Urgent help required- Graduate entry medicine

[darkstar1000]

Hi,

I have recently graduated from University with a 2.1 degree in Biology. I have recently just considered applying for medicine this year for 2011 entry. Currently, I have no work experience within healthcare. However, I have arranged work experience in a Hospital, which I will start in october. I just wanted to ask if there would be any point in me applying this year, as I have no work experience, but I do intend to undertake work experience quite soon. Should I just get lots of experience this year, and apply next year?

Also, I have still to write my personal statement and take the ukcat. I can probably get an reference arranged for the end of this month. I still have until 15th october to complete my ucas application, so I have about a month if I start just now. Would it be possible to get it completed by then?

Another thing is that since I have no work experience, how would I explain on my personal statement that I intend to undertake work experience. Can anyone direct me to example medicine personal statements which show that the individual has no work experience, but intends to undertake some.

There are some things that I could mention in my personal statement, such as, I was class representative in my course. I have won a teamwork award in a business enterprise competition, etc.

I would really appreciate any help. Thank you for your time.

[derek87]

Uni's generally look for people who have work experience under their belt as apparently it gives you an idea of what the profession is like. I would say in your personal statement that you intend to undertake x amount of work experience in october and perhaps include examples of times maybe when you were a patient etc. Anything to give the impression that you understand what working in the nhs is like. Also if your hospital work is before the 15th of october then I wouldn't worry about it as it would be before your application would be sent.
My advice would be to apply anyway, the worst they can do is reject you on the basis of the lack of experience. However, you never know you might get in and save yourself a year =] If you get a good UKCAT and can get an interview then perhaps you can talk more about your experience then.

[thomp]

What derek87 said. There's no harm in applying, and provided you give evidence that you'll be undertaking work experience after the deadline then I don't see a problem. You'll no doubt be asked about the work experience in your interview anyway, so provided you've actually done it you should be fine.

[wanabanana]

To be honest with no work experience your PS will have to be pretty special for you to get an interview, but like the others have said - worth a try! WHat's the worst that can happen (cue Dr Pepper adverts...)

[batdad]

Write as though you already have the experience in the hospital.