Any advice would be great!

[Lil Sam]

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone could give me some advice please? I am currently 21 and classed as a mature student! Took my A-Levels three years ago and first time round had a conditional offer at PMS. My results were:

A-Level Geography: A
" Biology: B (missed an A by 8 marks )
AS-Level Psychology: A
" Chemistry: C

Retook one Biology module and got an A, but by then the system had all changed to points and I needed another 30/40 points to even get an interview. Started a Molecular Medicine course in September 2004 but left in April 2005, I hated every minute and just want to do medicine! I am thinking of doing Chemistry A-Level in a year to refresh the AS material and up it to A Level. Access isn't really an option, as I need to work full time at the moment. Not sure if this will be enough? Any advice would be great! Thank you!

[yanky88]

Hi,

I'm not sure what the a-level requirements are for mature students, but i don't think they will be that much different. If you re-take the a-level chem, they normally ask you to get an A. Other than that, you have all the academic requirements for the 5 year courses.

You mention that you are working full-time at the moment, is this medically related? If not don't forget to get some work experience to 'glamour' up your personal statement in your free time Good Luck!

[Lil Sam]

I currently work as a ward clerk on the central delivery suite of my local hospital. I have gained a lot of insight into obstetrics, do you think this counts, or would a position as an auxiliary or in a caring role be more appropriate? I also do voluntary work with the Samaritans.

[yanky88]

Your hospital experience sounds like mine i did hospital administration and you can learn a lot from it. I initially made the mistake if just getting along with my own work, but it really does help to talk to ppl i.e. the nurses, doctors etc.
Samaritans is good also - this shows that you have a caring nature. Like what Jane2 said, it's what you have learned that counts not really what you have done or how long you've done it. I used to do another voluntary work, did it for 2 years, but didn't really learn anything, then worked as a ward clerk for 1 week and learnt loads!

I would like to do a more hands on role like a hospital HCA or cleaner, but this has been hard for me to get (i don't know why it's so easy for some ppl). Instead i do voluntary work at a care home - just chatting to them, but it's really great to do this (just that sometimes i wana do more )

Try writing out your personal statement and if you feel that your experiences are already sufficient then there is no need to get more/other experiences, unless you want to off course