Preparing for Medical Schools in the UK
Preparing for Medical Schools in the UK
With the pandemic, the importance of having a reliable medical workforce is becoming ever more apparent. There are more than 30 medical schools in the UK but the competition for a place is fierce. Do you know what it takes to study medicine?
Academic requirements
Most medical schools averaged more than 167 UCAS points in its 2019 intake. Nearly all
schools demand chemistry and biology, while physics or mathematics is required by some,
either as an alternative or addition to biology. With the fierce competition, it is not
surprising that the minimum required grades are high. Check the website of the schools you intend to apply for to make sure you will be able to meet the minimum grades.
Medical school admission tests
There are two major specialist aptitude tests for undergraduate entries, the University
Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). Different schools use different tests and in different ways with some only requiring the attainment of aminimum score and others taking the results into account alongside other factors.
The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres
throughout the UK and internationally. Students who want to apply for 2022/23 entry need
to sit the 2021 UCAT which will be available from July to September 2021. Registration has already started and will close on 22 September 2021. For further information please refer to the UCAT website.
The BMAT is also a two-hour test, delivered in designated test centres. Students who want
to apply for 2022/23 entry to medical schools need to sit the BMAT in November 2021.
More information can be found at the BMAT website.
Personal Statements and interviews
Almost all schools interview candidates and candidates need to show commitment to the
field of medicine either through work experience or volunteering. Therefore, planning
suitable work experience and volunteer placements beforehand is important. You should
also spend time on your personal statements to ensure you stand out from the crowd.
Demonstrating that you have the attributes to be a great medical student and the passion
for the profession could land you an opportunity for an interview.
The fifth choice and the graduate Route
You are only allowed to select four medical schools in the UCAS application. The fifth choice can be anything except medicine. If you still want to pursue a future career in medicine, you may consider choosing a science-related course such as biomedicine or pharmacy. Upon successful completion of the course, you may then apply for medical school via the graduate route.
TopCourses medical school application service
TopCourses offers a unique medicine service. We assess your academic background and
ensure you are qualified to apply. Our service starts well before the UCAS application
season. We advise students on what work/volunteering experience to get before the
application, as well as providing useful reading lists for students to help them prepare for
interviews and the course itself. We help students select suitable medical schools, edit their personal statement and ensure all deadlines are met. If accepted for an interview, the
student will have a practice interview with a UK registered doctor.
The deadline for medicine programme UCAS application for the 2022/2023 entry falls on 15 October 2021. Act now and contact us today for a free consultation.
