Sitting UKCAT while ill-does one have a chance?

**searabia** · 12-10-2009, 08:34 PM

Hi everyone,

I sat my UKCAT last week with a box of tissues as I had the worst flu ever. My average was low and I just spoke to my first choice (Glasgow Uni), who said it wasn't advisable for me to apply this year. What can be done in situations such as these where one is ill yet still sits an exam? The admissions woman at Glasgow told me that I shouldn't have sat the exam if I was that unwell and I suppose she does make sense, but retrospect is a wonderful thing isn't it? I offered a medical note, but apparently this wouldn't be fair to those other students in similar circumstances to mine.

I am a university graduate and currently a postgraduate student and will be sitting my Human Bio and Chemistry highers in May 2010. I'm volunteering at a hospital, have worked in women's health clinics, etc. Surely one's chances of a career in Medicine don't come down to an average? Does Glasgow really weigh the UKCAT that heavily? I feel really let down, but wonder if I should be angry at myself, the university of glasgow OR at that person who two weeks ago decided it would be a great idea to come to lecture while coughing on everyone.

Thanks!

**searabia** · 12-10-2009, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by BeMyEnemy

HOW low was your average?

590 and although the admissions person didn't commit to this, she said their cut-off was going to be 600 or above (the actual figure will be decided in November apparently). 10 lousy points.

It hurts as they're my first choice, but second choice is Aberdeen. I wonder if they weigh this test in the same way and if I should even proceed with my UCAS app? I haven't sent it off yet.

**Drnic** · 12-10-2009, 09:01 PM

alot of english universities don't weight ukcat at all, well only to differentiate between candidates so you'll just have to see with it being below average though I'd perhaps consider no ukcat places. 590 aint that bad though

**searabia** · 12-10-2009, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by BeMyEnemy

Aww man, that totally sucks. Some unis don't have cut-offs at all so I would look into that. I believe Edinburgh only takes UKCAT into account as a small %

I think I won't apply to Glasgow, but Aberdeen list UKCAT as 4% of overall application and St Andrews it's only 10%.

I'll look into Dundee. I was going to apply to Newcastle (GEP), but I'm sure I'm below their cutoff. Thanks for your help, though!

**searabia** · 12-10-2009, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Drnic

alot of english universities don't weight ukcat at all, well only to differentiate between candidates so you'll just have to see with it being below average though I'd perhaps consider no ukcat places. 590 aint that bad though

Thanks

**searabia** · 12-10-2009, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by BeMyEnemy

Dundee it's done on points so you would score 0 for having an under 600 score. It's only worth 20% though, so if the rest of your application is really strong you might still be in with a chance. They score you on academic (up to 20%), adversity (up to 20%), work experience (only up to 2 weeks worth - up to 20%) and non-academic achievement (up to 20%).

If Glasgow have a cut-off I wouldn't bother applying there - it's just a wasted application. You'd be far better going for unis that weight the UKCAT lower.

That's great. Thanks so much.

I just got off the phone with St Andrews who sympathized as I could barely speak due to my flu. They said to apply as they're willing to look at the whole application and the UKCAT is just part of it. They liked the fact that I was still pursuing higher education and had hospital experience so I don't feel so down now. I love Glasgow with all my heart. I own a house here, have lived here for years, but at the end of the day I need to go to where I'll get a place (if any).

This application process is stressing me out so much. Can't wait till it's over!

**Phizzle** · 12-10-2009, 11:48 PM

maybe get your referee to pop a small sentence about your illness? Im sure you will be ok if the rest of you application is all good

**Manana** · 13-10-2009, 12:32 AM

I don't think minor illness is taken into consideration. The advice given to UKCAT test takers is to book an early test in case you need to reschedule due to illness. If you choose to book a very late test then that's at your own risk.

Given the time of year and the prevalence of coughs and colds, I'm sure many people who sat the test last week felt a tad crappy.

**fortysixandtwo** · 13-10-2009, 03:00 AM

Unfortunately there's probably not much you can do except choose universities that don't use the UKCAT score; Liverpool springs to mind.

And Aberdeen sounds good if it's only 4% (I've applied there too

).

I definitely wouldn't apply to the Newcastle GEP because they told me they are determining their cut-off for interview solely on the UKCAT score.

**Jolt** · 13-10-2009, 05:51 AM

590 really isn't a bad score, it seems very odd that this admissions lady would dissuade you applying with a score that is almost bang on the average mark.

That said, here is a list of how each of the medical schools uses your UKCAT score:

UKCAT - The Student Room

No guarantees on the accuracy of the information. It's probably advisable to email each of your choices prior to submitting your application.

St Andrews, Dundee and Aberdeen would be the obvious choices in Scotland. It's also worth considering Liverpool who don't use the UKCAT at all (and is a beautiful city).

I would say that Newcastle GEP might not be a great choice as I believe the stand entry cut off is generally considered to be in the low 600s and I would assume the GEP is a little higher.

I wouldn't really mention illness affecting your UKCAT score at any point in your application either. I don't think it will have any bearing on the decision and you don't want to seem to be making excuses for things. Even if the score isn't a true reflection of your abilities, just power on and make sure that your personal statement is extra good.