Single parent - no qualifications!!

**dawnybee** · 25-03-2008, 01:51 AM

Hi I really would like some advice - I have a huge decision to make - I want to be a doctor - but I am 25 and a single parent (no help with childcare from family either) I am currently on a access course psy/soc and have places for uni next year (Psychology) BUT I don't want this and the graduate route to medicine is expensive.

I have NO formal qualifications ( of any use) though I am in a position where I would be accepted onto an AS and then A2 course. Should I do my GCSE's to get A's or is there many medical schools that would overlook the GCSE's and go off the A level results?

I hear that only 26% of mature 30+ students get into medicine compared with 62% of 18 - 20. Is it more difficult as a mature student to get a place? Do uni's expect extraordinary reason's for not completing education at a standard age? Do the uni's expect you to explain why?

So overall the main question is: Do I need GCSE's to do medicine?

**Dr Noodle** · 25-03-2008, 03:21 AM

I thought the GCSE's were used to see whether you're capable of doing the A-levels but if you're already in a position where you're going to be accepted onto an AS course...

I'm not in the UK though so better listen to other people.

Good luck

**dawnybee** · 25-03-2008, 03:39 AM

They (GCSE's) are used to decide if you can do the AS, only I did go back 2 college at 19 - worked fulltime as well - didnt really care for the exams and only got B, and 4 C's, enough to do A-levels now though. I worry this will be raised and think I should start anew rather than explain, ie by doing my GCSE's again, as I don't know if mature students are assessed differently if I'm not offering a degree.

I would think the best course of action is to spend a year doing GCSE's which will serve a good basis for AS/A2.

I would rather not though - financially it will be very difficult, my child is 20 months.

I would hate to go the long and safe route to find that it was unnecessary. It is not as simple once you have a child!!

Thanks for listening - I have so much to consider my stomach churns when I think I am passing on a firm offer at Manchester University to go back to school level, but leaving the offer behind means I will have tried to become doctor.

Im just very worried in case I fail as I have only my predictions at school and how I'm coping on the access course. I know the A - levels will allow me to see if academically I can cope, but I don't want to unnecessarily do the GCSE's.

Sorry - my explanations are long when I am unsure/anxious

**dawnybee** · 25-03-2008, 03:52 AM

Determination: I will do my A levels over 2 years - get A's and apply for medicine, if I get rejected on the grounds of low GCSE's I will then do the GCSE's. I have what it takes. I worked in care homes from the age of 18 and I also work alongside midwifes as a volunteer peer support worker.
Sorry for posting again in my own thread.

**TMG** · 25-03-2008, 05:11 PM

Might be an idea to either ring up/email a couple of admission depts and/or attend some Open Days and ask for advice.Have a look on the UCAS website for access to medicine courses and check out the entry requiremnts.

**TMG** · 25-03-2008, 05:29 PM

You might get more replies if you move your post to Access to Medicine forum.

**Rich' Trash** · 25-03-2008, 05:32 PM

You'd at least need English and Maths GCSEs - unless you did them as A-levels.

**Muffin2** · 25-03-2008, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by dawnybee

I hear that only 26% of mature 30+ students get into medicine compared with 62% of 18 - 20. Is it more difficult as a mature student to get a place? Do uni's expect extraordinary reason's for not completing education at a standard age? Do the uni's expect you to explain why?

they will expect you to explain why yeah, but its not a grilling, they just want to know. the only really major reason why it's less likely to get on being 30+ is because a possible 6 years in uni then 2 years to qualify fully will bring you to 38. and people who started at 18 will be beginning to look at consultancy posts by this point, and the 38 yr old will have only just quailfied. theres a guy in first year at leeds though who is 36, so he'll be 43/44 by the time he's qualified, so it is possible.

**thinkerbelle** · 25-03-2008, 11:07 PM

Hi,

I am 23 and a single parent of two under 6, currently in first year of medicine. I Just wanted to say it can be done, I did access to med last year with no previous qualifications however I was required to take eng and maths gcse and get min grade B. Do-able but stressful!

I think what will get you there is determination (and gd experience etc etc!). I would say though, that I had reasons that I could not complete school and unis were made aware of this, although prob not enough in hindsight! The only other thing I'd say is that I have some support with childcare, and even though its mostly only from the ex, there is no way I could manage at uni without it.

I dont want to put a downer on you.. I know how annoying it is when people do that lol! But just to give you some of my experience so far is that its not easy (obviously) and generally you are required to be able to cope with a lot of stress, very little sleep and generally accept that that is the way its going to be for a long time. Jugglying a work/life balance is incredibily challenging!

I would say it is equally important to find adequate and reliable childcare support as much as sorting gcses. Ring unis, and go to open days etc on the whole people will be helpful. And I know plenty of matures over 30 in med school too

Best of luck

**dawnybee** · 26-03-2008, 04:06 AM

Thanks everyone - I have researched lots and have allready contacted GEP, and west anglia a while ago regarding qualifications needed - and it wasn't so bad with a degree, just maths and english needed! though I should have contacted them on chances of getting a place without a degree. I wanted to hear the comments of current students.

I have decided that if the desire is still in me in 3 years time then I will apply as a grad and shoulder the financial implications. I don't like my reduced chances and having to back step due to my age and quite honestly and perhaps a good thing, I was reading the pay cut thread,, one overall theme I gathered is the lack of chances people have in getting anywhere above ST1. SO I have decided that as this may be true - I will follow the cautious route. Hopefully I will be able to succeed in medicine after my degree (When my child is older and more independent)

Thankyou for comments - sorry everything is a big muddle (unlike my usual organised self) thanks to Thinkerbell (cool name) It was honest replies I wanted - even if that is discouraging (should have said that at the start!).

I went to see some nurseries for sept in case I did decide to go to uni instead and it sealed my decision I found a gem of a place that I know my child will thrive in, and I will be there at the end of the day relatively stress free - as I'm the only permanent figure in her life she needs a stable, happy, positive role model, I know I will not be able to deliver this if I choose medicine now. I know that my chances of success in medicine is increased the younger I am but I cannot go helping other people when I have such a strong desire (greater than medicine) to be near to my daughter and to provide as stable and happy home as I can whilst she is so young - now 20 months.

The very best of luck to you all and Thankyou for the advice.