Medical School Booklet 0607

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Ashbourne College

KensingtonMedical Sciences Booklet

Last updated JULY 2006

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The Ashbourne College Medical Sciences Booklet

This booklet is reviewed every year by staff at Ashbourne College.

The 2006 version was re-written and compiled by John Wilson (Director of Studies) and May

Chiem (Admissions and Administration).

In recent years, valuable contributions have been made by:

Stephen Owen

Jim Sharpe

Linh Nguyen

John Wilson, August 2006

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Contents

Introduction 4

Overview 5

Medical Sciences As A Degree And A Profession 6

Making A Good Application 7

What Can You Expect From Ashbourne? 19

Medlink 22

Is There Anything Else I Should Be Doing? 23

Entry Requirements At The UK Medical Schools (See Also Appendix) 24

A-Level Retakes And Medical Schools 25

Information On Medical Organisations 27

Alternatives To Medicine (Including Dentistry And Veterinary Medicine) 29

Medicine For Non-Scientists 35

What Happens If You Dont Succeed? 36

Appendix (Medical School Entry Requirements) 37

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1. Introduction

The Ashbourne Medical School Programme has evolved and developed for over 20 years since

Ashbourne College was established in 1981. It is designed to give students the best possible chance

of entering a UK Medical School. This booklet provides information about what Ashbourne College

has to offer its medical candidates and guidance for students in both the AS and A2 years on how to

prepare themselves to apply to read for medical degrees. It also contains important informationabout entry requirements to several medical degrees for both first time applicants and retakes.

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1.1 Overview

Possibly the most crucial point to remember for any prospective medical candidate is that entry

into Medical School isnot based on solid academic achievement alone. Students need to:

Be well-prepared and well-informed about issues in medicine

Be comfortable in the interview

Gain suitable workexperience

Have researched the profession thoroughly

Have a genuine and strong ambition to become a doctor

Develop effective communication skills to aid dealings with patients.

Ashbourne can assist in informing applicants of medical issues through classroom teaching in

addition to regularscheduledworkshops.

Furthermore, interview technique will be developed through mock interviews with Ashbourne

tutors and Professor John Foreman, Dean of Students and Professor of Pharmacology and aformer member of the panel for Medical School Admissions at University College London.

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2. Medical Science as a Degree and a Profession

Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are among the most demanding and challenging

choices of study at University. Both the workload and time commitment are vast, with a

continuous round of essays, self-directed study and written assessments throughout the year. Not to

mention the heavy schedule of lectures and laboratory work.

It takes at least five years of university study (some medical degrees are six years long) to obtain

a qualification. A doctor needs to be committed to life-long learning and study throughout his or

her career. Doctors continually need to be re-licensed, which requires studying and passing

examinations throughout their careers. Thinkveryhard about the implications of this to you.

Besides requiring rigorous academic work, medicine is emotionally and spiritually demanding.

Skills such as interacting with patients and managing distressing situations are essential to

becoming a successful doctor. Doctors must be fully committed to their profession and their studies.

There are, however, many rewards to being a doctor and it can be a fulfilling and gratifying

career.

Doctors are well-paid and their conditions, such as working hours, have improved in recent years.

However recent revelations about GPs earning 250k are the exception rather than the rule and

students should be mindful that they may amass substantialdebts during the course of their studies

as a result in particular oftuitionfees, top-upfees and livingexpenses.

Not all doctors become surgeons orgeneralpractitioners (GPs). Medical School graduates can

specialise in a wide variety of disciplines, for which the Medical qualification is the first stage in a

long career path. Some of these are:

Anaesthetist

Dermatologist

Forensic pathologist

Gynaecologist

Oncologist

Pathologist

Research scientist

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VITAL STATISTICS:

Last year KingsCollege, London received 4,800 applications for theirmedical school.

They made 700 offers

360 students took up places

of which 24 were from overseas.

So, your chances of getting an offer were under 15%, much lowerfor international students. YOU HAVE TO BE GOOD TO GET AN

OFFER!


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3. Making a Good Application

3.1 A-levels and General Entry Requirements

All medical schools require Chemistry at A-level, and at least one other science; most require

Biology at least to AS level. A typical Medical School candidate will offer Chemistry, Biologyand Mathematics or Physics. A fourth subject, such as Psychology or a Modern Foreign

Language to at least AS level may be advantageous. This fourth subject should demonstrate the

student's breadth of knowledge and enthusiasmforstudy.

The minimum grade requirement at A2 level is ABB; most schools require AAB or in some cases

AAA. It is also worth noting that medical schools tend (although the trend is changing) to give

offers based on A-level grades rather than on UCAS tariff points. So AAC may not be good

enough for an ABB offer for example.

The GCSE requirements will vary from university to university and you need to make yourself

aware of these. However, it goes without saying that you need to have a very strongacademicrecord and realistically any applicant to medical school will have a highnumberofAandA*

grades at GCSE. Students who do not have the ability to attain A grades at GCSE or A level, may

find that Medicine as a career is beyond them and they should berealistic and consider alternative

careers.

In addition to the A-level requirements, some Medical Schools require a good score in the

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) (see section 3.5 below). Check carefully in the university

prospectuses for changes in entry requirements when choosing the Medical Schools particularly

overseas applicants for whom there may be specific requirements.

Good applicants would be expected to maintain outsideinterests; doctors should be well-balanced

individuals in order to cope with the demands of the profession. They must be able to lead others in

teams and to handle significant responsibilities. This can be stimulated by, for example, getting

involved in school clubs, societies, drama groups and sports teams. (Dont forget ACT

(Ashbourne Company Theatre) and the School Revue!)

