The 'I feel like Im never going to get into Medicine' Thread

FairytaleGirl

Humphhhhh

Anyone else feel this way?

I would LOVE to get into the Grad programme at RCSI. Its my dream. But alas a dream it will always be - as I have a 2:2 Arts degree.

I did WOEFULLY in the HPAT this year, and although nothings final, my distinctly empty mailbox tells me Ive been unsucessful for entry as a mature student.

Im going to sit the GAMSAT in March and use it to apply to the 3 UK schools that will take me on their GEP, but Id still way rather study in Ireland.

I guess i'll sit the HPAT again next year too and give mature med a crack - but right now at the not so fresh age of 24, Im feeling so very very disheartened.

So I just started this thread for anyone that wants to vent - about anything med applicant related, from crappy results, to the unfairness of Leaving Certers whos parents can afford to pay their fees/tutors/digs for med school while your sleeping outside the banks hoping for them to take pity/ trying to keep a pending stomach ulcer under control while mentally calculating paying back a 100k loan.

Just need some cheering up I guess, either that or misery loves company :P

Dee

Albection

FairytaleGirl wrote: »

the not so fresh age of 24, Im feeling so very very disheartened

I really wouldn't worry about this. A friend of mine was only 27 when she started and is now only a year away from graduating, a guy I know was 34 ish and then a woman I know was 43 when she started.

Jessibelle

Fairytalegirl, d'ya mind me asking is it your first time applying?? I applied twice ) and managed to get in the second time round. It was a case of spending a year fixing what was 'off' with my application though (mainly in my case it was interview confidence, I speak really really quietly ). I'm in my 30's so 24 is hardly ancient and I personally know folk who started late 30's, 40's and 50's and have all been sucessful/are currently studying sucessfully so I wouldn't worry about the age too much Also, an extra year does mean an extra year to save for fees? *she says optimistically*?

TC80

Can I just offer one or two observations, based on nearly a decade as a doctor.

To the OP and all prospective medical students. Don't make getting in to medicine your everest, your four-minute-mile. Whether you get it or not, the sun will still come up tomorrow morning and there will be a whole new set of joys and challenges. In medicine, and other areas in life, every hurdle you jump puts you on the bottom rung of a new ladder. And those of you who follow the medical press will realise the number of ladders is being increased all the time.

Always, always, always be as defined by what you do outside medicine as what you do inside it. This applies as much to the first year student as to the senior consultant. This involves making sacrifices and compromises. The most dedicated, committed, saintly doctors are sadly often those who are the most psychologically burdened. Dig deeper ad you'll find a lot of pain in their personal lives, believe me. And a large part of tlit is because they lost that balance and the ability to draw boundaries.

The reason I am online at 2 am is because of something that happened at work today. After busting a gut working for a very sick patient all week I was on the receiving end of a volley of abuse today from 6 of his family members. The criticism was deeply personal and unjustified. I will have worked 94 hours by the end of this week, as well as having written two papers for submission to journals. To do all that and be accused of not making an effort hurts. And the kicker is that in the current climate you can't really argue back and defend yourself, unless you fancy a trip to the medical council and being a front page star of deeply distorted headlines on every paper in Ireland. You can only sit there meekly and apologise for things you never did. I feel like an idiot for hyping myself up so much back 14 years ago to get into med school. I can't sleep for thinking about it. Do I
regret studying medicine? No. What I do regret is losing balance in my life. I regret allowing myself to be defined by my work. I deeply regret staying in this country.

I hope all of you get into med school and make a better fist of a life in medicine than I have but please never lose sight of the fact that as a human being you are worth a whole lot more than life as a junior doctor will allow you to believe you are. Good luck in your exams.

FairytaleGirl

First time Jessibelle, Yes, but I didnt even get an interview! So I know I need to work on my Entry Requirements (HPAT/GAMSAT).

I thought my Personal Statement was grand, and I had 4 good references with a total of 8months experience in hospitals and care homes.

Im just tired I think!

TC80 - Thanks for that, what an important point to mention, the consultant I shadowed said nearly the sme thing. Bad days come in all forms in every profession - I guess doctors have more to feel indignant about though.

