Any advice appreciated

[pete1184]

I'm 21 and have just gone back to college to study AS levels in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and ICT but my GCSE grades aren't fantastic 2 A's, 6 B's, 4 C's
I've always been interested in science I got A in biology, B in physics and B in chemistry. I'm in the process of arranging volunteer work and have joined the student council and the college rugby team. Any thoughts about. Is there any thing else i can do to help my application? do you think my GCSE results will be ok with me being mature student? I was thinking that if my AS grades are good they may take more notice of them with my GCSE's being 5 years ago?

any thoughts appreciated

[jackson0100]

i think the entry requirement for you will be the same as the other A-level students, however the med school will expect alot more experience within a caring role form a mature . I hope this help

[MikeyVoyez]

Do you think 3 years experience working in a care home would be suffieciet for a mature (plus some volantary work)?

[jackson0100]

well the idea is to be diverst so you have lots to talk about if you know what i mean, long term commitment is always good

[Lizzie-Beth]

When I applied, my GCSEs/O-levels (yes I am old) were terrible! I actually finished up with more A-levels than GCSEs - mis-spent youth .... I emailed the medical schools I intended to apply for & asked how I stood with them. They were all fine about it & said I was still able to apply (Keele wanted GCSE physics though - but you already have that!)

As far as volunteering, I did a year in A&E and some First Responder work. I think as a mature student, you have to think a little harder about how you can demonstrate your abilities, based on working life, hobbies etc. without school life to fall back on. You also may get a tougher time in interviews, justifying your decision & explaining your absence from higher education - but it's well worth the battle!

[Chulalongkorn]

the med school will expect alot more experience within a caring role form a mature . I hope this help

No they won't, they will expect a comparable amount to any other applicant.

[Chulalongkorn]

You could argue you will get an easier time at interview as your application will demonstarte that you have thought this decision through carefully and are prepared to make personal and financial sacrifices to obtain your goal. You obviously are not applying due to parental pressure or because you are an academic type so thought medicine would bethe obvious degree choice! [No offence intended].

[pete1184]

no offence taken, I'm thankful for all contributions. I know my local hospital have an annual avent where you can go round the hospital and see the different area's. I've also had a call back this morning about doing some work with the district epilepsy nurse for this area. Thinking about asking at my local GP's but i've heard this can be difficult to arrange. I was also thinking of trying to volunteer abroad over the summer, does anyone know any good web sites for information on this?

[MikeyVoyez]

Sawadee-Crap Chulalongkorn,

Sabaidee mai?

[Chulalongkorn]

Sawadee khrap MikeyVoyez!
Sabai dee.
Poot dai Thai?
Khun kon Thai?