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ARE YOU A STRAIGHT-A STUDENT?

Last year, on one of their interview days, the weakest

candidate interviewed for Kings College Medical School

had 4 As at AS-level and 9 A*s at GCSE.


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3.2 The UCAS Application

Your UCAS form is your first chance to impress the people who will assess your suitability for a

medical degree. It is ESSENTIAL that you afford this process the amount of time it deserves and

the attention you would expect from a prospective trainee doctor. Thorough planning and

preparation are vital and you should take advice on the best way to complete your UCAS form

before you begin and in good time.

These days, the UCAS process is all completed on-line. The first sections ask for your personal

information, examination results and university choices (see later). Once you have decided which

universities to apply to, the vast majority of your time will be spent preparing your personal

statement. This is yourONLY opportunity to sell yourself and outline your suitability to be

offered an interview.

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3.3 The UCAS Personal Statement your chance to stand out from

the crowd

This is the primary way in which a choice can be made between otherwise equally suitable

candidates. It is the first opportunity you have of convincing the admissions tutor that you are right

for medicine and that it is right for you. Only 500 words are permitted, so it is imperative that you

are both selective and precise. If you are interviewed, you should expect to be asked about what you

have written in your personal statement.

Ultimately, your personal statement has to convince a reader that you would make a good doctor. If

you cannot answer the question Why do you want to be a doctor? you are not likely to be

offered a place, more importantly should you really be applying?

There is no real formula for writing a good personal statement. It is, after all, personal. However,

in general, it should attempt to address the following:

1. Describe yourinitial interest in Medicine (e.g. visit to a hospital, topic you have studied atA-level, article you have read, issue you have heard about). Avoid making statements like

ever since I was a little girl/boy orI have always been fascinated by

2. Discuss yourcontinuedinterest (i.e. what have you done to research the career?)

i. Work experience what did you do, how was it valuable and how has it

confirmed your desire to study medicine?ii. Reading what have you read about in scientific journals, newspapers etc that

has stimulated further interest in medicine? You should be up-to-date and

demonstrate your knowledge of topical issues in the field of medicine that

interest you. You should also be able to say why they interest you.

iii. Commitment have you attended conferences or lectures, undertaken voluntary

work been involved with a charitable organisation?

3. Demonstrate the transferableskills you have as a result of your extracurricular pursuits and

interests. This should not be a list of achievements and interests, but should focus on how

your extracurricular interests and talents have helped you develop skills pertinent to the

medical profession (e.g. leadership, decision making, time-management, teamwork

organisation etc).

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WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR PARENTS FOOTSTEPS?

A common reason for wishing to study medicine often cited by medical

applicants, is a desire to follow my mother/father who is/was a doctor.

This may be why you had an initialinterest in medicine, but it is not

sufficient to base your whole application on a desire to emulate a family

member.

In fact, candidates whose parents are medics, may be treatedmore

harshly as the admissions panel believe that students with a medical

background should be able to clearly demonstrate, to a greater extent,

what they have learned and what they know about the profession!


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For instance, don't simply state that you have been captain of a school sports team; elaborate

by describing the skills you learned and responsibilities you undertook. For example "As

captain of the School 1st XI, I learned to organise team training sessions and the importance

of motivating others on the field" If you play a musical instrument, explain how you

balance time demands with the pressures of study and what sacrifices you made.

4. Are there any services, aspects of the courses, etc. which are commontoallthe

universities you have chosen (e.g. If you are a sportsperson, you may have been attracted to

their sports facilities, you may like an aspect of the course which is common to each

university, perhaps youd rather be at a university than a teaching hospital etc.).

5. Tell them about you. Make it a truly personal personal statement! What type of person

are you? What do you read? What films do you watch? What are your interests and

hobbies? Where do you like to go on holiday? Let them know they are getting a person

rather than a list of grades and achievements. Also, medicine is a stressful and demanding

occupation so knowing how to relax is important.

NOTE! You may feel you have few extra-curricular skills. In fact you will be surprised how

many personal skills you have. Do you speak more than one language? Are you well

travelled? What do you read? Are you confident in your ability as an experimental scientist?

Do you ever care for younger siblings, elderly or sick relatives or children?

However, be careful not fall into the trap of skill listing anyone can write, I am dedicated,

hard working, committed, organised and intelligent. The better candidates are those who

can support these claims.

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3.4 Your Reference

Your personal tutor will write your reference. A good reference needs to be earned and the tutors

will be honest and frank. Personal tutors may contact previous schools to obtain further reference

information. The best way to earn a good reference is to beagoodstudent. Ensure you are on

time for lessons and submit homework on time, avoid creating unnecessary work for your tutors,

participate with enthusiasm in classes, and be consistent in your approach to work.

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ARE YOU A GOOD STUDENT?

NOTE! It is not unknown for a tutor to retract a

reference later in the academic year for a student

who initially impressed but then lapsed into bad

habits! So your consistent effort needs to be

maintained throughout the school year.


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3.4 Medical School Interviews

If your UCAS form and personal statement are excellent and you are lucky enough to receive a

good reference, you may be called for an interview. Very few universities will accept a candidate

they have not interviewed at least once about their commitment to medicine. For Oxbridge and

other renowned universities, expect to be interviewed more than once and often 3 or 4 times.

You will be asked direct questions about your personal statement, so ensure you can intelligently

discuss anything you claim to have an interest in. It is therefore important never to cite an

interest in the personal statement with which you are not very familiar. In other words, donttell lies you will be found out!

You could expect to be asked:

Why do you want to be a doctor?

Why not be a nurse?

What alternatives have you explored?

Why have you chosen this university?

