Duke of Ediburgh Award

[eCLipZe]

Hello, Im going to sign up for the Duke of Ediburgh award, but was not sure which one to go for- Bronze/Silver/Gold.
Here's what im thinking: Bronze: Doesnt take too long but looks 'okay' on your PS, many people have done Bronze so it wouldnt stand out much.
Silver: Good to put on my Personal Statement, but still quite popular. Could be done before my write up.
Gold: The best looking definately on my PS and would stand out. But the downside is, it takes too much time of a busy year ahead of me and I would be probably still doing it while i write and submit my personal statement.

So what looks better on the PS- 'I have done' the bronze/silver award or 'I am doing' the Gold.

Alternatively

Any advice would be much appreciated

[Muffin2]

practically everybody who applies to do medicine had done DofE in some shape or form, so it doesn't really stand out as an award it self. however if you do something amazing and medical related for a part of it then that wil stand out a bit. I've read loads of applicants PS's and everyone had DofE, so do what you think you can cope with.
(i only did bronze, i hated every second of the whole trekking through mountains bit, but the rest was ace)

[Dr Noodle]

Is that kinda like our Gáisce presidents award where you have to do activities in different categories for a certain number of weeks? I got the bronze award but couldn't be arsed mentioning it.

[xSimple-Spiderx]

ive done silver. and i would never ever do gold! because i think the expedition would probably kill me

[eCLipZe]

so what do you think of the idea that i sign up for gold, dont really have to do much of it so i can say i am doing it.

[xSimple-Spiderx]

i dont know. its up to you really, i dont think going straight to gold would be wise choice in that it is really really tough. The expedition is huge. (like 70k / 50 miles or something) and its extrememly time consuming, particularly with direct gold as you will have to do all your sections for longer than someone who's done bronze and silver beforehand.

can i ask how old are you? Are you going for 2009 entry?

[rainbowsnakes]

the gold expedition almost killed me! i trekked 88km over 4 days! 4 bloody days! do you know how many times i could have died out there!
but anyway i think you should do silver cuz it's challenging enough to look good on your PS but not as time consuming as gold!

[Muffin2]

if i were you i'd just go for bronze. its less time consuming but still looks good and you can do medical realted stuff for your other activities. its up to you.

[mintllama]

ive recently applied for the bronze award. i would prefer to do more medical related activities than do the silver or gold.
what kind of medical realted things should you aim to do; what is expected from a medical applicant in order to stand out?
thanks

[Muffin2]

well i joined the red cross for my service and did a full first aid certificate.