Abby19

FairytaleGirl wrote: »

First time Jessibelle, Yes, but I didnt even get an interview! So I know I need to work on my Entry Requirements (HPAT/GAMSAT).

I thought my Personal Statement was grand, and I had 4 good references with a total of 8months experience in hospitals and care homes.

Im just tired I think!

FairytaleGirl - a few quick questions and pointers about applications. You may have all of these covered, but I have heard of a few who hadn't, so just in case ...

Just wondering did you meet all the matriculation requirements for entry? It looks as though you are from Derry?
For TCD the Advanced GCE (A-Level) requirements are Grade B + Grade C In two of physics, chemistry or biology. If you do not have a qualification in physics you must present GCSE mathematics at grade B or better. This could vary in other colleges.

If you are going in as an undergraduate or mature you still need to meet the matriculation requirements, e.g. certain grades in Chemistry and Biology, etc. I know some people who applied and didn't have two sciences in the LC, but assumed that as they had a science degree, that would suffice. It doesn't. It is a bit like the 2:1 requirement for Grad Med, regardless of higher degrees, e.g. Masters and PhDs.
I know quite a few people with degrees who have sat or are sitting LC Chemistry and/or Biology to meet the requirements. I also know of someone with a degree who went back and repeated the entire leaving cert and got in with LC and HPAT as undergraduate.

Also you can tailor your applications for each of the colleges a bit. At least that is what I was told when I applied.
TCD only accept their supplemental application form. You need to apply through the CAO, but they don't look at your application, so you can focus on UCD/UCC/RCSI who do. Though RCSI also asks for a separate submission. TCD at the time did not accept references, and I was told that even if I attached my references to my application they would not be copied or provided to the interviewers.

Lastly in the mature part of the CAO form I found it very difficult to try and paint myself in any positive light with the formatting limitations of an online form. So the first couple of sections on academic record and qualifications, etc., I filled out online, but for the CV part, I prepared various documents in Word and put something like. 'Please see separate document sent by post.' into the application form. That way my work experience and stuff like that I could format properly and make my application a bit more professional looking.
I did the same for the TCD form as well. Filled the first few pages by hand (they do like to see some handwriting apparently) and for the latter bits I attached typed up sections. It also meant I could include more info on a typed page than an handwritten one.

I helped out at some of the mature student evenings and these were some of the common questions that came up. And I know this approach has worked for others applying for mature medicine.

As for age - there is currently an intern in their late 50s/early 60s in Tallaght hospital. Most of the North Americans who come over to study Medicine have undergraduate degrees, so you would be at the younger end of their age range. Medicine is 4-6 years, then intern year, then SHO training (2-3 years), SPR training (3-5 years), so it is a long slog if it is not what you really want. GP is 4 years after intern year assuming you get on a training scheme.

Many people are not successful on their first application - it is heartbreaking, but really, really common.

If you have any further questions feel free to PM me. If you want you could send me on your application and I'll give you feedback.

Jessibelle

I had actually written out something similar to Abby19 to post but she says it so much better than me It corresponds fairly similarly to my own application experience, and likewise if you fancy me throwing an eye over your application let me know. I may not get back to you immediately (I'm working odd hours at the moment) but I will get back.

ThatDrGuy

Abby19 wrote: »

As for age - there is currently an intern in their late 50s/early 60s in Tallaght hospital. Most of the North Americans who come over to study Medicine have undergraduate degrees, so you would be at the younger end of their age range. Medicine is 4-6 years, then intern year, then SHO training (2-3 years), SPR training (3-5 years), so it is a long slog if it is not what you really want. GP is 4 years after intern year assuming you get on a training scheme.

Many people are not successful on their first application - it is heartbreaking, but really, really common.

If you have any further questions feel free to PM me. If you want you could send me on your application and I'll give you feedback.

