If you’re considering studying medicine, it’s important to choose the right A-levels early on to ensure you meet university entry requirements. This article will help guide you on which A-levels are essential for pursuing a career as a doctor, as well as provide tips for gaining entry into medical school.
Failing to pick the right A-Levels will mean that the choice of university will be narrowed and you may not be able to study to become a doctor at all.
Every University is going to have its own entry requirements for studying medicine. Our advice would be to check out potential universities first just to make sure you pick the right courses to study and get the required grades.
With that said, it’s widely accepted that you should study Chemistry at A-Level if you want to become a doctor. Most universities will also require you to study biology too if you want to become a doctor.
As a third choice Maths or Physics are then wanted. If you can having both will enhance the chance of being accepted into your first choice university.
To study medicine at university to become a doctor and to keep as many universities open to you as possible you should study: Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Physics at A-Level.
Chemistry is a must-have, but you can mix and match the other A-Levels if you can’t do them all, but this will limit the number of universities that will accept you for their medical degree. To avoid the tears, you should check with the universities that you would consider going to before selecting your A-Levels.
Becoming a doctor is a long process that requires hard work all along the way. Getting your A-level results is just the start. To be considered for a place to study medicine at university the entry requirements are very high. It’s typical to see requirements such as A*AA, or AAA.
As mentioned earlier, all Universities will have their own requirements, we recommend you check out the university of your choice for the exact entry requirements. If you aren’t yet sure of what university you would like to attend then you may want to look at this guide that lets you know all of the entry requirements to study medicine in the UK.
Places to study medicine are very competitive, even with the right entry requirements you will need to take an admission test and possibly an entry exam too.
When applying to a medical course you may need to take a UCAT, BMAT or GAMSAT test. These tests are used to filter out the best candidates. To see which admissions test you would have to take, check out Uni Guides admission test article. Make sure to check which test(s) your chosen universities require and give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
If you pass the admission test, the next step in the process may be an interview. During this stage, medical schools will assess your communication skills, personality, and motivation to become a doctor. It’s important to be well-prepared for this part of the application.
You should be ready to discuss why you want to pursue a career in medicine, why you chose a specific medical school, and what qualities make you a strong candidate. Gaining work experience in a healthcare setting, whether through volunteering in a hospital or shadowing a doctor, can be very beneficial. This experience not only demonstrates your commitment to the profession but also gives you something concrete to talk about during the interview, setting you apart from other applicants.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay informed about current medical issues and ethical debates, as these may come up in the interview. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments in the medical field will show that you are truly invested in your future as a doctor.
If you have passed your admission test you may think you have a place, but unfortunately not. Medicine is one of the most sort after degrees to some universities will require an interview process too. If your University requires this take time to prepare for it.
Additional, extracurricular experience can also help you with your interview process, if you can volunteer or get a part-time job within a hospital or medical environment that will not only confirm your career choice but it will also make your CV more attractive to potential universities.
Having extra-curricular activities on your CV can also improve your application. Many medical schools look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate empathy, leadership, and dedication. Volunteering, especially in healthcare or social care, shows that you’re committed to making a positive impact on others.
If you are considering a medical degree, London has some of the best Universities in the world, and we would recommend checking them out. If you do move to the area we have student storage available to make your move easier. London is notorious for small spaces so if you have more furniture, books or equipment that you can’t fit into your room then give us a try. We have excellent deals for students, but our spaces do fill up quickly.