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I have always wanted to be a doctor, and like many other students, I aspired to seek admission to a leading medical school. Being a doctor is a highly rewarding and sought-after field worldwide. In South Asia, the profession of medicine is considered very respectable, and parents often tend to force their children to pursue it.
This is precisely what happened to me. My parents pushed me to achieve this goal, but I couldn’t because writing was my calling. I worked hard towards it, and now I work in an esteemed organization.
If you are equally passionate about medicine, you need to work hard in your GCSEs and A-levels to develop a base. Further studies are easier for hardworking and skilled students. But if you get lazy early on, you may push yourself far away from being a doctor.
However, the first step in doing so is to choose your subjects wisely. Let’s see what to pick.
To apply to a medical college, your application needs to have the following things:
There is soaring competition in the medical field, and according to statistics, almost 24000 students apply for 6000 available slots in med schools. With such a high demand, universities set the bar high to get the top students in the field.
The A-level results hold the most weight when you’re applying for medical colleges, but due to the fierce competition, your entire academic record will be checked.
For GCSEs, you need the following subjects:
These requirements are high, with universities expecting students to achieve a B, A, or A* (or 6-9 score) in a minimum of 5 of their GCSEs, including the subjects written above.
Then, you’ll need 3 A/A*’s at A Level to have a good shot at being accepted as a doctor.
Imagine this: if a university has to decide between two students who both have high grades in the A-level exams. Who do they pick? The deciding factor will be their GCSEs. Having good grades in your GCSE will set you up for A-levels and further requirements for getting into the medical profession.
The primary subject requirements for getting into a medical college are:
Almost all universities want applicants to have studied at least two science courses at GCSE level. These could be Chemistry, Biology, and/or Physics. Some colleges may wish to take all three of these science classes. In contrast, some universities may accept other science courses (like Geology or Environmental Science) as long as the applicant can understand basic scientific ideas.
When it comes to the GCSE Chemistry and Biology requirements for getting into medicine programs at UK universities, most of them are very strict. The vast majority of medical schools want applicants to have at least a grade 6 in these areas; some even demand a grade 7.
It's much less common for medical schools to specifically list GCSE Physics as one of their required subjects. Colleges that do demand Physics mostly want at least a grade 6 in the subject.
There is a ray of hope for students who didn't study individual sciences at GCSE level. Many universities' websites say that Dual Award Science or Double Science can be used instead of individual science courses.
Interesting Read: 10 Fascinating Facts About Genes That You Must Know
Most universities want applicants to have studied math at the GCSE level, in addition to the science courses. So, you cannot run away from Math even if you want to be a good doctor. This is because math is fundamental for many of the ideas and concepts that medicine students will learn later on in their degree.
Some universities require a grade 6 to be considered for entry, and only a few will accept a grade of 4 or 5. However, it's important to keep in mind that students taking Math at A-Level may have different standards than those taking Math at GCSE.
Some medical schools may be lenient about GCSE Maths requirements if the student is taking the subject at a higher level and can show a strong background in the topic.
Almost all universities want candidates to have studied GCSE English Language, just like Math. Being a good doctor means being able to communicate clearly with your patients, which is only possible if you have a solid grasp of the language.
Students who want to attend most medical schools in the UK must meet specific GCSE English language requirements before they can start their programs. Many colleges need at least a grade 6 in the English Language to even consider you for admission, although some may accept a grade 4 or 5.
Things are a little different when it comes to English Literature. There is no clear requirement for candidates to have studied English Literature at the GCSE level, but it is still an important subject to take.
For most universities, the subjects listed above are enough. However, some may also want applicants to have studied additional subjects at GCSE, like a modern foreign language or a humanities course (History or Religious Studies). These requirements will be different for each university based on its admissions rules.
Overall, students who want to pursue medicine should do their homework and ensure they meet the GCSE standards of the schools they wish to apply to.
It's also important to remember that getting the required grades and subjects is a big part of getting into a medical school. Still, some institutes will consider things like work experience, extracurricular activities, and personal statements when making choices.
Another example is to have a degree in GCSE Psychology which will help you understand human behaviour and emotions on a deeper level. Moreover, it can be a good starting point for taking medicine as you will know things beforehand.
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