What do you think of the structure of our course?

How can micro-organisms be used in medicine?

What are your views on public and private medicine and the governments Foundation

Hospitals?

What is the NHS? What issues are currently prominent within the NHS?

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WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

A strong and colourful personality

Lively and interesting students

Passion, energy, drive, commitment, enthusiasm

Interest and awareness of current affairs relating

to modern-day medicine

A student whose interests, knowledge and education,

as presented in their application, are replicated at

interview An ability to discuss relevant work experience

An interest and enthusiasm for working with people

Good communication skills

Confidence without arrogance

TOP TIP!

Always be yourself! Your

interviewers want to know

more about YOU. Thats why

they invited you.


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Will your personal or religious beliefs conflict with your duties as a doctor?

What is an epidemic?

Why are we so healthy compared to the Victorians?

I notice from your personal statement that please comment.

What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?

What is MRSA? How has MRSA arisen?

Why was the SARS outbreak so worrying?

What is immunisation? When is it effective and why?

What are your views on the MMR vaccine controversy?

What is homeopathy? Do you approve?

What are the negative aspects of the practice of medicine?

What attributes to you have that will benefit the university?

What qualities do you possess which are relevant to the practice of medicine? (Give

evidence)

What are your views on:i. euthanasia;

ii. eugenics;

iii. stem cell research?

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WILL I BE INTERVIEWED WHEREVER I APPLY?

The answer to this question is generally yes.

The only institutions that may not interview you before

making an offer are: The University of Edinburgh (sometimes interview)

Queens University Belfast (However, take advice

before applying here)

The University of Southampton (do not usually

interview)

SO THESE UNIS MUST BE EASIER TO GET

INTO, RIGHT?

Wrong! If they dont interview, the universitiesmust have extremely high academic requirements

and would expect an outstanding personal

statement. Competition for places will be fierce.

You should see the interview as an extra

opportunity to shine and sell yourself. Getting an

interview is an achievement in itself, you should

look forward to a further chance to show the

selectors what you know and let them know whythey should take you.

Have confidence in your own ability.


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SO CANI AVOID THE INTERVIEW?

If you are trying to avoid the interview, you have to ask yourself one

question:

WHY?

If you are not confident enough to take an interview, is medicine the

right career for you? A good doctor MUSTbe a good communicator

and MUSTbe prepared to face difficult, stressful situations.

If you have concerns about your interview, dont try to avoid it.

Ask yourself what you are worried about and do something about it.

But do not run away from it!


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3.5 Testing! Testing!

With an increasing number of students capable of obtaining straight-A grades in their A-levels,

universities have a more and more difficult job in discerning the very best candidates from those

who are merely competent. In order to help them, most universities require a pass grade in some

form of additional test. There are some universities who do not require this, but you can expectmost of them to follow in the footsteps of the majority before too long.

The additional tests are:

The BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test)

The UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test)

Two other tests exist (MSAT and GAMSAT), however these are intended for students on

graduate entry programmes

These tests are required by the following universities:

BMAT University of Bristol Veterinary School course code D100

University of Cambridge Medical School course codes A100, A101, D100

Oxford University Medical School course codes A100, B100

Royal Veterinary College course codes D100, D101

University College London course code A100

Imperial College London course code A100

For more information see www.bmat.org.uk

UKCAT

University of Aberdeen course code A100

Brighton and Sussex Medical School course code A100

Cardiff University course code A100, A104, A200, A204

University of Dundee course code A100, A104, A200, A204

University of Durham course code A106 University of East Anglia course code A100

University of Edinburgh course code A100, A104

University of Glasgow course code A100, A200

Hull York Medical School course code A100

Keele University course code A100

King's College London course code A100, A103, A203, A205

University of Leeds course code A100

University of Leicester course code A100, A101

University of Manchester course code A104, A106, A204, A206

University of Newcastle course code A101, A106, A206

University of Nottingham course code A100

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http://www.bmat.org.uk/http://www.bmat.org.uk/


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University of Oxford Graduate Entry Medical Degree course code A101

Peninsula Medical School course code A100

Queen Mary, University of London course code A100, A200, A201

University of Sheffield course code A104, A106, A200

University of Southampton course code A100, A102

University of St. Andrews course code A100 St. George's, University of London course code A100

For more information see www.ukcat.ac.uk

These tests are used by certain universities who believe that A-levels alone are insufficient to

discern true aptitude for medicine. The test examines candidates' ability to solve novel problems

and use knowledge in unanticipated applications. Candidates themselves must take

responsibility for making the application for the UKCAT and BMAT separately from the

UCAS application.

The BMAT test has three elements, which comprise the following:

1. A 60-minute test of aptitude and skills

2. A 30-minute test of scientific knowledge and applications

3. A 30-minute writing task

The BMAT will take place this year on 01/11/2006. The cost of the test is 26.00. Ashbourne is

registered as a BMAT centre.

The UKCAT is a 90 minute test of the following skills:

1. Verbal reasoning2. Quantitative reasoning

3. Abstract reasoning

4. Decision analysis

The deadline for having registered for the UKCAT is 22/09/2006. The deadline for sitting the test

is 29/09/2006. The cost of the test is 60.00. You must register on-line for this test and take it

at an external centre. The closest test centre to Ashbourne is at London Bridge, Southwark,

London.

For both of these tests, you may find the websitehttp://www.newmediamedicine.com useful

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http://www.ukcat.ac.uk/http://www.ukcat.ac.uk/


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3.6 Work Experience

Work experience is important for two reasons:

i) It allows you to discuss the profession intelligently, realistically and with insight.

ii) It will help to confirm for yourself that you really do want to be a doctor. You willobserve the profession at the front line and may have some of your illusions about the

career curtailed! If you leave your work experience thinking that you dont want to

be a doctor after all, that is not a bad thing. Its not a job suited to everyones tastes.