Medical training is a lot longer than implied here. Intern 1 year, sho 2-3 years, reg no mans land 1- infinity years, research MD / PHD (essentially mandatory these days ) 2-4 years, spr training (if you can get on scheme ) 4 -5 years, fellowship 1 - 2 years, so think about 14 years. Then a few years to forever overseas waiting for consultancy post to open up. Believe me you do not want to be doing call in your mid thirties. The older intern in tallaght was a disaster from what ive heard. Why are you shadowing a consultant ? Go shadow an SHO doing a sat - monday shift in some pit of hell like wexford. That will give you a much better idea of what the next 2 decades of your life will be like.

caroline1111

If you're serious about getting into medicine and are focused and committed, your best bet with a 2.2 undergrad is to redo the leaving cert and HPAT. I know people who went back and did the whole thing in one year and are now in medicine, theres no reason why you couldn't too.

FairytaleGirl

Im from the North, can I still sit the LC? I did 9 GCSEs in 2004, its different up here, I dont think you can do all the subjects at once in a HE college.

Abby19

FairytaleGirl wrote: »

Im from the North, can I still sit the LC? I did 9 GCSEs in 2004, its different up here, I dont think you can do all the subjects at once in a HE college.

I don't know if you can sit the LC, but you could check with the State Examinations Commission http://www.examinations.ie/ There looks to be an option to register as an external candidate, though it is closed at the moment.

You say you did GCSEs, did you do A-Levels? It looks like only A and AS levels count toward the CAO points. I am not as familiar with that system but perhaps you could get on to your local schools/colleges and see what they say.

An applicant’s score will be calculated on the basis of either of the following:
1 their best 4 GCE Advanced level (A2) subjects from one academic year
OR
2 their best 3 GCE Advanced level (A2) subjects from one academic year plus one Advanced Subsidiary level (AS) in a different subject from the same or the preceding academic year only.

Jessibelle

Anyone can sit the Leaving Cert as an external candidate once the fees are paid and the candidate is 17 years on or before 31 July of the year of examination. Just be aware it's at least 6 subjects and you have to have the matriculation subjects in one sitting (that'd be English, Maths and a European language (you'd be exempt from having to do Irish specifically as you'd be counted as an EU applicant). HTH

Joeyjoejoe83

I've just finished first year at the ripe age of 28, age is not a problem...except trying to keep up with the 19 year olds and their ability to instantly recover from a night on the sauce...I'm at the three day hangover stage!
My advice is follow every piece of information on here, I would not be in medicine without listening and using tips an information I received, particularly from Jessibelle. Being intelligent is not enough, all applicants are intelligent, your no longer the big fish in the small pond. Keep plugging away, you sound like you have the experience so I think a quick look at your application, cover letter and CV would make a huge difference. As for the HPAT, I'd see if a tutor can help, even just one session will make a difference.
Finally, dont be afraid to ask or accept help, since I've got in I've about a dozen people asking for advice on work experience, showing me their CV and applications and asking me for interviews advice, and both myself and my classmates have no problem doing it because we all remember someone did it for us!

FairytaleGirl

Thanks for all the info guys - The matriculation requirementa is a good one actually, Im going to go back over everything and contact the individual colleges to be sure.

I'd love to get feedback on my PS this year actually. although I only have the one from RCSI. The seperate one sent with my CAO was on my USB that I lost

I got AS Levels - AAU - the U was in Dance and Anatomy and the whole class was failed by the examiner

A Levels - BCD - English Lit/Drama and Theatre and the D in D&A as I had to improve from a U grade.

Not Excellent at all

Jessibelle

Ah, you need a lab science subject so Would you consider doing an Access to Science course if one's available in any Uni near to you? It'd give you a good grounding in maths biology/chemisty/physics, and some of them are accredited to Level 6 (just above leaving cert on the National Qualifications so I'd assume similarly for A levels?). I know they're considered very well for mature applicants, but I'm not sure how they apply regarding standard entry.

