Where have Arts Grads got the best chances of getting in?!

[Claff22]

Hello everyone

I have been browsing these boards for a little bit and thought I'd make a post for a change. My situtation is as follows (bear with me!)

I'm due to graduate in June from Liverpool University with a high first in BA Geography. My A Levels were AAAA (Geography, English Lang, Business and General Studies). GCSEs I got 3A*s (Geography, English, Business), 4A's (Dual Award Science, English Lit, Maths) and 2B's (Italian and German). I have a bit of relevant volunteering experience but need to build on that.
Clearly I have no Science Background, and given I can't afford to pay for the 5 year course, I'd be looking at Grad Entry. Having said that, there's not that many schools open to Arts Grads. Out of the ones that are, the requirements are as follows:

UKCAT Newcastle, Kings - UKCAT (but only top 25% are interviewed), and Leicester - UKCAT (But ONE YEAR's Full time paid work experience in caring role required).

GAMSAT St Georges, Keele and Nottingham.

Given my arts background, and how difficult I have heard the GAMSAT is, I'm thinking the schools with UKCAT would be my best option. Leicester is ruled out because of the Work Ex, and being realistic, I doubt I'd score in the top 25%, plus, London would be far too expensive living wise, so that rules King's out. Am I right in thinking my only real option might be Newcastle?! :/ Is Newcaslte very over subscribed for this reason?

Thanks All.

[swanseagirl]

As of next year Warwick are accepting graduates from all disciplines too

[Profanius]

Hi Claff

The GAMSAT is a tough exam, but it's tough for everyone. Since two out of three sections are on arts based criteria rather than science, it's arts graduates that usually have the advantage. Avoiding the GAMSAT because it's hard work is somewhat specious logic since medical degrees aren't exactly easy. Re-applying can be hard work too and any revision you do for the GAMSAT (chem+bio) will make life easier if you get in.

NCL is highly competitive, not only because they accept arts grads but also Newcastle is generally seen as a great place to live. As of next year Warwick are accepting arts grads, and although Coventry is not as lovable as Newcastle, you can assume it will be similarly competitive.

Neither NCL nor WMS consider A-levels, but nor will they care that you've got a 1st. Both unis place a strong emphasis on work experience and will look at your whole application. With no science and limited experience, yours isn't a particularly strong application. The odds are you won't even see an interview room. Sorry if I sound harsh but it's better to know what you're up against early on.

By taking the GAMSAT and getting the required score you are guaranteed an interview at Nottingham and Swansea (and SGUL - but that's London). By taking the GAMSAT you're effectively doubling your options and more than doubling your chances.

[mikuro]

I echo what Profanius said. GAMSAT is hard but it's not impossible. I'm from an Arts background and sat it in March - Sections 1 and 2 are english based (reading text/writing essays) which I found pretty straight forward (by no means easy but certainly doable) and Section 3 (the science section) was pretty horrible but not impossible. It's all about the studying and practicing.
If you aren't prepared to work very hard to get what you want there isn't much point applying to Med School...!!

[Claff22]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I should be able to get the experience side of things covered, it's the science side which I'm obviously weak on. Seems like a should bite the bullet and give the GAMSAT a go. I was going to self teach myself as much Chem and Biol as possible anyway because obviously I'd need that if/when it came to nedicine itself, but after researching up on GAMSAT everyone seemed so negative and I was convinced I had no chance. I'm not afraid of working hard, I am a very, very hardworker, I was just thinking that realistically my best chances may have lied with the UKCAT.However your input has been useful and it doesn't seem that is necessarily the case, especially taking into account the small number of school's that use it.

Mikuro, it's nice to hear from an Arts grad that made it! Well Done. Are there any particular study books you'd recommend or general advice you may have to offer?

Thanks again

[richadam]

HEY!

In terms of 'best chances' post entry exam, of course an arts graduate will have a better chance if they do well in GAMSAT.

I'd initially intended on solely sitting GAMSAT, and then I changed my to sit just UKCAT, but now I've reassessed and think I'll end up sitting both. I will get the earliest UKCAT possible, and see how I do. Unless I get a very high score, it's most likely I will definitely sit GAMSAT.

In terms of prep, I'm pretty sorted on the Biology front. I will perhaps need a week or two prior to the exam to quickly read over my notes. In terms of Chemistry, I'm currently a newbie. As such, I think I'm going to read through the topics as bedtime reading to become familiar with them. If I don't do too well on the UKCAT, then that leaves me with 2.5 months or so to nail the work (I have 3 weeks of holiday scheduled during this period, so I'll have plenty of time to study during this time). However, I think the best prep you can do is to work through past-GAMSAT papers and look up the subjects as you go along. This way, you have to pin point the topic, you have to research the said topic, and then you have to work out the answer. This way, I tend to learn more (this may not be the same for everyone!).

Best of luck.

[mikuro]

Mikuro, it's nice to hear from an Arts grad that made it! Well Done. Are there any particular study books you'd recommend or general advice you may have to offer?

Thanks again

I've not made it yet lol. I sat GAMSAT in March but I am hopefully applying this cycle to start Sept 2013. I am probably sitting GAMSAT Sept as well, depends on March results (which are out Friday, eek).
I highly recommend Griffiths Gamsat Review. Has lots of fantastic information and subject lists to study. I got a few A level revision books and Organic Chemistry for Dummies, and have used the Khan Academy videos a lot too. But the best thing is to do practice questions as this is not a normal exam and sometimes you don't need any previous knowledge to answer them. But if you are weak in the sciences it is good to get some as it will be essential for some of the questions. Best way I have found is trying the questions and then studying the science behind it to understand it.

[Martigan]

My thoughts are very similar to Mikuro. Griffiths kicks butt. I hadn't found the Khan Academy at the time, but used it a lot to brush up my basic sciences in the first term.

[FairytaleGirl]

Mikuro - I could be you - Arts grad with a 2:2 aswell, Imsitting the GAMSAT in March - Theres noway id be ready for september - not ready enough to spend £222 anyway!!

Hope all goes good!