Not looking good at the moment :(

Today, I just received my first Medicine rejection from Birmingham. I was absolutely distraught and it took a lot for me to accept it. I simply wasn't good enough - it's an indicator that I still have a lot more work to do to get to where I want to be, and perhaps an indicator that I need to do more to get ready for the medical vocation.

In addition, my Hull interview a couple of days ago kind of went belly up. I don't want to say more, but it just wasn't good enough.

There's still hope

I really do pray for an offer for Medicine (in Jesus' Name)... I basically have two lives left: Barts and St George's. I'm more likely to get an interview at St George's, but I promptly need to sort out getting references for my work experience. Also the competition for Barts has sky-rocketed this year: 800 interviews from 2600 applicants. Will my 611 (651) tarriff + 2870 UKCAT be enough?

I'm still as determined as ever to get into Medicine. Knocked down, but certainly not knocked out. Rejections only make you stronger, as long as you get back up. If anything, my devotion to get into Medicine has increased two-fold, which is kind of ironic, but utterly true.

Priorities now:

• It's the Christmas Holidays now: up the tempo to getting 41 - 45 points in the IB 
• Reflect on my two interview performances: where did I go wrong? What would I do differently if I were to do it again? How will I improve for future interviews, in order to match and potentially beat the competition? (My experiences have really brought home the extent of the competition for Medicine - the calibre is incredibly strong) Interview techniques-wise? Which qualities do I need to enhance?
• Remember the goal of getting into Medicine, but still try to enjoy myself + some social and recreational exposure with friends, and come back to equanimity 

Now, I can only move forwards. Medicine is the number one goal, I will get in, in Jesus' name.

Not feeling particularly merry at the moment, but, Merry Christmas.

Interview at Hull!

Let me start off by describing how my Birmingham interview experience was. It was actually, and very much surprisingly... alright... I gave it the best I could, and a strong performance; I sincerely hoped that I exemplified and presented the particular attributes they sought for in each station.

So I woke up at 5am on a cold 3rd December morning. The adrenaline was already beginning to rush. I was REALLY going to be having a MEDICINE INTERVIEW... an interview to enter my dream career. It was a tad unbelievable - very exciting.

I slapped on my suit, complete with a blue tie reflective of the theme colour attributed to the University of Birmingham. A two-hour car drive up the Midlands (THANKS DAD) and a sleep along the way later, we arrived at the medical school, and as we drove through, the pre-eminent, supreme Queen Elizabeth Hospital oversaw us. I pointed at it and said: 'In 2020, I'll be working there'. That was my motivation to smash the interview.

Thankfully, I had been on the open day, so that eased a bit of stress with regard to getting our way around.

So then to the interview...

I registered an hour before my inteview (well sort of an hour) - registered at 10am and was told it would begin at 11:25am. It was a bit of a nervous wait, but I just gathered my thoughts at this point and scanned over a few interview notes... and that was about it.

At 11:25am, a group of six students who had just had their interview came out of the interview area, and my group of six were then invited to proceed entry by an admission's tutor.

I said a prayer - put my trust in the Lord.

• The first station was on resilience and personal attributes. I felt I showed what I NEEDED to show. I thanked God for a good start.
• The next station was on my motivation and insight to Medicine. It was a bit of a blur, but I hopefully spat out a few things that genuinely presented my vehemence
• The next station was Ethics. It was hard, but the prep I had had got me through I believe.
• The next station was healthcare issues. Coming off the back of a tough ethics station, it was nice to have a fresh-faced, warm, welcoming, FEMALE interviewer to ease the stress. I thought that I didn't go too badly, but it was probably horrendous; who knows though... (except them) my opinion on this is rather unestablished
• The penultimate station was data interpretation. I mean, it was alright. I had a shaky start (which probably prompted the interviewer's gestures that seemed to express Why is he even here?) but I soon got into form by the end of the six minutes and that fact is probably reflected in the fact that he gave me a handshake with a smile at the end. I feel I should have done better here, though - I probably over-complicated things for myself. Hopefully they would have seen through that. Hopefully it will be appreciated, that as truly as it is the case, my quantitative reasoning skills are functional for a medical career.
• The last station was an interactive task with a fourth year medic. Well, I interacted. I showed that I am not an alien, that I can actually interact with a ANOTHER HUMAN BEING. My regret is perhaps that I didn't come with the mindset of "mature demeanour" and maybe asked a few too many questions. 

I then left the interview with a smile. I genuinely felt I had given the 48 minute interview a good crack of the whip. I thanked God for His everlasting help. My whole existence, individuality, persona, and lifelong ambition came down to this one day. That smile, I feel, was a smile of relief. 

So it's now up to them. I hear back week beginning 16/12. I pray to the Lord God almighty, who is able to do the impossible, that I am part of the 50% that will hear back with a straight-out offer (20% get straight-out rejections, 15% get put on hold and rejected, 15% get put on hold and given an offer).