Although not specified as an essential requirement by the medical schools, if you are serious about

a career in medicine, you should endeavour to get as much experience of work in the medical

professions as possible. Yourgeneral practitioner (GP) may be a good place to start. Ask if you

can shadow her or him for a few weeks to gain an insight into how a surgery operates and what

the day-to-day routines are for a GP. The work may be menial and unglamorous but you will gain

a useful insight into the world of the medical professional and have an opportunity to demonstrate a

willing attitude to serving others.

You may wish to try for some hospital based work experience. Remember all junior doctors will

have to spend some time on the wards; it is worth knowing what you are getting yourself in for!

The type of work you could get will vary from cleaning on the wards to working in the hospital

shop, you should decide if the available positions will be of value to you. It is virtually impossible

(unless you have a contact) to get work experience shadowing a hospital doctor.

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CANT GET WORK EXPERIENCE?

It is very difficult to organise work experience particularly in hospitals.Hospitals are inundated with requests. Some places require CRB (police)

checks, some have no space for volunteers. Here are some tips if you are

struggling:

1. Try care homes, old peoples homes, schools and centres for disabled

children, clinics, doctors surgeries, physiotherapists, St Johns

Ambulance and Red Cross as well as hospitals

2. Dont give up! Hospitals and surgeries are busy places. Student work

experience is LOW PRIORITY for them, as you might imagine. Bepolite, but persistent in your search

3. A day or even an afternoon of work experience/observation can be

extremely useful. Dont turn anything down

4. You are not expected to have performed open-heart surgery, cured

several forms of cancer or carried out an amputation! Try to make an

effort to do something which allows you a realistic insight into a career

as a carer, working with others, in health care etc.

5. Work experience is not the be-all-and-end-all. You should also look to

attend seminars, first-aid training courses, conferences (see MedLink,later in this booklet)


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Work experience should be something that you initiate yourself, although the staff at the college

will help you as far as they are able.

The best starting point is the Internet. Visit the homepages of Londons hospitals and search for

work experience or volunteering. To get you started, you may want to begin with the followingcontacts:

1. Community Service Volunteers 0207 278 6601

2. The National Centre for Volunteering 0207 713 6161

3. The Royal London Hospital 0207 377 7792

4. St. Bartholomews Hospital 0207 601 8339

Act sooner rather than later. Places for work experience candidates are limited and hospitals are

busy places. Your work experience application will not be made top priority; you may have to be

persistent.

Ashbournes tutors can help you with references and application letters but the work really has to be

done by you. If youre serious about a career in medicine then you must take the initiative and do

all that you can to enhance your chances of securing that place at medical school.

Charity Work It can look impressive on a personal statement if you have given up some of your

own free time to undertake charity or voluntary work. This could be a Saturday afternoon working

in your local charity shop or a local hospice for the elderly. However, please undertake such work

willingly rather than out of duty in an attempt to earn CV points. Voluntary work can be

demanding at times for little reward, it would be unfair on the charity, its workers and the people in

its care if you were not fully committed to the work and it is entirely inappropriate to undertake

voluntary work for this reason.

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4. What can you expect from Ashbourne?

Firstly you must remember that there are no guarantees. Most people who apply to medical

schools will not take up a place (See Vital Statistics on page 6. Competition is fierce and

increasingly strong. However, Ashbournes record of students gaining offers is good and we pride

ourselves on the quality of assistance we provide to potential medical candidates and to the UCAS

procedure in general.

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DONT JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR

IT!

Our recent BAC inspection rated both our

UCAS and personal tutoring system as

excellent (the highest rating). The

comment below is taken directly from this

report:

Support for UCAS applications was

excellent. The vice-principal made full

use of the UCAS on-line system to

monitor and track applications, enabling

her to intervene promptly if there is a

lack of progress.

Specific additional support, including

interview practice, is given to thosemaking Oxbridge applications or applying

for medical or dental degree

programmes.


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4.1 Teaching

At Ashbourne, you can expect:

To receive 6 hours of tuition per subject per week for AS (depending on the number of

students in the group). This will increase to 8 hours in the A2 year. One year intensive

students can expect to have 8 hours of tuition in each subject per week

Class sizes not to exceed 10 students (except in rare cases)

Enthusiastic teachers who will take an interest in your studies and your application to

medicine and appreciate your needs and requirements. Your tutors will always put yourbest

interests first and will be on hand to offer assistance outside of class whenever they have no

other teaching commitments

Medical seminars on topical medical and scientific topics using up to date materials and

journals

Visitingspeakers and guest lecturers throughout the year

To be provided with information regarding medical lectures and seminars off the premises (see

MedLink section 5). Ashbourne is well situated for many of these events and they are

organised regularly; Imperial College Medical School is a 10-minute walk and University

College, London is a 15-minute tube ride . Medical applicants are urged to attend these events

to broaden their interests and keep up to date with current medical and scientific issues

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5. MedLink

We strongly recommend our students attend the MedLink student conference held every December

at the University of Nottingham. Details of the MedLink programme are published on

www.medlink-uk.com from August 2006.

It is a fantastic opportunity to:

Experience student life

Meet and discuss ideas with other prospective medical school candidates

Meet current medical students

Attend medical lectures, seminars and practicals

Get an in depth look at Nottingham University, its facilities, situation, accommodation and

atmosphere

Speak to doctors and university lecturers

The Medlink programme is a 4-day event held in two sessions usually in December, where

students attend lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and have the chance to talk to the

admissions tutors and Deans of many UK Medical Colleges. Also, medical students will be present

to discuss the merits and drawbacks of studying Medicine. There are various practical sessions

where students can interact with patients from the other side of the clipboard, and watch live

surgery and clinical skills in action.