FairytaleGirl

The only Access to Science here take two years to do, and I dont know to what level they are either :O

Sunnygrl

Hi Fairytalegirl
I am in a similar boat to you- applying as mature student and feeling like you are getting nowhere! Age does not bother me that much, but what I do not get is what they are looking for in an application.
I have wanted to do medicine since my first year in college, but as i was already in a good course I decided to see it through, just maybe it would work out. I completed a degree as an occupational therapist and worked as one in various settings for 10 years now. Want to do medicine even more now that I know the system. Also now in financial position to pay for course.
My first degree is a 2:1, but does not get recognised here as one as the standards of universities apparently vary. master degree does not count.So GAMSAT is not an option. So tried mature entry - had 5 science subjects in equivalent to LC and got A in each, as well as higher level maths. Would struggle sitting Irish LC as did not do EU language. Did ok in HPAT.
Thought my personal statements were good and had great references, but alas no luck at all. Not sure what to do as the only thing that I can change is personal statement and references.
Moan over.

dtfo

For improving your hpat I would suggest going through the sample papers and making sure you understand each question and how the answer is correct. If you cant figure out any you can pm me , although I only have the second sample with me. Oh and probably not section 2 as its my weakest.

Other than that I would strongly suggest doing a prep course. This one http://www.medstart.com.au/ is imo the best. Altough I didnt sign up as I only found out about it a few weeks before the exam. The practice sections alone are invaluable

FairytaleGirl

I might actually go for the prep course this year - as I had my friends stuff from her course to study for mine - past papers etc and still got an awful 145. Although I did only study for 2 weeks, but still.

Its all money money money.

Not everyone is loaded

PS: dtfo - are the UMAT and HPAT the same?

dtfo

Ive never seen a UMAT paper. From the prep courses Ive seen though theyre pretty identical in sections 1 and 3 , and less so in 2. afaik the same Australian company set both papers.

I think if you have your friends notes,use the free part of that site and go over the sample papers then a course isnt going to be hugely beneficial

FairytaleGirl

If I sat an Acess to Science course at UCD or another College would that enable me to skip the pre med year?

Jessibelle

It does allow you to skip premed in UCD if you get above 70% on average in your exams (There's a lot of continuous assessment though so it's not as pressurised as it sounds), TCD don't have a premed, and I don't know regarding UCC or RCSI. I know TCD do take the results in lieu of Leaving Cert results for maltriculation purposes not points, as the end award is a Fetac Level 6 (I think) so 65% or above in Chemistry for example is the equivilant of a B or above in Higher Leaving Cert Chemistry. I did the UCD one, (I know Trinity also un their own course), and really can't reccommend it enough, very supportive staff and a very good course layout, even coming from a science background, I learnt an awful lot, and it did prepare me well for heading back.

SeeTea

Jessibelle wrote: »

It does allow you to skip premed in UCD if you get above 70% on average in your exams (There's a lot of continuous assessment though so it's not as pressurised as it sounds), TCD don't have a premed, and I don't know regarding UCC or RCSI. I know TCD do take the results in lieu of Leaving Cert results for maltriculation purposes not points, as the end award is a Fetac Level 6 (I think) so 65% or above in Chemistry for example is the equivilant of a B or above in Higher Leaving Cert Chemistry. I did the UCD one, (I know Trinity also un their own course), and really can't reccommend it enough, very supportive staff and a very good course layout, even coming from a science background, I learnt an awful lot, and it did prepare me well for heading back.

Hey jessibelle!
Just reading your post there.. You came from a science background? What was it, if you don't mind me asking? I have an undergraduate degree in general science, but I'm thinking of doing this ucd access course to cover all my bases for next year.. I like the way the ucd one is part-time, but how many subjects can you do through it? Is it only one or can you do a few, say chemistry, biology and physics? After you did the course were you offered your place?

Jessibelle

Hey SeeTea,
I've a degree in Biotechnology, but as degrees go, it was a lot more technology than biology, if that makes sense? (it covered more engineering sciences than biological is what I'm saying ). I did the Access course as when I got feedback on my application after the first time, one or two schools recommended I improve my chemistry mark from the Leaving cert (I'd also planned to sit the chemistry A level, but that didn't happen for a few reasons).
UCD's access course covers maths, chemisty, physics, study skills and an option between further maths (advised for if you want to pursue an engineering/maths degree) or biology.
I'm not saying I got my place just because of doing the Access course, but I do feel it helped hugely in showing the extent of my commitment, and I know when I was interviewed I was always asked as to why I was doing the course, and because I'd already completed the chemisty aspect of the course, and when asked how I did, was able to state and show a high mark, which I did feel went in my favour. HTH

SeeTea

That's a great help Jessibelle, thanks!! Oh I've no doubt that you put loads of work into you're application alongside doing the access course, I just meant was it in the same year as you finishing the access course then you were offered your place.