So that was my experience. May I say, it was unforgettable, and it was nice to chat with some potential colleagues/medical students afterwards

Aside, I heard back about a week and a half before with an interview at Hull on 18th December! Kind of expected it, as I was guaranteed it based on my UKCAT score. But I am still looking forward to making the most of this evasive opportunity. I have already listed out my aims for this interview based on its structure (which I will detail post-interview, but its basically group discussion, medical interview, personal interview), and have learnt from this interview experience at Birmingham. I promise my performance will genuinely be good enough, and that the interview will go well, so that I can post up some valid tips in the coming days. Interview experiences are really like no other - you're there to show off and sell yourself... show why you deserve a £250,000 investment for medical training (yup, that's how much it is)... let them WANT to give you an offer, moreso than the other way round.

Also I don't think that I ever mentioned that a few days after sending off my UCAS, within the 7 day adjustment window, I changed my 5th choice from Imperial Biochemistry to UCL Biomedical Sciences, as, I feel that if ever I would go for my fifth choice (which is very unlikely, and had I even gotten it) that it would at least be better worth its money leading up to post-grad Med. It would have been a simple Biochem to Biomed switch for Imperial had they not required the BMAT. As I mentioned anyway, the back-up is a gap year; Medicine is what I want to do, through and through. I will get there :)

Will be getting a decision from the above beautiful institution this week! I pray for an offer In Jesus' Name (John 14:14 - 'Ask for anything in the Name of Jesus and it shall be done')

Considerations

As I continue to prepare for my two upcoming interviews, whilst keeping tabs with the funness of the IB, I've recently begun to reflect on how far I have ventured into my journey towards what really is an audacious ambition of mine: being a doctor.

A major component of that has been relishing the potential great deal of fulfillment that I'll get through working with and creating a positive difference in patients in a career in medicine, but also considering what I'd actually like to specialize in.

As such, I've decided that I'd like to become a Psychiatrist or Neurologist. To be honest, from day one, when I first considered a career in Medicine, this was my the career path that initially appealed to me. I love the brain.

Interview at Birmingham!

Hey, it's been a while, but just to report that I've heard back from Birmingham with an invite for interview! It was a complete compete shock, and I heard back whilst on my holiday in France this half-term. Email came on 29th October, titled "Invitation for Medicine Interview". I went crazy! I had a mock interview today which greatly helped me to prepare, and have another on November 14th. Now I am absolutely determined to achieve an offer for Medicine!

I've booked it for December 3rd and you'll be first to know how it goes. Fingers crossed.

I'll be sure to post up some interview tips as well :)

UCAS form sent off!

On the UCAS side of things, each day since I received my UKCAT score, I've gone full-on with regard to sorting out my application. I can't lie, it's been quite stressful: incessantly getting feedback on and re-editing my personal statement to a good enough standard (at least, not atrocious), deciding where to apply to, ensuring that I use my strengths wisely, going on open days (went to Birmingham and Hull York with my dad to check them out) and speaking to my UCAS co-ordinator (I'm really not sure of the huge figure of the number of times I've been to see him) regarding the administrative side of things.

ON TOP of the IB.

In that space of time I've also spent countless hours deliberating over whether I'll be doing the BMAT, and even went forward to get myself registered through the examination officer at my school. After all, it's turned out that I won't be going for it and will be getting refunded. With regard to getting the best out of myself, it just does not appear prudent to do so, even in the light of the attractiveness of Oxford, Imperial, Cambridge, UCL... medical school is the aim regardless. The past couple of days have been even more hectic, finalising my university choices and my personal statement. All that I can say however, is that I've ended on a positive note... it's over and done with! The era of working on my application has now ended; now ensues the next journey of waiting for interviews, and praying for offers. No seriously, I will be praying each and every day.

It all feels somewhat anticlimactic, however. Perhaps, because my form hasn't actually been sent off to UCAS, just to my referee. I think when I get the emails from the actual universities themselves that they've received my application, the excitement will really begin to amass. So for now, I'll say that I have virtually applied for medical school!

Right my choices...

Birmingham has hung in there. Loved the campus on the open day, my favourite out of my choices. It's clear from speaking to admissions tutors that my strengths apply. Additionally, it's somewhere I can see myself living for the next 5 - 6 years.

Hull York Medical School. Guaranteed interview, giving me something to work towards! Only visited the York campus though. Still loved it.

Queen Mary. Of course.

St George's. From day one. I have a personal affinity for this medical school!

...and... my insurance choice is Biochemistry at Imperial. Yes, it has happened before! People have received offers from here with medicine personal statements, and I got an email saying that they still accept medical school applicants. I spent a lot of time deciding between Imperial and King's, but in the end just went with my gut feeling.

Medicine is the sole goal at the end of the day. If I was to be asked 'What's your back-up plan', as a to-be school leaver, the answer I would sincerely give is 'a gap year'. Obviously, things are capable of working out better than that!

