Actual grades AAB vs. predicted grades AAA- what chance do I have?

**tuhinb** · 24-08-2009 04:21 AM

Ok, so Ive just finished my A-levels and am taking a gap year as I wasn't predicted high enough grades to get into medicine for 2009. I got AAB (Chemistry,Biology,Maths respectively) and I was wondering what kind of a chance I'll have of getting a place at med school this year against people who are starting A2 and have predicted grades of AAA (or maybe even A-stars?)
Would unis prefer someone with actual firm grades of AAB or someone who MAY get higher? Thanks!

**Yixian** · 24-08-2009 11:46 AM

I believe Peninsula will consider you, you'll want to call them up and check they're still taking resitters though - but last I heard they were and AAB would be just high enough.

Make sure you do a vasttt amount of work experience during your year and tweak your personal statement in favor of work exp if you apply to PMS though, they really look for that and will grill the hell out of you about it in interview.

**Khush23** · 24-08-2009 11:57 AM

Yixian...i don't think the OP has resat any exams..they've simply taken a gap year after getting the grades as they weren't predicted high enough to apply before sitting the A-levels.
Tuhinb..I do think you will have an advantage over someone who is just predicted the A-grades as you have the grades already and have shown you can do it. Good luck!

xx

**tuhinb** · 24-08-2009 03:07 PM

Yeah I'm not doing any resits after the 2nd year Yixian, I don't think I'd be able to get in anywhere if I did, thanks for the helpful tips anyway :P
And thanks Khush, I hope that this is the case

I hope that the introduction of the A-stars won't crush my hopes lol.
Are you applying this year too?

**Khush23** · 24-08-2009 03:19 PM

A*'s shouldn't affect you..they weren't available when you did your A-levels.

I'm going to be applying next year for 2011 entry as I'm currently doing a degree in sport science.

Where are you going to apply? And how did u do in UKCAT??

xx

**Dr Noodle** · 24-08-2009 05:54 PM

It definitely seems (the year I applied anyway) that PCMD prefer people with grades in hand than those predicted with higher. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's the impression I got.

**Yixian** · 24-08-2009 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dr Noodle

It definitely seems (the year I applied anyway) that PCMD prefer people with grades in hand than those predicted with higher. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's the impression I got.

My impression too, definitely.

**tuhinb** · 29-08-2009 11:59 PM

yeah I hope that they'd prefer someone with secure grades rather than taking a chance on someone who may possibly miss the grades, we shall see though!
Oh and Khush that sounds interesting, will you have finished the degree by next year or are you transferring mid-degree?
And I'm not really sure where to apply at the minute, I'm going to some open days so hopefully I'll be able to find out what some unis are like and can also talk to some admissions tutors about my grades.
Have you done your UKCAT yet??

**Khush23** · 30-08-2009 03:04 PM

Hey,
No i'm going to be applying in 2010 for 2011 entry..after i've finished my sport science degree.
I did my UKCAT for entry after A-levels and got an average of 630. Will need a lot higher than that for graduate entry tho! :s
Good idea to go and have a look at lots of different medical schools..you will be spending 5/6 yrs there after all!!

xx