Blog Archives
A-level college students in London: Applying to medical school from a medical student’s perspective
The decision to study medicine is not one that any A-level college student should take lightly. The application and interview processes alone are hurdles at which many find themselves falling, and they are designed that way for a reason – medicine is not easy. It is not easy to study, nor is it easy to practise once a student eventually qualifies, so a difficult process is necessary in order to distinguish between those who are cut out for it and those who are not. There are many factors that contribute to a student’s decision to study medicine. A fascination with Continue Reading →
The Medic Portal online resource centre and its use for A-Level college students wishing to study medicine
Making the transition from a sixth-form college in London to medical school can be daunting for many students. The initial decision to study medicine is big enough in itself, but the subsequent application process and quest for information can make the journey nothing short of gruelling. Launched in June this year, The Medic Portal is a resource that helps those who wish to study medicine to navigate the system more smoothly. Their aim is to assist prospective medical students through the key milestones of the application process such UKCAT/BMAT tests and interviews. Tackling what is often a mass of conflicting Continue Reading →
Sixth Form College Scholarships for Medicine and Science
Ashbourne A level College offers sixth form scholarships to students in and around London who have a proven record for outstanding academic achievement. Khadija Owusu, who showed excellent promise when applying to Ashbourne, is one of our first medical scholars, with two offers to study medicine from September. Khadija studied at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school where she excelled in many subjects, but showed particular enthusiasm for maths and science. When the time came to look for somewhere to study for her A levels, Khadija never considered Ashbourne College to be an option. Coming from a low income family, Khadija thought Continue Reading →
Are private medical schools the way forward for A level or sixth form college students in London?
For students wishing to study medicine after A level or sixth form college, many new and exciting opportunities are beginning to present themselves. Buckingham University has recently opened the first private medical school in the UK. At a time when the NHS is losing it’s qualified doctors, to Australia for example, and news reports frequently emphasize overstretching of accident and emergency wards, the private university was overwhelmed with applicants for it’s £30k a year, 5-year medical degree. They received more than 500 applications for 67 places for September 2015 entry, proof that self-funded applicants were not deterred by the price. Continue Reading →
Studying Medicine after A Levels
Choosing to study medicine after A levels is possibly one of the biggest decisionsa student can make. You will be heading down a path that could potentially lead to making real life-or-death decisions, but while you may occasionally be terrified, the positive aspects of the course will far outnumber the negative ones. As with any new learning experience, you should expect to be a little overwhelmed in the first few weeks. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and remember that asking questions is not only expected but is widely encouraged. You won’t be expected to understand all of the acronyms being Continue Reading →
Is Medicine Really for You?
Some points to consider Medicine is one of the most demanding and competitive of all universitycourses and remains the ambition of many of the most gifted science students. Medical schools demand not only exceptional A Levels but also high scores in aptitude tests such as the BMAT or UKCAT. Successful candidates will have written excellent personal statements in their UCAS applications, as well as demonstrating intelligence and commitment in their interviews. They will also have undertaken a variety of appropriate extracurricular activities. It is obvious that a medical career should never be pursued as a whim.The importance of this point Continue Reading →
