Applying To Medical School

• 2011-02-10

  The Power of Curry

  It helps cancer and strokes!

• 2011-02-04

  masquerademadnesss asked: I wish you got back to me earlier :( Your tips are so wonderful. :(

  Sorry I was too late getting back to you :(

  I hope your interview went well then. Have you got any others upcoming?

• 2011-02-02

  masquerademadnesss asked: HELLO! :) Wow I see that you're online! :) Well I haven't "spoken" to you in ages! I hope you are doing well! :D
  Anyway, I shall be going to Leicester University for an Interview next week! Any tips? :) Do you happen to know what goes on in the written assessment?

  Hello!! Sorry it’s taken me yonks to reply but I’ve had a stomach bug recently which has curtailed my Tumblr activity (as well as just maintaining my glamorous, fast-paced lifestyle).

  If I recall correctly, there should be two interviewers; one an experienced clinician and one a final year student. My general advice though would be similar to the last person I answered a question for:

  • Don’t be afraid to engage in a proper discourse - you should see your interview as a two-way street. What do you want to know about going to medical school there?
  • Be prepared to clearly articulate your reasons for wanting to study medicine. Was there maybe a catalyst moment in your life which led you to make that choice? When did you know that becoming a doctor was for you?
  • Try and brush up on some general NHS/healthcare topics. For example, what are your views on the upcoming revalidation process?

  Your assessment by the interviewers will be judged in mainly three areas:

  • Communication skills
  • Motivation for medicine (a considered and realistic view)
  • General suitability (e.g. determination, interest in people)

  I hope I’ve got back to you in time!!!

• 2011-01-18

  

  Has anybody played around with Google Body yet? Give it a go!

• →

  somalidane-deactivated20110108 asked: I just wanted to know about what I can do to prepare and what kinds of questions they ask?

  Hi Somaldine,

  Sorry it took me a little while to get back to you but I’ve been a tad busy. Hope I’m not too late!

  Interestingly enough I do know a couple of people who studied at Bristol and are now working doctors (an FY and ST) who had a great time there. There’ll be two interviewers and I’m told that you can expect a lot of the standard questions:

  • Why do you want to be a doctor?
  • Why is it that you want to study medicine?
  • Why do you want to come to Bristol to study?

  One thing which is important is not to treat the interview as a one-way street. The interviewers will of course be trying to find out as much as they can about you and it’s up to you to find out as much information as possible about life as medical student at Bristol (satisfaction ratings by current/former students, teaching strengths, support during exam periods, etc.). Don’t be worried about entering into an actual conversation!

  Furthermore, while you don’t need an intricately in-depth knowledge of NHS and healthcare in the UK, you should be comfortable in discussing some of the major issues going on at this time, e.g. the upcoming revalidation process, Britain’s ageing population and some knowledge of the current NHS reforms being made by the government.

  For some further reading you might like to consider the BMJ, some Royal College website or Galenicals – the University of Bristol’s Medical Students’ Society (http://www.galenicals.org.uk/)

  I hope that was of some help!

• 2011-01-07

  somalidane-deactivated20110108 asked: Hey. i just got an interview for medicine at Bristol University and I was wondering if it's okay for me to ask you for some tips about the interviews as the time approaches?

  Sure, I’d be glad to help.

  Anything in particular you’d like advice on?

• 2010-12-09

  Nottingham

  Nottingham, (infamously the home of Robin Hood) boasts many tourist attractions, places to eat, and shopping! The City is extremely student orientated with many restaurants and bars offering a variety of discounts on presentation of a student card. Whilst full of authentic architecture and surroundings, (the running tram system being one of them) the city is undergoing many new developments to add to its rich culture. Top places to visit include; the Lace Market, (plenty of swanky shops and bars) the Nottingham Playhouse, (housing some top quality theatre and international drama productions) the National Ice centre and Sherwood Forest, to name but a few. Students at Nottingham are rarely short of ideas for places to go or things to do, access to the city centre is particularly easy with ample buses and trams running frequently

  The Nottingham Medical School, situated in one of Britain’s busiest teaching hospitals, (The Queen’s Medical Centre), was opened in 1970. The University itself was ranked 13th in the country for the year 2009 by the Sunday Times and is within the top 1% of Universities worldwide. Academic prestige aside – The Medical School is rich in tradition and presents a whole host of opportunities to its students! Those studying in Nottingham are spoilt for choice with places to go as a break from their hard work. Whether it’s the trendy Lace Market or the historical parts of the city that suit you best, an enjoyable and interesting time is guaranteed!

