I know someone can answer this question!!

[dr maby]

hi guys,

quick question that im sure someone out there can answer....


ok, Im applying for medicine 2006, after graduating with a (predicted 2.1) in Anatomy and Human biology. however, I didn't achieve too well at a-level (B,D,E). Now I know that this limits my chances somewhat, but I have been doing s a sh*t load of extracurricular work, voluntary work, even been working as a health care assistant, to try to mask this horrible dissfigurement that I like to call my a-levels!!

my question is....im applying for UEA, Dundee, Newcastle(???) and possibly Liverpool. Does anybody know if I am aiming in the right ball park in regards to grad-friendly unis, if my A-levels will go against me, or if I should look at different unis all together!!! Does anyone know of anybody who got in on these grades!?

please help, i read only tonght the disturbing news that its 1 month and 3 weeks till deadline!!!!!! any info/advice appreciated!!

[bigdaikon]

Hi Dr Maby...as I'm sure you'll soon hear from many, it's best to contact individual admissions deps; some aren't as stringent as others. From what I've read on this forum, the only choice (from the ones you've listed) that will raise eyebrows is that of Toon-town. 1sts only is the rumour. Fire off some emails tomorrow dude...or dudette.

[lou]

Hi,
I did the same degree (Anat and human biology at Liv) and graduated in 2004 (ooo I feel old) my A levels were A,B and I had AS's at D,D so not too great. I have spent the last year working in the Royal and doing chemistry A level through an evening class and teaching myself. It may be worth doing something similar if medicine is really what you want to do. I found boosting your grades -can make all the difference if you already have all the other work experience, vol work etc especially if you got a low grade in chemistry or you don't have it at all. Unfortunately you can't mask low grades, I tried in 2004 and didn't even get an interview although Sheffield put me on a waiting list but it was to no avail.

As for grad friendly schools that do the 5 year course they are pretty much all the same. They allocate about 10% of places to graduates and do expect you to have that bit more to offer in the way of caring experience etc and a more mature approach to study. I found Keele was really friendly towards grad's or maybe that was just my experience.

I think your best emailing lots if not all med schools and find out what the general consensus is regarding your grades. I know that the admissions tutor at Liv is nice but she won't lie to you and give you truthful advice. I think that there are a few med schools out there that look at your most recent achievement but maybe these are the ones that want GAMSAT, MSAT

I hope I've been some help and good luck

[fatcat]

Hi Dr Maby...as I'm sure you'll soon hear from many, it's best to contact individual admissions deps; some aren't as stringent as others.

I agree, if you contact the admissions offices and discuss your situation they can give you the best advice. Also, by making initial contact with the admissions people it can sometimes alert them to your application; the fact that you've been in contact with them previoulsly may also encourage them to be more flexible when they receive your UCAS form. Not in a huge way, but maybe in a subtle way that could make the difference between the 'interview' pile and the 'incinerator' pile, such as a niggle over your GCSE grade in egg-laying.

From what I've read on this forum, the only choice (from the ones you've listed) that will raise eyebrows is that of Toon-town. 1sts only is the rumour.

I think they might prefer firsts, but then I know that a lot of people (myself included) get in with a 2:1, so don't be put off. That's for the 4-year course anyway, but for the 5-year course (for which I was rejected without interview!) a 2:1 is fine. Also, both courses at Newcastle don't use your A-level grades as selection criteria...apparently (mine weren't so good either).

[Luce]

Hi Dr Maybe,

I have a 2.1 in psychology and ADD at A - Level, (none of the latter were science.) I did however do a Chemistry night class to boost my application.

I applied to:

Newcastle - 4 and 5 year course,
Dundee 5 year & Sheffield 5 year.

Got interviews for Dundee and Newc 5 year with offer for the Newcastle/Durham course who are very grad friendly. If you have a 2.1, your A levels are not a problem. The interview was very relaxed and no horrible questions.

Re the newcastle 4 yr course - I don't think they just take people with 1sts. My friend is on with a 2.2 (but masters after). However, it is very very competitive.

If I were you, apply to both 4 and 5 year courses.

All the best.

Luce

[Bambi]

Liverpool look at A levels even if you have a degree so maybe you would be better off avoiding them.