5&6 th choice

[hotsam532]

I was wondering what most people have done or are going to do with their 5 th and 6th choice . I don't wan't to leave them blank as i do not want to take a gap year if i am unsuccessful at getting in to medicine. i was thinking about neuroscience or possible genetics is ths a suitable choice for getting into med school as a graduate entry? Also i know some uni's ask for health sciences for thier graduate entry programme. what exactly health sciences as i cannot find a good description of it. thanks

[Dan1979]

If medicine is your ultimate aim, you should really consider the pros and cons of taking another degree first. You'll lose 3 years and probably ~£20,000 in fees and loans, as opposed to a gap year in which you can build up any missing work experience, resit if necessary, travel, and EARN money. Plus, what happens if you get bored by a different degree? It could negatively influence your grade, which really needs to be 2.i or higher for graduate medical entry.

Something to think about - if you're genuinely interested in other degrees, put those as your 5th and 6th choices, not because you see them as a long-term route to medicine!

[pilly84]

Good advice Dan. I couldn't really see myself being interested enough in something else. Also, I wasn't too keen on the idea of going for graduate entry so I left the last 2 blank.

[Tangliss]

If medicine is what you really want to do more then anything else, I would take Dan's sound advice and take a gap year, if you are unsuccessful. You also have to take into account, if you get your fees paid by your LEA for your first degree, then you will have to fund your second one. However, fees will no longer be paid upfront.

Bear in mind, if you use all six options, you can always decline your 5th and 6th choice, and will be eligible for Extra and Clearing, although very few places if any, come up for medicine. But it's food for thought