Contact the Ashbourne Medical School Co-ordinator (John Wilson) for further details.

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ISNT IT JUST A MARKETING EXERCISE BY NOTTINGHAM

UNIVERSITY?

Many students decide, as a result of attending MedLink, to apply to Nottingham.

Many students decide, as a result of attending MedLink, not to apply to

Nottingham!

In order to make an informed decision about where to apply, you should visit as

many universities as possible. This is an opportunity to visit and appraise

Nottingham University and the city of Nottingham as well as get valuable helpwith your application to medicine.
http://www.medlink-uk.com/http://www.medlink-uk.com/


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6. Is there anything else I should be doing?

You should begin to investigate which university you would like to apply to AS EARLY AS

POSSIBLE. You should therefore investigate three things:

1. Location arguably the most important factor. You will spend a minimum offive years

in the town or city you choose to study in. This makes it a decision worth getting right.You should visit the university and the city if possible (this does not need to be an open day

just hop on the train and go there!). You should also browse university websites and send

for copies of their prospectuses

2. Coursestructure what appeals to you? For instance Oxbridge take the very traditional

approach of teaching pre-clinical medicine for three years, then clinical medicine. Most

others adopt a more hands-on approach from the beginning

3. Talk to students gain an insight into the medical schools. Open days are a good

opportunity to do this, but in general students at universities are always happy to share their

experiences

ALSO

Register AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE for tests such as the UKCAT and BMAT - See page 15

for details of these tests.

In addition, you should ensure you are familiar with topical medicine and scientific stories in the

news and scientific journals. You should read a broadsheet newspaper everyday and also refer

regularly to New Scientist and the Student BMJ (British Medical Journal). Remember you are

likely to be asked about such issues at interview.

It is also recommended that you broaden your reading. A good place to start would be the readinglist below:

1. The Selfish Gene Richard Dawkins

2. The Blind Watchmaker Richard Dawkins

3. Language of the Genes Stephen Jones

4. Almost Like a Whale Stephen Jones

5. The Double Helix Watson and Crick

6. The Red Queen Hypothesis Matt Ridley

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If you cant decide where to live, why not consider St.

Andrews University in Scotland. You will study there

for a three year BSc course before transferring to

complete you medical degree in Manchester. That way

you will get to experience two fabulous and historic

universities as well as live in two different countries!


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7. Entry Requirements at the UK Medical Schools

The entry requirements for every UK medical school are listed at the back of this booklet.

REMEMBER, THESE ARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. GOOD CANDIDATES WILL

BE CAPABLE OF EXCEEDING THESE COMFORTABLY.

Offers may be higher than those listed (in some cases, for exceptional candidates, they may be

lowered, but this is rare).

Also, remember it is not necessarily easier to gain entry into a university with a lower offer! A

university offering AAB will have as tough, if not tougher, requirements than a university typically

offering AAA.

Last year Dundee was the only university to list their typical offer as low as ABB. This year they

have hiked their minimum requirements up to AAA. Good for them!

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8. A-level Retakes and Medical Schools

You may have missed out on your A-level grades first time round and are hoping to improve your

grades with a retake course. It is becoming less and less possible for you to obtain a place at

medical school if you do not make your offer at the first attempt. If you are retaking, it is important

not to waste valuable applications (remember you may only chose four universities) on

establishments that do not take kindly to students who have had two attempts at their A-levels.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU A RETAKER, YOUR CHANCES OF BEING OFFERED A

PLACE ARE EXTREMELY SMALL. YOU SHOULD THINK VERY, VERY

CAREFULLY ABOUT YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS BEFORE YOU DO SO.

Sometimes people have a valid reason for needing to retake (such as an illness or death in the

family), however even in such extenuating circumstances the odds are against you and you will be

expected to have come close first time around (BBC would be the lowest expected result and often

it would need to be higher).

Your chances of taking up a place as a retake candidate will be higher if you have previously held

an offer with a medical school and you apply to the same school again. In our experience, you

should limit your retake applications to the universities listed on the next page. However, it is

always worth contacting the university you want to go to directly they may make exceptions in

exceptional circumstances.

IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE GIVEN A PLACE AS A RETAKER, THEN YOUR

OFFER WILL BE AAA AND A AT AS-LEVEL.

25

Q: I want to retake GCSEs to

improve my chances of getting

into medicine?

A: Forgetit! You will be rejected if you have

poor GCSE grades. Medical candidates are

expected to be academic high-fliers who

should not need to retake any exams under

any circumstances.


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Universities to Consider if you are Retaking you A-levels:

Brighton and Sussex

East Anglia

Hull-York

Keele Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Peninsula

Queen Mary

Sheffield

UCL

Please note: This is a guide only, compiled in July 2006. Medical school applicants must take

responsibility for checking these details BEFORE making their application. In view of increasedcompetition for places, the schools always prefer first time candidates.

Our research has shown that only East Anglia and Peninsula are prepared to consider retake

candidates without extenuating circumstances. In each case, students must be able to prove they are

heading in the right direction with their academic record.

