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Mature Entry Medicine 2015

  • 12-10-2014 11:03am
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭


    Hey guys,

    I'm applying for mature entry medicine next year, and trying to be as realistic about my application as possible. I got 390 in my leaving, which I can admit I definitely didn't do enough work for, mostly because I really didn't know what I wanted to do in university. I ended up going into UCD to study arts, which I didn't have much interest in; I felt like I just needed to get some form of third level qualification, and I came out of it with a pass degree. I then went on to a HDip in digital media last year, and received a 2:1 in that.

    Outside of my education, I'm trained as a lifeguard (although I never actually worked as one), and I recently started volunteering with the red cross, so I'll get some good working experience and training with them. I'm looking to do some volunteering in a hospice as well, and I've organised shadowing with a consultant this week, which hopefully I can do with him again in the future if it goes well.

    Regarding the HPAT, I did a practice test yesterday under exam conditions to give myself an idea of where I stand, and came out with a 177, so hopefully with a bit more preparation I can bring that mark up.

    Only work experience I have is in retail, and a creative design company that a friend and myself set up, so nothing really relevant there besides lots of interaction with people.

    I have all the matriculation requirements for RCSI (although I only have biology for my LC), and I'd have some good references to submit with my application.

    I really want this more than anything, and as far as I can remember helping people and making a real difference in lives is what I enjoy and want to do with my life, but I suppose I feared beforehand that I wasn't smart enough to do medicine which put me off applying. But actually having matured a good bit over the last few years, I know I have the drive to do it, and I know its what I 100% want to dedicate my life to.

    So based off the info above, would anyone have any idea if I have enough life experience to even be considered, or is there not much hope?

    Thank you


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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Healium


    I'm applying myself next year, so I know about as much as you, but...

    What are you planning to do over the next year to help your application? Do you have any practical experience in a hospital, care home etc.? Have you researched the course content? Do you have a rough idea of what you'd specialise in?

    It's fine to say you really want it, but how are you going to prove to them that you want it? You'll need to show them examples of things that you've gone out of your way to do because of your desire to study Medicine


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    Healium wrote: »
    I'm applying myself next year, so I know about as much as you, but...

    What are you planning to do over the next year to help your application? Do you have any practical experience in a hospital, care home etc.? Have you researched the course content? Do you have a rough idea of what you'd specialise in?

    It's fine to say you really want it, but how are you going to prove to them that you want it? You'll need to show them examples of things that you've gone out of your way to do because of your desire to study Medicine

    Hi Healium,

    I've been trained as beach and pool lifeguard, I volunteer with the red cross, and hope to start volunteering in either a day centre or nursing home from next week. Aside from that I'm doing some shadowing with a consultant. I'm fully aware of the workload and commitment involved, and have spoken at length to med student friends. I do have a few areas that I have quite an interest in, and would look to specialise.

    I fully accept that it may not realistically happen this year, but if that's the case I'm going to try again. I'll take the route of applying as a mature student and repeating the leaving certificate to apply as an undergrad for 2016.


  • Registered Users Posts: 421 ✭✭tomhenryford


    Sorry to jump in here but just wondering about the repeating the leaving option. Does anyone know if you have to sit Irish again if you passed it first time around. I'd prefer to sit 6 subjects that I have some knowledge in, I was brutal at Irish. I sat the three sciences and passed them all but if I were to study them again, log books and all that are needed now under the supervision of a teacher. I couldn't imagine going back to school at my age. How would you feel about that op?


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    Sorry to jump in here but just wondering about the repeating the leaving option. Does anyone know if you have to sit Irish again if you passed it first time around. I'd prefer to sit 6 subjects that I have some knowledge in, I was brutal at Irish. I sat the three sciences and passed them all but if I were to study them again, log books and all that are needed now under the supervision of a teacher. I couldn't imagine going back to school at my age. How would you feel about that op?

