Mature student, and career changer, prospective applicant to medicine. Looking for realistic, helpful advice.
Hey everyone,
Looking for some friendly, honest, non-judgemental advice from people who know the medical school application process well. I hope this is the right place to ask.
I’m a mature student, over 30, and I’m planning to apply to study medicine. Over the last year or so I’ve completed A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, achieving AAA, alongside an AS in Maths at grade A.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and have been scoring well in practice tests so far. I’ve also been gaining work experience in both a hospital and GP surgery ahead of applications.
One thing I’m really concerned about is my older academic history. I already have previous GCSEs, A-levels and a degree from more than 15 years ago, and honestly the grades weren’t great. I was in a very different place mentally and personally back then, and I don’t think they reflect who I am now or what I’m capable of.
My previous qualifications were:
GCSEs:
9 GCSEs A–C including:
Double Science: AA
English Language: A
English Literature: B
Maths: B
A-levels:
Fine Art: C
Design Technology: D
BTEC Diploma in Art & Design: Merit
Degree:
Film & Video Production, 2:2
I feel so embarrassed even writing that down now for people to see now, but the context is important to my post!
Since then I’ve completed training and worked as an intelligence analyst in the RAF, built a successful career in film/video production, worked in high pressure head-of-department roles, and run my own production company for years. I also completed these recent science A-levels in a fast-track timeframe whilst running my business full time.
My questions are:
- With my recent grades and background, do I realistically stand a good chance of getting into medical school?
- Will my older academic record seriously damage my application?
- Are the new A-levels enough, or would doing an Access to HE Medicine diploma strengthen my chances?
- Are there particular medical schools that tend to look more favourably on mature applicants or non-traditional routes? I've heard anecdotally from some firends who are medics that a lot of med schools are super snobby about anyone not from certain traditional backgrounds and educational pathways, or even anyone not privately educated.
- Has anyone here come into medicine later in life from a completely unrelated career?
I’m fully committed to doing this and understand it’s a difficult path. I've always wanted to be a doctor, my mum was a Nurse consultant in the NHS and I was always fascinated by her work and loved going to the hospital with her. I also feel strongly about doing a carrer that helps people and is making a positive contribution.
I’m mainly looking for constructive advice from people with experience or knowledge of the process. If you are some nasty, bitter, insecure lurking forum troll, who only has purely negative things to say, then please try and resist the urge, due to your craving for any kind of digital attention, to post here. Cheers.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help.
J