So, yep, I've virtually applied for Medical School - 2 in London, 2 out of London :) Praying for the utmost best - the goal is for 4 interview and 4 offers, but all I really need is one. The whole process has only served to increase my passion for this incredible vocation!

717.5 average; Band 2 on SJT

Yep, that's what I got. If this post seems quite calm or anticlimactic, it's because I've done all the celebrating I can do and there's nothing left in the tank, really. As soon as I saw that result sheet I received coming out of the test room after two hours, life flashed before my eyes and I couldn't believe it, I just thank God so so much. It feels like a huge step towards being a doctor, albeit the first; there's still a long way to go. I'm so so thrilled. My mock results admittedly weren't looking amazing going into the test, but I just held my trust in God, executed my strategy, and came out well. I'm so pleased. Breakdown:

VR - 520
QR - 750
AR - 740
DA - 860
Total - 2870
Avg - 717.5 (718)

SJT - Band 2

OK the VR was quite bad, but no complaints really, I've done a bit of shopping looking at different medical schools and found that this would only be a cause of concern with Plymouth (and supposedly Exeter I guess - Peninsula Med School together) and Nottingham, who look at each sub-test individually. I need to give them phone calls however at the earliest opportunity to check up on this and see whether I should put them into consideration. However I now need to ensure that I apply very strategically, and really hit on the nail on the head in terms of my decision surrounding taking the BMAT as my result has given me quite a bit of confidence to consider pushing for it. I love Imperial and would love to try for it.

I'm just amazed with the range of doors this score has opened for me; I'm actually guaranteed an interview at HYMS if I choose to apply, since 2800+ means an automatic selection for one of the 480 for interview. Also, post interview stats look good for HYMS as around 300 earn offers from interview, so it may work as a lower choice.

That being said, it looks like I'll be applying to:

• Barts (my combined UCAS tarriff and UKCAT score is 651 and 2870 respectively; I'm confident that'd be strong enough to earn interview - hopefully I can also better my tariff to 672 by perhaps bringing up that Chemistry prediction to a 7! I'll ensure that over the coming weeks I do everything I can to put myself at ease and be confident that I'll achieve an interview - 700+ on UKCAT was good first step!)
• St George's
• Birmingham
• Hull York

UKCAT-heavy universities that will allow the full exploitation of my score need to be explored soon, and I've heard of the likes of Sheffield, Leicester, Manchester and King's being examples. Imperial is under consideration as well. At the end of the day it's important to apply tactically, and ensure your character/strengths matches the kind of candidate a specific medical school will look for. Although Imperial is renowned worldwide and is a top top medical school, as the end goal is purely just to get into A medical school, I believe applying based on prestige is pointless. It may work as a riskier option, and give me a sense of empowerment of knowing that I'm trying for a very prestigious university, but what is important is being realistic to ensure 4/4 interviews. To be honest, time will tell, but I really would love to be in contention for Imperial; the consideration of taking the BMAT just lingers at the back of my mind I guess. If I manage my time well it should not be too much of a burden to prepare and then go for the BMAT (Nov 6th), after applying for Imperial (playing the risk). Yet on the flip side of taking the BMAT, with extra time on my hands I may feel less pressurized in what will be a busy first term of year 13 for me.

So the UKCAT is over and done with, but really the next steps are just as important, if not more. My priorities for the rest of the holiday are just tying up loose ends with my academics in prep for Year 13, and revitalizing that PS/interview prologue to a great degree and high level of excellence, for the fact that I'm applying to Birmingham, who are as PS heavy as they are on academics! I'm just as determined to earn an interview at Birmingham ---> I will, in Jesus' name. Much more research will still be done concerning where I'll be applying to, and this will be done by looking at the holistic picture of each medical school in succession, along with my portfolio/strengths.

UKCAT Day!!!

So today is the BIG BIG day! The first realistic step I'm taking towards becoming a doctor. Wow. I am absolutely psyched up, I'm gonna treat this as a battle to fight haha!! I've always played a lot of psycholigcal cards, trying to remember that I've done a lot of practice for test that's not exactly made to be practiced for (so ukcat.ac.uk imply) meaning that I should be confident. Also, just remembering to be myself, seriously! This is where one has to showcase their own intellectual ability - showcase why they won't let Medicine, an academic, rigorous subject, be overwhelming and that they're suited for it.

I will post later regarding my result, the test is at 13:00 in Sidcup! All the practice really does come down to this, the Medify mocks, the 600Q book, the Official Mocks, the 166+ sets of AR practice questions (all for just 11 sets today) and I've got a the strategy down for each of the four sub-sections, as well as SJT - it's all on my phone so I might post it up on here to give as a guide! Ahh really do hope for 700+!!! 750+ even better to further support application to Barts!

Barts and the London Open Day!

