A bit scared of the odds of acceptance. How does my application look to you guys?

**django** · 13-07-2011, 01:02 AM

Hi guys,

I'm terrified of the odds of acceptance onto GEPs. Here is the state of my application at the moment, I would appreciate any criticism or support!

Have just graduated in Biology BSc hons, I got a first class classification.
Have been volunteering at a hospice since January of 2011.
Have done a two week stint at an older persons mental hospital, shadowing DRs, pharmacists, nurses. The whole shebang, a great programme.
Will shadow a surgeon later this summer. Will also be shadowing a GP soon, and also shadowed a GP a few years back when I was looking to do medicine.

I think I can write a pretty persuasive personal statement, and have learnt a lot from my experiences.

UKCAT history of 700+, though will retake (and revise!) this summer.

How do you guys think I stand as an applicant? ANY advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Django

**Martigan** · 13-07-2011, 04:35 AM

You have the strong foundations for a good application, but it's going to be down to how you play the cards you have.

As you have already identified, the odds are long. But what's worse, the process can little more that a lottery. I've been hanging about these forums for 2.5 years now. I've seen people who you would assume to me dead certs crash and burn and I've seen chancers get in. But as they say - you've got to me in it, to win it!

If you get involved in the forum, you will probably get a few people who can give you good second opinions on your PS. You might have the perfect PS, but it doesn't hurt to get some options. I assumed I could write a good PS. - It cost me a year!

Remember re work experience, it's about what you have learned. Just reeling of a list, even one as good as yours won't get you in.
They will be looking for you to show commitment, but its also about showing that you understand the realities on the job, via real experiences.

Re interviews when you come to that there are guy who can give you tip, and even practice with you. Some of us here are also interviewers...

Good luck.

**django** · 14-07-2011, 01:43 AM

Originally Posted by Martigan

You have the strong foundations for a good application, but it's going to be down to how you play the cards you have.

As you have already identified, the odds are long. But what's worse, the process can little more that a lottery. I've been hanging about these forums for 2.5 years now. I've seen people who you would assume to me dead certs crash and burn and I've seen chancers get in. But as they say - you've got to me in it, to win it!

If you get involved in the forum, you will probably get a few people who can give you good second opinions on your PS. You might have the perfect PS, but it doesn't hurt to get some options. I assumed I could write a good PS. - It cost me a year!

Remember re work experience, it's about what you have learned. Just reeling of a list, even one as good as yours won't get you in.
They will be looking for you to show commitment, but its also about showing that you understand the realities on the job, via real experiences.

Re interviews when you come to that there are guy who can give you tip, and even practice with you. Some of us here are also interviewers...

Good luck.

Cheers Martigan, that's a bit reassuring. I'm pretty sure I can come up with some decent lessons learnt from my work experience. And all of them real!

I will start my PS soon, so I have plenty of time to work on it. I listened to a Dr read out a PS she though very good, yesterday. It was good but nothing absolutely blew me away. So, I am more worried by fulfilling the non-academic criteria.

I'm sure you are right when you say it's how I play my cards. I could be the perfect applicant but they would never know unless my PS reflected that! Will get started on it soon.

**django** · 14-07-2011, 01:45 AM

Cheers for the advice re interviews, I will cross that bridge when I come to it, and will definitely seek advice here!

So Should I get on with my PS and then ask people about how it sounds, on here?

**Martigan** · 14-07-2011, 03:53 AM

Some people will give better PS advice that others. I would be crap, as my spelling and grammar is poor. However others here can give better advice, but their time is limited. They are more likely to give that support to people they see taking an active role in the forum. It's a bit like karma, you get back what you sow. Usually indirectly, but also not necessarily immediately.

Don't post your PS. But when it's ready ask for help. Those who are willing will offer. But also if you're active you will get to know the people and judge who is likely to give the best advice and who just wants a copy to plagiarise.

**django** · 14-07-2011, 09:22 PM

Totally, I will get much more involved with this forum when I have finished this work exp stint i.e. this weekend. It is knackering me out!

Thanks for all your advice

**django** · 18-07-2011, 12:30 AM

Hey, I'm back. I've been working on my PS, which is currently about five times too long but I thought I'd get everything down and then condense it. I would be willing to trade ideas with people soon, if anyone wants to.