IABU - Posting for Traffic - Subjects required for Medicine

[mbosnz]

Sorry, I know a lot of you ladies have a wealth of experience in this field.

My daughter is very keen and focused on getting into medicine.

She's saying she doesn't need to do A Level Maths for medicine? What sayest thou, o wise women of Mums Net?

She does not need A level maths. Most places need Chemistry and/or biology. Think Newcastle currently don't but check as things change. Needs some work experience but not loads (compared to vets ) and then gas to ace the entrance exams UCAT or BMAT. Then apply to your strengths (some use GCSEs, some exams, some predicted grades and some a mixture).

She’s right- dd is also wanting to do medicine and is doing bio, Chem, maths and history currently. She has done tonnes of research and appears that only uni that requires it is Cambridge. Dd is going to carry on all subjects to A2 but not out of necessity- she has just discovered that she’s a lot naturally better at maths than she originally thought and enjoys all her subjects.

The most important thing is getting the grades as long as you have chemistry and biology. Some unis (I think Brighton and Sussex and maybe UCL) actually prefer a third non-science subject.

What does she plan to do instead? I would anticipate that the IB (International Baccalaureate) would be accepted if the right subjects were taken at higher/advanced level (it's a long time since I looked at this!), but it's not an easy option compared with A levels.

argh, sorry, should have read the OP properly!

DD has friends who have their third as drama, art, history, psychology, textiles, pe and graphics. She's a 2nd year so not that long ago when they all applied. Getting those 3 grades is the important bit.

mumsneedwine could I ask where your dd is? Just out of interest and for mental notes

Chem, bio.... don't need maths

Thanks so much.

Of course, now I have to get the next round of drinks, having been wrong. Yet again.

I go very much with your username, mumsneedwine. . .

Maths not needed at all, can get into some med schools without bio or chem but best bet is bio, chem plus a n other.

DS is at UEA with Geography, Biology and Chemistry. He got offers at Southampton and Hull/York with that combo. Applying for medicine takes a lot of research

Applying for medicine takes a lot of research

That's for sure! As per, I'm trailing in her wake.

Chemistry essential. Biology not always necessary - but I didn't do it and found first year Biochem as struggle to catch up. Maths not needed, but in lots of courses it can be helpful for the stats.

Was just coming on to say yes she’s quite right!

Good luck to her

DD is at Nottingham. Having far too much fun. Definitely need research - look what type of course you like (style of teaching, dissection etc), then look where your GCSEs fit - Cardiff score them, Sheffield don't care as long as 7As. Then do exam and see where this will get you an interview. Look at the selection criteria, not the minimum requirements !!!! It's a bumpy journey but so worth it when get there. Although you do have some v weird conversations with your child. "What did you do today ? I dissected a penis". Not a conversation I ever expected to have 😳

"What did you do today ? I dissected a penis".

DD is a touch over enthusiastic at this particular prospect. I guess it takes a particular type of person, huh?!