Graduate-entry 2012

**django** · 02-09-2011, 01:47 AM

Heya,
I thought I would start this thread, seeing as it would probably pop up at some point. Maybe we can share stats and offer encouragement?

To kick off: I have a First class degree in Biology (but BCCC at A-level, eek). Two weeks of shadowing in a mental health hospital, one week shadowing a neurosurgeon, one week in a GP surgery. I've volunteered at a hospice for 9 months. I was part of my university's Biology society board (health and safety officer).

I've not yet done the UKCAT, am preparing at the moment and have it booked for September 31st.

My personal statement is coming along nicely, I think. Not finished yet though. And hopefully my reference will be really good as I worked well and closely with my referee.

Have I forgotten anything?

What is everyone else applying with? Would be great to share information.

And, good luck to all!

Django

**DrL** · 02-09-2011, 02:23 PM

Hi,

I am applying to Oxford graduate entry too. I have a first class degree in chemistry (and Django, I also have average a-levels, BBD). Also have PhD and an MSc in clinical biochemistry. I work in an NHS pathology lab at the moment and have done for about 3 years. I have sat in on a few clinics, visited the wards and observed a post-mortem examination. I have done loads of stuff volunteering for science events with kids etc. I have applied for St. John Ambulance to improve my 'caring role' experience but not sure if that is going to be sorted by the time applications are due in.

Done UKCAT - 692.5.

Tried to start my personal statement but finding it really difficult, Im rubbish at creative writing, it just sounds dull!

I think thats it....

Good luck everybody!

xx

**django** · 02-09-2011, 04:18 PM

Wow, that's a fair bit of work experience! And qualifications too! That definitely shows that you can succeed academically. How did you find the UKCAT? What did you use to prepare? I'm using the 600Q book, and the AR section is ridiculous for most of the questions!

As for PS, just keep on working at it. Come back to it every other day whilst reading prospectuses etc and hopefully it'll come together

**DrL** · 02-09-2011, 10:35 PM

I used the 600 book and another called 'how to master the UKCAT and BMAT' or something like that. The verbal reasoning was my downfall. The other sections were OK, AR wasn't as bad as the books, much less complicated! Hate to repeat what all the UKCAT threads say but just keep practising. I did get a couple of GCSE maths practice books as well. Where else are you applying?

**lemontea** · 03-09-2011, 08:24 PM

Hi~

I might be applying to Oxford...havent really decided yet.

I am predicted a First in my degree in biomedical science. BUT BCC at A levels

UKCAT: 752.5

Work experience:
- 2 months volunteering in a physiotherapy unit at a community hospital in singapore
- one week shadowing of an audiologist
-8 months volunteering at A&E another hospital
- Observed a minor surgery at a ENT clinic

Future work experience plan:
- more shadowing in early october~

Others:
Secretary of university Oxfam society

im a little worried about my work experience....what do u guys think of them? i kind of think they are not enough...

still thinking abt where exactly to apply as well....

**In N Out** · 07-09-2011, 03:18 AM

in my opinion i think you have good wrk experience the main thing they look at is wot u gained from the xperience.

**django** · 10-09-2011, 01:05 AM

Hi DrL, I'm considering King's, Imperial, Southampton, BSMS (5year). I know Soton looks odd next to this academic bunch but I was advised by a doctor that I shadowed (who was an admissions officer) that I was a good candidate for Soton.

I will crack on with the 600Q book. QR is the only thing troubling me now, getting from the Q to how best to solve it in 30s is a bit tricky for my rusty maths brain right now! Three years studying biology with sod all maths has not helped. Softly softly...

**incognito** · 25-09-2011, 03:08 AM

Hi guys

I am planning to apply for GEP Medicine 2013 entry
Im about to start my second year Physiology & Pharmacology
I would really like to know if volunteering at st johns ambulance is seen as relevant work experience?

**django** · 27-09-2011, 12:32 AM

I would definitely imagine so, Incognito. In fact, some places will view volunteering above shadowing, as you really get involved as opposed to simply observing. Not that shadowing is not great experience. So, I reckon that's a yes. But, try to get some work experience shadowing doctors, that's what you aim to be in a few years! You will want to be able to demonstrate that you know what being a doctor entails, and that might be hard if you have never seen one at work. Good luck getting experience, send as many letters as you can write and you will get a response eventually.