To think medicine at university is unlikely with these GCSE results?

[Beaubeagle]

My DS has just entered 6th form to study A levels in two sciences and English. He is wanting to study medicine and hasn’t got a back up plan, but I’m worried he wouldn’t have a chance because of his GCSE results. He got 1 x 9, 1 x A*, 2 x 8, 2 x7 and 4x 6. Unfortunately all his sciences were 6’s, although we are looking at having them re-marked (handwriting issues). I’m really worried he won’t stand a chance applying to medical school, even if he does get AAA in A levels. I don’t want to upset him by saying this to him but I need him to be realistic. Aibu in this? I really don’t know what to say to him.

I still go with “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. (apologies for the platitude). Sure he may not succeed, in which case he can take a different course eg different degree & then apply as a post-grad but in my view better that than spend decades wondering.

if he might have succeeded that is rather than giving up.

The point is not just whether he'd get an offer but whether he could cope with the course. Having seen friends go through the course, I know you're expected to learn lots of material very quickly. If you're not naturally gifted in science, I think you'd struggle. I know one friend of dh's got in because he was heavily tutored in his final year of school and he really struggled through medical school.

Medicine is not a pure science though. It is heavy on Biochemistry and Physiology in the first 2 years and also Anatomy & Embryology, Microbiology and Immunology are studied but I found these tend to be more about retaining facts & same with Pathology which is usually studied from year 3.
He may do well at A-level. He may not be a science high flyer in which case Medical Research will not be his forte but there are plenty of fields in Medicine that would be open to someone with a high IQ and dedication.

As has been said upthread, the most academic students do not always make for caring, competent & effective doctors.I do also feel that teens mature at different rates & some realise earlier than others the most effective way of studying.

A family member (who is a doctor) reckons that most of the people who go into Medicine are too bright for the profession. I've been told (not sure if this is up-to-date info though) that in Israel they do IQ tests and those with really high scores are screened out of the application process.

Sorry not read whole thread but can he not apply after A levels? So concentrate on getting really good A levels and then apply. Gap year would give time for lots of work experience/shadowing/care work type stuff that medical schools like as well.

Graduate medicine and transfer programmes are incredibly competitive. Even more competitive than direct entry to medical school. And expensive! If you don't get on a graduate medicine course, and only get on an undergraduate course then you can't get a tuition fee loan.

Suggest concentrating on getting the best A-level grades as possible and accepting that many people apply for several years before they get onto the course.

My daughter failed to get the A levels she needed for the degree she wanted (Bio-medical sciences) so not unrelated to your son's degree. She was offered a foundation degree by the same university which enabled her to get onto the course she wanted. Just made it 4 years instead of 3. With the foundation course she could have applied anywhere she wanted (she chose to carry on where she had settled) and for different science/medical courses. At least one student went onto medicine so this could be an option for your son. Also many medical schools run shortened courses for people who have degrees in other sciences. So this is another possibility. Whatever happens don't force your son into doing A levels that do not interest him just because you think he will not get into Medicine. With universities vying for students these days, there are many routes available.
Meanwhile get your son to look for work or volunteering opportunities in medical settings which will help his application.

...they do IQ tests and those with really high scores are screened out of the application process.

Ridiculous. That reminds me of a Ray Bradbury short story. Sci fi in other words.