How important are GCSE's?

[Aizad]

Hey all. I have done my GCSE's at the summer, and unfortunately, they did not come out as expected, due to personal reasons. I have tried to re-sit them, but since the specifications I did are no longer avaliable, this is has proved to be a a problem. However, I am still trying to find a way to do my GCSE's again, and thanks to Marc16UK's thread about nec.ac.uk, I may be able to do them again. The question ithat I want to ask is how much would my current GCSE's count towards when applying to medical schools. If my A-levels are straight A's (hopefully), would they still hold me back? I would really appreciate if any one could help me out with this problem?
Thanks
Aizad

[eCLipZe]

As far as my knowledge goes i can say that they are considered in most of the universities. But normally English, Maths and Sciences are the important ones required at grade B (atleast). I cant remember one medical school which does not look at your GCSE grades sadly .

[Brum07]

yh im in a similar situation and have posted a few threads about it. the general view is that if you do well in your a levels and other areas of your application then you stand a good chance but you have to be careful where you apply. Some universities will not consider your application unless you have a certain number of a*'s. others will just check that you meet the requirements and move on so i suggest you do some research. you say the reason you underachieved is due to personal problems, speak to your tutor when the time comes and see if he\she can include this in your reference. i wouldnt suggest re-doing all of your gcse's unless you really feel u need to, otherwise just concentrate on your a levels

[simisims]

GCSEs are important, you should be aiming for Bs ir above in English, Maths and Double Science to be considered for most medicine courses. If your GCSEs are not Cs or above I think its going to be difficult to get an interview/offer. As GCSEs are used as one of the criteria for deciding offers etc.If your personal difficulties can be verified and are considered severe enough there may be some leeway but there are no guarantees.

[benneh]

what did you get in your gcse's?

[eCLipZe]

what did you get in your gcse's?

thats irrelevent, if he does not want to state the results he got, he doesnt have to.

And yh if i was you i would only resit english language, double science and maths and make sure you definately get those A's (easier said then done) Work Hard.. and youll get the grades and get into a medical school

[simisims]

Its not all about grades you know, theres the UKCAT/BMAT and work experience etc etc. So I dont think you should be making such definite assurances when there are people with AAAA at A Level who did not secure at place on a Medicine course.

[benneh]

thats irrelevent, if he does not want to state the results he got, he doesnt have to.

it was a question, not a demand dipshit, and his results are definately relevant

what did you get in your gcses? if you got 7 b-a* then you will be fine. thats the situation im in, and applying to keele, brighton, leeds, soton etc. low gcse med schools

[simisims]

Those grades are fine!
Yes IGCSEs are definitely acceptable.

[eCLipZe]

it was a question, not a demand dipshit, and his results are definately relevant

wow, a nice choice of insult. Do you want to be a doctor benneh?