Really appreciate the reply, I'll have a think about it and see what the story is. Looks like I will go that way and try AGAIN to get into medicine next year if I don't hear back from other colleges for this year. You've made up my mind for me now, thanks!!

Jessibelle

no worries and pm if there's anything else I can help with? I may not answer straight off (I work odd hours during the year/summer) but I will get back to you.

SeeTea

Jessibelle wrote: »

no worries and pm if there's anything else I can help with? I may not answer straight off (I work odd hours during the year/summer) but I will get back to you.

Awh you're so good, thanks!! No doubt I'll have a load more questions for you in the VERY near future!!!:)

Xxx

EternalGeek

Could not agree anymore with the sentiment of this post as Jessibelle, my real life buddy will testify to I do spend a lot of time wondering why I am not already the Irish female version of House :rolleyes:

Have a nursing degree, am applying for 2013 entry. Working as a staff nurse and repeating the Leaving cert in the meantime.

Am happy to rant on the subject at anytime if anyone cares to do so

borrch

I'm repeating the leaving cert next year as well, cant apply as mature student as I live in Galway, unfortunately NUIG dont take mature students

EternalGeek

I didn't know NUIG don't take mature?

How are you feeling about repeating? I am horrified and looking forward to it in equal measure

borrch

I was at their open day in April full of hope regarding mature entry, as i was emailing their mature officer months before. She had told me they were hoping to start mature entry from 2013. But at the open day i asked the dean of medicine about it. She said they were considering offering 2 places to people who had already at 2:1 in biomed (plus interview).
Anyway I was very disappointed, so have to face up to the fact i'll have to repeat. 10 wks before the leaving i decided to sit two subjects this year, just to see how I'd get on (biology & physics). As I want to be realistic about getting the points. I sat my leaving cert in 2001 so a bit rusty :-(

EternalGeek

2 people who already have a 2:1 degree?! What are they playing at!

Are you only applying to NUIG then??

Have you sat Bio and Physics yet? Did the leaving cert in 2007 and the nice people in Pearse college assure me it hasnt changed too much....here is hoping..I'm desperately trying to remember by Macbeth.

borrch

Ya and the dean thought she was doing people a favour! In my opinion a 2:1 biomed degree trumps a good leaving cert anyday.

I'll only be applying to Galway, as I'm settled here, getting married end of the year. It has the lowest points anyhow so better chance then Dublin.

I sat the biology yesterday so hoping for a A1 or A2, but not feeling so confident about the physics as i've never studied it before. Im working fulltime so its hard to put in the hours required, but i'll reduce my hours next year as i'll have 6 honours subject, will also have to sit 3 pass subject (french, irish & probably english) as want to put my stronger subjects first. Just aiming for a pass in the ordinary level ones.

I'm also enrolling in the science access course in september. It covers maths, physics, biology & chemistry. It will force me to study all year round as im awful for cramming last minute, and its much cheaper than getting grinds:)

borrch

EternalGeek wrote: »

2 people who already have a 2:1 degree?! What are they playing at!

Are you only applying to NUIG then??

Have you sat Bio and Physics yet? Did the leaving cert in 2007 and the nice people in Pearse college assure me it hasnt changed too much....here is hoping..I'm desperately trying to remember by Macbeth.

The english paper 2 changes every year, different plays, novels, poets etc.

EternalGeek

Fair play to you! That sounds good.

Ill prob do Irish, German and Maths as my pass subjects. Then hoping to do well in English,Bio, Chem, Physics and Geography. Also going to do Ag.Science as Im told it is a mix if bio and geog!

