Advice Needed: Medicine Reapplication While Starting a Computer Science Degree
Hi everyone,
I would really appreciate some honest advice from students or parents who have been through something similar.
My son is currently in S6 in Scotland. His original goal was Medicine, but he did not get the required A grades earlier, so he resetting Higher Chemistry and Higher Biology. He also did Advanced Higher Maths.
He has an unconditional offer for Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University, but he still does not want to completely give up on Medicine.
One option we are thinking about is:
- Start Year 1 Computer Science at Heriot-Watt
- Privately study A-level Chemistry
- Prepare properly for UCAT in 2026
- Reapply for Medicine through UCAS
I wanted to ask:
Has anyone started another degree first and later got into Medicine?
Do UK medical schools accept private A-level Chemistry alongside Scottish Highers?
Would Higher Biology, Higher Chemistry, Advanced Higher Maths and private A-level Chemistry be enough for some medical schools?
Would he also need Advanced Higher Biology or Advanced Higher Chemistry?
Which UK medical schools are more flexible with this kind of background?
We are trying to make the right decision emotionally, academically and financially. We do not want him to regret not trying for Medicine, but we also want to be realistic.
Any honest advice, experiences or success stories would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.