Medicine 2018 Part 4

[booface]

Welcome to the new thread! Can't believe we are on the 4th already

So now proper lectures have started how are your DC finding it? DS I think in shock at having to do work after such a long time 😂
A few teething troubles to do with placements that are a very long way away but he seems to be dealing with it. Biggest issue seems to be dealing with lectures after the security of A levels. He seemed surprised there was no specification!

I think DD is also feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of work. They have pre reading to do and she seems unsure about exactly what they want from them. I think she is also struggling a bit as she is writing notes on the computer, as advised, but really prefers writing by hand! But she will work it out. I definitely got the sense yesterday that although she is happy - joining societies, likes her flat mates - that everything is feeling very new and unknown.

Today they do their first dissection. They "met" the cadavers on Monday. She is the group dissector for today, so excited but nervous!

This is only first week of lectures for dd. Get the impression it's mainly been a bit of epidemiology and communication skills etc so far. She's wondering where all the science stuff is! Dissection and gp placements start after Christmas. She's got freshers flu, exacerbated by a night clubbing last night til 4am. Not a good idea with full day of lectures today but she'll learn I'm sure!

It's kind of reassuring in a weird way that most of our DCs are finding it a bit new and not sure exactly what they are supposed to be doing! That's exactly what my DS is saying. He is 4 weeks in now, but I think it's still sinking in that summer is over!!

We have managed to get ourselves an invite up to Edinburgh to see him on the Sunday of half term. So pleased we have been granted an audience! It took a bit of persuading with the promise of a visit out to Loch Lomond and a whiskey tour.... But should be good fun and I'll be happy to check in with him in person. A text every now and then doesn't really cut it!

Posted this on medicine thread 2019 as this is where my DS is but also want to ask for help here please.
First time poster long time watcher on this thread. My DS needs to submit his medical school choices in the next few days and we need help...he has a UKCAT score average 682.5 and has GCSE 5 As 5As and 1 B and predicted A level grades of 2 As and 1 A all sciences. He had done 2 years of volunteering in a nursing home plus various shadowing placements. He thinks his scores would not qualify him for Nottingham or Birmingham both of which he has seen and likes because of his GCSE scores. Also looking at Glasgow, Cardiff and Manchester. Any advice/experience on the criteria for all of the above or ideas for our best chances much appreciated. Many thanks

Lesia22 - what is your DS’s total score? I would say his GCSEs will be an issue for Birmingham and maybe Cardiff. I don’t know anything about Glasgow but you should be ok with Manchester. Nottingham is a lottery but with good PS could be worth a shot. Has he looked at Liverpool?

I know some places work the score out differently if you have achieved A levels like your DS does. I didn't look at this, (DD hadn't done them) but seem to remember that it should benefit him for Cardiff and Leicester. I think they have fairly clear scoring documents on their websites. I think in previous years those A levels would also have got him an interview at Exeter. Didn't look at Manchester or Glasgow. I have a feeling UEA also look at A levels. His UKCAT score is pretty good though too!

Lesia22...not sure if the 2019 medicine thread is the same as the Medicine Megathread that's been going for years, and has two doctors on it... 🤔. They're giving out such great advice to students about UKCAT scores, grades, where would be best to apply etc etc. So just in case it's a different thread that your DS is on, this is (I hope!) the link for the Megathread. The two doctors post under the names Meddad and GANFYD.
ttps://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1043586&page=370

We can all empathise with how stressful the process is and the need for lots of advice...!😩

Thanks total score was 2730 for UKCAT - we have not looked at Liverpool but will look at now thanks

Thanks adrinkofwater Exeter was on the radar early on will have another look tomorrow - as D day approaches!

Thank you muddlethro we will look up the link - and yes its a bit stressy at the moment! thank you to all that have replied I don't do posting normally so these real time responses are great and really help - thanks again all! will keep you posted!

Lesia, DD got an automatic interview at Manchester with Lower gcses (2A*, 7 As, 2 Bs) and slightly lower ukcat. They don't say it officially but their cut off for the last few years has been the 7th decitile of ukcat, ie. 75%.

Lesia

Avoid Exeter only applicants sitting on 3 achieved As will be given an interview anything less and your DS could be wasting an application, only my view but knew students rejected with very high UKCAts and precietd all As x4

I know someone at Exeter this year who was predicted 2A stars had an A. Got 3 A's. So think it does depend.

Leisa22 my SD has similar stats & got 4 interviews.
Liverpool, HYMS, Sheffield & Leicester.
Also think Plymouth & Southampton good gets with those.
Avoid Cardiff (insufficient A*s) Edinburgh & Newcastle (risky re UKCAT). Nottingham seems to be a lottery. Manchester & Keele should be ok as long as you can complete the Roles & Responsibilities Form. Look on website.

