Gap Year or Degree?

[Fateemah]

Hello,

I would like to know what is the best option: a gap year or another science degree (maybe biomedical science) as an alternative to medicine?

Many thanks.

[Chwirkytheappleboy]

Could do with a little more info but I'm going to assume the following:

You're a sixth former who unsuccessfully applied to medical school this year
You achieved the necessary grades to get into medical school, but didn't get any offers
You want to go to medical school

If I were in your position I would take a gap year, spend it doing medically related work experience, and apply again for 2013 entry. I would definitely not recommend doing biomed and going for GEM - it's longer, vastly more expensive, and is actually much more competitive for places. You'll also spend three years doing a degree you're not interested in, which is pretty pointless.

As a school leaver, if you want to do medicine then the only reason to do a different degree would be if you didn't get the necessary A level grades

[Fateemah]

Ok, thanks for the advice, I haven't applied to medicine yet, but I was just thinking of the alternatives..