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9. Information on Medical Organizations

The British Medical Association (BMA): www.bma.org

Represents doctors' interests; 80% of practising doctors are members

Keeps members informed on clinical and other medical issues

Publishes the BMJ and the Student BMJ

Advises on doctors' careers and provides continuous professional training

The website includes a medical education glossary and a guide to becoming a doctor

General Medical Council (GMC): www.gmc-uk.org

Protects patients' interests in the NHS

Regulates and licences doctors to practice

Maintains the register of licensed doctors

Sets and maintains the standards of medical education

Handles cases of professional misconduct

National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE): www.nice.org.uk

Appraises health techniques and medications before they are introduced into the NHS, by

providing guidance on 'best practice'

Set up in 1999 to ensue consistent and equal treatment across the NHS

Royal Society of Medicine (RSM): www.roysocmed.ac.uk

Publishes the JRSM

Maintains a large library of medical books and journals

Is a venue for continued professional development seminars, lectures and conferences

Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP): www.rcgp.org.uk

Helps develop GPs' professional training and standards

Royal College of Physicians (RCP): www.rcplondon.ac.uk

The oldest of the Royal Colleges of Physicians

Maintains standards in medical practice and conducts examinations and training

Royal College of Surgeons (RCS): www.rcseng.ac.uk

Promotes the highest standards in surgical care

Administers examinations in surgical qualifications (it does not award qualifications; this is the

job of the GMC)

Advises the Department of Health and the NHS on surgical issues

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG): www.rcog.org.uk

Administers obstetrics and gynaecology examinations

Sets standards to improve womens health

Royal College of Pathologists (RCP): www.rcpath.org

Promotes good practice in pathology

Organises training and teaching and examinations

Develops pathology techniques and technology

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UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting: www.ukcc.org.uk

Regulates training and registration of nurses etc.

Medical Research Council (MRC): www.mrc.ac.uk

National research council which distributes tax-payers' money to medical researchers

Promotes research in all areas of medicine and medicine-related technologies

British Medical Informatics Society (BMIS): www.bmis.org

Helps inform doctors on medical informatics issues

National Association of Primary Care (NAPC): www.primarycare.co.uk

Represents primary healthcare professionals (GPs and community care nurses)

NHS Information Authority: www.nhsia.nhs.uk/def/home.asp

Improves NHS services by providing information on services and standards

Source of much useful clinical and statistical data on NHS services, waiting times and hospital

details

NHS Direct: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

A nurse-led telephone advice and information service for rapid access by patients

The Patients Charter: www.open.gov.uk/charter/patients

Sets out standards and rights which UK citizens can expect from the NHS

Includes complaints procedures for substandard and non-professional treatment

Grey's Anatomy Online: www.bartleby.com/107/

Does exactly what is says on the tin

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10. Alternatives to Medical School

Becoming a doctor is not the only worthwhile career open to students who want to work in health

care. Below is some information on other medicine-related subjects which are worth considering;

none of them is less rewarding or less worthy than medicine; a good physiotherapist or optometrist

is a more valuable member of society than a poor doctor.

1. Dentistry

Dentistry should be considered as an alternative to medicine only in that it provides the student with

an opportunity to specialise in one vital medical discipline. Dentistry is as demanding, or more so,

than medicine academically and entry to dental college generally requires higher AS and A2 grades.

Whereas a medical doctor will specialize in one particular area of treatment, a dentist is responsible

for examination, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, X-ray and post-treatment patient care. Indeed, if a

patient has a problem they will come to the dentist expecting diagnosis and all treatment. Dentistryis much more than drilling teeth; oral hygiene, dental reconstruction and dietary advice are also part

of dentistry, and dentists are often involved in primary care such as diagnosing oral cancers and

identifying cases of child neglect.

If you are seriously considering a career in dentistry, then you must keep abreast of the ongoing

changes within the National Health Service and the increasing number of dentists opting into the

often more lucrative private sector.

The tutors at Ashbourne can offer further advice on where to look next or what steps to take if you

think dentistry is for you or if you need help in selecting a University.

Entry Requirements

If you wish to apply for a degree in Dentistry, assume that you will get an offer of AAB. You

should be capable of achieving AAA at A-level. Some universities will not let you apply unless

you have at least BBB from your AS examinations. Entry requirements are much more straight-

forward than for medicine with most places looking for Chemistry and Biology at A-level. Any

deviation is detailed below.

If you have retaken your A-levels you are highly unlikely to obtain a place to study Dentistry unless

you have genuine and serious extenuating circumstances and you have applied and held offers

previously with the universities you apply to.

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United Kingdom Dentistry Schools

University Telephone Typical Offer Subject Requirements Retake Policy

Birmingham Mr Donald

Spencer 0121

237 2766

AAB Chemistry to A2 and one

from Biology Physics and

Maths

Not accepted

Bristol Dr John Moran0117 928 9000

AAB Chemistry; Biologypreferred. Only one

Maths subject allowed

In exceptional circumstances,candidates who performed well in

interview and missed their gradesby very small margin.

Cardiff 029 2074 4227 AAB(including A in

Chemistry orBiology)

Chemistry; Biology to ASat least.

Welcomed but places limited

Dundee MoragMatthew

01382 644 697

AAA Biology and two other sciences/maths

Not accepted

Glasgow 0141 330 6216 AAB (and BBB

at AS level)

Chemistry and Biology to

A2 strong preferencegiven to those with

English at AS level

Only if previously applied and

achieved minimum BBC at firstattempt

Kings College 0207 8486512 AAB and C in

a 4th AS subject

Chemistry or Biology

required.

Not accepted

Leeds 0113 3436169 AAB A grades

in Chemistryand Biology

Chemistry and Biology

required

Accepted in theory, but priority

given to first time applicants andretakes must have serious

extenuating circumstances.

