Best courses for 1st class hons. graduate?

[drjack]

Hi,

I recently graduated with a 1st class hons. Biomedical Sciences degree, and I am currently in the process of finalising my choices for my 2010 application. I was wondering if anyone knows which medical schools look favourably on a 1st when compared to a 2.1, as I would like to use my degree classification to my advantage. Many medical schools state that they do not differentiate between the two. The only course I am aware of that does this is the GEP at Birmingham.

Many thanks,

Jack

[AimsRJ]

Hi,

I can hopefully help you with 2, both GEPs:
Oxford will look more favourably on a 1st- while they willingly accept 2:1s a 1st will give you an advantage.
Warwick wont- they view 1sts as equal with a 2:1.

hope that helps a bit.

[Phizzle]

my friend is on the interview panel for oxford this year and she said one of the staff there prefers 2.1' s (aparently he got one) - not sure how far that can be taken as true but it probably goes to say that 2.1 is at no disadvantage

[Bambi]

my friend is on the interview panel for oxford this year and she said one of the staff there prefers 2.1' s (aparently he got one) - not sure how far that can be taken as true but it probably goes to say that 2.1 is at no disadvantage

Probably because they think a 2.1 means you are more well rounded rather than someone that sits at home working all the time. I'm by no means anti-1sts but obviously they take more work and somewhere else has to give.

[clemette]

Probably because they think a 2.1 means you are more well rounded rather than someone that sits at home working all the time. I'm by no means anti-1sts but obviously they take more work and somewhere else has to give.

Lol - from personal experience, the only thing that "gives" is 8 hours sleep a night and watching reality TV

[Bambi]

Maybe, but I imagine that's not how they see it.

[clemette]

I seriously doubt that Oxford University feel that candidates with firsts are LESS desirable.

[AimsRJ]

my friend is on the interview panel for oxford this year and she said one of the staff there prefers 2.1' s (aparently he got one) - not sure how far that can be taken as true but it probably goes to say that 2.1 is at no disadvantage

While I'm not doubting the truth in this (although possibly the logic), personally I would rather put more faith in the prospectus. They will accept 2:1s but you will have to demonstrate further strong academic ability, particularly in the form of UKCAT.

[AimsRJ]

Probably because they think a 2.1 means you are more well rounded rather than someone that sits at home working all the time. I'm by no means anti-1sts but obviously they take more work and somewhere else has to give.

Or, you could take the traditional but unfashionable arguement that 1st class degree holders are simply more able than their 2:1 holding counterparts?

[drjack]

Probably because they think a 2.1 means you are more well rounded rather than someone that sits at home working all the time. I'm by no means anti-1sts but obviously they take more work and somewhere else has to give.

I don't buy into the whole 'a 1st is indicative of a poor work-life balance' argument. I would say I am just as 'rounded' as many of my fellow graduates who attained a 2.1, and that my 1st is evidence that I am able to make a substantial commitment to academic endeavour. I just spent less time watching Jeremy Kyle in my pants at 11am.

Now, back to the original question - with which other universities will my 1st carry some weight?

Thanks,

Jack