Arts Graduate Needs Advice About her Old A levels

[tamisz]

Hi everyone,

How do medical schools view old science A levels from arts graduates? I have AAB in chemistry history and maths with an A in A level chemistry from the early 1990s. I have a 2:i in history and an MA with distinction. I would like to apply for a place on a 5 year course but how will these old grades be viewed?

I have sat in on A level standard chemistry classes at an American university (long story) to brush up on my knowledge. Should I mention this on my personal statement?

I am planning to take AS biology in the evening. Many universities only require AS biology from an applicant that has A level chemistry. Should I reassure myself that I am meeting these entry requirements or given the fact that i am an arts graduate with old A levels, be taking A level biology? i have a pretty hectic schedule so I would prefer the AS but I don't want my application to go straight in the bin either.

Would anyone recommend that I resit A level chemistry? -- I really don't want to have to do this...

Any advice would be much appreciated. I know that some universities like peninsula are not interested in A levels that are more than a few years old - -but what about the others? Has anyone had any experience of this?

Maybe some of you might have seen people like me on the GEPs but I don't want to take the GAMSAT and I prefer the 5 year programme for other reasons too.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

[georgiegirl]

Hi there

I can't imagine for a minute anyone would expect you to retake A level chemistry. Without wishing to insult any of the school leavers on this forum, A levels were way harder in the early 1990s and as a consequence your A grade is more meaningful than one achieved this year!!! Your A grade from the early 90s demonstrates that you are good at chemistry and will easily cope with that side of a medicine course.

This is what is important rather than how fresh your knowledge of A level chemistry is.

Personally I think that a good set of A levels from years ago is more helpful than a good set achieved in 2007 - after all, these days the top 25% in an exam get an A. So many people seem to get all As, often 4 or 5!!! This is why they have introduced entrance tests like the UKCAT, because it is impossible to know how bright these straight-A students really are.

Good luck

George x

[hellybelly1]

I'd really recommend emailing admissions tutors at the uni's you're thinking of applying to and asking whether they'd accept the qualifications you've already got. When I applied a couple of years ago, I found that although most places were more than happy with my 15 year old exam results, Glasgow told me that as my Highers had been taken more than 5 years before (and my degree was an MA, more by accident than design), they wanted me to re-take Higher Bio and Chemistry, even though I'd already got A grades in both of them.

It's not worth risking a slot on your UCAS form applying to places for which you don't meet the academic criteria. I found that admissions tutors were very helpful and all that I got in touch with replied to my questions.

[tamisz]

Thanks for the advice georgiegirl and hellybelly. Georgiegirl you definitely gave me a confidence boost as far as my A Levels go -- thanks for that -- I really hope Admissions feel the same way!

Hellybelly I am going to take your advice and email admissions tutors. It's great to hear from a medical student who was once in a similar position to me as far as A levels go. Gives me hope.

I would love to hear from other arts graduates that have places on 5 year course with old A Levels...