Lots of misconceptions fly around about admissions to medical school. This is because it is very competitive and can be a bit of a minefield. Hopefully this will help to clear things up!
Is my Medical degree the same wherever i go?
- No matter what medical school you apply to you can go into any field. Medical schools do not specialise in certain areas, as the degree has to be broad enough for you to go into anything (this is regulated by the GMC). Obviously this is different in terms of research.
- Medical Schools only see other courses if they are at the same university. It does not look less dedicated if you only apply to one medical school or if you apply to other courses.
Do i need the best grades to get into medicine?
- You don't need to have 5 A grade A-Levels to get into medicine - the average is AAB. Personality is much more important. Most universities like you to have a range of subjects at A-Level (although Chemistry is still usually required, and Biology is for some). But the days of needing all Sciences and Maths are over.
- The deadline for medicine is mid October - not September! Therefore getting your form in earlier offers no advantage as far as the medical school is concerned. It is not worth sacrificing the quality of your application just to get it sent earlier than needed.
- If you are a graduate or are currently studying for a non-medical degree and you wish to study medicine at that same institution, then already studying there confers no advantage or disadvantage to your application.
