In all honesty...

**chrisjames-uk** · 31-10-2009, 05:05 AM

Do I have a hope in hell on getting onto Medicine. I've just embarked upon A-Level life on a GCSE count of 4 b's and 3 c's. Now, don't get me wrong, i've started the year working my proverbial socks off and have earnt myself predicted grades of AAAA at AS in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and R.E. I have already undergone numerous UkCAT test and have averaged 640 on the 4 sections. My teachers of my subjects seem confident I am eligible to study Medicine as my GCSE results aren't a true reflection of my ability, I was a bit lazy last year and it has spurred me to work to my full potential and follow my desired profession in Medicine. However, after reading numerous articles it really has sent the shivers running most intensely down my spine as it appears my GCSE results are extremely bad for a Med student and thus immediately kicks any chance of a offer into touch. I'm pretty worried about things in general tbh, i'm confident of securing lots of work experience this year and I am convinced I can deliver a secure and effective PS but to do all that and be let down by my GCSE results? Could anyone please calm my nerves with some good news?

**minnako** · 31-10-2009, 05:30 AM

Hi, chrisjames-uk

Every university lists on their website what their minimum requirements are, and that of the GCSEs they require. It's alwayd best to check yourself what each university wants for GCSEs and A levels. They often want something like at least a B in Maths or English, so it will depend on which subjects you have done best at.
If you feel that there have been extenuating circumstances, you can always inform the universities that you apply to.

If you have applied this year, go for it. You look like a capable student who could impress the universities in all other respects. If you feel you would otherwise regret it, it is always worth applying if you feel you have any chance.

The other thing I want to say that for graduates, they often don't list any GCSE requirements, so if you feel worried, you could look into that as a plan B.

I hope it all works out.

**chrisjames-uk** · 31-10-2009, 05:42 AM

Hey 'nako,

If it helps at all, my B's were in Maths, Double-Award Science and English. The rest were C's. Do Universities specifically require a profficient GCSE grade? Or will they still consider and even offer to a student who achieves his/her AS/A2 level predictions, writes an outstanding PS that illustrates his/her desires/intentions and also embarks and completes numerous work experience and voluntary oppurtunities? It's actually seriously getting to me, as I would be most dissapointed if all possibilities I can accomplish over the next 2 yers equate to nothing due to GCSE's. Are there Universities that don't rely heavily on GCSE's that will generally accept what I have in that department?

**Rippy** · 31-10-2009, 05:15 PM

OK, there will be several universities you should steer clear of. Those GCSEs would be well below average in my opinion, but there are some universities that don't use GCSEs much, or, once you pass the minimum requirements, don't care about them. I'm not entirely sure which universities these are though.

**minnako** · 02-11-2009, 01:35 AM

I do think that helps in that a lot of universities specify a minimum of B grades for English, Maths or Science, which you've got.

I agree with Rippy: if you have not already applied, take the time to look through the websites of all the universities, call them or email them if needs be, and find out just how much they value GCSE marks. Some really don't care if it's above minimal, and some are more strict. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of researching all the universities, even though it looks like lazy advice from us. The guidelines change every year, so that none of us, especially not those of us who got in 5 years ago, will realistically know what universities want today. Websites can get out of date, or universities forget to put important information on (this happened to friends of mine, they wasted choices because of that), so that contacting universities if you are an unusual case really helps you know your chances.

I think you do have a chance, especially if you aim towards universities that look at what you've done most recently. Focus on trying to stay upbeat (hard, I know, but the process of applying is a long one, and it's easy to get really pessimistic) and doing what you can do now.

Lastly, whatever happens this cycle emphatically does not mean that your hard work counts for nothing. If rejected, you can ask all the unis for why. At the very least, if you did a degree and then came back to it, the fact that you've worked hard since GCSE will certainly make you a competitive candidate.

I really hope that helps.

**markyc** · 13-11-2009, 08:36 PM

It might be worth giving the universities a call and speaking to the tutor and seeing if there are any circumstances that mean you could get a place and ask for his advice. They receive hundreds of applications so a phone call will stand out!