dd is a born scientist and wants to do medicine, what does she need to do to get to where she wants?

[MummieHunnie]

I gather that she will need to do

A level Chemistry, and two more including sciences/maths

What universities do you go to?

What other things will she need?

I only have gcse's and some level 3 professional exams, not university educated, her dad not around, he was.

There is already a thread giving a lot of this information a little further down this page called

'medicine, what gcse and a levels do you need, where do you apply?'

May be of some help to you and dd.

As a starting point:-

www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/index.cfm?pid=51&catalogueContentID=731&render=detailedArticle

Also, www.medschoolsonline.co.uk.

My daughter started medicine last September. A good source of info for her was www.thestudentroom.co.uk - check out the medicine forum where current students (and doctors) help would be medics. It is a very competitive course but as well as gaining very good grades (AAA is expected by many universities now for medicine), it is essential to get some work experience both to demonstrate her commitment to a caring profession but also to make sure she understands what she is letting herself in for. My daughter worked in the local general hospital, initially as a volunteer then for 6 months as a Health Care Assistant (HCA). This provided her with a great insite into the day to day running of hospital life. Hope this helps.

Student room is a good forum. If you and partner didn't go to uni or are on a low income ask if school has a programme for Aim higher ( although it may be cut soon) they often have days out or short courses for kids who want to go to Uni and connections with the local med or law school with automatic interviews and help with writing personal statements etc at Ucas stage so they do give you an advantage.My DD college had this but did not tell us about it - it seems to be up to you to push for it - we found out we were eligible but too late.

A level Chem is a must plus at least one other science usually a minimum of 3 A2's and 4 AS. Work experience (can be voluntary) is also essential for application - the schools career dept may have links with local NHs and care homes etc and can arrange this or organise yourself but do it early on. Need to show other outside interests too (well rounded).

Your child will also probably have to sit the UKCAT or BMAT test - sort of IQ/logic tests. These are sat online at Pearson centres (UKCAT) before applying - some med schools won't look at you unless you score above a certain threshold. We were told at open days not to bother practising for these tests - what rot! you definately need to prepare.(Practice books to buy)

Also research your medschools carefully some won't interview you without a certain number of A* at Gcse (eg Birmingham currently 7)only Southampton currently don't interview as part of the application process.

I have been shocked at how competitive it is to get in nowdays - good luck!

Just to add, if your DD is a born scientist, medicine is not the only way to go. There's so much exciting research going on in biology. If she particularly wants to help sick people, there's cancer research or genetic disease research.

I originally wanted to be a vet but now work in veterinary virology research. I think my job is much more exciting, and the good work I'm doing finding cures for animal disease has a more long-terms impact on the world. I'm very pleased I didn't get into vet school!!

If medicine is so very competitive, and she loves all science, it might be an idea to start keeping her mind open to all the options now rather than risk her being too disappointed if she doesn't get into med school.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here goes;

Good spread of academic GCSE subjects, preferable seperate chem/bio/physics but double science may acceptable to some med schools - look at a selction on the UCAS website to get an overview (diff unis have diff restrictions)

A in as many subjects as possible - many med schools now impose a min number of A, with Birmingham being notorious at 8.5 A*

Good range of extra curricular activites - music is excellent for this - and TEAM sport participation

evidence of leadership and initiative - not nec headgirl persay, but rather organising events which others may benefit from. DofE of is excellent for this, but she'd need several other sets of evidence as well.

Volunteer work in areas such as special needs, elderly care, disability - any area where she gains experience of patient care, minimum of 6 months to a year in the year leading up to her application submission

Work experience - witnessing patient interaction, so observing at a local hospital, gp, hospice etc. This can be challenging to organise, competitive to gain access, and her age may limit as some trusts wont acept