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
Friday 26 July 2013
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!
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
Sunday 21 July 2013
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...
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.
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:
To be honest, I'm just viewing it all like an exam. It seems to be what I'm good at.
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
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:
- Hard work
- At least 40 points in IB - 7's in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Maths.
- Confirmation of what essentially is the start of a Medical Career - a Medical School place - need that offer from interview though.
- 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
- To advise and inspire others looking to earn a medical school place
- 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
Thursday 18 July 2013
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)
Thursday 4 July 2013
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
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!)
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
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