Medical Sciences

What would I study and how do courses differ?

The structure of all Medical courses is similar: most schools offer two years of PreClinical studies then three years of Clinical. However, there are different approaches: PBL (problem based learning) courses which focus on the student to demonstrate self-motivation and proactive, self-directed learning, integrated courses which teach basic Medical Sciences alongside clinical studies, and traditional courses which offer lecture-based learning. There are intercalated degrees which give you the opportunity to incorporate a further degree (BSc or BA). You may want to take an elective, usually a two-month period when you might work in a hospital abroad. You may wish to study e.g. Biomedical Sciences and then apply for Medicine as a postgraduate.

Which is the best Medical School?

There are oversubscribed Medical Schools and vastly oversubscribed Medical Schools. The latter do not necessarily constitute the best! UCL and Imperial are popular with our students because they are in London and because students think they offer the best teaching and placements in the best hospitals. This is not necessarily the case.

The best Medical School is the best one for you! First choose the course you want. Then think location (London or not?), campus or not, traditional or modern, large or small, facilities and accommodation. Then consider what else is on offer, sports etc., which you already do/would like to take up.

What are the typical entry requirements?

Initial Screening

This process takes place in most Medical Schools before your application is passed to the Admissions’ Tutor. To succeed in this first stage candidates from a selective school such as Haberdashers’ should aim to achieve GCSE grades above the requirement quoted in the admissions literature. Overall GCSE grades are often scored, so you should try to achieve 8s and 9s in all subjects if you are to be hopeful of passing through initial screening. If you are uncertain about your position, you must telephone the Admissions’ Tutor. General statements on the website are not necessarily true for an individual. Do your research.

GCSE/IGCSE Subject Choice

You must take Chemistry and Biology and we strongly recommend Physics to IGCSE and that you must achieve an 8/9 in these subjects. Whilst Physics may not be quoted as a requirement by every Medical School, it is essential at some (e.g. Nottingham), and there is an increasing reliance on technology for diagnosis. This makes Physics very desirable for potential Medical Scientists. IGCSE Physics is also required knowledge for those who wish to apply to one of the schools which require the BMAT (see below). You must consult your Science Teachers before you make your option choices to check that you are capable of achieving an A* in these

subjects, and of continuing to A Level. You must check the course requirements before you apply. For some courses you are also expected to achieve a high grade in English Language. Do your research.

A Level Subject Choice

We recommend all candidates from Haberdashers’ offer Chemistry and Biology to A Level. Most Medical Schools require two Sciences at A Level. If you research you may find a school whose requirements are less demanding, but remember that if you have difficulty with a science now you are not going to cope at Medical School. You must read the MPW guide “Getting into Medical School” . You should also consult the Medical School’s prospectus and website and ring the Admissions Tutor for precise information at the time of application.

Maths

Maths and Further Maths will only count as one subject.

Keeping a Humanity

Recent years have seen a significant shift in recruitment. Medical Schools are moving away from candidates with a strong scientific/Maths background and are looking at those who can offer more broadly based A Levels, and who can demonstrate good inter-personal skills. We strongly encourage you to broaden your choice by including at least one academic non-Science subject, i.e. Geography, History, RS, a Modern Foreign Language or English. We suggest you check the requirements of the Medical Schools as these requirements are subject to change. Many Habs’ students have found the study of T&P useful for ethical debate, particularly in the BMAT test. Many Haberdashers’ students apply to UCL which positively encourages candidates to offer a Humanity as the third A Level.

A Level Results.

For recent entry, applicants have needed AAA, A*AA or even A*A*A at A Level (see below for Oxbridge info). These requirements may rise yet again for Sept 2021 entry.

Are there supplementary tests I need to take?

Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, amongst others, require applicants to sit the BMAT. You are advised to read the test specifications. Do not underestimate how difficult it is to complete this test in the allotted time. You will need to know and understand IGCSE Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths and be able to apply your knowledge in an imaginative way. This test is set nationally on two days only, in the September and November of your Upper Sixth Year. The November BMAT is sat here in school, but for the September date you will need to take the BMAT externally and arrange yourself. There is guidance for the BMAT here in school in the second half of the Lower 6th in Enhancement lessons.