    Hi Tom,

    If you're repeating your entire leaving cert to go in via the points entry, it depends on the matriculation requirements of each college. I know RCSI and UCD require you to have an OD3 for medicine, whereas trinity don't require you to have Irish. In any case unless you're exempt from Irish I think you will have to repeat it, but at least you only need to worry about an ordinary level pass.

    Looking at my own situation, I don't think realistically I'll be offered a place this year as I have read elsewhere that they like the matures to have 2 sciences in RCSI so they can keep them all together, and I only have one. So I'm in the mindset of repeating next year if I have to (as well as applying as a mature student again). I know it won't be a huge amount of fun, but if it gets me into my dream career it's completely worth it. I'll be 25, but what's a year in the long run. I think the drive I have to get into the course will have it fly by.

    St Laurance's is where I'd be doing it anyway, I've heard good things about their repeat year (and I can't afford the Institute!).


  • Registered Users Posts: 21 Mand4990


    Anyone who wants to get into mature med first time? I got the key.

    Bought a select no. of books from amazon to help me write "the" most beautiful personal statement [thats your key to interview-I had a shocking HPAT].

    I am now 1st year RCSI and LOVING it!

    <snip> please use adverts.ie to sell books


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  • Registered Users Posts: 8 Connoc24


    Hi folks. For those of you that were at the open evening tonight I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. would anyone be interested in starting a study group for 2015 application? We could tackle the HPAT and share ideas for personal statement.

    I think having a group will be a great resource to us all .

    Let me know your thoughts or ideas.

    Regards

    Connoc24 (Caroline)


  • Registered Users Posts: 78 ✭✭danbag1989


    Hey guys,

    Ive been reading all the posts etc on this. Since there seem to be some very informed people on this and all of you seem very helpful, I have a few questions to ask! Hope you can help.

    First my situation: I am 25, I have worked the vast majority of my life as a primary carer (My father had MS and passed away last yr) and Ive decided to focus on my own future now and that is, I hope, in medicine. Some questions:
    I dont have a degree or science in Leaving Cert. I can of course sit the science leaving certs no problem. If I do the science leaving cert will that be ok, or does have to be part of my original LC?

    I do have a Level 6 in Bio pharmaceutical Processing. I assume this will be of some advantage?

    I have alot of experience with charities and volunteering, and I have also done alot of work shadowing etc. Again I assume it will stand to me.

    If I ever got a place on med as a mature student, would I have to pay full fees, bearing in mind I dont have a degree already?

    Am I wasting my time do you think? Should I forget about applying this year and get some more experience qualifications and apply next year?

    Any other info or advice be much appreciated!
    Dan


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Abby19


    danbag1989 wrote: »
    Hey guys,

    Ive been reading all the posts etc on this. Since there seem to be some very informed people on this and all of you seem very helpful, I have a few questions to ask! Hope you can help.

    First my situation: I am 25, I have worked the vast majority of my life as a primary carer (My father had MS and passed away last yr) and Ive decided to focus on my own future now and that is, I hope, in medicine. Some questions:
    I dont have a degree or science in Leaving Cert. I can of course sit the science leaving certs no problem. If I do the science leaving cert will that be ok, or does have to be part of my original LC?

    I do have a Level 6 in Bio pharmaceutical Processing. I assume this will be of some advantage?

    I have alot of experience with charities and volunteering, and I have also done alot of work shadowing etc. Again I assume it will stand to me.

    If I ever got a place on med as a mature student, would I have to pay full fees, bearing in mind I dont have a degree already?

    Am I wasting my time do you think? Should I forget about applying this year and get some more experience qualifications and apply next year?

    Any other info or advice be much appreciated!
    Dan

    Hey Danbag,
    Most of the universities have minimum matriculation requirements that mature students still have to meet. Most require 1 science, some (TCD and UCC iirc) require 2 sciences.
    However you can also do a college access program focussing on science subjects and afaik this can meet your LC subject requirements if you get a distinction in the course.
    Check with the mature students officers in the various colleges and they will be able to address your particular questions.