Thanks all - Exeter we think will be a high risk and we need to try for as many potential interviews as poss! Manchester still looking good (thanks Swingofthings) also want to find out more on Sheffield as they seem to like good UKCAT scores to offset not all A*s at GCSE. Got into the student room stuff think DS has been looking at it but now time to be a bit more proactive! DS wants to try for BMAT having discounted it as his UKCAT score was good he is keen on UCL (we are not as its London) any views on UCL anyone? Tx

So what I now learn is that pleas for urgent fancy dress help don't stop when they leave school...

Sheffield looks good. My DD had almost identical stats and got an offer. Also from Liverpool, Southampton and Nottingham if that helps.
My DD seems settled and had a quiet Saturday night I think. She seems to have found a group of friends, some medics some not, who are finding their feet together. Teddy bear society tomorrow I believe.

Update after a long day of research with DS on medical school shortlist. We have Manchester, Sheffield and Bristol, we have UCL knocked out as too late to go for BMAT. Fourth choice I am urging another look at Leicester or Southampton DS keen on Glasgow as course sounds great....anyone had experience in trying for Scottish Medical Schools? we live in England, any advice much appreciated my DS scores are in my earlier post yesterday.

Lesia22 - Your DS could still apply for late entry BMAT until 15.10...I think the exam is 31.10.

Lesia, great that you've managed to narrow it down to three! My DS is at St Andrews, which is a six year course. They do 3 years at St Andrews and then move to another medical school for their 3 clinical years ( although they do clinical placements & clinical skills throughout their time at St A's). Students choose the English route (& go on to Barts or Manchester), or the Scottish route (& go on to Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen) for their 3 clinical years. Although their admissions policy isn't all that transparent, I do know that last year someone was offered a place with a UKCAT of 600 (& your DS's is much higher than that). They do ask for work experience in a caring/health environment, and your DS seems to have had a number of such placements. I think his GCSE's would meet the criteria (but double check the website), as they ask for a minimum of 5 at grade A (which your DS exceeds I believe) and they ask for 3 A's at A level, one of which needs to be chemistry. Although they like a strong academic record, they also look closely at the Personal Statement to ensure it demonstrates that they understand what a career in medicine involves, and that they're aware of current developments in medicine (probably standard stuff for a PS I guess) . And they use the MMI's to look for the personal qualities that they feel would make a good doctor.
But how would your DS feel about a six year medical degree, and what does he think about moving on for his clinical years... 🤔

I think Booface's son is at Edinburgh, but I understand they have had an historically high UKCAT cut off....but others on this thread might be more qualified to comment, as my DS did not look at Edinburgh.
🙂

Hi Lesia, muddlethro is right, my son is at Edinburgh. Just started this term. It's a six year course as St Andrews, with an intercalating year. The unique thing about Edinburgh is I think they are the only (or one of very few) that don't interview. So if you are really sure you fit the criteria, it's a good bet for the UCAS form.

On the open day the students we met in the years above seemed to be very happy. Edinburgh doesn't come out the highest on student satisfaction, but it's too early for me to commend via my DS on that I'm afraid. But he has nice accommodation and course seems good so far.

I would say, for us, it is a bloomin' long way, and as flights are so expensive over half term when we thought we would "pop up" we are doing a 750 mile round trip in the car next weekend for a little visit. Something to consider depending where you live!

Good luck to you both as you start your journey.

Lesia have you considered Liverpool? They are always a good bet. I think everyone on this thread who had DC applying got an interview there.

Mine just showed me her stethoscope on FaceTime. It's raspberry and v pretty. Not been out the case yet as she's a bit scared of it I think. And fortunately she has her fancy dress sorted for Thursday nights family cocktail party. She said the hardest part so far is finding time to work as she keeps getting asked to go out !!! So I got off FaceTime and said do some work now rather than gossip to her old mum (who does love her calling 😁).
Liverpool definitely a good bet and it's a fantastic city. UEA is also lovely and I think has an amazing course - was my favorite but DD didn't like Norwich

All booked to go and visit DS in Edinburgh on first weekend of half term (well it's half term here, he is a bit miffed they don't get any half term!). We have decided to take train rather than drive... 750 mile round trip was always going to be a bit crazy!

I've been asked to send up smart trousers for first patient meeting. I hope he has been working on his bedside manner, he is pretty blunt most of the time!

Hope all your DS are getting along well and keeping in touch!