Confidence

[ben_]

I'm an arts graduate planning to apply for 2010 entry, however I'm a little nervous about whether or not I will actually be able to cope in medical school should I be offered a place. I haven't studied science since the age of 16. I'd love to hear from any non-science graduates. How did you cope?

[iheartmedicine]

I am an arts graduate and I am starting at UCL this autumn. I decided to go down the A-level route, so I took Chemistry and Biology evening courses and am doing a five year programme. If you are feeling nervous, why not enrol in a part-time course to brush up? Did you already do those A-levels when you were in school or are you applying only to GEP entry (to schools that do not require you to have a science degree)?

[Adam25]

I can certainly relate to this.
I am an Arts graduate contemplaying GEM entry for 2011. I am planning on taking the GAMSAT exam for entry, although for my own peace of mind in terms of coping with the intellectual demands of the course I wanted to sit A-level evening classes in Chemistry and Biology (I haven't studied Science since GCSE level either).
However, no colleges in Manchester currently offer any evening classes in a-levels for adults (just GCSE level) which has set me back a little. My only real option now is to go down the independent learning route, although I feel that I might struggle with this, especially in Chemistry!
It's not ideal but I think at the very least to assuage any nerves it's best to do as much reading as you can, or at least satisfy yourself with a grounding of the basics.
It might be worth getting the opinions of people who have already entered the GEM as I am currently in the same boat as you!

[ben_]

Adam, I am also based in Manchester and have run up against the exact same problem with regards to evening classes. I seriously doubt my ability to teach myself the kind of knowledge required to do well on the GAMSAT - I've ordered the sample papers and they are, well, a little daunting.

iheartmedicine, I did not study science at A-level. Frustratingly, evening classes don't seem to be an option for me. I'll be applying to the Newcastle 4- and 5-year programmes, neither of which require prior science qualifications. I'm also looking at the King's and Leicester GEPs. I think my most realistic chance is with Newcastle, though.

[georgiegirl]

Hi there

Like iheartmedicine I am an arts graduate starting the MBBS at UCL this September. I am 38 so took O levels originally (mine was the last year to do O levels). I did A levels in Eng Lit, History and History of Art first time around and a degree in English. I got an O level in maths, but no science.

I have just done A levels in biology and chemistry. These were quite tough I found, because I have no science background. I also took them at a FE college which had 5 passes at GCSE as the entrance requirement for A level courses. There was nothing wrong with the teaching, but it wasn't the kind of place where there was an expectation of high grades. I needed an A in chemistry and a B in biology for UCL and got the grades but it was really hard work. I had a B at AS in chemistry which I had to push up to an A.

I also did BMAT and since the science section is based on knowledge of GCSE maths/physics/biology/chemistry I found it a bit challenging. I guessed the maths and physics questions (they are mostly MCQs). I got 4.7 for this section which was not bad but lower than I scored in the other two sections. I got 22.8 overall.

I have been told that medicine courses, conceptually, are not difficult. The difficulty is based on the sheer volume of information that has to be learned. It's not hard science I am expecting, just too much.

George

[Leo2004]

Hey Ben,

I am a UCL arts graduate in the final year of St. George's GEP.

I have passed written medical and surgical finals and the penultimate year OSCE and hope to pass the final OSCE in June so you can all do it to, at UCL or any other uni. Not wanting to blow my trumpet, but let you know the stage I'm at and where you will all be too given the passage of time and much studying!

I had to work hard in the first two years learning new basic science concepts. The material may seem really weird at first due to its newness but persevere and you will understand and retain it!

In a few years time, with any luck, we'll all be working as doctors!

Good luck!

[clemette]

That is really good to know Leo

[Adam25]

Ben

I have also checked EVERYWHERE in Manchester and have been unable to find evening A-levels for adults full stop, which is pretty sh*tty for a City of this size! The closest place that I have found doing A-levels was in Liverpool or Wigan, both too far for me to travel as I am currently unable to drive.

Self-study looks like the way forward, it's early days yet but if there are a few people in the Manchester area it might be a good idea to look at a regular study / social group? A problem shared is a problem halved and all that!

Wonderful to hear all the stories on here about people overcoming their own apprehensions, fears and concerns regarding the sciences after originally having an arts background. Looking forward to being part of that group myself!!

[ben_]

missm, it sounds like you have quite a list of achievements, accomplishments and experience. I'm sure you would stand a good chance of getting an interview, particularly with your experience of working as a first-aider and in a hospital. My advice would be to try to boost your scientific qualifications before applying - online courses sound like a good idea.

Adam - I think a group like that would be a great idea, especially if there's anyone slightly more scientifically educated to be drafted in! Definitely something to think about.

[ben_]

Leo and georgiegirl, thanks for your replies - very encouraging. Someday I hope to be in your position.