New Media Medicine Forums - Medical News

UKCAT was dissappointing, lost on where to apply to!

Posted: 18 Aug 2014 03:50 AM PDT

So to start off here is a little of my academic background:

GSCE's were fine (8 A, 4 A*)

I previously applied to study medicine at A-levels and got a place at HYMS but missed my grades big time (BBB) in biology, chemistry and maths.

I'm currently studying Chemistry BSc. and got a first in my second year and about to enter my third year aiming to do the same.

An insight into my work experience:

Spent time working in a hospital and a physiotherapy department in a blind and deaf school. Both of which were in India.

GP shadowing in Ireland

Shadowed an osteopath.

Worked with an NHS commissioning group in London, re-conciliating services provided by general practices in the surrounding areas. (Budgets) Also got to attend many meetings aiming to improve the financial situation the NHS is in.

I am lacking experience in a more caring role and aim to improve it this year.

I also spent time every week fixing bikes with and for asylum seekers in my local area and helped run and organize this scheme.

Apologies for the wall of text, just wanted to build up a decent picture of my experience. I'm looking for a bit of guidance on where my best chances for acceptance might be. I'd ideally like to apply to grad med programs but achieved a less than ideal UKCAT score (647), are there any schools with cut offs this low?

I know that with my academic background it may be best for me to apply to undergraduate course but will my A-level results be holding me back?

The BEST GAMSAT resources

Posted: 17 Aug 2014 06:35 AM PDT

Hey there:),

I'm not due to take this for a while but I'll be taking it next year, for myself, in order to see how I perform and get an insight into what it's like.

Anyway, I was wondering which books/ resources etc have helped you SIGNIFICANTLY in your preparation for this test. In other words what resources are ESSENTIAL/KEY to ones preparation for the GAMSAT.

Thank you very much.

(Also on a side not what is the level of science knowledge required e.g. is it roughly A level or it is far more complicated than that?I was actually originally planning to sell all my GCSE and A level science textbooks but from having a look around here it seems these may be incredibly useful for preparation??). Thanks once again :)