Biomedical Sciences to Medicine?

[Annie92]

I have applied for 4 medical schools and biomedical sciences at Liverpool Uni.
I already have a conditional offer for bio-med sciences and i'm not expecting med school applications to be successful.
How likely is it to be able to get into medicine after doing bio-med sciences? I really don't want to take a gap year if i'm unsuccessful :/

[skittles87]

Very likely if you get a 2.1 degree and get some voluntary and work experience in a caring environment . It is still possible with a 2.2 but its a bit more difficult, if you get the grades required at A2, you could take a gap year and apply again if its what you really want

[Annie92]

I'm not sure at all about taking a gap year, it seems like i still wouldn't have that much time after my exams before having to apply again. It does seem to be the most advised option though. Another thing im unsure about is doing two degrees, would it be difficult to get funding for two? I've been told that it would be really difficult :/

[skittles87]

Exams finish in june right?? thats more than enough time to get some work experience if you are organised. Taking a gap year gives you a chance to get more life experience and you can do more to make sure medicine is really for you. It also means you'll be in less debt when youre done . Funding is available but i think you only get a maintenance loan from your LEA if you've already had help with a previous degree (not 100% sure bout this as i think its up to the individual LEA), if you do a GEP course there is a bursary from years 2-4.

[minnako]

Hi,

I am a biomed grad doing 1st year at the same uni and a LOT of my classmates got in, too! It's not guaranteed, of course, but if you work hard and do volunteering or work experience, there's a good chance to get in. Bear in mind that preparing for UKCAT, BMAT and applying is even harder in your final year as a student than it is in A level, so try to organise yourself.

As for funding... a graduate still has entitlement to maintenance loans from Student Finance England. As for student loans, that's normally an issue you'll have to search around banks for, but it isn't normally a problem, you'll most probably be able to find funding. I'm sure there are lots of people much better at explaining this than I am, so I hope they weigh in with some more detail.

As was pointed out, the GEP courses (very competitive,but if you get over 700 in your UKCAT it's worth applying to a couple) will pay for all but the first year for you.

Gap years are still a good thing, though. If you take the time over the summer to really prepare for the UKCAT and BMAT your scores can really go up (let's face it, during the academic year there just isn't enough time!), and you have the time to volunteer.

Funding is probably an important issue for most students, so you may want to find a part time job or something if you take a gap year. Or you may prefer a degree because at least then you have loans. There isn't a 'right' option for everyone, it depends on you and your circumstances, so I recommend going to your careers adviser if you can find them.

Take your A levels into account, as well. If you are realistically not going to get all As, a biomed (or biochem, etc) degree is the way forward, because you won't be accepted on your gap year if you don't get top grades.

I hope that helps.

[Annie92]

Thankyou, all really helpful!

[foxyamy]

As was pointed out, the GEP courses (very competitive,but if you get over 700 in your UKCAT it's worth applying to a couple) will pay for all but the first year for you.

You actually don't need to get over 700 in your UKCAT for most GEPs, only places like Kings. Even if you don't do so well with it there are still places you can apply.

[Annie92]

Out of interest where did you do BMedSci?
I've got an offer from Liverpool and i really want to do medicine there too, i love the place!

[Rippy]

Should you not just take a gap year?

[ruth.chapman]

Taking a gap year to get some medical or nursing experience is a great idea. Check out Gap Medics - there is lots of info about gap year programmes.