  The Medical School currently spans two campuses, (at Nottingham and Derby) with top quality facilities and a friendly attitude at both. The course is refreshingly detailed with a mixture of traditional lectures and small group work. Nottingham remains original in the sense that its students are awarded a degree at the end of year 3 (whilst only a 5-year course); an encouraging reward after the hard working clinical years.

  Key Facts

  • Course Type and Length – 5 years Standard (A100)
  • 4 years Graduate Entry Medicine
  •  Degree Awarded – BMBS
  • Entrance Exam - UKCAT
  • Entry Requirements – Undergraduate: AAB; Graduate: 2.1 for A100; 2.2 for A101; Scottish Highers: AAB
  • Mandatory Subjects –A in both Biology  and Chemistry for 5 year course
  • Interviews – For 5 year course: Nov- March; 2-4 interviewers; For GEM : March-April; 40 minutes; 3 interviewers. 
  • Admissions Figures – Applicants: 1984; Interviews: 700; Places: 249
  • Open Days – Organised throughout the year. More info to be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/mhs/opendays.php

  Getting In

  The Nottingham admissions department considers each applicant carefully, from a variety of different sources. The UCAS personal statement and predicted grades are assessed in addition to the candidates UKCAT score, (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) and special online questionnaire submission. The questionnaire is offered to every applicant, giving them the opportunity to provide evidence that they have the attitude and integrity to meet GMC approval. The admissions department is looking for a variety of things in a potential applicant. The Medical School suggests that this would involve evidence of good academic achievement motivation, stamina and an insight into the world of work as a Doctor. Top candidates would also reflect a caring ethos and responsible attitude with good organisational skills and time management. For the year 2010, the committee aim to interview 700 candidates for which there will be 249 places. An offer will therefore be made to around 35% of applicants at interview, (giving most a good chance depending on their performance!) There is a large emphasis at interview on empathy and ability to reason in an honest and appropriate manner. A good knowledge of the structure of the course and surrounding location is additionally of benefit. The interview will often explore the candidate’s opinion on current ethical issues, in addition to looking for a general interest in Medicine, academic achievement and involvement in extra-curricular activities. The panel normally comprises two members of staff one lead and on the admissions board, and the other a chairperson to put the applicant at ease. The Nottingham interview is not intimidating, and a good experience if a reasonable amount of preparation has been done!

  Facilities

  The Medical School at QMC, has a useful and well organised library. There is no common room, but plenty of cafes for students to catch up during well-earned breaks! Derby Royal Hospital has a student’s mess for those on clinical attachment where free drinks are available. The QMC has several lecture theatres, a series of tutorial rooms and an excellent drop-in clinical skills centre.

  Student Support

  There are many sources of support available for Nottingham Medics. Within the Medical school, all students are assigned a tutor who is seen regularly throughout the first two years to deal with any problems or queries. In the clinical years, students are additionally assigned a tutor who is usually a clinician/physician on placement. Regular meetings are again ensured and student self-appraisal is encouraged. All students in the medical school are provided with a ‘pastoral care in the medical school’ booklet which contains the contact details of other trained individuals, appointed to provide advice to students with problems.

  Outside the Medical school, Nottingham University offers a free, confidential counseling service run by students, for students. All advisors are trained to deal with the problems they may encounter. More information may be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/counselling. Within the main university, a chaplaincy service is available and the Portland Building houses a multi-faith quiet room, Muslim prayer rooms and a chapel.

  Medics’ Sport and Societies

  There are some excellent Medics sports teams at Nottingham, and joining one of the many clubs is a lively and fulfilling experience. In particular the Medics rugby team are very successful; this year winning the NAMS sevens, (a national competition.) Training takes place twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Medics also get involved in tennis, football, hockey and swimming and regularly compete and go on tour with their teams. During the summer of 4th year and 5th year, the Medics, ‘Summer series’ is organised in the absence of the pre-clinical students! This is an entertaining and more relaxed inter-school competition, followed by an exciting night out to celebrate/commiserate in the local bars of Nottingham.

  The 3rd years annually put on the ‘Medics Musical’; a highlight of the social calendar. This year’s production of, ‘West Side Story’ hopes to display the large amount of musical talent within the medical school, whilst raising money for a good cause. In addition Medics take part in their own choir, orchestra, and societies such as sexpression, (teaching younger teenagers sex education), and open art surgery, (offering art opportunities on the paediatrics ward.) Of course there are many more clubs and societies all worthy of mention; there is always something to get involved with.

