I know on the student room forum they strongly advise against taking the 5th ucas option with the aim of doing that degree with the aim of postgrad medicine. Apparently the competition for postgrad medicine places is far higher than undergrad medicine, it takes longer to become a doctor, and the costs are massively higher and there can be student finance issues. The advice generally is to get the best A levels possible, work or volunteer in a preferably healthcare related job, and reapply.
Another thing to be aware of is that medicine applications differs to other uni applications. There aren’t really ‘top’ and ‘bottom unis as they all pass the same exam at the end. But they all select candidates for interview on different criteria. Some put more (or less) focus on gcses, some score personal statements where others don’t, some have additional forms to fill in for voluntary work/work experience, the predicted grade boundaries and standard A level offers will differ, and how they use the entrance test marks will differ. So rather than students looking at unis they prefer, it’s better to research where their profile will give them the best chance of interview, and apply tactically. There’s little point in someone with amazing predicted A levels but ‘good but not amazing’ gcses applying to unis that prioritise gcses - they’d have a far better chance of interview elsewhere, and it’s all about maximising the number of interviews.
The thresholds for interviews this year has been ridiculous. Many of the unis are honouring offers made to last years applicants due to the government U turn on A levels which has meant fewer places available for this year’s applicants, together with ongoing uncertainty about this years A level results too, so lots of very strong applicants for this year are just not going to get in. This might well have a knock on effect for next year as some of these will choose to reapply.
Having said that it’s not all doom and gloom. My d is a current second year med student. She loves her course even during lockdown and feels that although year 13 was a tough year, it was worth it. She said that her workload is high and the pace is fast, but the stress levels are nothing like year 13.