Chemistry A Level

[Weenie82]

Hi there!

I haven't posted on this site before, but have visited it loads over the last year. I am a qualified physiotherapist (graduated in 2005), but went straight into a career in research and am currently working as a research assistant in rehabilitation sciences. I am also in the second year of my PhD. Since 2003, during the second year of my physio degree, I came to realise that medicine was what I really wanted to do. Therefore, upon graduating, I applied to study medicine (X3 GEP and X1 5yr courses) but was unsuccessful on all counts, not even gaining one interview. Anyway, my desire is still to be a doctor, so consequently I needed to review my application and build upon what I thought could be potential weaknesses. One of these was my lack of A level Chemistry. So alongside doing my PhD and working full time I am taking this qualification. I just wondered if there were or are any graduate applicants out there who were/are in a similiar situation? I have been in contact with numerous medical schools admissions tutors and a few have suggested that my current academic profile, i.e. my 2:1 BSc (Hons) Physio degree and my forthcoming PhD will make me eligible to apply, irrespective of my chemistry a level, but i'm not convinced (I will be applying for X4 5yr courses next year, for 2009 entry). However, I am interested in what the going rate is for graduates sitting A levels? I know what each universities minimum academic requirements are, with some suggesting a minimum of a B in chemistry, but how realistic is this? Is it neccessary that I get an A? At the moment I am hitting A/B borderline and would like to hear your thoughts? Would I not stand a chance if I miss the A grade? I am particularly interested in applying to Aberdeen, Durham Queens Campus, Dundee, Glasgow, and/or Sheffield, so if anyone from these Unis can offer me any advice that would be fantastic!! Thanks very much.

Weenie82

[KKerr]

Hi Weenie
Have you checked with Edinburgh? I know a number of graduates with a 2:1 that have been made offers for the 5 year program on condition that they complete Highers in Biol and Chem - but they are very, very good at looking at each case individually and are usually pretty honest about whether or not they feel your application would be competitive - therefore avoiding wasting a valuable application slot. If you havent done this already - best is to call all the uni's you are interested in and ask them what you would need - keeping in mind that these are normally "minimums" and some will expect you to exceed this in order to be competitive. Hope this helps

K

[wombledoctor]

A PhD will put you at a MASSIVE advantage. The more papers you get out of it the better (first author). I doubt you need to bother with the a-level. they will look at your PhD (i'm assuming it's in a relevant field).
Good luck

WD.

[Weenie82]

Hey, thanks for this encouragement K and WD. As you correctly suggested, my PhD is in a related field - given my background in physiotherapy. I am studying in the field of human biomechanics/neuromuscular function in older adults and falls prevention. Anyway, I am still pushing on with my chemistry and am just about to complete my AS. Hopefully, my PhD will be looked upon promisingly though? WD - are you a current med student, if so where are you studying? Are there any post-doctoral students out there who have been offered places at med school? Come on, there can't be just me?

Weenie.

[Bexx]

Hi there,

You don't need the Chemistry or the Phd for Durham. I am a Podiatrist with a 1st, I applied last year for the GEP at Newc, 5 Year Newc and Durham with rejections at all and not even an interview for the GEP.

This time around I spent a lot of time looking into the whole process of getting into Medicine as it is a task in its own right, it is not about how good you are it is about knowing how to answer the questions. I did start to study AS in Chemistry but was an hours drive away and after I got my unconditional offer I stopped going (was not related to medicine at all or I would have kept it up)!

You really need to research who will accept you and with what qualifications, many places would only accept an A at As (unsure for A-level). I was going to apply to Hull York until I went to the open day and the admissions tutor kindly told me she wanted me to resit GCSE maths and do a full A-level in chemistry and wanted A's in them all! I went straight home and changed my choces!

I would definately advise going to the open days and talking with the tutors, They were great at Durham and I am sure my offer from there was reflected in the time I had spent researching the area/college/chatting to tutors and students. I am aware of other people that are currently doing degrees that have been offered places at Durham with a 2:1, you just have to show you are willing to keep learning and you are certainly doing that. If you have the chemistry before applying brilliant but if not I wouldn't worry and please don't give up trying! You will make it! If you would like to ask me anything feel free to PM me, Good luck! x

[wombledoctor]

No, not yet.
Not many people applying hold PhD's (makes sense really as most people holding PhD's get them because they want a career in research). But i've come accross several PhD holders aplying for grad and non-grad entry (and who have offers). A PhD is very highly regarded (esp with papers in good journals). The only problem is you have is trying convince the interview panel that the reason for doing medicine IS NOT to further your own research career (medics in research tend to be good at getting grants and also get paid more).

Also, further down the line, a PhD will increase your chances of getting the job you want-again, i think published articles are considered.It's all good!!!

[Singhz]

Originally Posted by Bexx

Hi there,

You don't need the Chemistry or the Phd for Durham. I am a Podiatrist with a 1st, I applied last year for the GEP at Newc, 5 Year Newc and Durham with rejections at all and not even an interview for the GEP.

This time around I spent a lot of time looking into the whole process of getting into Medicine as it is a task in its own right, it is not about how good you are it is about knowing how to answer the questions. I did start to study AS in Chemistry but was an hours drive away and after I got my unconditional offer I stopped going (was not related to medicine at all or I would have kept it up)!

You really need to research who will accept you and with what qualifications, many places would only accept an A at As (unsure for A-level). I was going to apply to Hull York until I went to the open day and the admissions tutor kindly told me she wanted me to resit GCSE maths and do a full A-level in chemistry and wanted A's in them all! I went straight home and changed my choces!

I would definately advise going to the open days and talking with the tutors, They were great at Durham and I am sure my offer from there was reflected in the time I had spent researching the area/college/chatting to tutors and students. I am aware of other people that are currently doing degrees that have been offered places at Durham with a 2:1, you just have to show you are willing to keep learning and you are certainly doing that. If you have the chemistry before applying brilliant but if not I wouldn't worry and please don't give up trying! You will make it! If you would like to ask me anything feel free to PM me, Good luck! x

hi tell us more about how you git this offer, how well did u get to know the tutors at durham ?
by the way what were your a level grades

thanks