a plan for applying to medical school

[polski]

I am a doctor and i must admit that applying to medical school seems a very long time ago. Here is a map of the path less travelled. Applying to medicine is like the career itself, you need dedication, perseverance and a PLAN. Be logical and realistic about your options and maximise your chances.

1. You can apply to medical school as a undergraduate or as graduate.
If you are applying as an undergraduate you need good A Levels and GCSE's (D'oh). You also need, some great references, evidence of a rounded personality (sports, arts, travel ect..) and you need proof of commitment to a medical career (work experience in a hospital, Gp centre, old people's home ect.

2. If you are applying as a graduate the process is a little more difficult, unfortunately. you need as much of the above as possible and some extras, a good score in GAMSAT ect. I entered a Graduate entry medical programme and we didn't need to do the GAMSAT or any such exams in those days. You do now.

3. The PLAN;
I Make direct contact with every medical school you apply to BEFORE putting them on your UCAS form. You need to know if your grades (GCSE/A Levels/Degree) are acceptable to secure an interview. SPEAK to someone who knows, like an admissions officer, if you can not speak to someone on the phone
go there personally. It shows you are dedicated.

II Be realistic, if you have a 2.2 or less it is going to be very hard to get into medical school. Some medical schools will not even look at a UCAS application from anyone with lower than a 1st class degree. it automatically ends up in the bin. However other medical schools have a less strict policy, find out who they are and apply to them. At least this way you do not waste an important space on your UCAS form.

III Keep to deadlines. Don't sabotage yourself by sending an application form off late or missing an exam. Make sure you know the correct dates for EVERYTHING and stick to them. you definately need a wallplanner and you need to clearly mark every important event. work towards your deadlines slowly but surely, if you panic it always shows. Yes, interviewers are understanding but it DOES reflect badly on you. Medical schools are looking for CALM people who are good in a crisis. This is a very important trait to have, and if you dont have it fake it. A doctor should not look like they need medical assistance more than their patient. REEELAX and maximise your chances of getting in.

IV If you are going to do the GAMSAT or the other exams, get the past papers, go to the revision courses and work in a group with other people who are also doing it. Medicine is all about group work and you will spend most of your time at medical school in group work, get used to it. also you will always learn more from someone else than you will from working alone.

V if you don't get into medical school in the UK have a good think about your plans. if you still can only imagine studying medicine think outside the box, you could apply to Dublin? how about medicine abroad, MANY Brits are studying medicine in the Czech republic and other european cities. don't dismiss it out of hand.

i have just been bleeped so have to go, will try to continue at a later date.



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Best Medical Textbook Ever!!!! - 24-09-2006 , 09:49 PM (ALCHEMIST999) WROTE;

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Hey all you avid readers out there!!

do you have difficulty with learning??

do you find yourself overwhelmed with all that medical info?

do you want an easrier way of learning things?

well.........i have come across a little gem of a book!!! Its called

'Mnemonics for Medical Undergraduates' by S.Yousaf & M. Chaudhry 2006
Pastest , isbn : 1 904627 88 9

http://www.pastest.co.uk/public/book...px?product=818

This book is absolutely amazing. It is full of useful menmonics, which help with remembering all that useful (and sometimes not so useful ) medical information. Your knowledge will amaze, both fellow students and your consultants.

I came across it by accident, but i wish it was published sooner. It has hundreds of mnemonics, which are listed according to systems, and its very easy to read.

I have read some chapeters, and have impressed my tutors with the knowlegde i have gained from it.

It should definatley be on every medical students book shelve, along with Kumar and Clarke, and all the other big textbooks that you may need. It so useful for exams!!

I bought mine from Pastest for about £8, (you get a 20% discount if your a member of MPS, and free delivery). otherwise you can get it from Amazon.

My best advise for any medical student,is to get this book!! For £8 you cant go wrong, it is far superior than the other Mneumonic text book out there (there is only one other, which is hugely dissapointing!).

Take my word for it!!

http://www.pastest.co.uk/public/book...px?product=818