The Big Medicine Checklist

So you’ve decided to apply to medical school? Way to go! You’ve already completed the first step by making and committing to that decision.

Admittedly, the admissions process can seem quite overwhelming, especially at first, but you’ve found the right place to guide you through it, here’s a checklist covering all aspects of the application process (specific to medical colleges in the UK) and everything you’ll need from start to finish. Stay tuned for further tips and details on every step along the way!

I. Ensure you’ve done all the right research!

Medicine applications can be quite a lot of work and the last thing you want is for all of your efforts to go down the drain because you might’ve been misinformed or left something crucial out. There’s tons of ways you can get all the information you need; speaking to other med students and applicants, university open days, and the internet of course. This also includes research into the universities and the course itself.

II. Picking the right subjects and getting the right GCSE, AS-Level, Predicted and A-Level grades (or equivalent grade requirements for international/graduate-entry applicants)

Medicine is an intensively academically oriented course and it’s a no-brainer that universities would want to look at your academic profile. Many universities also have specific grade requirements so it’s always best to cross-check.

III. Volunteering and Work Experience

Getting some share of work and volunteering experience has almost become an essential part of medical applications and it’s always best to apply and start early with these, even better if you regularly indulge in the same. It’s completely okay if you can’t always get hospital placements, due to recent developments there are now tons of online opportunities available as well. Plus, there’s the added bonus of the genuine feeling of gratification and the closest insight into the lives of medics you can get before even beginning your degree!

IV. The Admissions Tests (UCAT/BMAT/GAMSAT)

Different universities accept different admissions tests and have their own cut-off scores as well. It’s always best to look in, register and start preparing for these 2-3 months in advance.

V. Reference/ Recommendation Letters

These are essentially written by a tutor, teacher, principal or head teacher who knows you well and would paint a picture of you from someone else’s perspective for the admissions office. Such references ideally should include details covering how you’d be compatible for the course you’re applying to, your nature and personality, work and volunteering experience and your academic background, to name a few things, and naturally, you’ll need to ensure you pick the right referee!

VI. Language Proficiency Tests such as the IELTS/TOEFL (For Internationals)

You don’t need to worry too much about these if you’re fluent with basic English but again, try not to leave this to the last minute and cross-check the score requirements according to the universities you plan on applying to.

VII. The Personal Statement

This is the only part of your UCAS application where you get to first-hand put yourself out there to the college admissions staff and is definitely integral. It’s your chance to write a little bit about yourself, explain your reasons for applying and your passion for the subject, talk about your work experience, hobbies and other skills and achievements. It’s also always best to scan through university websites to cross-check what they’d like for you to include on your PS as well.

VIII. Applying through UCAS

Finally, everything above on this list goes into your UCAS application. It’s always ideal to go through everything and applying at least a few days in advance before the deadline (which is also earlier for Medicine as compared to other courses, usually falling around 15th October). Remember that you can only apply to 4 medicine-choices and a 5th non-medicine choice.

IX. Interviews

Upon the universities’ evaluation of your application, certain candidates then get invited to interviews anytime between December and March. These can be in the form of MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) or panel interviews (or sometimes online if you’re international), the format differing for different universities.

X. And at last, receiving offers post-interviews

These are usually conditional offers (or unconditional if you’ve already met the grades). You’d have to pick a firm and insurance choice and can confirm to either one once you’ve received your results and that’s the end of it. Of course the process doesn’t just stop here and there’s tons of more administrative stuff to do even after receiving offers, but congratulations, you’d have survived and gotten into medical school!

You can also find a free printable covering everything above right here:

The Big Medicine Checklist Printable - T

Download • 279KB

I will definitely be dwelling more in-detail about every aspect of the process (and loads of unsolicited advice) soon, so make sure to subscribe and never miss another update!