All Medical Schools require Chemistry at A-level and at least one other science; most require Biology to at least AS level. A typical medical school candidate will offer Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics or Physics. A fourth subject to at least AS level is often a requirement and usually an advantage. Some schools like to see a more diverse fourth subject (e.g. a language or English), which demonstrates a breadth of interest and ability. The minimum grade requirement at A2 is ABB with most schools accepting only AAB or AAA. Medical schools generally give offers based on A-level grades, not UCAS points (so e.g. AAC would not substitute for an ABB offer).

The GCSE requirements vary from one school to another goes without saying that applicants have to be very strong academically in order to be considered (i.e. mostly A* and A grades). Students who do not have the ability to gain A grades at GCSE and A-level will probably find the medicine course and career too challenging for them, and should be realistic about considering other alternative careers.

Straight "A" student?

Last year, on one of their interview days, the weakest candidate interviewed for King's College Medical School had 4 A's at AS-level and 9 A*s at GCSE.

Some medical schools ask for a pass in other exams such as the UKCAT and BMAT exams. For Oxbridge, applicants also need to complete a specific entry form in addition to their UCAS form. Overseas students especially need to make sure that they read the university prospectuses very carefully to ensure that they meet all the specific entry requirements.

Medical school applicants will also be tested on their non-academic qualities and qualifications. Personal attributes required to become a successful doctor will be examined through the UCAS form and also usually at interview. Medical applicants also need to demonstrate other interests outside the academic curriculum such as music and sports, which develop personal skills and make a more rounded individual. Teamwork and responsibility or leadership are key skills that need to be demonstrated through school clubs, societies, social groups, etc.

Before a medical school candidate can be admitted to university, he or she must complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check of previous convictions, and have been successfully vaccinated against Hepatitis B. This takes several months, as a test to show the vaccination has produced antibodies needs to be carried out 4-6 weeks after the vaccination.

Key figures:

• In the last 5 years applications to medical school in the UK have increased by 88%
• The ratio of applications to places is now around 10:1 at most medical schools