Right... so what happened today was that I visited Barts and the London school of Medicine and Dentistry for the open day, which I booked a couple of months ago! It was absolutely great! I love the university (in fact I always have) and I'm still sure that it will be there in the midst of my choices :) After today I can conclusively say that I'm applying here :)

Yesterday I spend quite a while trying to figure out the best way of getting here (located in Whitechapel, around the East End of London in the borough of Tower Hamlets), but it was really only a couple of tubes!

Upon getting there, we arrived at the Blizard Building on the Whitechapel campus. It looked astonishingly modern in pictures, but was absolutely breathtaking in real life. This was followed by a presentation contextualizing the Medical School and its fleet of famous, pioneering alumni, and then a talk on a very important component: admissions! 800 people will be interviewed from around 2000 who apply - selection for interview is based 50% on UCAS tarrif and 50% on UKCAT score - need to nail the UKCAT. Afterwards 500 candidates from the 800 are given conditional offers. I feel that as long as I nail my UKCAT, the 611 UCAS tariff I currently have from my IB prediction ought to put me in good stead (oh and +40 for Merit in Grade 6 exam). There are no guarantees though as I have no idea what kind of candidates will be applying this year; however last year a mid-range UCAS/UKCAT combination that got interview selection was 520 and 690 (avg of the four sections) respectively - so it looks good, but depends on my UKCAT!! The personal statement is only looked at at interview, and at interview you get a score out of 50 (a score out of 5 x 10 individual areas looked at) - 40+ will earn an offer. I think prior to the interview, which are held Jan-Mar 2014, you're given a case study to review and at interview are required to expand on it - I think that would really suit, I don't know why I just do! By the way, he minimum entry requirements.... honestly I can't remember them, all I know is that I've met them, I just want to move on from this haha!

The presentation was followed by a tour of Floyer House residence on Whitechapel campus, which seemed pretty decent to me. But what really made me fall in love was the intimate/friendly nature of the university. Lecturers know your name, and despite it being a large uni the feasibility to make lifelong friends is there! Also the intimacy of the university is exemplified by the fact that there are four main buildings: the Garrod building, the Blizard Building, the student union, and the library - so it'll nice and compact. At the student union I got a bit of light shed on the prospect of continuing on at Queen Mary with something I love to do: drumming! From speaking to a medical student it seems like there might be possibilities to start up a band :P Who knows? After a campus tour I went to a clinical skills workshop in the Garrod building and had a go at drawing blood!!! (Not from a patient, but a model arm). Well, a medical student did have to guide me, but it was a great experience, and I got through it OK! I think my participation with SJA gave me the confidence to do this in front of the many watching! I also had a go at using a reflex hammer.

Overall I Barts (not Queen Mary, apparently you get a lot of hate for calling it that :P) think it'd be a great choice. Greatest +? Not too PBL heavy; there are 2 PBL sessions that are about 2 hours long per week, for the first year at least. Greatest -? The location. Of course the London advantage is absolutely guaranteed and it'd be possible to go to my fav locations, such as South Kensington and Central London, but the area
around the campus seemed a little bit run down to me, fulfilling what I had been hearing about it beforehand. But I think this is greatly outweighed by my passion for the uni. In terms of clinical teaching, I think it would absolutely rewarding considering the ind of location the hospital is in, where socio-economic standards are low compared to the rest of the UK, meaning there would be opportunities to observe unique and interesting cases.  From speaking to the Medical Students here they really seemed to like it, and I'm sure that if I was good enough to earn a place this amazing, one of a kind institution, I would love it too :) Barts is swiftly catching up with Imperial for the top choice spot! I hope I get offered a place here!

OK so the word count exceeded the limit by a fair bit haha - what can I do :P

It's official: UKCAT Exam Booked!

Hey! So yeah, I'm finally doing my blog post on the UK Clinical Aptitude Test. The very important admission test of which the result will be looked upon by most Med Schools.

Yesterday I could finally book my UKCAT for the 22nd August 2013 with serious preparation beginning then as well (3 days off from my due date to begin serious prep, but oh well!). I guess the whole angst of things got to me, leading to somewhat defer booking my UKCAT. However, I've learnt from mistakes and the importance of always going for it and not to panic. I'm a lot more at ease now. My summer plans are fully in place + up and running now.

This still gives around a month before the test to prepare, and I'll get it done before term time! I've already spent the past 2-3 months getting the general gist of the whole thing, its purpose/how it applies to skills needed as a Doctor, and learning about the format, structure, basic tips and content. Also, I've scanned through some questions and given them a go. The next month, now, is just for practice and simulation. I'm confident preparation will go down well, and will be relying much on the 600Q book (with the goal being to complete all the questions and mock test by my real test) and MEDIFY, for which I signed up yesterday for the one month service (£30 -  not too bad at all). 

