Graduate Entry - would really appreciate help/advice

**Olli_08** · 26-08-2008, 10:02 PM

Hey everybody - apologies for the length of this!

**magicsam3** · 26-08-2008, 10:08 PM

i think if u don't tell them about ur degree then they'll wonder wot you've been doing fo the past three years.
I don't know anything about the GAMSAT or any mature student admissions tests so can't help you there (sorry)
well done for getting the auxillary nursing though!

**AimsRJ** · 26-08-2008, 10:27 PM

hmmm. I think you might be right that St Georges/ Notts might be the best way to go- that way you can still apply to a GEP and the financial advantages that entails. Does mean you have to sit the GAMSAT but although its a pain in the ass, with a biomed degree I'm sure you'll be fine (am hoping anyway cos if you're not I'm screwed!!). You'll also be fine for peninsula if you sit the GAMSAT (they dont look at the degree class you have) but that is a 5 year course. Prob best bet is to look at the websites for all the 5 years and speak to the admissions people to see if they will judge you on your A-levels when comparing you to other A-level candidates and not your degree.
Good Luck!

**tigger29** · 27-08-2008, 01:28 AM

Hi Olli
Well you can't really get away without mentioning your degree as pointed out earlier they will wonder what you were doing for 3 years! Besides why would you not mention it - did you not learn anything useful that would be of benfit to you studying medicine?? As it has been more than 2 years since you did your A-levels then an admissions test will probably be required. Nott's, PMS & St G's are still good schools and the GAMSAT is not exactly a walk in the park but with a bit of work is definitely achievable. You have limited options unfortunately with a 2.2 and not because it's not a good degree but simply because of the level of competition out there for places. I was in the same situation as you with a Biosciences 2.2 but I got 67 on the GAMSAT and offers from St G's and Nott's - I turned down my PMS interview in favour of the 4 year courses! SO it can be done - together with work experience as an auxillary you have as good a chance as any - if you really want it then just go for it!

Best of luck

**Bambi** · 27-08-2008, 02:23 AM

Certain unis used to ignore a bad degree result if you had the right A level grades, you should ring around and find out if any still do.

**welly** · 27-08-2008, 04:47 PM

Humm - was in a similar situation - but with bad A-levels to add into the mix!

You have to declare any exams you have done - even if they are bad - and that will include mentioning the degree (rather a large chunk of your time). Most places (2/3 years ago) were only interested in what you had done most recently (after all, it is better to show - look what I can do now, rather than - look what I used to be capable of) which means you could well be stuck with the Georges, Notts and Peninsula route.

Mind you, having finally managed to get offers from all three- I might be a bit bias towards the whole GAMSAT and ingnore your previous misdemeanours route!

Certainly the better option than getting a masters (so that maybe one or two more places will look at you - if they feel like it) or spending another 3 years or so getting a PhD to overcome the 2:2 aspect.

Good luck - as it has been said before... it can be done!

**MedicMark?** · 27-08-2008, 08:45 PM

I don' think pretending you didn't do a degree is your best option. Keep up with that great work experience, nail the gamsat, then just be honest with them at the interview about what happened in your degree, what you learned from it, and why you won't bugger up your medical degree. You will get a lot of respect from an interview panel if you are honest about your past mistakes and how you have moved on. Good luck!