Liverpool Mr George

0151 706 5298

390 points

(AAB + 1 AS)

Chemistry and Biology

required; one to A2 theother to AS at least and

must be grade B

Only considered if applied to

Liverpool in previous admissionscycle. Must have work experience

in dental/doctors practice for at

least 3-5 weeksManchester 0161 3060231 AAB + AS at

grade BBiology and Chemistry Accepted in theory, but priority

given to first time applicants and

retakes must have seriousextenuating circumstances

Newcastle 01912226000 AAB Biology or Chemistryrequired to A2

Only considered if applied toNewcastle in previous admissions

cycle

Queen Mary

University ofLondon

02073777611 AAB Chemistry and Biology

required

Accepted rarely. Priority given to

first time applicants and retakesmust have serious extenuating

circumstances

Queens Belfast 0289 0632733 AAA + 1 ASsubject (GradeA in

Chemistry)

Chemistry and anotherscience/maths. Maths andFurther Maths will not be

considered as two A-levels. Biology required

to at least AS level and aB grade is needed. Also

you must take at least 9units in your final exam

session

Not accepted unless applied toQueens Belfast and held a firmoffer

Sheffield 0114 271 7807 AAB Chemistry and another science

Considered if received andaccepted an offer in the previous

year

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Further Information

British Dental Association: www.bda-dentistry.org.uk

General Dental Council: www.gdc-uk.org

2. Veterinary Science

Any preconceptions of a veterinary career being cushy number should be abandoned. The training

period before qualification is long (five or six years) and gruelling. Since there are only six schools

offering veterinary science, the competition for entry is much keener than for medicine.

Dealing with animals does not isolate the vet from dealing with human emotional issues. Informing

a person that his or her only companion is too sick for economical treatment is not an easy thing to

do. Equally difficult is telling a farmer that you may need to cull all of his livestock to contain the

outbreak of a disease, hence seriously compromising his livelihood and only source of income.

Within the profession, opportunities for specialization are very wide. You will treat far more speciesthan the one you contemporaries at Medical Schools are stuck with for starters! Within the field

however, there are opportunities for microbiologists, parasitologists, pathologists, surgeons and

equine specialists among others. You will also have to decide whether to be employed by Her

Majestys Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA - www.defra.gov.uk),

an animal charity such as RSPCA (www.rspca.org.uk), a pharmaceutical company or in private

practice. Each is in itself hugely varied and increasingly specialised.

Veterinary medicine is a physically tough and dangerous career as many animals are not keen on

veterinary treatment! There is a huge demand for veterinary doctors willing to work in large-animal

practice in agriculture; many veterinary graduates have chosen careers in small animal practices in

urban areas as this are less dangerous and physically hard, which has led to a surplus of small-

animal vets in England.

Entry Requirements

Students should aim to study Chemistry and Biology and another science. Most applicants to

veterinary science will probably have taken four A-levels and will probably secure A-grades in

each; indeed veterinary science has arguably the most demanding entry requirements. If you have

retaken or are considering retaking youre A-levels in order to gain a place at a Veterinary College

you should be aware that you will almost certainly not be successful. Places are in such high

demand that the schools will not and do not need to consider retakes to make up their numbers.

You are also highly unlikely to find Veterinary courses listed in clearing.

The most important entry criteria for any prospective veterinary candidate will be an ability to

demonstrate a love and passion for animals, and mammals in particular. Have you attended riding

school since you were six? Did you grow up on a farm? Have you done voluntary work at London

Zoo?

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http://www.gdc-uk.org/http://www.defra.gov.uk/http://www.defra.gov.uk/http://www.defra.gov.uk/http://www.defra.gov.uk/http://www.gdc-uk.org/http://www.defra.gov.uk/


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United Kingdom Veterinary Schools

University Telephone Typical offer Subject requirements Retake policy

Bristol 0117 928 8153 AAA + pass in

BMAT

Chemistry and Biology essential

Physics or Maths recommended

In extreme mitigating

circumstances

Cambridge 01223 337 600 AAA Three from Biology, Maths, Physicsand Chemistry

Not Accepted

Edinburgh 0131 650 6130 AAB Chemistry (A grade) and Biology

essential Physics or Mathsrecommended

Not Accepted

Glasgow 0141 330 2225 AAB Chemistry (A grade) and Biology and

one other science

Not Accepted

Liverpool 0151 7944281 AAB + one

AS (390points)

Biology essential; Chemistry

recommended

Not Accepted

Nottingham 0115 951 6411 AAB Chemistry (A grade) and Biology (Agrade) essential Physics or Maths

recommended

Not Accepted

Royal Veterinary

College, Universityof London

020 7 468 5000 AAA Chemistry and Biology required Not Accepted

Further Information

British Veterinary Association: www.bva.co.uk

Royal college of Veterinary Surgeons: www.rcvs.org.uk

3. Optometry

Optometry requires a level of commitment similar to medicine. The degree programme involves

completion of a BSc with clinical training and in this respect is similar to a degree in medicine. The

optometrist is concerned with preserving or restoring vision to children and adults to help them to

live fulfilling, unhindered lives. The loss or depletion of good visual acuity can be an extremely

debilitating disorder

The allure of a degree in optometry might be driven by a desire to become a specialist in a highly

intricate piece of anatomy. You should certainly have a strong interest in sciences; in particular

practical aspects as problem analysis and solving are frequent features of an optometrists daily

work.

The optometrist is a healthcare professional and as such should possess good interpersonal and

communication skill. Additionally you will require a degree of business acumen as optometrists are

generally managers of their own businesses and appoint their own staff.

