mature student advice

**stephenjs** · 23-08-2005, 12:01 AM

Hey Everyone

I have always wanted to become a doctor.

Due to spending time in hospital when I was 17/18, I did not perform
as well at my A-levels as expected.

Four years on (I am 22 now), I am very serious about fulfilling my
dream. I am stronger now and incredibly focused at achieving it.

My question is, what is the best route from here? If I retook my
a-levels would this be considered an acceptable route of entry due to
the problems I had first time round, or would you expect me to have a
degree like other mature students?

I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me. I need to make some choices now.

**claudia** · 23-08-2005, 12:57 AM

Hi there

It'll be easier if you said a bit more about where you're at at the moment. Are you at uni? If not what are you doing?

Aside from the usual 5 year medical courses, there are other routes e.g. Access To Medicine, Foundation courses - have you expored these options?

**yanky88** · 23-08-2005, 02:45 AM

HI stephen js,

What a-levels did you do?
Like what claudia suggested, look into Access or foundation science courses. You do not need a degree - that isn't the only entry route, there are a number that you should explore.

About re-taking your a-levels, if you did them in science, it is perhaps not a really good idea? unless you can be more or less certain of achieving very high grades (AAA to AAB).

other than that, get some experience, good luck!

**Tangliss** · 23-08-2005, 09:49 AM

You state that you spent time in hospital around the time you sat your exams. Did you tell the exam boards and get any documentary evidence, at the time?

**stephenjs** · 23-08-2005, 11:48 AM

Hi Everyone

I studied maths, physics and chemistry at a sixth form college. I came out with C's & D's.

At school, I had all A's and B's in my GCSE's and I know that I can get the grades I need if I retake my A-level's.

I am currently working a full time job, I didn't go to university.

With my current A-level grades, do you think it is best to resit or move on to the access to medicine course? Or both.. again, any advice you can give will help me.

Thanks, Stephen.

**Tangliss** · 23-08-2005, 11:52 AM

I would consider at atm route. This way you would not be branded a retaker, however, this option could be costly and may involve you having to relocate for a year.