Medicine is arguably one of the most popular, lucrative, and prestigious fields of higher education. As such, it requires a lot of commitment and research. Here are a few tidbits you might find helpful on your path to getting ready to apply to a Medicine course.
First thing of note might be that there is more than one way to get a medicine degree. One may, for example, start a medicine course directly after secondary education or apply for a graduate medicine course after completing another university course. There are foundation courses intended for those who might not easily meet the Medicine course criteria often due to their disadvantaged backgrounds. Some courses are open to international applicants and accept international secondary education diplomas. No matter which route you pick, medicine degrees have high standards candidates must meet to apply and complete.
Most UK undergraduate medicine courses are 5-6 year programmes and ask for three A levels, for two of which chemistry and biology might be preferred, and for top schools, scoring AAB or higher may be needed. Alternatively, IB diplomas or AP scores might be required of students with an estimate of which for IB would be 39 and for AP would be 5/5/4.
In terms of proof of qualifications outside of school grades, you might be asked for an English proficiency test such as a IELTS score of minimum 7.0 per component. Some universities ask for University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) scores. The UCAT is a computer-based, five-part, 2 hour multiple choice test, and the BMAT is a 2-hour test divided into three sections with its first two parts being multiple choice and the third part being write-in.
As with most other university applications, you will need to write a personal statement to apply to Medicine courses with the aim of introducing yourself and standing out from the other applicants. A good personal statement conveys you are a good candidate by referencing the extracurricular activities you have participated in (preferably those relating to teamwork and analytical thinking) and mention of previous experience you may have relating to medicine (such as shadowing work experience or participation in societies or clubs) may actually be a requirement of some schools. It would be a good idea to gain shadowing experience in an actual medical environment not only to meet the criteria to apply to medicine courses but also so that your interest in and motivation for your chosen field of study comes through loud and clear.
The dream profession of a great many children worldwide, medicine all but promises an exhausting but rewarding career. Do not forget that in order to win yourself a place to study this popular profession, you must make it clear you are ready for the exciting challenges in undergrad!