Notts & SGUL GEM Interview?

**SiCMFT** · 09-11-2009 03:51 PM

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are regarding the upcoming GAMSAT cut off point for interviews for 2010 GEM applicants? SGUL have bolted out the gates and gone for 60 which is sharp increase from the last few years, so I was wondering what you all think that means for the Nott's score?

There has been a general consensus that a lot more people sat the exam this year, possibly due to the incredibly tough graduate market at the moment. But I was thinking last night that the SGUL cut off of 60 means they will be interviewing the top 25% of applicants, which “apparently” is markedly reduced from the last couple of year's 40-45% of applicants. Having been at both SGUL and Nott's Open Days I'm confident that they both interview approx 300 people, maybe a little less. Which, by my logic, would mean that only around 1200 sat the exam this year, which from the numbers I've heard being banded around, is much less than many people's estimations.

So the big question is how will this reflect in Nott's GEM cut off score? For the last couple years of the independent interview processes from SGUL, Nott's seem to have set their cut off a couple of marks higher. But with SGUL seemingly reducing the % of applicants they may be interviewing (again presuming my faltering logic is correct) do people think that the Nott's cut off will be comparable with SGUL this year?

Also, any current Nott's GEM students on here, I've heard it mentioned that there has recently been a big increase in students dropping out / failing the course. Is this total rubbish or have there been students leaving for one reason or another?

Thanks, sorry it's so wordy.

**Dr. Cool** · 09-11-2009 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by SiCMFT

Also, any current Nott's GEM students on here, I've heard it mentioned that there has recently been a big increase in students dropping out / failing the course. Is this total rubbish or have there been students leaving for one reason or another?

If true, I hope it’s not down to the courses assuming too much knowledge. I did read that they only assume what’s required to pass the GAMSAT, but that can be described as anything from 1st year university level, to virtually no knowledge whatsoever – depending on who you ask.

I know if I’m lucky enough to gain a place anywhere, I’ll definitely be taking time to brush up before the course starts!

**clemette** · 09-11-2009 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by SiCMFT

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are regarding the upcoming GAMSAT cut off point for interviews for 2010 GEM applicants? SGUL have bolted out the gates and gone for 60 which is sharp increase from the last few years, so I was wondering what you all think that means for the Nott's score?

There has been a general consensus that a lot more people sat the exam this year, possibly due to the incredibly tough graduate market at the moment. But I was thinking last night that the SGUL cut off of 60 means they will be interviewing the top 25% of applicants, which “apparently” is markedly reduced from the last couple of year's 40-45% of applicants. Having been at both SGUL and Nott's Open Days I'm confident that they both interview approx 300 people, maybe a little less. Which, by my logic, would mean that only around 1200 sat the exam this year, which from the numbers I've heard being banded around, is much less than many people's estimations.

So the big question is how will this reflect in Nott's GEM cut off score? For the last couple years of the independent interview processes from SGUL, Nott's seem to have set their cut off a couple of marks higher. But with SGUL seemingly reducing the % of applicants they may be interviewing (again presuming my faltering logic is correct) do people think that the Nott's cut off will be comparable with SGUL this year?

Also, any current Nott's GEM students on here, I've heard it mentioned that there has recently been a big increase in students dropping out / failing the course. Is this total rubbish or have there been students leaving for one reason or another?

Thanks, sorry it's so wordy.

Last year's cut off for both SGUL and Nottingham was 58, and the year before it was 60 for both so there has definitely not been a sharp increase. Also only 30% of applicants to Nottingham got to the interview stage last year (70% either not reaching GAMSAT requirements, or not being eligible for the course). They interviewed about 300 people for the 91 places.
It does seem that more people sat the GAMSAT this year, but not that more people have necessarily applied to Nottingham GEM.

As for dropping out - no-one has gone so far! And I think that about 6% of last year's cohort failed their end of year exams.
Hope that helps.

**SiCMFT** · 09-11-2009 09:38 PM

Thanks Clemette,

I didn't realise that the cut off's had been the same for the last couple of years, I thought SGUL's for the last two of years were 55 & 56 for some reason?! But yeah what you're saying sounds right, especially when you consider they used to cooperate with the interview process, they must look at the same standard of applicants. It will definitely be interesting to see what Nott's cut off is, I for one am hoping it's nothing above 60!

Good to hear that the rumours of people failing has been exagerated, 6% failing the end of year finals sounds reasonable. Actually one of the most encouraging things I heard from the Nott's GEM tutor's etc at their Open Day in June was how open everyone is if people are struggling in certain areas. Obviously I'm sure it's a position noone wants to be in but it does sound like a pretty decent environment to work in.

**Dr. Cool** · 09-11-2009 10:58 PM

This is from an FAQ on the Notts website:

For your information, interviews were offered to applicants apply to:

* 2005: achieved an overall GAMSAT score of 61 or above
* 2006: achieved an overall GAMSAT score of 62 or above
* 2007: achieved an overall GAMSAT score of 61 or above
* 2008: achieved an overall GAMSAT score of 60 or above
* 2009: achieved an overall GAMSAT score of 58 or above

**SiCMFT** · 10-11-2009 03:55 PM

That's great, thanks for all the info.

I presume overall then that SGUL and Nott's have mirrored eachother in their cut off points for a while now then? Obviously that may have no bearing on this years cut off for Nott's, but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!!

**Grads** · 17-11-2009 12:23 AM

Hi clemette,

I was wondering if I could pm you to ask you a few questions about the Nottingham gep interview? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

**clemette** · 17-11-2009 01:30 AM

Happy to help but am limits in what i can say and have heard whisperings that the system may be different this year. Last year it was a panel of three asking a range of questions, often asking for experiences to support answers. Mine lasted about 30 minutes and was in December. I didn't get an answer until mid-March!

**terrified_tony** · 17-11-2009 12:37 PM

i attended the open day on saturday and they mentioned the changes Clemette, but no commitment to when they were to be implemented!

**el_presidente_1980** · 17-11-2009 07:04 PM

Hi guys, I can't see anyone else has posted this yet, but I got an e-mail from Nottingham on saturday with the following info:

I write to inform you that the GAMSAT cut-off for 2010 entry has been set at 60.

Monday 22nd March 2010 – Friday 26th March 2010.
Monday 12th April 2010 – Friday 16th April 2010.

Hope this helps!

Oops, nearly forgot the next most important bit:
You will be issued with an interview date sometime after Christmas.

Interviews will be allocated randomly and for this reason you may hear sooner or later than other applicants. We ask that you do not contact the office for a specific interview date, please wait until you have received your invitation, if the allocated time is not convenient then please contact me on 01332 724624.

The online questionnaire will be sent to you once your application has been checked.