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!