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Firstly, you must remember there are no guarantees. Most people who apply to medical schools will not take up a place. Competition is
fierce and increasingly strong.
However, Ashbourne's record of students gaining offers is considerably higher than the national average at around 70% and we pride
ourselves on the quality of assistance we provide to potential medical candidates and to the UCAS procedure in general.
BAC Inspection Results
Our recent BAC inspection rated both our UCAS and personal tutoring system as Excellent (the highest rating).
This following comments are taken directly from the report:-
- "Support for UCAS applications was excellent. The vice-principal made full use of the UCAS on-line system to monitor and track applications, enabling her to intervene promptly if there is a lack of progress..."
- "Specific additional support, including interview practice, is given to those making Oxbridge applications or applying for medical or dental degree programmes..."
Teaching
Good quality AS grades are needed, as the predicted grades in the UCAS application will be based on these. This is particularly
important for overseas candidates who may not have sat GCSE or equivalent examinations; for such candidates, the AS grades will
be the only graded external examination qualifications on the UCAS form.
Although retakes are an option, all medical candidates should look to achieve solid AS grades at the first attempt.
In addition, subjects taken only to AS level can contribute to your overall scores and are essential for admission to some of the
most competitive courses, particularly when only 3 subjects are taken at A2 level.
You can expect:-
- To receive 6 hours of tuition per subject per week in the lower sixth. This will continue into the upper sixth; however, an additional 2 hours per subject per week will be provided where necessary to provide support to any students who need to retake papers in their second year. (One year intensive students can expect to have 6-8 hours of tuition in each subject per week);
- Class sizes not to exceed 10 students;
- Enthusiastic teachers who will take an interest in your studies and your application to medicine and appreciate your specific needs and requirements. Your tutors will always put your best interests first and will be on hand to offer assistance outside of class whenever they have no other teaching commitments;
- Medical seminars on topical medical and scientific topics using up-to-date materials and journals;
- Visiting speakers and guest lecturers throughout the year;
- The opportunity to attend medical lectures and seminars off the premises (see section on medical courses). Ashbourne is well situated for such events and they are organised regularly; Imperial College Medical School is a 10-minute walk and University College, London is a 15-minute tube ride. Medical applicants are urged to attend these events to broaden their interests and keep up-to-date with current medical and scientific issues.
Your Application
You can expect:-
- A personal tutor to guide you through every step of the application process;
- One-to-one assistance with your application and personal statement where appropriate;
- At least one mock interview with Dr. John Foreman, ex-Admissions Director at UCL, plus further mock interviews with Ashbourne staff as required;
- A fair and thoughtful personalised reference for the UCAS form and for any work experience.
Your Interview
Mock Interview
Students usually find the interview the most daunting part of the application process - understandably so! You will be cross-examined
by a panel of experts and there is pressure on you to perform and give the best impression of yourself in just 15-30 minutes.
Several Ashbourne staff members are experienced in giving mock interviews and students can have as many of these as necessary. A real
advantage to joining Ashbourne is the interview with Professor Foreman. This is a chance to get some feedback from a genuine expert
and from someone who has for many years interviewed students for medical entrance.
All of our former medical candidates described the mock interview as invaluable for building confidence and picking up vital tips before
the real thing.
Resources
Mike Kirby and John Wilson are now members of the interview panel for Medicine at University College London.
They can provide invaluable advice on the format of Medical School interviews, common questions and what kind of replies the best
candidates give. Make use of this invaluable opportunity to gain an insight into the minds of the interviewers!
What if there are Problems with my Application?
Your personal tutor will check your application before it is submitted to ensure that it is free from errors. However, other
problems may arise after your application has been sent.
There are, for instance, occasionally technicalities that overseas students need to ensure they have completed before they are offered
a place. You will be responsible for this yourself; however, your personal tutor will assist you in any way he or she can and you can
expect them to be committed to ensuring everything possible is done to ensure your application runs smoothly.
Work Experience
Ashbourne will not find work experience for you; however, we will assist wherever we can in recommending places and people to contact
and by giving guidance as to the appropriate types of work experience to look for.
We will also assist by giving references where necessary. Ultimately, however, work experience should be organised by the student as
this demonstrates a committed and pro-active attitude during your application.
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