Further Information

Institute of Optometry: www.ioo.org.uk

College of Optometrists (UK): www.college-optometrists.org

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4. Physiotherapy

If you intend studying physiotherapy in order to fulfil your dream of working as Manchester

Uniteds head-physio then you may be surprised when you realise what physiotherapy actually

involves. Although the opportunity to work with professional sports people is a possibility,physiotherapists are also employed in industry and private practices. However, the majority of

chartered physiotherapists work in hospitals for the NHS.

You will be responsible for treating patients with a wide variety of diseases, both communicable

and non-communicable. Physiotherapy is also a vital part of the rehabilitation programme of

patients who have suffered accidents, undergone surgery or been confined to a bed for a long period

of time. If you opt to work for the NHS you will find yourself part of a team that may include

osteopaths, occupational therapists, prostheticists as well as more usual hospital staff such as

doctors and nurses. As such, you must be a good team member with excellent communication skills.

You should have a keen interest in human physiology and in practical science skills. Physiotherapy

is a hands on approach to healthcare that incorporates wide range of mechanical equipment inaddition to your own hands.

Physiotherapy is extremely competitive and hugely oversubscribed. Entry requirements are rarely

lower than those for medicine and only candidates expressing a real desire to become a

physiotherapist will be considered. Ashbourne can help you to assess the strengths of your

application and help you build on weaknesses. Work experience for example is vital if you intend

being taken seriously.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Biological Science (Biology, Human Biology or in some cases Sports Studies) will

almost always be required to full A-level. Another science subject is also recommended.

5. Pharmacy/Pharmacology

If you are interested in a rigorous and demanding medical science degree then Pharmacy may be

appropriate to you. Pharmacists are responsible for advising patients of appropriate medications and

hence carry a large degree of responsibility. You will be responsible for preparing and dispensing

drugs for sale and for counter prescriptions. You will lead a team of assistants and will be required

to work lengthy hours in very busy and often stressful situations. The course is demanding and

popular and hence entry requirements are often high. A-level Chemistry and at least one otherscience (Biology preferred) will be prerequisite.

6. Nursing

For every doctor in the NHS, there are ten nurses; every doctor knows that nothing happens without

a nurse. The demands for nursing are as heavy but it can be an extremely rewarding career. Changes

in the structure of the NHS has places greater responsibility on ward nurses; they are now able to

diagnose patients, prescribe and dispense some medicines, refer patients to other specialists and

carry out nearly all of the duties of a doctor. This is reflected in improving pay scales and

conditions for nurses.

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Nursing does not require such high academic grades as medicine at A-level; two A-levels and an

AS level will generally suffice. Biology and one other science, preferably chemistry, are needed;

the most important requirement is a high level of commitment.

There are two routes into nursing. The degree program through university study is more academic

than the alternative, nursing school in an NHS hospital. Basic nurse training takes two to three

years, after which there are numerous specializations open.

7. Biomedical Science

Biomedical Science (BMS) is often seen as either a backdoor into medicine or as 'medicine-lite'.

However, BMS is very demanding, as students will need to master a greater depth of academic

knowledge than medical students whilst remaining familiar with clinical practice and medical

applications. BMS contains a high proportion of chemistry and biochemistry and incorporates a

substantial amount of independent academic research. Most BMS degrees last for 4 years including

a 6-month or year-long research project.

It is possible for candidates to enter Medical School after graduating in BMS; however this is

extremely difficult and competition is very fierce; the number of candidates attempting this entry

path into medicine has increased enormously in the last few years; those who are successful has not.

Candidates must not only have achieved good grades in the final examinations, but also to have

worked hard preparing for medicine by for example working in hospitals as a researcher or

volunteer. Students graduating with a BMS degree have the same chances of entering medicine as

any other science graduate.

BMS graduates usually continue in academic or industrial research in a university or

pharmaceutical company; candidates should consider carefully whether this is the career path they

wish to pursue.

9. Other Options

If you are still interested in a degree in healthcare or medical science but dont feel any of the

options above are suitable for you, there are other alternatives to choose from. The tutors at

Ashbourne will advise you on the suitability of any of the below courses as well as help you to

choose the most appropriate establishment.

Chiropractice Podiatry

Food Science and Nutrition Immunology

Occupational Therapy OsteopathySports Science Forensic Science

Equine Science

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11. Medicine for non-scientists

If you have taken non-science A-levels but during that time have developed an interest in Medicine,

you can apply to undertake a degree programme which includes a foundation year. You will be

required to have, or be predicted, very high A-level grades in the subjects you have taken (at least

AAB). The following universities offer such a programme although be careful as some may require

you to have taken a science to some level so check with the universities first:

The University of Bristol

The University of Cardiff

The University of Edinburgh

Kings College, London

The University of Manchester

The University of Sheffield

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12. What happens if you dont succeed?

If you do not receive any offers from the medical schools first time around, you can consider

reapplying next year. To maximise your chances of success, you will need to secure excellent A-

level grades and dedicate as mush time as possible to strengthen your application. Get as much

experience as possible. You will have a year to fill use it wisely.

If you do not meet the requirements of your offer, as a potential medical school candidate, you are

likely to be a strong applicant and as such consider using your good results to gain entry into

another, competitive degree programme. If your heart is set on medicine, you have a few options.

If you receive an offer but miss out by a small margin andyou are a strong candidate otherwise, it is

worth discussing the issue with the admissions tutor at the Medical School. They may have unfilled

places. Otherwise you will need to take individual advice about other options including retaking,

graduate entry and clearing.

Remember, few, if any, medical places will be available through clearing.

Good Luck with your application!

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13. Appendix

1. Medical School Entry Requirements

Medical School Booklet 0607

Documents

Transcript of Medical School Booklet 0607