I did the "short version" mock test on the UKCAT website to identify my strengths and weaknesses. Here they are, with the strongest section first:

DA: 7/11 (64%)
AR: 8/15 (53%)
QR: 6/12 (50%)
(SJT): 6/13 (46%)
VR: 2/12 (abysmal)

So indeed I have much work to do. I was surprised with how accessible I have found AR, considering how unbelievably challenging the questions are in the "Get into Medical School" 600Q book. DA, as I expected is my strongest section. I've got to knuckle down on VR, and MEDIFY really is already proving to be very useful, with lots of great tips (such as encouraging me to read more articles/expand vocabulary). I would highly recommend it. It also conforms to the changes made to the UKCAT (my book is indeed a bit outdated, but have to make the most of it).

I think my technique for prep will follow the MEDIFY METHOD and I'll most likely use the 600Q book to reinforce things: since it has relatively more challenging questions, I'll use them to figure things out untimed, as a way of enhancing mental agility. Practice, practice, practice indeed.

My goal, of course, is to achieve 700+ points average. For that I'll probably need to maximize potential in both DA and AR, and really knuckle down on VR and QR to bring up the average. I'll obviously target Band 1 or 2 out of 4 for the SJT.  I'll let you know how I do on 22nd August! 

Should also have a decent blog post coming up in the evening...

Another thing is, I think from now I'll work to limiting the character limits for most of my blog posts to max of 400 to keep things nice and concise!

JA

Turning it up a notch

Hey!

Well, I'm now on Summer Break! I broke up on July 17th, started on July 18th and have basically spent the last three to four days reinvigorating and recharging...

Reflecting back on what has been an incredible year...

Year 12 though, has been a positively challenging year - a very demanding introduction to my IB diploma and progression from GCSE, back from when I received my results at the end of August 2012 (time has flown!). Yet I'm here, pleased to say that I've survived 60% of the IB. I'm more than half-way across the bridge to university, and I can see that it really has contributed to readying me for higher education and for being a medical student, as I've been stretched to manage my time and commit well enough to both academics and extra-curricula. Looking back on the year, I wouldn't have gauged that I would have participated in so many activities outside, and within, school. This is what, in my opinion, makes the quest for Medicine so enriching, since it makes you step out of your comfort zone and gives you new and invaluable experiences as well as the opportunity to get to know new people. It's bettered me as a person. It's been very rewarding. But I now moving onto my last ever year at school, in Upper Sixth! Year 13 will be better than Year 12, in terms of my all-round performance and work/life balance. It's important that the transition is used to help me better model myself into a medic, and prepare myself for med school. Just excited TBH.

The mad end to Year 12

The last week of school was incredibly crazy, overwhelming, frustrating and occupied. My school somehow managed to conflate all the coursework due dates into a segment of five-seven days. Unfortunately, I was not able to give much of my work in, so doing coursework will definitely be a feature of this summer. My EE, Geography Coursework, Two and half pieces of Chemistry Coursework, Two pieces of Biology Coursework, English Coursework and TOK presentation will all need to be completed this summer - thankfully they've all been started. I've also got to keep my mind as tuned in as possible with all my 6 subjects, so that come September, which apparently is the apex of the IB diploma in terms of seriousness, stress and pushing-you-to-the-limit, I will have a foundation to keep me upright.

What September in Year 13 essentially features:

• The refining and submission of my UCAS application
• Commencement of mock exam preparation (which are in October)
• BMAT preparation commencement (if I am still steadfast about applying to UCL/ICL)
• Coursework and EE submission -- and in the case of Japanese, my coursework (well, written assignment which will be done in class) will both start and finish in September - crazy.
• Maintaining a high/higher level of performance in my six subjects and TOK - a smooth transition from Year 12 is required

This is notoriously the point where the IB/UCAS hits you hardest. But I will survive, as I am resilient and determined. I am just going to view it as a trial run of medical school life - preparation at its finest; what breaks you does indeed make your stronger. After this though, Year 13 will just be finishing of the diploma, exam preparation, having university interviews, firming and insuring universities. It should be, at least, less hectic from the Sep period, but I hear that waiting for university responses is the most painful of waits.

It's important I get this UKCAT out of the way before year 13 and it WILL be done at the end of August, for sure. My preparation hasn't really kicked of yet, and I haven't even booked the exam date yet (as I'm still planning my summer!) which is stressing me out a little - but I am confident. My due date to begin preparing seriously is Monday 22nd July. I am determined to achieve at least 650 points avg. After the UKCAT, my smartly observed university decisions must be finalized, and I must decide whether to still go forward with BMAT.

Looking ahead - the final goals, before (God-willing) Medical Career commences

To be very honest with you, I am just looking ahead to mid May 2014, which arrives in 10 months, when I complete the IB diploma (with results/uni confirmations attained 2 months afterwards) and will finally be able to raise my legs and RELAX!  I am already 60% through the diploma, which brings me optimism. Also, I've already drawn up a timeline of the whole process of getting into Medical School - from now having just received my predictions/soon beginning serious UKCAT prep, to the point where, fingers crossed, I observe the confirmation of a medical school place and essentially begin my medical career next year in Sep-Oct 2014.

