questions, advice, comments and recommendations...anyone?

[selfless]

Hi all

I have been following this forum for a while, this is my first post, firstly I commend this community for the free and impartial (and genuine) advice and support that is offered here.

I am 30 and have been suffering from long term depression for most of my adult life. I had enrolled on a Masters degree but eventually had to leave with a shameful unclassified bachelors.

After much soul searching, and a lot of reading on this forum I want to give medicine (which was my original career aim) another attempt, simply due to the empathy that I have felt for patients having been affected by long term illness such as myself, and also, this bought about a renaissance of the orginal drive that was within in me to pursure and persevere in the lifetime of learning and practise involved in being a doctor.

My current academic position is as follows; I was one module away from achieving a 2:2, and I am thinking of applying for a Bsc hons Life Science or maybe Natural Science via Open University; what can you advise me regarding this?

I have done and continue to do voluntary work, and it was this itself that helped me to deal with depression much better. Would working with youth be looked at favourably by med schools?

After reading the GAMSAT info book, I am unclear whether or not an individual without an honours degree (such as myself) is eligible to sit the exam, I have contacted ACER but no response yet; from your experience and knowledge what is the criteria for sitting the GAMSAT?

Finally, since my past has been such a disaster regarding academics and health problems, even if I make something of myself in terms of getting a good degree classification and work experience etc, would my past (especially my ill health) be a hindrance in terms of Graduate Entry Medicine? Also, how long will Grad Entry be running, is there any plans for new schools? What about the future of Grad Entry funding?

Any feedback is highly appreciated, many thanks to all for reading, and I apologise if it was a lengthy post.

[SeanXRT]

It might be a good idea to make a list of universities that fit your personal circumstances and then contact them individually with regards to you taking another degree as I know that Leicester do not accept applicants from people who have a 2:2 even if they have since obtained another degree that is 2:1 or higher.

[sa119]

It's worth calling all the universities you're interested in, it will definitely limit where you can apply.

[fibonacci]

You will be quite restricted as to what universities you can apply to - many universities look at first degrees only, which in your case would be a no go. I believe that some universities may look at post graduate results such as masters and PhDs if the undergrad degree does not meet criteria but as said before, you would have to ring around unis to find this out (or look on their websites). You would also have to consider whether you would be eligible for a masters/PhD programme given your undergrad grade.
I don't believe you would be eligible for foundation entry either because of your further education but you could enquire about this.
You've got a difficult situation, but most likely not insurmountable I think. I would get researching online and on the telephone with unis and see what you can find out!

[kaodeve]

ok. Sorry you are suffering with depression. I have in the past and do sympathise greatly. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

As for the degree issue. I had a BA (ordinary) did not do honours as knew hated it, from nineteen-canteen, a pgdip in computing and mediocre school results BBCC. After 11 years of a soul-destroying and depression inducing career, I bit the bullet and decided to go for my dream only to be dashed due to an age restriction of 30. Door was firmly shut in my face - too old. Next best thing - do Biology... did and got a 2:1. Loved parasite stuff so MRes Parasitology ensued to hopefully lead to a PhD in similar. Lo and behold, a wee devil/angel told me to check medicine again and no age restriction now thanks to the EU.

Research, UKCAT done and ok, apply in and near Scotland and cross everything... interview and in...

Advice - get a 2:1 or better in a biological science ensuring enough chemistry content. I did 1.5 years of chem in my degree and was sufficient for the unis I applied to...

Do UKCAT and apply strategically if no geographical restrictions. Do your research and maximise your chances with your choices.

I'm the wrong side of 40 now and absolutely in heaven at med school.

Go for it and do not give up without a fight (in everything).

Best of luck. x

[selfless]

Thank you so much for your input, especially kaodeve; i have been searching online and the GAMSAT route into Graduate Entry Medicine seems more feasible in terms of opportunity, as the Unis which use the GAMSAT seem to be more accepting to consider individuals such as myself...any comments?

[Profanius]

Hello Selfless

Welcome to the forum. Bad news first: no GEP university will accept you with an unclassified bachelors, not even the GAMSAT ones. I'm pretty sure this will exclude you from any undergraduate or access to medicine options as well. As stated, many universities will only look at your first degree result, no matter what you achieve later on. Getting a masters or PhD will not help in this instance as they will still look at your undergraduate degree first.

The good news: some GEP universities will accept a second honours degree in lieu of a previous one, so long as you meet the required grade (2:1). I know Warwick, Kings, Newcastle, Imperial, Oxford and Cambridge will all accept your most recent qualification (although Oxbridge also ask for science A-levels). I've heard that Notts, SGUL and Swansea will consider a second degree also - but I would recommend checking with them.

This does however require you to get another degree. You will probably have to pay full tuition fees at any regular Uni so I would recommend the Open University for this. OU fees have increase threefold in the last year, but it still works out much cheaper than a redbrick university. It also means you can work (and get experience) while studying. Another advantage is you can study at home - it's not a big upheaval and it means you can keep your support network close. The OU are also incredible supportive of students with additional requirements, issues etc.

The OU don't offer the Life Sciences degree anymore, all new students have to go through the Natural Sciences strand... although it's still a good degree. They also don't run residential schools any more, so you won't meet the laboratory requirements for Imperial. However, this still leaves NCL, Warwick, Kings, Oxbridge (with A-levels) and Notts, SGUL, Swansea (with GAMSAT) as options. Depending on the subject of your first degree you could also carry points over to your OU degree and save some time.

I was an arts graduate with a 2:2. I started an OU degree aged nearly 32, completed it in 4and a half years and now have an offer to study medicine at Warwick - so it can be done. In fact, you have nearly a two year headstart on me... so get moving

[selfless]

hi Profanius; thank you so much for ur advice...i got in touch with OU regarding credit transfer, just have to wait and see how much I am eligible for.

Profanius, if you dont mind me asking, how much work experience and would be suffice? I get the impression that med schools prefer quality over quantity. Regarding which schools to apply, after reading around on the forum and on the websites, indeed i am limited to where i can apply due to my first degree but as it happens, I am more inclined towards the schools which seem to be more appreciative of "unorthodox" applicants such as myself, namely SGUL, notts...maybe swansea (all GAMSAT). By the way, well done on getting in at warwick; i might apply there myself...one thing i have learnt is that medschools obviously look at ur academic ability, but these previously mentioned schools definately take great interest in your drive and commitment to the medical profession and in all honesty, the prospect of getting into medschool is what has helped me slowly lift myself out of depression.

i thank you all for your comments and for ur advice; i needed it and please do continue to advise me as it is much appreciated!