Medicine is a highly sought after career choice, combining a challenging and ever varying daily routine with a myriad of opportunities for lifelong learning. Accordingly, competition for places at any UK medical school is stiff: in 2015 over 80,000 applicants applied for just over 7,000 places. Here, we consider what makes a successful application.
Which medical school to apply to
There are over 30 medical schools in the UK, all with their own relative strengths. Although reputation is sometimes factored into application decisions, all medical schools are regulated to the same high standard by the General Medical Council, and all provide a comprehensive medical education. Application decisions should be based on which medical schools will best suit the strengths, interests and needs of the candidate. Scrutinising university websites and promotional literature, attending open days, and talking to current and former students is advisable. Admission requirements should be carefully considered: some medical schools require specific GCSE or A-Level grades. If in doubt, admission departments are generally happy to respond to any queries you may have.
Work experience
Undertaking appropriate work experience is vital to get a feel for what being a doctor is really like, and to gain answers to questions about the profession from current professionals. Moreover, medical schools want candidates who know what they are letting themselves in for, and are increasingly unlikely to admit candidates who haven’t spent at least some time shadowing a doctor. Obtaining work experience is often one of the trickiest parts of an application: not all hospitals allow would-be medics to walk their wards, whilst others operate waiting lists. Contact hospitals and GP practices well in advance of any application deadline. Schools can sometimes provide helpful contacts, whilst many senior doctors are not averse to being contacted directly via their professional email addresses. Candidates who initially struggle to secure work experience placements will find that being persistent generally pays dividends.
Medical school admissions Tests
Prospective medics will usually sit either the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) as part of their application. While both supposedly do not require dedicated preparation, being familiar with the style and format of the papers may yield extra marks. Unlike the UKCAT, the BMAT does include some basic science questions, so some revision is advisable.
The UKCAT can be taken any time between July and early October (with results available immediately), whereas the BMAT is taken nationally on one sitting (in early November). Taking the UKCAT early may be helpful as the score achieved can be used to inform application decisions. As the BMAT is taken after the application deadline, it can be risky to apply to too many schools that place significant weight upon the BMAT.
Personal statement
Much has been written crafting a successful personal statement, although no specific approach can guarantee a good outcome. Telling your own story (illustrated with appropriate examples) is the most convincing approach, and is easier to discuss and expand upon at interview. A strong personal statement is likely to describe why a candidate is interested in medicine, what they’ve done to further that interest, and the qualities they’ve displayed that would make them a good doctor. It is vital to be reflective and, given the limited character count, every sentence should be carefully constructed to convey the candidate’s suitability for a place at medical school. Avoid attempting to create a literary masterpiece at the expense of selling your achievements and skills.
Interview
If invited to interview, it is vital to be aware of the structure of the interview and how you are being assessed: medical schools (or their websites) will generally provide this information. Multiple Mini Interviews have replaced conventional interviews at some universities, but some common rules apply. Candidates must know their personal statement well and prepare to be questioned on any area of it. All candidates should be aware of current developments in medicine, including topical social and economic issues (recent controversies around NHS funding or the “sugar tax” spring to mind), and also be prepared to answer questions about future career directions and interests. Often questions have no “correct” answer, so carefully justifying answers is advantageous. Practice interviews, with people unknown to the candidate, are invaluable for refining interview technique.
Having a backup plan
Candidates should be aware of the (substantial) possibility of rejection, and plan accordingly. Applying for a fifth non-medical course, or taking a gap year ahead, are common options. If rejected, feedback should be sought and actively addressed ahead of any future application. Many candidates successfully reapply, or pursue a medical career following another degree.
For any questions on applying to read medicine or for any assistance with your application and the admissions process, please contact hello@mytutorclub.com