  • Registered Users Posts: 78 ✭✭danbag1989


    Heya,
    Yeah I get ya, but does that mean that I have to have done it in my original leaving cert, i.e if I sat two science subjects now, would that suffice? Ive sent around emails etc but they take a while to get back.
    Cheers for the reply!


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    I think you could sit either one or two science subjects at leaving cert level this year to get up the matriculation requirements, however I don't know whether they would count towards your application this year, seeing as your results wouldn't be out until after the majority of mature places will have been offered.

    Regarding fees, as long as you haven't attended any other third level course (or dropped out very shortly after beginning one) you should qualify for the free fees scheme.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Abby19


    rg2007 wrote: »
    I think you could sit either one or two science subjects at leaving cert level this year to get up the matriculation requirements, however I don't know whether they would count towards your application this year, seeing as your results wouldn't be out until after the majority of mature places will have been offered.

    I know of matures in two different colleges that were offered their mature spot on the condition they got a certain grade in the LC science subject they were sitting. They both got the required grade or higher, so don't know what would have happened if they hadn't.


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    Ah fair enough, my mistake. I think I had read on another thread somewhere that you had to have the results already.


  • Registered Users Posts: 78 ✭✭danbag1989


    I heard that too on some forum here, so Im assuming that means if I sit LC science exams without having LC science in my original LC from years ago I could eligible?
    Im hoping the get a pile of emails back tomorrow from all the colleges, so ill let everyone know what I find out!


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    Yep, you can do them on their own to get yourself up to the matriculation requirements (with the required grade). Original LC points don't change though.


  • Registered Users Posts: 78 ✭✭danbag1989


    Hey, yeah Im aware about the points not changing etc. you applying yourself this yr?


  • Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭rg2007


    Yep, started my CAO application the other day, and I've registered for the HPAT. Should be an interesting few months, but I'm excited at the prospect of it all. Good experience whether or not I get an offer this year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 78 ✭✭danbag1989


    Yup, im registering all for that during the week. Tbh, I don't think ill get it in this yr, in reality ill have a better chance the yr after, but like you say, good experience either way!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,586 ✭✭✭Healium


    Connoc24 wrote: »
    Hi folks. For those of you that were at the open evening tonight I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. would anyone be interested in starting a study group for 2015 application? We could tackle the HPAT and share ideas for personal statement.

    I think having a group will be a great resource to us all .

    Let me know your thoughts or ideas.

    Regards

    Connoc24 (Caroline)

    Hi Caroline,

    Sounds good, drop me a PM if you're still interested :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 53 ✭✭BeansandToast


    Hey everyone, don't know if this thread is still active, but figured I'd introduce myself. I'm applying for mature entry med this year too, although more to just give it a trial run. Honestly, I'm not expecting anything this year, hopefully next year, but it's worth a shot! I'm just wondering about everyone's extracurricular activities here. I know I may send myself into a whirlpool of anxiety, but I'm just a bit lost about the whole process.

    A little bit about me:


    -Graduated with a degree in medicinal chemistry; currently borderline 2.2/2.1, getting exams reviewed at the moment.
    -Volunteer with St. John's ambulance for a few months now
    -I work in a job which exposes me to a good amount of people with a variety of disorders, diabetes, coeliac, cancer etc.
    -Volunteer in a local hospice
    -I help around with terminally ill kids every saturday; not much to it tbh, just involves being a big kid really :)
    -I also signed up for this scheme in St. James' a while ago, basically come in like twice a month and just talk with some patients. Really enjoy it, although sometimes it can be quite saddening hearing some of the things they talk about
    -I've shadowed a GP and possibly have a week's worth of shadowing with an anasthesiologist

    I'm just wondering is this enough to be in with a decent shot of getting the interview. I'm aware a huge amount of it is on the personal statement, but I'm just worried because when I've skimmed previous threads about this topic, everyone seems to have years of clinical experience. Any replies would be greatly appreciated!

    I was only going to apply to RCSI this year. I've heard Trinity is a direct application. Does anyone happen to know the dates it all has to be in by? I've emailed the admissions officer, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.

