2009 entry GEP

**housemakesmelaugh** · 16-11-2007, 04:43 PM

Hi, just wondering if anybody else here is applying next year for 2009 entry. What medical schools are you applying for? What work experience do you have and which entrance exams will you be taking?

I've thought about GAMSAT for st. george's but I've heard it's ridiculously hard. What do you all think?

**Dr Noodle** · 16-11-2007, 06:36 PM

A lot of places look for GAMSAT though, I think. Plus studying for the science elements of it could be good revision. Perhaps apply to some who do require it and some who don't. I'm beginning to wonder should I have done it. I won't be two years out of school until June and I'm not 21 til next November but I'm still not sure

**Victoria09** · 17-11-2007, 05:50 PM

Yes, I'll be having a bash at GEP 2009 entry. Not sure whether or not I'll be doing GAMSAT yet though. My first choice will be Kings (requires UKCAT), but obviously the odds aren't good there. I'm thinking of applying to St. Georges but it's the GAMSAT that's putting me off as I'm not a science grad and I'm worried I'll flunk section 3 and waste a UCAS choice, not to mention £200.

My degree is in Sociology, I've been working for 2 years as a sort of HCA in the NHS and I've done 3 years volunteering in the field of mental health. Am also trying to sort out some shadowing of docs in my local hospitals before I apply. What about you?

**montreux** · 19-11-2007, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by housemakesmelaugh

I've thought about GAMSAT for st. george's but I've heard it's ridiculously hard. What do you all think?

Yes it is bad but it's not impossible! If you've got other options that's great but don't get completely put off by GAMSAT. I've got an interview at SGUL based on my January 2007 result (I sat GAMSAT but didn't apply last cycle) and my educational background is Chemistry and Human Biology GCSE in 1991 and Physics A level in 1993 followed by a Computing and French degree (without any literature).

Put really really simplistically, all else being equal you have about a 20-25% chance of getting an interview at SGUL if you do sit GAMSAT and a zero chance if you don't! And once you get an interview the odds of getting a place are approximately 50:50

Looking at one of your other posts you seem to have the kind of work experience they are looking for which would stand you in very good stead for the interview.

Good luck with whatever you decide

**Catatonic** · 19-11-2007, 05:05 AM

I applied for this year's cycle and it was a last minute decision so I didn't have time to take any test other than the UKCAT. I was able to apply to the A101 at Imperial, Southampton, and Birmingham and the A102 at King's with that one test.

Good luck next year!

**BrassMonkey** · 19-11-2007, 03:42 PM

I read loads of GAMSAT is a nightmare type threads, and it really put me off for a while. And since I only have a 2ii, GAMSAT is really my only chance. My background is engineering, so the only part my degree prepared me for was the tiny amouth of physics in there. I was terrified, and speaking to some clever sounding people outside the hall didn't help. I was convinced that I had travelled to London for nothing more than a very expensive packed lunch!
And then, I got in there and it wasn't that bad. I realise loads of people will disagree, but don't let the fear of one very long exam put you off your dream! I prepared for the science paper by studying A level human biology and chemistry, and the rest by reading loads and hoping for the best. The thing is (in my opinion) that the exams test your reasoning ability more than your ability to remember vast quantities of facts. You can do it with the right preparation, just find a method of studying that suits you (I'm sure there's loads of advice out there) and go for it.

Good luck!

**ekivell** · 19-11-2007, 04:37 PM

Hi

I am currenyly thinking of applying for 2009 entry. I'm afraid I really have to stay in London and being an arts graduate (law) I have a limited choice of unis. Looks like it will be Kings/St Georges (but its the GAMSAT that is putting me off).

Currently in the process of arranging voluntray work and some work experience and also studying some science short courses at the OU.

**Victoria09** · 19-11-2007, 06:13 PM

Sounds like you're in a similar position to me ekivell. I will have non-London choices as backup but I'll be really hoping that I don't have to use them.

**ekivell** · 19-11-2007, 08:27 PM

Victoria at least you have backups - I know many people say that if you want to follow your dream you have to make sacrifices etc and people may say that I am not as dedicated to studying medicine because I will not up and leave but it's simply that I have a life in London, a partner who has a job here, a house etc. I cannot just up and go to another side of the country, as you get older you have to think of other people and family. Besides I am not sure I could afford to pay for the accomodation etc if I moved to another area.

Still fingers crossed for Kings - I have a affinity for the place as that's where I did my first degree! Maybe I'll meet you there (here's to hoping!)

**Thickshit** · 19-11-2007, 08:54 PM

You all just need to remember that clearly people do pass GAMSAT and UKCAT and BMAT and any other kind of AT or there would be no one at medical school! These exams aren't impossible but you do need to be realistic - if you're not sure that you'll do well on GAMSAT then don't apply for 3 unis that need it - but if you are confident then do as it will guarantee you 3 interviews. When I applied for King's GPEP there were minimal practice papers for MSAT and I did no revision for it - probably the best decision I made or I would have talked myself out of it!

Ekivell I don't think it shows lack of commitment only applying to unis in London for personal reasons - it shows realism! There has to be a life outside of uni and medicine - you come to realise that there are more important things and people! Limiting yourself to 1 particular area can be done - there are people on my course who did just that!