Review pathways and check entry requirements for post 16 options, you will need Chemistry and another relevant subject at A level or Level 3 equivalent e.g. Biology or Applied Science
Consider a back-up plan if results don't go the way you hoped. This could be level 2 health/care/science courses, intermediate apprenticeships, a job with accredited training/time off for study.
Let your school/college know your intention to study medicine so they can support and advise you of access to medicine opportunities.
Try and gain as much experience as possible to set yourself apart from the crowd, not all of these need to be done in-person you can also do online work-based learning such as Observe GP - an interactive experience for aspiring medics.
Research medical schools and their entry requirements, attend open days and rank choices.
Investigate, prepare for and practise UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)/BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test). You can find more information about UCAT here and BMAT past papers here.
Entry tests can be taken from summer Y12 – locate and register with a test centre.
Year 13
Year 13
September: Finalise choices (taking into account test results if taken) and personal statement for UCAS application for school/college to add reference and predicted grades for submission by 15th October. A maximum of 4 out of your 5 choices can be medicine.
November/December: Check UCAS Track for replies from HE providers and prepare for and attend interviews. Your school or college may provide mock interviews, so it might be worth asking about this.
Add back-up final choice (eg biomedical science) in UCAS Track, if you haven’t already, by 25 Jan deadline and research alternative roles in the NHS as a backup plan.
January – March: find out if offered a place for medicine.
If unsuccessful, research a backup plan – this could be a science degree + postgrad training, alternative healthcare/science career path via apprenticeship/degree apprenticeship or full-time degree, gap year and apply again. NHS Health Careers have some great advice onwhat to do if you don't get into medical school.
Accept firm and insurance offers by reply deadline which is shown in UCAS Track
Apply for student finance from Feb, preferably by end of May, and any scholarships or NHS Bursaries you may be eligible for. You should also check if your medical school or HE provider has any scholarships or bursaries that you can apply for
Research location, course materials, budgets, travel etc and apply for accommodation (usually around May).
Newsletter sign up
To keep up to date with Future Quest and receive information, advice and guidance around higher education, please sign up to our newsletter below:
Thanks for your interest in Future Quest. This content is restricted and you need to login or register to access it. It’s quick and simple. Once you have registered you can login to view all restricted content each time you visit.