    CHeers everyone and best of luck


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Abby19


    I was only going to apply to RCSI this year. I've heard Trinity is a direct application. Does anyone happen to know the dates it all has to be in by? I've emailed the admissions officer, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.

    CHeers everyone and best of luck

    Applications for mature students have to be in by the CAO deadline of February 1st at 17:15. see more details here http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=mature


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭ronivek


    I've heard Trinity is a direct application...

    It's not; you have to apply both through the CAO and fill out a supplementary form on the Trinity website before the 1st of February.

    Your experience is much more relevant and there's a lot more of it than me; I'd say you're quite likely to receive some interviews assuming you get a reasonable HPAT score.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭ronivek


    The HPAT anxiety and waiting games begin! :(


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 Physiograd


    Hi guys,

    I just wondered if anyone is aware of the kind of HPat scores (roughly) that are required for interviews? I haven't ever sat the HPat so it's all a little new to me!

    Thanks in advance, good luck to all!


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Abby19


    Physiograd wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    I just wondered if anyone is aware of the kind of HPat scores (roughly) that are required for interviews? I haven't ever sat the HPat so it's all a little new to me!

    Thanks in advance, good luck to all!

    If you looks through some of the old threads people were getting interviews about 70%, and possibly 60% (I think). Depends on the year and the college.

    Here is info on the results from last year. Just google HPAT Graph YYYY and you'll get links to the various years. http://hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au/files/HPAT_-_Ireland_2014_Candidate_Performance.pdf


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 Physiograd


    Thanks Abby, that's really helpful!


  • Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭jody24


    what is normally people studying for the test? is it just the sample questions or extras too?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,948 ✭✭✭Sligo1


    Hey there, I've read a few things about the mature entry to med route. And there's something I think I may have missed... Is this a 5 or a 6 year degree? I thought the 6 years included premed which was not compulsory? And also that in some colleges it is a 5 year degree while some colleges will only do the 6 year with premed? Does this depend on prior background degree? Am I missing something or have I got completely the wrong end of the stick?

    Would be grateful to anyone who can enlighten me. Thanks :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 299 ✭✭Abby19


    Mature entry to med means you are applying for the undergraduate course.
    This is of 5 years duration in Trinity and Cork and 5/6 years for Galway, UCD and RCSI. You are correct in saying that year 1 in those courses are considered pre-med. But as to whether it is compulsory I don't know. My understanding is that it is at the colleges discretion. I know LCs who get As in all three sciences can skip it and I know some matures who have skipped it but it may be on a case by case basis. Probably best to contact the admissions office of those colleges.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,948 ✭✭✭Sligo1


    Abby19 wrote: »
    Mature entry to med means you are applying for the undergraduate course.
    This is of 5 years duration in Trinity and Cork and 5/6 years for Galway, UCD and RCSI. You are correct in saying that year 1 in those courses are considered pre-med. But as to whether it is compulsory I don't know. My understanding is that it is at the colleges discretion. I know LCs who get As in all three sciences can skip it and I know some matures who have skipped it but it may be on a case by case basis. Probably best to contact the admissions office of those colleges.

    Thanks so much for the info. I did physics, Chem and bio for leaving getting 2 Bs and 1A at higher level. I also hold a degree and a masters. Would be interested in UCD and RCSI, but think it would prob be the 6yr degree as my LC was 15 years ago! But that extra year in college wpyld make a big difference to my decision making processes unfortunately. I wonder how many skipped the first year and why? Am I right in thinking there are 5 mature places in trinity, 20 in RCSI and 2 in UCD? Thanks so much again :)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭ronivek


    I imagine it's entirely at the discretion of the admissions panel; they'll set your matriculation requirements and make a recommendation in terms of what year you'll start. I've heard that RCSI tend to try and start all the mature students on the 5 year course; but not sure how accurate that is.

    As for number of places my understanding is there's between 6-8 in TCD, 15 in RCSI, and 1-2 in UCD. UCD very rarely make offers to mature students however.


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