UKCAT books for preparation

[nikusm]

How did you score on the actual exam, rex?
Where did you apply?

[IBSTUDENT]

Personal Statement:

You write a single statement, and it is sent to all universities or colleges that you are applying to. Therefore, it can be a bit tricky to write, especially if you are applying to multiple courses, eg, medicine in one uni, and nursing in another. You should really make sure you know which of the courses you are applying to is the one for you (I'm guessing medicine), and tailor your statement to that one - the others will realise they are last resorts, and yes, you will be dissadvantaged because of it, but you really can't afford to do anything to jepordize the medical application, as application is so fierce.

Choices:

UCAS will allow you to apply to 5 courses, however (for a reason that I have yet to acertain), only 4 may be medicine courses. Many applicants leave their fifth choice empty, though I personally have put Biochemistry, a course which can lead to Post-Grad Medicine. Most importantly, when selecting your choice, make sure you have a reasonable chance of gaining a place in each of these universities before you submit the application. Which leads us to...

Entry Requirements:

Most universities will have a section in their entry requirements regarding the IB. However, if they don't, ring the admissions department, they will most likely be able to give you more specific requirements. The most important thing to know is that you will not be dissadvantaged for sitting the IB as opposed to the A level/ Scottish Highers qualifications that Home applicants will be sitting. The grades they ask of you will represent the same level of acheivement as the grades that the A level students will be expected to attain, even if it seems like you have more requirements to meet.

UKCAT:

It is possible to sit this exam outside of the UK, and will be required for application to many UK medical schools. You should find out as soon as possible where the nearest test centre for you is, as there may only be one or two locations in your country that are available for it. Use a search engine to find UKCAT, and you will be able to find your local centre on their website. For 2011 entry, you can (and must) sit the exam between July 2010 and October 2010. When you sit the exam, your questions are randomly chosen, and no two applicants will have the exact same test. Your score is given to you immediately after completion.

BMAT:

This is only required for a few medical schools - Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College (and one or two others that I can't remember). It is sat in the first week of November (for 2010 entry, it is Nov 4th 2009, for 2011 entry it will be Nov 2010). Every applicant sits the exam at the same time (with exceptions for time zone - you aren't expected to sit it at the exact time if you live in Australia, for instance - you will just be expected to remain under supervision between the time of the exam, and the time that you sit it). Every applicant recieves the exact same exam, and grading is done within the next 3 weeks.

Okay, I think that's about the extent of my knowledge, hope it has cleared up some of your issues.

Thanks a tonne!!
Really appreciate your help.
Will start working on it.
IB hardly leaves u with much time.

[IBSTUDENT]

Thanks Rex and Concorcd ...life seems one long marathon ahead..will have to anyway do it!!