I would prefer Dublin as I am from Dublin and you just know Dubs can't handle being outside the county for too long but I will be applying for everywhere, hopefully will get in as a mature student, but will have the undergrad route to ''fall back on''.

I've looked up Englsih for next year and Macbeth is on it:D

Good luck with the Physics!!

borrch

Im the same way, not sure I could handle living in Dublin, so far away from everyone, it would make the 5yrs very long. Cant remember any Hamlet :-( Ag Science is supposed to be handy points. You do a project during the year worth 20% of the score, only thing is finding a teacher to sign you off on, I'll be doing everything at home, dont think i could handle fulltime school, I'd feel so old at 28yrs :-(. Im tempted to have a go at higher maths with the 25 extra points. Jes you'll have a great start with nursing degree, will you apply as grad entry as well. Only thing its so expensive to go back and do the degree, I'd say you'd end up with student loans of €70k+ ahhhh ........

Bella29

I'm feeling really despondent as the moment as well...the medical prospect for me is so grim! So I didnt get into medicine last year and is currently repeating my leaving cert and feeling that yet again I'm never going to make it in. Is there any point in going to going to college and doing a random course hoping that I will achieve an 2.1 diploma and start medicine again or should repeat another year of Leaving Cert, AGAIN, taking once again a 50/50 chance with the LC? I know what I want in life and I am not ready yet to give up on this seemingly austere dream. However family pressure is so great as my mum said I must go to college this year no matter what as she gave me this year as a last chance to get into medicine. So really I find myself being squeezed into a corner here. Do yous have any advice for a troubled soul like me? I know there are a lot of medical students and potential medical students on here. I'm desperately searching for some advice from people who have made it to the other side and those who are relatively in the same situation as me, taking in account that at the moment, I'm 19 and going to be 20 this July

Bella29

EternalGeek wrote: »

Could not agree anymore with the sentiment of this post as Jessibelle, my real life buddy will testify to I do spend a lot of time wondering why I am not already the Irish female version of House :rolleyes:

Have a nursing degree, am applying for 2013 entry. Working as a staff nurse and repeating the Leaving cert in the meantime.

Am happy to rant on the subject at anytime if anyone cares to do so

I'm a repeat this year as I want to get into medicine again but don't think I'm going to make it. I was thinking of doing a nursing degree and get back in later and this is exactly ur case. Can I ask you what subjects are u repeating this year?

borrch

I think you need to look at things in a different light. From my point of view your in a positive position I know it might not seem that way now but believe me when your ten years older you'll know what i mean.

You get only one degree for free, so why waste that on a degree your not interested in, it will cost you a fortune to pay for med school otherwise (€14k a year roughly). It only costs about €300 to resit the leaving cert. Your a great age, and have loads of time. I know it doesn't seem like that now. You might have done better in this years leaving cert than you think. But really it depends on your hpat score. I havent sat it yet but plan on studying for it from july onwards, when really if you think about it, it counts for one third of the points required. Maybe next year you wont have to resit the leaving just improve your hpat if your points are 530+???:)

FairytaleGirl

Im in a rather crap position too - being from the North I didnt do the leaving cert - and our equivalent ~ We only do 3 subjects over two years ~ means Ive only done Arts subjects to leaving standard - and didnt do great in them at all. (BCD)

There's no way I could do the Leaving either - not only do I live in the north now but I havnt done anything but English Literature/Drama and Theatre studies/Arts since 2004.

Im hoping to get in as a mature again 2013 , I did sh!t in the HPAT aswell - So im looking at doing 2 Science A Levels in a year instead of taking two years. Maybe that'll give me a better chance.

Bella - Dont let your parents push you - Its your life, and you are old enough to make your own decisions! Dont waste time and money doing a different degree. I did and ended up with a 2:2 - which excludes me from Grad entry (so pretty useless imo) AND leaves me 4 years older - Im 24 now with £12,000 in student debt already.

Borrch - I KNOW. Cant believe NUIG are being so descriminatory! Ageist surely - I didnt think it was allowed - and asking for a Science degree - Now theyre just following some UK schools.