  Further Info:  http://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/cc/hcassociations/medsoc/

  Student Experience

  The combination of the outstanding one-to-one teaching, great facilities and world renowned research taking place in stunning surroundings bound in tradition and history makes your years at Oxford, truly some of the very best of your life.

  Once You Get In…

  On acceptance to Nottingham Medical School, a large brown envelope is sent in the post containing all that is needed to confirm a place on the course, sort out living arrangements for the coming year and plan what is and is not needed to take to uni! Since last year, students have been allowed to select not only whether they would like to be catered/self catered but also which hall of residence they would like to be on campus. The information pack also contains some forms about immunisations which are ideally in place for the beginning of the course – it is worthwhile to check with the Medical School if these are offered at Nottingham at the beginning of the academic year.

  The Students Union and MEDSOC send out several newsletters and brochures to provide a taste of what is to come. During the weeks leading up to Fresher’s week, the website www.weekone.co.uk goes live and the line up for the events of Fresher’s Week is released! Most events are hall specific so it’s a good idea to take note of what theme the hall parties are so you can be prepared ready with some fancy dress ideas! Most students apply to join the sports centre and gym following initial registration on the second Sunday following Fresher’s Week. This gives plenty of time to decide which sports clubs to be involved in and to see whether or not the Uni gym is for you.

  The Best Thing

  • Well organised course with extra degree at the end of year 3!

  The Worst Thing

  • A high revision load at times, but it will be worth it….

   

• 2010-11-25

  Preparing your personal statement

  The first step in preparing your personal statement is to take a good look at yourself – your personality, your strengths and your achievements. Then take a blank piece of paper and write down where you stand with regard to the key questions set out below.

  It is almost certain that you will not be able to touch upon each and every topic covered by these questions in your final personal statement. However, it will be helpful for you to consider each question; you can then decide which areas you are keen to include and which ones you are content to discard.

  You might also find it valuable to have to hand the following when considering the key questions below:

  • The typical duties of a doctor registered with the General Medical Council’
  • The guiding principles for the admission of medical students formulated by the Council of Heads of Medical Schools

  But please note: it is extremely important that when it comes to writing your personal statement, you create your own expressions and phrases. Your personal statement has to be written uniquely in your style – about you!

  Key questions

  • When and why did you begin to be interested in medicine?
  • Why do you want to study medicine? Are you sure you want to be a doctor? Why do you want to be a doctor rather than, for example, a nurse, or a physiotherapist? Or a lawyer?
  • Why are you so keen to study at this particular medical school?
  • What kind of person are you? Which aspects of your personality equip you well for medical studies and a career in medicine?
  • What are your strengths? What special talents do you have which could be of real value within a medical career?
  • What work experience have you had which has given you a special insight into life as a medical student or as a doctor?
  • What else have you done, or has happened to you, which has provided excellent learning experiences or drawn upon your special personal qualities, such as compassion, tenacity, empathy?
  • What awards or prizes (academic and non-academic) have you received? What do these tell people about you?
  • What are your keen interests outside of academia?
  • What do you see yourself doing in five or ten years time?

• 2010-11-23

  

  Something I thought people might enjoy - though I don’t recommend copying verbatim!

  (via cloud-head)

• 2010-11-10

  Medical School Interview: Things to avoid

  • Not having visited the university before
  • Arriving for the interview late; rushing
  • Forgetting the content of your Personal Statement
  • Appearing over-rehearsed
  • Trying to be funny; being glib, casual or uninterested
  • Dishonesty; deliberately misleading the panel
  • Using any word or phrase the meaning of which you are uncertain
  • Using acronyms, especially those with which panel members are likely to be unfamiliar; and especially if you don’t know the meaning yourself!
  • Drying up completely; however there are times when silence is very powerful
  • Using tentative language, such as: ‘I think I might do…’ Although it is perfectly acceptable to start a response by saying: ‘I am not certain what I would do because every situation/patient is unique. However, I know the things that I would be considering are…’
  • Fudging; if you don’t know the answer to a factual question, then admit it and get ready to move on
  • Drawing attention to any weakness UNLESS you are learning from it and becoming a more complete person for doing so
  • Criticising others or casting yourself in a favourable light compared to others
  • Interrupting or arguing with the panel. Be prepared to disagree politely and sincerely
  • Answering the wrong question or answering a question you would like to be asked rather than one you are asked
  • Asking the interviewer to re-phrase a question. Why should they? By all means though, seek clarity if you are genuinely unsure
  • Being passive or apologetic; being aggressive
  • Lacking enthusiasm, sincerity and vitality