Northern Ireland to GB

**Steve NI** · 29-01-2010, 04:41 PM

Hi folks

I would like some opinion on my proposal, especially if you are, or know,anyone who has done the course in the way I hope to.

I am cuurently in construction (for my sins!) but I propose to sit the GAMSAT in September and am currently getting study underway.
I hold good GCSE biology and physics, Politics/English/History A-Levels so I don't see the essay/lit sections as much to panic about yet, it seems Chemistry is the stickler!
Anyhow, assuming I pass GAMSAT suitably I would like to go to Notts for the GEM.
My issue is that i am married and settled with two kids and that no NI university does GEM (also its a small fortune to do it in Southern Ireland) thus this leads me to the mainland.
I have done the figures out and could manage it with various grants etc (although NI is exempt from the NHS bursary!).
The main issue is, say, 45 weeks of term time.....
I have to weigh up the pros and cons of weekly/fortnightly travel, living costs at home and away, do i move the family there or do I go back and forth for 4 years?!
This is the only main sticking point in my plan....

I will do the GAMSAT anyhow, I also have 8 years voluntary experience as a club physio with a prospect of moving into some kind of work in a care home shortly.

I just need some guidance or reassuring feedback to help me make a decision!

Sorry it is long winded, I hope it explains my queries!?

Thanks

Steve

**Martigan** · 29-01-2010, 06:28 PM

The family issue is hard. Personally I wouldn't be able to commute, as it’s a tough couple of years and that’s a time when family is even more important.

I have been lucky that I was able to select unis that would not take me away from my family. Sorry, no solution just sympathy and understanding. I know other parents who originally started off planning to commute, but when their family say the commitment needed even to get in, they re-evaluated the plan and decided to relocate.

All the best mate. It’s a very hard slog, so stick around here for support.

**Steve NI** · 29-01-2010, 06:35 PM

Cheers M

It's going to be a discussion filled weekend I think! Its something I know I should have done when I had a chance, but now, while the iron is hot I want nothing more than to give it my best shot...but as you rightly say, the admission process alone is testing!
Just a pity Queens Uni don't accept GAMSAT.

**curlysin** · 29-01-2010, 09:08 PM

Hi Steve NI,

Welcome to the forum. I too am from the north and will be commencing Medicine in September in England. I don't have any children yet but do have a longterm significant other who will be staying at home while I go over to do Medicine. Queens is very restricted in its intake which is sad because they are missing out on potentially excellent candidates and to be honest its not a great medical school so I hope that makes you feel a bit better

.

Its a toughie, I guess you will have to have a good long chat with your partner and decide what would be best for now. If your kids are of school age it means upsetting all of that aspect too, so it might be better for you just to commute - but would your partner be able to cope on her own then as you would only be home every 2 weeks or so. In the end the best advice I can offer is go with your gut people usually know what's right deep down no matter how hard the decision maybe.

I wish you all the best

**Steve NI** · 01-02-2010, 01:42 PM

Dear me, it gets worse.....

My sister has just set her wedding date over the weekend......

17th September 2010....

Thats right.....the GAMSAT is also on that date!

Should I just accept this as an omen!!

**Steve NI** · 02-02-2010, 02:42 PM

Folks..
In regards to the above..
If i were to wait until March 2011 and sit GAMSAT, would this be too late to qualify me for 2011 entry?
i.e. is it only this Septembers sitting is applicable for 2011 courses?

Thanks

Steve

**Martigan** · 02-02-2010, 06:46 PM

Yes you need to have sat the GAMSAT by September 2010 for UK 2010 entry.

**Steve NI** · 02-02-2010, 07:03 PM

Mart'.

I was always aiming for 2011 entry anyhow, but i just dont think that 'logistically' this will work, as much as i keep telling myself it will!

I have researched all day and my only 'realistic' option is to sit A-Level Chem, AS Biology Sept 2010-May2011 and my UKCAT this summer then apply for 2011 entry to QUB......
Some have done it before as for as I can gather?!

Thanks

Steve

**Martigan** · 02-02-2010, 07:17 PM

Sorry that should have read.

"
Yes you need to have sat the GAMSAT by September 2010 for UK 2011 entry."

**Steve NI** · 02-02-2010, 07:19 PM

Ha, cheers Mart, i knew what you meant!

Anyhow, had a good long discussion about this last night and into this afternoons lunck break!

I think plan 'B' is my only option if I am to be realistic......

S

Thread: Northern Ireland to GB

LinkBack

Thread Tools