UCAT Test

Most Medical Schools require candidates to take the UCAT. This test is aimed at assessing your aptitude and personality rather than academic achievement and

scientific knowledge. You take this in the Summer between Lower and Upper Sixth at a centre near you.

The Medic Portal is an organisation who, working with the Royal College of Medicine, offers detailed advice on all stages of applications. Some of this is free and registration on the website is very useful. For the past few years they have delivered an in-house course to advise students on preparation for the UCAT. They offer similar courses for BMAT and other aspects of the process. Other organisations offer similar courses, KAPLAN being the best known.

What is important for my personal statement and interview?

Comprehensive advice is provided by Dr Randall to help you write your personal statement. Dr Mistry has been invited to conduct an interview seminar here at Haberdashers’ for the past seven years. In addition to this each medical applicant at Haberdashers’ is given at least one individual mock interview by a guest medic.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: When preparing your statement you much access the Medical schools’ websites to ensure you cover what they are looking for e.g. proof of manual dexterity, specified number of work experience weeks, lab work, etc.

Personal Qualities

You will be called for interview. Admissions Tutors are looking for exceptional personal qualities. School sports teams, Drama, Music, your SCS activity, CCF, DofE are all excellent ways of allowing you to show that you can make decisions, work as part of a team, take responsibility, be a leader. It is also very important that you gain experience of people in society outside your immediate experience, for example through voluntary work, organised local community schemes, Sunday School, youth groups, or part-time paid employment. Admissions Tutors are looking for genuine interest and commitment on the part of sincere applicants.

Professional Experience

It is essential that candidates demonstrate their understanding and commitment to the Medical profession. Clinical experience in a GP surgery and hospital is highly desirable if not essential. You need to understand that less glamorous activities, such as working as a long term volunteer at e.g. a riding school for mobility impaired children, the terminally ill, young children, or as a hospital visitor are highly regarded and show your true motivation. You must organise work experience placements well in advance. Selectors are not impressed by candidates who simply do their work placement alongside a family member nor are they impressed by work experience placements that you have done alongside leading experts: a week in the A&E, which you have found for yourself, gives you a much better view of what life as a doctor involves.

Is there any special reading I should be doing?

Applicants must have a genuine, enthusiastic and informed interest in some of the basic medical conditions that affect the human body. You will also need to be up to date with current political and ethical issues that are affecting the medical profession and the NHS. The School Library keeps journals, such as the BMJ, which also has a website, and the daily papers.

Is there any special advice for those intending to apply to Oxford or Cambridge?

1. Initial screening at Oxbridge is tough. Medical applicants who are made an offer routinely have an average of 9.9 A*/equivalent at GCSE. You will also need very high marks in the BMAT. 2. If you are thinking of reading Medicine at Cambridge you will need A*A*A at A

Level, including Chemistry and at least one other A Level in Biology, Maths or

Physics. Most applicants have at least three science/mathematics A Levels and some Colleges require this and/or particular subjects. Do check individual colleges: although some prefer a specific combination, this is often not openly stated in any literature. Go to open days and do your research thoroughly. 3. For Oxford you will need A*AA at A Level. You will need Chemistry plus one from Biology, Physics or Maths to A Level. You can still therefore offer a nonscience subject at A Level. 4. You will need to sit the BMAT for these universities. 5. Emphasis is placed upon how well you apply your scientific knowledge at interview. You have to be knowledgeable, adaptable and teachable.

Some very important things to remember:

1 Entering Medicine at a young age is a huge commitment on your part. The course is long and hard. You must honestly and carefully examine your motives for wanting to enter this profession, or you may not last the course.

2 This is a highly competitive field, and no path will guarantee success. You must consider a safety net career. On the UCAS form you will be invited to apply for up to four Medical Schools. You will have the option of applying for another course with your fifth choice. Applicants routinely choose Bio Med Science.

3 Be aware that the course requirements quoted above are open to change. It is vital that you read the current prospectuses of your chosen Medical Schools and check the website carefully, contact the admissions tutors to confirm your eligibility before you apply.

Research each Medical School website

www.thetimes.co.uk (good University guide) www.thestudentroom.com www.bmj.com www.bmat.org.uk www.ucat.ac.uk www.bma.org.uk www.gmc-uk.org www.rcseng.ac.uk (Royal College of Surgeons) www.themedicportal.com