Regardless of what the road is like, recently I have developed six main, focussed goals to achieve by the end of this cycle in 2014 before university, and I am fully determined to achieve them:

1. Hard work
2. At least 40 points in IB - 7's in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths.
3. Confirmation of what essentially is the start of a Medical Career - a Medical School place - need that offer from interview though.
4. The Marlin (Biology Prize) at my school's annual prize giving - this is my strongest subject so it would be a HUGE bonus - I would be pleased though to achieve any other prize during this event 
5. To advise and inspire others looking to earn a medical school place
6. No regrets

Summer plans

This summer will be busy, and now that I have relaxed and settled into it, I will start to work hard. I am undertaking and continuing work/volunteering/care experience (profoundly recording reflections), going to UCAS seminars, simulation days, working on and refining that PS, having mock interviews, sitting the UKCAT, possibly beginning BMAT prep, keeping up with my six subjects + EE/TOK, organising, prep for year 13, going on open days/campus visits and indeed more that will contribute to my aspiration - all in 6 weeks. There has to be time for fun though, and building myself as an individual. I have my eyes set on a few jam sessions with a band I have formed, developing my fitness to aid with my drumming/pretty much everything that will be thrown out me in the coming months, and going out with friends. Work/life balance is a necessity, so have to manage my time, plan for each day and get the work done, only recreating when I've done what's prioritized. Haha, qualities of an IB student (which will really help in Sep) and prep for medical school life. More on all summer plans later, for sure.

Turning it up a notch - reinvigorating

With the closure to what has been a very occupied and demanding academic year, I am stepping into a new chapter of the journey to my ambition - another year (of the IB, at sixth form) until I hopefully begin my medical career at medical school. I have now decided to turn things up a notch, and really fight for this with hard work and vehemence - with all I have - this juncture signposts a new and fresh outlook. It's time to be wise, serious, grown-up and mature - time to pick myself up, clear distractions, focus, reassemble and regroup.

I am dedicated to being a medical Doctor; I'm ambitious. I will get there - and all the stress, hard work, and steps I am taking are preparing me for this vocation, this art, this lifestyle, this inspiring, profound and unique societal service to people's lives. It will pay off. I will update soon on everything significant coming up - first things first UKCAT!

Advice

Remember, the ultimate maxim, is to be the best YOU. Ensure you try to produce your best application as possible. But relax, be focussed, enjoy it all, soak it all in, and take care of yourself - be happy and regret nothing. If you feel like you've messed up at any point - just move on - you can't control the past, so just focus on what you can control and your determination will get you through. That's the advice I would give.

To be honest, I'm just viewing it all like an exam. It seems to be what I'm good at.

All the best.

JA

GRADE 6 MERIT!!!

Letter just came in, stating that I achieved Grade 6 on my Trinity Rock and Pop exam for the drum kit that I took a couple of weeks ago! I'm so thrilled! 40 UCAS tarriff points!! (that's the only way for me to make this relevant to the blog haha)

UCAS predictions and university open days

I'm posting at this time because I am an IB student. Fact.

Well I received my UCAS predictions today (well, yesterday). 766-766 is what they are. Overall, my school predicts me to achieve 40 points, including the core points, so I am very pleased to have entered the much coveted 40+ point territory, and moreso because I am predicted a 6 in Geography, which I was worrying so much about!

This is what will be going on my UCAS application form (I think UCAS website has recently updated to cater for 2014 entry applicants, which is why my school conducted a UCAS PS session on Tuesday, which I missed - I'll later explain why) and it nicely fulfills that 666 at HL typical entry requirement :D. Oh and I had my Geography retake exam on Monday, in which I felt I did pretty well, but in a way it turns out that it was kind of pointless as my UCAS prediction had already been formulated BEFORE I took the test. Anyway considering I am predicted 7's in Biology and Maths, I am EVER SO SLIGHTLY ticked off for that not being the case for Chemistry, especially considering that on the mocks I had in April, I was 3-4 marks off a 7, mainly due to my inability to read instructions (answering all 4 questions in a rushed manner when I was only meant to answer two!). A little harsh IMO. Well. There is a retake tomorrow I have put myself forward for, which I have to boss, revisionless. TBH though, I'm just over the moon that I've got the right predictions!

That aside, there's a UKCAT presentation tomorrow which I am conducting in my school's Biomedical Society... on Decision Analysis! Looking forward to it. Presentation skills, teaching and verbal communication... all relevant to medicine. And as I said, I STILL will be leaving it for a later blog post to talk more about UKCAT. And right after my presentation, as I said, I've got a retest in which I'm going to try and push for that 7 in Chemistry, the subject that is most relevant to MEDICINE - that's the motive. Would also be a better exemplification of my passion for science during admissions, for sure.

So why did I miss the UCAS session? I visited Brighton and Sussex medical school for their open day...

