graduate medicine entry 2012

[a.prtchrd]

Hi guys,
I want to apply for Nottingham Uni at derby grad entry as one of my options, which requires me to take a GAMSAT exam.
I'm just wondering if anyone can give me any advice of what to expect and how much work is involved for it, and if it's really worth taking the exam just for one of my options (my other options either require the UKCAT or neither).
thanks
amanda

[Martigan]

Well I took it, but only applied for one GAMSAT school. It really down to you whether its worth it.

It depends on where you want to go, how hard your willing to work to get there, what options you have, what abilities you have etc, etc etc...

[a.prtchrd]

Thank you for replying.
Im confident in myself in the science department (bit wobbly on physics) as im doing a biomedical degree and ive got a real passion for science. It's all the essay writing im really worried about, my english language/essay writing skills aren't the best (as you can probably tell from my posts!!) and looking through some of the questions in that section horrified me. I'm hoping to train myself using books e.t.c as I managed to teach myself maths for the course im doing now.
The other thing is, none of my family have been to uni and I know nobody who is a med student, i'm struggling to find advice about whether im making the right decision or just to calm my nerves. The uni im attending now havn't been very helpful.
Amanda

[omlette]

I only applied to one GAMSAT uni on my first grad application but that was Swansea who don't have a cut-off. With Notts it's a bit more risky because they impose a cut-off each year (changes each year but has previously been around the 60 mark) and obviously you don't know your GAMSAT result until December after your application has been sent. I wouldn't say it was "pointless" to take GAMSAT for one choice, just that it's riskier if that choice has a set cut off. The benefits of GAMSAT are that the result is valid for 2 years so you can always apply again for more GAMSAT places next time round (such a benefit knowing your score in advance).

In terms of preparation for sections 1 and 2, just keep practising with past papers etc. (you can generally pick them up cheap-ish on ebay) and time yourself on essays.

[snakefisch]

Hi Amanda,

I am not too sure about how much preparation you should do for the GAMSAT, although as with any exam, I'd say the more practice and revision you can get the better! I am also applying for one GAMSAT uni, SGUL, but definitely think it's worth it even just for one uni.
I am also quite worried about the essay questions as I've not really done much English since school. I know section 3 is about 20% physics, 40% biology & chemistry, so there may only be a few questions on physics.
Good luck!
P.s. anyone know how to add a signature?

[JulseyP]

You can revise till the cows come home it won't make a difference. All you need to do is familiarise with the question types. The first section is just about chosing the answer you think is best (generally all the options are correct so its more of a personality test). The second section your english skills aren't being tested just your ideas and ability to express them. Learning to paraphrase quotes will help with this and you could write a few essays just to get into the swing of it. The third is just common sense. Sceientific knowledge does help but the questions are simple enough (Time management, panadol, pro plus and ear plugs are the key to this exam) If you can avoid taking it then thats your best option though as unless you took the irish one which was in march you dont get the results until after you have applied meaning you may well be wasting an application (or 4) as the unis have cut off marks.

As for adding a signature you change it in account settings if I recall correctly which reminds me i need to update my signature.

Jules

Hi Amanda,

I am not too sure about how much preparation you should do for the GAMSAT, although as with any exam, I'd say the more practice and revision you can get the better! I am also applying for one GAMSAT uni, SGUL, but definitely think it's worth it even just for one uni.
I am also quite worried about the essay questions as I've not really done much English since school. I know section 3 is about 20% physics, 40% biology & chemistry, so there may only be a few questions on physics.
Good luck!
P.s. anyone know how to add a signature?

[wanttobeadoctor]

Julsey P, you wrote 'Mission accomplished after only 8 applications. Roll on October ' did you apply for 8 years for grad medicine. I am considering applying again...?