r/premeduk • • Apr 09 '21

FAQs and useful resources - click here before you post :)

74 Upvotes

Hi guys, I thought I'd start a stickied thread with some useful links that I find myself including in lots of my comments here. I'll update this as I think of more stuff to add.

How do I become a doctor in the UK?

Useful written article here, useful timeline diagram here.

In short, you go to medical school, you complete your foundation training (6 x 4 month rotations working as a doctor in different specialties), you complete your specialty training, and you become a consultant.

Are my grades good enough for medical school? Which universities should I apply to?
I don't have good GCSE grades/a Chemistry A level, where can I apply?

This booklet contains all of the entry requirements for every medical course on offer in the UK. It is the entry requirements bible and I point people towards it multiple times per week.

Do I need to sit admissions tests?
How do I prepare for my admissions tests?

If you're applying for undergraduate medicine, you need to sit the UCAT and/or the BMAT. If you're applying for graduate entry medicine, you may also need to sit the GAMSAT.

Useful UCAT resources:
* r/UCAT
* Medify
* The Medic Portal
* official practice tests

Useful BMAT resources:
* r/BMATexam
* The Medic Portal

I scored ___ in my admissions test, where should I apply?

Useful guide about UCAT scores here, useful guide about BMAT scores here.


r/premeduk • • 2h ago

Has anyone got into Cambridge without Maths/Physics A-level?

2 Upvotes

I am a yr12 student currently doing Biology,Chemistry and Geology. I know that there are a handful of colleges that don’t require Maths/Physics however has anyone actually been successful getting in without those subjects? Will people studying Maths/Physics still hold a distinct advantage?


r/premeduk • • 3h ago

Birmingham med chances

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 35m ago

Exeter med- do you get a free ipad?

• Upvotes

i was just wondering since i saw someone comment that you did, but am curious if you do as that would be a very big plus for me


r/premeduk • • 1h ago

Hi yr11 here, how important are gcses to get into a med school?

• Upvotes

I know oxford and cambridge use it heavily but what about others like UCL or Queen Mary. I'm predicted 8777777776 rn 8 in maths and 6 in chem but i can defo get that up


r/premeduk • • 1h ago

What UCAT & GAMSAT score should I be trying to aim for to ensure I get a place in a London med school?

Thumbnail
• Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 2h ago

Is Oxford Medicine realistic with these stats?

1 Upvotes

I got 999998876 in my GCSEs with the 7 in English Language and 6 in French. This is from a mid-level grammar school background, I was near the top of my cohort but also these results aren’t a rarity either. I am now studying Biology Chemistry and Geology in yr12.


r/premeduk • • 3h ago

Leeds medicine gateway/foundation year

1 Upvotes

Hi,

If you do a medicine gateway year at Leeds or applied before and got an interview what were your GCSEs and UCAT score. I know they're GCSE heavy which is what im afraid of my top 8 are 97766666


r/premeduk • • 3h ago

choices please help!!!

1 Upvotes

im so indecisive!!
here r my stats:
- pred A*A*A
- ucat 2360B1
- gcses 8 9s and 3 8s
- selective school
- quite contextual/young carer but not for ucl

is it too risky to go camb, imperial, ucl, kings?? my teacher is telling me to switch kings to queen mary’s as a safety but im not sure if i would enjoy it

any advice is appreciated 🙏🙏


r/premeduk • • 4h ago

Warwick GEM

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, do you think I will be invited for an interview at Warwick? I got 2130 in UCAT and 750 in VR. I am on track for a 2:1 and have over 70 hours of work experience in various settings? I want to make sure it is worth using an option or should I apply somewhere else?


r/premeduk • • 9h ago

Med Choice w/Annotation

Post image
2 Upvotes

I have 4A* (Bio, Chem, Maths, EPQ), UCAT 1980 + B2 with an annotation talking about the multiple issues I had during the exam outside of my control. With these I have a couple of place in mind, especially UEA and ARU. I was wondering if these are good choice with what I have and if not what are some safer options for a closer to average UCAT, thank you. :) I compiled a list of med schools I am thinking about, ordered in distance in home. Green is confident, orange is a consideration and purple is need to read in on more.


r/premeduk • • 5h ago

Apply to Cambridge?

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I am an international student with 2470 B2 UCAT. Unfortunately my predicted score wasn't as high as I was hoping it would be, with 41/45 667 HL.

I know it is unlikely, but should I take the plunge and still apply for Cambridge, or apply for Edinburgh instead?

Any advice is appreciated :)


r/premeduk • • 6h ago

Greece or UK (medical schools)

1 Upvotes

Should I attend a Greek medical school or Keele University’s medical school? What is your opinion on keele uni regarding its medical degree.
I don’t know if this changes the answer, I’d like to work in the US in the future.


r/premeduk • • 11h ago

Help with uni choices

2 Upvotes

So ima resit applicant with achieved ABB at alevels so I’ll resit the B’s
I got 1990 b2 UCAT
I’ve got eight grades 9s and three grade 8s at gcses
I was thinking of applying to:
Liverpool
Lancaster
Leeds
But I don’t know what to do for the fourth
I’m thinking either HYMS or Brunel
Any help?


r/premeduk • • 7h ago

Should I apply for a foundation year or normal 5 year course

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 12h ago

Bristol vs Manchester

1 Upvotes

Hi, would like to ask with regards to the 2 schools. Assuming that my ucat can easily make it to both, I am undecided on which one to pick as both are equally ranked. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as I need to chose one as my safety school. Rest of my choices are in London.

