How can I give up on my dream

[ilovehotchoclate]

Hi
I'm in a similar position to you, so I know how hard it is. I have failed twice to get in now, through extenuating circumstances both times. I was about ready to give up after the second time, even though I was convinced med was the path for me. I had really enjoyed the research work I did as part of my degree and some of the modules I took opened my eyes to subjects that really interested me. My work experience also showed me some other careers allied to med without having to do a BM. My family sat me down and told me to give it one last shot. I had a dream and I worked hard to get this far, so since I have one more shot I should grab it with both hands.

Can I suggest trying once more, but apply to GAMSAT Unis this time? The GAMSAT is quite expensive, and a tough test to take. It tests your verbal reasoning, essay writing and biology, maths, physics and chemistry. You have to be in the top 10-20% of people who take the GAMSAT so competition is tough and the pass mark is set by the different Unis after they have seen the spread of marks each year. But if you prepare and you have the brains required by med, it is achievable. As the test is for grads and mature students the science knowledge needed is at A-Level only, and I didn't take Physics past SATS level in yr 9, so even if you have weak spots you can make up for it. If you pass the GAMSAT cut off set by the unis you are called to interview. Your PS is only checked after your interview. This will give you a chance to meet them and shine if you think your PS is letting you down.

Although the unis that take GAMSAT may not be your first choice, if Med really is want you want to do then you can thow yourself into it and be the best med student you can, and location shouldn't really make that much difference. There will be clubs, socs, shops pubs and nice people like you wherever you go, you just have to look for them.

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do. Although med seems like the most important thing in the world to you at the moment, 20 years down the line when you look back and you're in a job you love, whether it be a Dr or not, this period of time spent fretting will seem inconsequential. It's not giving up on your dream, it's re-evaluating what's important and realistic and creating a new dream. Just because that was what you wanted to do, I'm sure there are 100 jobs out there that involve science and problem solving and people skills and all the things you like about med. Think about what you're good at, use your old Uni's career service and look at some career websites like direct gov. Fingers crossed for you. *Hugs*

[dizzyair]

I agree with Yazoo.

Try and get feedback from the uni's you've applied to and then you can see where exactly you've gone wrong and which parts they liked about you.

Also carefully look into the unis you apply to such as number of places, what GAMSAT or UKCAT score you need etc. And if needs be email the unis before applying with all your critea just so you don't 'waste' an application if you get me.

And Traumatised if that are the stats how come myself and many other people I know applying to medicine have been told that unis are starting to prefer graduates as they exhibit more maturity and drive.

If it's something you want to do carry on trying, but don't put your life on hold at the same time.

good luck

[dizzyair]

Traumatised are you an applicant yourself?

[yazoo]

Dodging the stats issue again...

[dizzyair]

Yazoo, Traumatised said they were given the stat by their sons school.

[ilovehotchoclate]

I would imagine that success rates drop simply because for grad programmes the number of places is significantly smaller than for 5 yr programmes but with the same amount applying. But it is true that med schools have stated that they like to have a mixture of mature and school leavers on their five year courses because it adds to the group dynamic. The school leavers can mature faster with the right role-models directing the group and the mature students can impart some of their past experiences to help the whole group learn. I know I would have loved for someone to have shown me how to do proper literature searches on pubmed and web of knowledge and to get my nose out of textbooks in my first year. The stats may have been right, but the trend has changed dramatically over the last few years. Also, schools don't know everything. I remember having to tell mine about funding opportunites for BM4 courses (3/4 years paid for with a DoH grant).

[yazoo]

Yazoo

Ok it has taking a while to establish the correct contact details. I will be writing to Dr Katie Petty-Saphon Executive Director of the Medical Schools Council. I will ask for the verification of the re-applicant success rate information I was given by my son's school. I will also be outlining my concern that staff involved in the medical admissions namely yourself are acting in a less than appropriate manner- in my view. Transformergirl is distraught and I do not think a fourth attempt will be helpful. Why dont you invite her in for an application appraisal?

What this applicant needs is some personal advice based on her actual applications. If, for example, she has made a simple mistake repeatedly, someone may easily be able to point this out.

Listening to advice on the internet is fraught with dangers. It is why I am advising the applicant to seek personal advice from a reliable source. I believe this is entirely appropriate and in the best interests of the applicant. I do not believe any medical school would disagree with this approach.

[ilovehotchoclate]

If, for example, she has made a simple mistake repeatedly, someone may easily be able to point this out.

This is true. I knew someone who had spelled medicine wrong on her application form. Suffice to say she got rejected pretty quickly from all her choices.

[dizzyair]

I do not understand why this has become a personal attack.
The matter at hand is what transformergirl should do.
You both provided your own advice
Personally I would take yazoo's advice as they are involved in medical school applications and does not appear to be trying to intimidate or put people down in a school bully type of way.
But it's up to transformer girl who she listens to.

[beebopdelux]

hey transformer girl!
I like you am making my third application! I am a graduate and have a UKCAT of 640 - if this is too low traumitised - then how did I manage to secure two interviews (my 4th choice doesn't interview). Transformer girl I think if you really want something you have to go after it for as long as it takes (realistically). Where have you applied?