It wasn't amazing. The Sussex campus was pretty comfy and was rather sexy in appearance but the Brighton campus sucked, and the sight of smokers who looked rough, didn't do it any favors. The clinical skills part of the course takes places in Brighton, and theory stuff in Sussex. Pretty cool and well organised IMO. If I do end up applying and becoming a successful applicant to BSMS, I think that I will fight tooth and nail to get on the Sussex Campus.

Good points
As with anything though, I tried to gain what I could out of the day. A particular highlight was the dissection room tour, in which there were a DOZEN CADAVERS! Astonishing. There were real body parts and prosected organs all around the room! I saw prosected kidneys of various diseases, including a pair that was so diseased many of us thought they were lungs! It was great to see this, I don't think I had ever witnessed anything so transfixing before, apart from my surgery work exp. I learnt a bit of human anatomy and a bit on disease. It was a fantastic engagement, very captivating.

The picture...
Size: BSMS take on a small cohort of around 150, so it has an intimate environment. Like St George's. Loved the sound of that

Location: Beautiful town, lots to do, good weather, bars, clubs, social sites, and near the coast + can't forget Brighton Pier.

IB requirements: They require 36 points with core points, and 6's in Bio and Chem, so I have certainly surpassed entry requirements as far as academics go.

UKCAT requirements: Only used in borderline cases after interview :) Sensible, seeing as, while I don't think there's an issue regarding the structure, format or difficultly of this admissions test and the challenge it provides, I sort of despise its purpose -  it's significant utilization for admissions into Medicine; it's not suited. Can't be complaining at this stage though.

EXC: They've got a decent football team. Decent student union.

Prestige: It's not a Russell Group university.

Teaching: The teaching methods are a fantastic highlight in my opinion. They focus on the use of technology, with a mix of seminars, clinical skills assessment (in clinical years) using a technologically advanced mannequin (it's pretty cool, there are these weird windows on the sides of the rooms that look like mirrors to you but are actually transparent, so assessors outside can examine you without making the environment pressurized or unnatural!) in the simulator, teamwork dissection (as I earlier mentioned), lectures... so a lot of integration with early clinical experience. In this sense it was pretty appealing in terms of course layout. I got to use some of the technology, doing a quiz on misc. medical GK on a computer! It was an insight into the way the uni is resourced in terms of teaching, and the forms of self-assessment through means like computed quizzes as I mentioned. Again, fantastic...

Structure: The course structure, mind you, sounds very sexy. It is system based, and integrated, mixing theory and practical in a very intertwined way, over the five years. I still need to read up more on the course structure though, and I will as not everything sank in. Yet it does seem well structured and organised - it looks great: high student satisfaction, and you know exactly what's coming up in your exams. Brill. And also... EARLY PATIENT CONTACT :).

Verdict: Great! I will definitely consider applying, but it all depends on that UKCAT score. They look at GCSEs well, so applying there compliments my strengths (according to TSR), although they won't look at my 766-766. It is an amazing teaching medical school though, and I would definitely be satisfied on the "learning" side of things if I went there, as well as the location...
But things to consider...

Another point: To be honest though, I knew from the very beginning that BSMS (due to not being russell group, and also because this might mean being surrounded by non-medics not being as academically driven as you etc etc. + lower entry standards grades-wise) was always going to be a "lower banker option" like St George's. Yet from the visit I had back in May, I can still say that St George's was A LOT better in terms of accommodation, convenience (small hospital campus), the fact that it's based in a hospital (spurring on motivation), and the fact that I'd be surrounded mostly by healthcare trainees and medics... and I'm probably even being a bit partial just because it's in London. I don't feel as much as a Sussex student ATM. St George's would seem the more likely option... for now. Still, guess I might need to start preparing myself to be a Sussex student just in case! It's all about choosing somewhere to be happy for 5-6 years.

But as I said, the only downside that I have currently, is regarding it not being in the Russell Group. Yet, it is difficult to already ascertain where I'll apply to.

Argh, I don't know if I'll apply.
Other open days I have been to are King's College and as I said St George's, both in May '13. Also, I have had a look at beautiful Imperial College on a "Potmed" student union event there back in Oct '12 (check it out, was a really cool and insightful med school application workshop at probably the sexiest university I've visited yet). More, I am visiting Barts for the first time on 26th of this month! KCL and St George's open days were great (George's also a competitor the best I've been to yet)... strictly speaking... could I potentially apply to four London uni's, Imperial, Barts, George's and KCL? Who knows, still need to get to the Midlands and visit Birmingham.

These are the open days/university visits I have been to and have coming up

• Imperial October '12
• KCL May '13
• St George's May '13
• BSMS July '13
• Barts and the London July 26th
• Southampton September '13
• Birmingham September '13

I've got my eyes set on going to a few other university campus tours during the summer. For example, I missed out on Oxbridge and UCL open days that were in June. Also I need to see Nottingham, Bristol, Leeds and Sheffield if possible, because I like the sound/feel.

