Graduate with 2:2

[safis]

I am a graduate with 2:2 and and would like to study medicine. I am currently volunteering at a hospital and would like to gain experience of working as a health care assistant. I am also planning on returning to college this September to do A Level Chemistry and Biology hoping that it will open some more doors. But I would like to know if there are any universities I can apply to without having to do the dreaded GMAT and still be considered. I suffered from a serious illness at 17 and it affected my health and confidence so I underachieved at college and lost hope at university hence my 2:2! Would I have a better chance if I applied for 5 year course rather than graduate entry 4 year?

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[foxyamy]

There are only a couple of GEPs which would consider you with a 2:2 and you would need to do the GAMSAT for those. You would probably still struggle to get on a 5-year course or 6-year course with a 2:2 to be honest, as they would expect you to show an exceptional reason why you did that badly.
So I would say your only shot would be to ace the GAMSAT.

[safis]

There are only a couple of GEPs which would consider you with a 2:2 and you would need to do the GAMSAT for those. You would probably still struggle to get on a 5-year course or 6-year course with a 2:2 to be honest, as they would expect you to show an exceptional reason why you did that badly.
So I would say your only shot would be to ace the GAMSAT.

Oh another option could be to do a MA to boast my chances as a few medical schools consider that?
Could I do an MA and A- Levels Biology and Chemistry at the same time over a period of two years?

[curlysin]

Why don't you look into an access course it would only take you one year to complete and then you can apply for the 5 year courses? Then you wouldnt have to do any further A levels or an MA/MSc. Hope this helps

[safis]

Why don't you look into an access course it would only take you one year to complete and then you can apply for the 5 year courses? Then you wouldnt have to do any further A levels or an MA/MSc. Hope this helps

I could but might limit my choices. If I do A Levels I can attempt the GAMSAT as it will give me the background for science part of the exam and apply to St Georges and Nottingham. Also if I could use that to apply to 5 year course?

[curlysin]

I think there are quite a few university who accept the access courses you should research that, as you might find you are limiting yourself more with the GAMSAT. Also for the 5 year courses it depends on your UKCAT as well and if you cant manage a good score your choices are limited even further. With a 2:2 only a very select few uni's will accept an application from you even with an MSc - so choose your path very carefully and make sure you research ever possible avenue, Good Luck

follow the Links http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/index.php?pageid=80

http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/index.php?pageid=229

http://www.col-westanglia.ac.uk/atm-content.html

last one http://www.col-westanglia.ac.uk/atm-...formation.html

[safis]

Umm I totally understand your POV but I live in London and cannot afford to move elsewhere to attend a decent college that offers the access course unless its Birbeck but then I don 't know much about the course or if anyone has actually managed to secured a place after completing the course. Why is it so complicated> (

[curlysin]

I'm sorry to hear your are unable to move around, thats a shame as I guess that limits your options further. Sorry I could'nt been of more help - good luck with your journey

[foxyamy]

Also, even if you do an access course though, universities are still going to want to know why you got a 2:2 on your degree. At the end of the day they want to know that you can cope with studying at a high level, and the fact that you did well in an access course, but couldn't at the higher degree level would set off alarm bells with them. The GAMSAT is however designed to test more than just how well you do with what you have studied, which is why if you take that then unis such as Nottingham then specifically don't consider your grades as long as you got more than a 2:2.
I would strongly advise doing what you have already decided (i.e. A levels) but that you do go for the GAMSAT, as that is really your only strong option.

[FlippertyJibberts]

The other alternative is to phone or even write to the universities you would like to go to - explain your situation and ask them how you could get into their medical school? What would be the best route etc...If they say there is no way then at least you can rule some out, and weigh up what your best options would be. Good Luck :-)