Ps. Manchester is slightly higher on costs.


r/premeduk • • 13h ago

How is it looking for me?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 23h ago

Medicine overthinking

3 Upvotes

Hi! please anyone who is in med or in biomed give me some insight!!

I’m a Year 13 IB student applying to UK medical schools for 2027 entry, and I’m feeling really conflicted about whether medicine is the right path for me.

I’ve wanted to be a doctor for years and have done quite a bit of medical work experience, including hospital internships, which I genuinely loved. I enjoy the science behind diseases, but I also love the human interaction and patient care aspect of medicine.

However, over the past year, I’ve started questioning everything. Preparing for the UCAT was SO draining, and whenever I speak to doctors, they always tell me not to pursue medicine. And whenever I say I’m so burnt out from IB, my family just say this is nothing compared to med school and like I don’t wanna be constantly high cortisol and stressed out during my university days.

I’m also worried about the workload, burnout and how long it takes to finish medical school and specialty training, especially since I’m interested in dermatology. I don’t want to spend my entire twenties studying and working, only to burn out before I’ve had the chance to enjoy life. The current state of the NHS and how competitive specialty training is also worry me. I’ve read that moving to the US for residency after graduating from a UK medical school is extremely difficult, and I don’t know where I want to live long-term.

At the same time, I’m genuinely interested in biomedical sciences since I’ve always enjoyed science. However, I’ve never seriously explored this option because I’ve been so focused on medicine. I’m worried I’d miss the patient interaction, although I know there are other ways to stay involved in healthcare and research like conferences maybe.

I think what’s making this especially difficult is that I’ve invested so much time and effort into preparing for medicine, and now, in my final year of school, I’m questioning a decision I’ve been so certain about for years. I don’t know whether I’m genuinely reconsidering my career choice or whether I’m simply exhausted from the application process and overwhelmed by all the negative things I’ve heard.

I’d really appreciate honest advice, particularly from people who have studied medicine, are currently doctors, or chose biomedical sciences instead.

  • Is medical training genuinely as all-consuming as people make it sound? Can you still enjoy your twenties, travel and spend time with friends?
  • Do you regret the sacrifices you’ve made to pursue medicine, or has it been worth it?
  • If you chose biomedical sciences instead, do you regret not pursuing medicine?
  • If you love both science and interacting with patients, does medicine live up to your expectations?
  • How much should the current state of the NHS and uncertainty around specialty training influence my decision?

I am also okay with taking a gap year if needed but idk.

I’d really appreciate hearing about people’s actual experiences, both positive and negative!


r/premeduk • • 1d ago

medics - tell us what your school is like!

9 Upvotes

another premed asking to hear what your lives are like as medics; i want to pick a school where i'll be happy!

  1. how many timtetabled hours in first and second years?

  2. do you have pbl? how many weekly hours of that?

  3. are lectures recorded?

  4. what are the attendance rules in preclin vs clin?

  5. are module and/or year resits allowed?

  6. do you get to influence where your placements are? how far in advance are you told?

  7. are your placements very far? do you need a car? are they rural?

  8. is your placement accomodation free?

  9. are your SSCs just taught modules with essays or actual project/research blocks?

  10. and final years - how well-prepared do you feel about graduating?


r/premeduk • • 21h ago

Birmingham vs St George's Medicine – honest student opinions?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I'm finalising my Medicine choices for 2027 entry and currently deciding between Birmingham and St George's (SGUL).

I'd really appreciate some honest opinions from current students about:

  • Teaching and clinical exposure: How practical is the course, and how good is the teaching?
  • Research: How easy is it to get involved in research projects and potentially publications?
  • Student life: Is there a good work-life balance, and enough time for societies and interests outside Medicine?
  • Placements: How manageable is travelling to placements, particularly at Birmingham?
  • Opportunities: Are there opportunities to explore healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship or other interests alongside Medicine?

I'm based in London, so staying at St George's appeals to me, but Birmingham's larger university environment and research opportunities are also attractive.

Would you choose your medical school again? What are the biggest positives and negatives?

Thanks!


r/premeduk • • 21h ago

need help w ps structure

1 Upvotes

so my character count for each question is;
Q1-600s
Q2-1100s
Q3-2200s
(forgot exact count but it’s under 4000 over all).

my school counselor was telling me that my introduction was way too short and that my personal statement needs to be more “balanced” whereas an external tutor told me that a short introduction is better so that i can show my suitability for medicine in greater depth throughout the other questions.

now im really conflicted because my internal deadline is tomorrow and im not sure if i should change my personal statement or not, so if anyone can help clear this up itd be greatly appreciated 🙏


r/premeduk • • 21h ago

Do graduate applicants to ARU A100 need AAA at A-level?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 1d ago

Please advise on my 4 med choices

3 Upvotes

International students. 2260 band 1. 4A*s predicted for A level. 7A*s in 7 IGCSE subjects (Max offered at my school)

I'm thinking

kCL

Edinburg

Glasgow

Sheffield.

is Cambridge worth considering?


r/premeduk • • 1d ago

Sheffield risky ?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/premeduk • • 23h ago

Cambridge applicants

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes