Research like this should be replicated across medical schools heavy on the UKCAT

[Medicine Woman:)]

I'm sure you'll agree though Traumatised it's a great thing that international students recognise the quality of education in the UK and the high standards in the NHS. I know it's frustrating when good candidates get rejected ( I'm not having much luck!) but I would hate to think of a medical school system which didn't look worldwide for the best candidates. I always think it's exciting when doctors look to peers across the world to gain knowledge and find the best practice. The way I see it the UKCAT was random and the only thing it showed me is that I need to start reading more books as my VR was alarmingly low.. but I would be lying if I said that I don't see it's use as tool to filter the application numbers. Sometimes things don't seem fair but it's up to us to keep trying.. if O don't get in I might just keep sittng that old UKCAT every year until I'm happy I don't have dyslexia!! lol

[BeMyEnemy]

I wish it were true that the universities were untouched by the recession. If so I would still have a nice little part-time teaching position to see me through medical school

Why do you feel the medical admissions are too "PC"? How did your son do on the UKCAT, just out of interest?

[Medicine Woman:)]

I agree, there are many carrots to be peeled in this house and I feel I must get cracking with them I wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy new year x

[BeMyEnemy]

Merry Christmas to you guys too.

All my carrots are peeled though, as well as parsnips, sprouts, squash and potatoes :O

I have lots of people coming round.

[Medicine Woman:)]

Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year 2010. Fingers crossed your son is successful with his application to study medicine. I can imagine how gutted you will feel for him if he is not.

[Sanjetti]

Actually no, I dont agree that international students recogonise the UK standards of education my view is that international countries should raise the standards in their own country. I dont think the NHS is a world beater. In terms of the NHS a few doctors are inspirational the vast majority are competent and a small minority well are ...
Pay my tax bill on the 31 January and you will have a different attitude to the current state of the UK public sector. My view is a generation of young people is being wasted in the UK and the two sections of community a civilised society should look after are the very old and the young leaving school and in the UK we have failed both these communities. I attended a conference in Abu Dhabi last year where Gordon Brown the PM was speaking- I bearly recognised my own country in his speech. The NHS and the UK universities have been largely untouched by this recession but wait until after the election and see the difference-we are skint (Scottish word)- and drastic changes are coming. My interests are that my son wants to do medicine he is the best candidate we have put up for 100 years if he doesnt get in there will be repercussions of a political nature or we will die trying. Personally I think their is a better lifestyle outwith medicine but hey ho it is his life. International students are often judged on their ability to pay not their talent so excuse me for being cynical. By the way I hope your Queens interview went well. I am not against International entrants just fed up with all the PC that is medical admissions process. Have a nice Christmas!!

I understand how difficult it must be going through the whole admissions process as a father, just from seeing what my dad has had to go through from my last 2 UCAS cycles. But I'm sure your son will get what he deserves, has he heard from anywhere yet?

Just to address your point about international students, I do understand your cynicism, but the selection of international students, in my opinion, is as fair and merit-based as the selection of home students. If a medical school has 300 places, a certain number, say 30, will be allocated to international students. These students will have to go through exactly the same process as the rest of us, and there is a limited number of places for them. They aren't allowed to take any extra, just because they "pay more". I think it's unfair to say that international students only got in because they bought their way in, as that is not true at all.

I do sincerely wish your son the best of luck, let us know if he hears any good news!

[Singh.Simran]

I've never met an international student who isn't more diligent and attains consistently higher marks in exams than the average home/eu.

Only anecdotal, and I'm ignoring the fact that time after time said people have little to no social abilities and rarely contribute to the life of the instituation over and above work, but it does seem to ring true..

With 20k a year, you and your parents aspirations riding on you, and a long(er) way to wall, in many people's eyes, if it doesn't work out.. there is a strong pressure to succeed.

In terms of "exam merit", med schools should be pikcing 40% of their applicants from india and china!