How To Get Into UK Medical Schools: The Timeline

📕 Below is an overview of what you can expect over the next year:

📚 Below is an expanded, more detailed guide on what to expect and how to prepare for the coming year.

📈 Year 12 (Lower Sixth Form):

• September - October:

  • Start researching medical schools and their entry requirements:
    

    • Different medical schools focus on different aspects, such as A levels or interviews

    • UCAT vs GCSE weighting

    • Check if you are eligible for contextual offers

  • Attend university open days:
    

    • Consider the location

    • Consider the course structure

    • Ask students or staff any questions you may have about life at university

    
    

• Throughout the Year:
  

  • Focus on achieving strong predicted grades in relevant A-level subjects, particularly Chemistry and Biology. You can do this through implementing effective revision techniques, such as active recall and using online resources, such as our tailored tutoring.

  • Begin gaining relevant work experience in healthcare settings. Be imaginative - this could be through volunteering, nursing homes, GP clinics or hospitals to name a few!

  • Start drafting your personal statement, highlighting your motivation for studying medicine. Use your personal experience to convey the motivation behind starting your medical school journey. Make sure you relate each point to your own unique life events and goals.

🗒 Summer Vacation (Between Year 12 and Year 13):

• July - August:

  
  
  
  

  • Continue gaining work experience and volunteering in healthcare settings.

  • Refine your personal statement and seek feedback from teachers or mentors. However, remember that all content in the personal statement should come from you, so that it is as authentic and organic as possible - medical school admissions prefer this!

  • Start preparing the UCAT, by doing practice questions and take the UCAT before the September deadline.

  • Visit universities during open days to see which medical schools are best suited for you, considering factors such as course design, campus location, living cost and entry requirements.
    

💼 Year 13 (Upper Sixth Form):

• September - October:
  

  • Finalise and submit your UCAS application by the deadline (usually mid-October for medicine courses). Using your UCAT score, your course type and campus preferences, and your GCSE results / A Level predictions, choose the best suited medical schools for you!

  
  

• November - January:
  

  • Prepare thoroughly for interviews, including practicing common interview questions and ethical scenarios.

  • Attend interviews if you receive invitations from universities.

  
  

• February - March:
  

  • Continue attending interviews if necessary.

  • Await decisions from universities regarding offers.

  
  

• April:
  

  • Some universities may make final offers or decisions during this month.

  
  

• May - June:
  

  • Firmly accept or decline offers through UCAS by the specified deadline.

  • Prepare for A-level examinations, ensuring you maintain strong grades.

  
  

• August:

  
  
  
  

  • Receive A-level results and confirm your place at university if you meet the conditions of your offer.

  • Explore UCAS Clearing options if necessary.
    

📊 Post-A-Level Results:

• August - September:
  

  • If you meet the conditions of your offer, prepare for university induction and enrolment.

  • If you unfortunately don't meet the conditions, do not worry as you have options! Consider alternative options such as reapplying next year, working towards a graduate-entry programme or applying to overseas schools

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👨‍⚕️ Starting Medical School:

• September - October:

  • Attend university induction events and familiarise yourself with the campus, course structure, and support services.

  • Begin your medical studies, focusing on developing effective study habits and adjusting to university life, whilst utilising your support networks, such as friends, families and welfare officers.
    

🎓 It's essential to stay organised and proactive throughout the application process, ensuring you meet all deadlines and requirements set by universities. Additionally, remain flexible and prepared to adapt your plans based on feedback and outcomes from interviews and offers.