately, med school places are so competitive, unless i have something in writing, i'll fall at the first hurdle.

I'm 38 ( and was an HR manager) I have a 13yr old son and live in West Wales, so my one and only option is Swansea Grad med course!!! I'm at the end of a career break, and cannot face HR again, so I was looking at my future options................

I've always wished I'd studied medicine, but my life choices took me on a different path, and until this week didn't even know that non science graduates could apply!!!

Trouble is... I've enrolled on a 1 yr PGCE course to start this Sept ( as I didn't know about the Swansea Grad course).... I'd much rather be a Dr than a teacher.... but subject to my degree dilemma, do you think I should still do the PGCE anyway, while applying to med school?

Interested to hear your thoughts, and if my degree is good enough to apply... how do you fancy a 'study buddy' to prep for the GAMSAT?

Miranda

Hi Miranda,

I think your degree will be fine, and if you can provide written conformation stating you have an equivalent 2.1 then I think it will be fine. You will need to pass the GAMSAT course in September; I have only just started trying to study for it, but plenty of time. You will need to find some work experience if you can, as some universities state that you should have done a little, I’ve manage to get a few weeks in a local care home.

If you don’t really, want to be a teacher, and then I say follow what you really want to do and try to get into med school and get past GAMSAT etc. If it does not work out, you may then be able to fall back on teaching etc… If you do the PGCE and apply to med school at same time, then in the eyes of the admissions department, it may look like you’re not sure what you want to do, so I would go for the Medical degree, I’m just giving it my best shot and hoping I pass the exam etc.

I also think that as you’re applying to your local area and have ties to it, you will stand out as you will stay and practice medicine in your own area, rather than study and move away like other students may.

It would be great to have a ‘study buddy’ to help each other through.

Michael

[JenniferHort]

Hi guys,
I've read your threads! all very interesting. I am from a completely non-science background and am taking the exam in september. I don't know much science but I am learning from a-level text books etc. My problem is being able to sit down and focus on the books and home in on what I need to be learning specifically. Do you know of any study groups in London? Or anywhere where I can meet people doing the exam, and share problems etc?

Also, well done getting into St Georges! I had an open day there yesterday and loved it! Its completely where I want to go! Is there anyway of getting in touch with students studying there presently???

Many thanks!