But generally, every medical school I've visited has been great! I will be pleased to go anywhere to be fair, so long as I can achieve that dream - there really isn't such a thing as a "bad medical school" and prestige shouldn't be an overriding factor.

UKCAT and more uni visits will substantiate my decisions I believe (all this talk of UKCAT, and I still haven't done a blog post on it, but it's coming!)

JA

Wordcloud.

This is a word-map of all the traits I've found, from speaking to doctors, med students, and through my own research, that are vital in any doctor's skillset.

Now back to Geography revision.

Will post later on a few things that I've got coming up next week!

motivation, dedication, self-dedication, stamina, intelligence, inquisition, perception, deducing, analysis, diagnosis, knowledge, scientific-soundness, academic, well-informed, realistic, community-orientation, caring, empathetic, communicator, compassionate, open, honest, ethics, morals, responsibility, leadership, common-sense, problem-solving, creativity, flexibility, rounded, resilient, friendly, fitness, healthy, teaching, learning, teamwork, independence, reliability, punctuality, accuracy, patience, interpersonal, calmness, organisation, practicality, time-management, confidence, stress-coping, social, trusted, good-natured, benevolent, respected, wise, patient, mature

Why I want to study Medicine

Why I want to study Medicine...

1. Societal contribution and eminent form of public service - strong community orientation and the ability to enrich souls. You help people and care for others; community comes first.
2. Respectable and revered occupation. The fact that it's so competitive really adds to its eminence. And I'm a competitive person. I've been inspired by the Doctors I have been with on work experience. I would love Dr. next to my name.
3. Allows me to be the best I can be, stretching myself to the fullest capacity emotionally and intellectually. 
4. Dynamism - I will enjoy being a Doctor
5. Extremely emotionally rewarding. 
6. Will allow me to apply the maxims of my Christian faith, through the principles of the career such as benevolence, the need to be caring and compassionate. 
7. I enjoy solving problems and applying principles to problems
8. With my love for God, comes my love for People
9. I am motivated and spurred on by Maths and Science - particularly Human Physiology and Neuroscience.
10. It's an ancient Art, which I want to participate in and address in my own personal, unique and creative way, in the light of Hippocrates' unique and historical contribution to the vocation. It is also a Science that is progressing at an incredible rate (technologically etc.) - a simple walk into BBC New Health will find you no short-comings to exemplify this. In future, more innovative tech will be used by Doctors - that sounds like an exciting prospect!
11. The fact that I've always wanted to work in the NHS (probably because my Mum's a nurse), a desire reinvigorated by the birth of my younger brother in 2011, where there were problems leading up to the pregnancy, such as a miscarriage* of a twin, and his heart rate accelerating abnormally right before birth. This nevertheless did not hinder the existence of the healthy two year old he is today. I was inspired by the ability of advanced Medicine to bring about a successful birth and the astuteness and caring nature of the health-professionals in place to make decisive decisions and conduct a successful Cesarean Section. My younger brother is the testimony of that.
12. My own intrinsic and carefully developed attributes apply to Medicine (developed through all my experiences over the past few months), e.g. community orientation, care for others, commitment to society and helping others, my interpersonal and communication skills, preparing to deal with inevitable "stress" and "pressure" mentioned before, academic ability, team work, independence, compassion and prospect to be a medical leader.
13. Job security and immediate employment
14. Decent graduate pay, and a clear-cut career ladder that enhances motivation 

*attributed to mild Protein S deficiency in my Mum, a genetic condition which increases risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots)

Hello

Hi! I'm DrumChops; I live in South East England. Currently I'm at the rounding down stage of Lower Sixth Form, and, as you've guessed rightly, I'll be applying to study Medicine A100 this year for entry in 2014. Right now you're being thrown right into the middle of my quest (or road/journey/mission, whatever you like) to get into Medicine, which started last year midway through year 11 :). Between then and now, I have remained steadfast in my journey; being a Doctor is absolutely what I want to do. The whole air of competition is stirring me on, and I'm enjoying the journey.

So why am I writing a blog? Other blogs I've come across on the Internet with a similar theme encouraged me to do the same. I will update later on some of my relevant experiences as of yet that have contributed towards my application, in a later post. The general purpose of this blog is for me to track my own progress, and also to give any advice/information to those applying/hoping to apply for medicine, as well as inspire people to believe that it can be done!

Only 40% of those who apply earn a place at medical school each year, which is a minority, so the process is all about making yourself stand out from the rest - it's a competitive vocation even from the early days. In an ideal world (not firmly established) I'd likely be applying to Imperial College, Birmingham, Queen Mary and St George's, with a currently undecided uni for the fifth choice (the course likely to be Biochemistry or Neuroscience). Imperial College is my dream university, however. I'm praying to receive an offer for Medicine before my 18th birthday (24th Decemeber!).

Good luck to all budding aspiring Medics.