EternalGeek! How I wish I had a useful 1st degree as you! did you get a 2:1? Why dont you go for Grad Med? Even if you go undergrad you'll be able to skip pre med and go straight to the 5yr course!

borrch

Ya we're in a crap situation alright, I intend to apply to the hse as a trainee paramedic as well, they're supposed to be recruiting at the end of the year, have to keep all my options open, but would much rather med. If i dont get the points in 2013 i'm not going to resit it again unless i just need to resit the hpat.

Ya i'm not sure what NUIG are getting at. I mean why would i apply there with a 2:1 biomed degree when i can just do a GAMSAT and enter a 4 year degree, at least you'd be competing for alot more places.

EternalGeek

Bella, I personally really regret not just repeating the leaving cert after school. I was not happy during my four years of nursing, and let me tell you it is very very disheartening watching some interns behave like complete and utter morons while bitching about their long hours when you are sitting there as a nurse thinking you would kill to be where they are!!
I will be repearting and am hoping to do english, irish, maths, german, geography, bio, chem, physics and ag.science.

I technically got a 2:1 but nursing lists it as a 2:2 (They dont tell you that in the prospectus :mad:) so I don't think I can apply for GEP as my official degree says 2:2

Bella29

EternalGeek wrote: »

Bella, I personally really regret not just repeating the leaving cert after school. I was not happy during my four years of nursing, and let me tell you it is very very disheartening watching some interns behave like complete and utter morons while bitching about their long hours when you are sitting there as a nurse thinking you would kill to be where they are!!
I will be repearting and am hoping to do english, irish, maths, german, geography, bio, chem, physics and ag.science.

I technically got a 2:1 but nursing lists it as a 2:2 (They dont tell you that in the prospectus :mad:) so I don't think I can apply for GEP as my official degree says 2:2

EternalGeek, you really give me some perspective there, I really thought that life would get easier if you got some sort of a degree but listening to what you said, make me rethink about it all. I guess if our main focus is to become a doctor no matter what then it shouldn't affect me as much about what people might think about me repeating for the second time. Gosh, medicine is such a constant race. I hope we'll get there eventually, soon it'll have to be our turn. There's has to be light at the end of this dark, seemingly endless tunnel

EternalGeek

There definitely is! I am 23, I have a degree and in September I am starting a year long repeat leaving certificate course. I know there are people who think I am totally certifiable crazy but to be totally honest I don't give a s**t because I know all I want to do is be a doctor and I am going to keep applying til I wear an admissions office down enough to let me in

FairytaleGirl

EternalGeek - Where are you doing the LC one year course?

EternalGeek

I am doing it in Pearse college

51533823

Bella29 wrote: »

I'm feeling really despondent as the moment as well...the medical prospect for me is so grim! So I didnt get into medicine last year and is currently repeating my leaving cert and feeling that yet again I'm never going to make it in. Is there any point in going to going to college and doing a random course hoping that I will achieve an 2.1 diploma and start medicine again or should repeat another year of Leaving Cert, AGAIN, taking once again a 50/50 chance with the LC? I know what I want in life and I am not ready yet to give up on this seemingly austere dream. However family pressure is so great as my mum said I must go to college this year no matter what as she gave me this year as a last chance to get into medicine. So really I find myself being squeezed into a corner here. Do yous have any advice for a troubled soul like me? I know there are a lot of medical students and potential medical students on here. I'm desperately searching for some advice from people who have made it to the other side and those who are relatively in the same situation as me, taking in account that at the moment, I'm 19 and going to be 20 this July

You can repeat the LC until the cows come home but each year spend doing it gives you very little extra outside of a shot at med (which is a bit up in the air with the HPAT and the Health Minister is talking of scrapping it anyway).

At least if you head to uni and start a physiology degree you'll be earning something that is an achievement on its own and can then be used not only to get you into medicine (if you still want to do it) but also to help you through it. If you want to do med then at least you'll enjoy the physiology degree.

I'm not sure what age you are but don't worry too much about time. If you were in the US or Canada you would have to do a degree first and then (graduate entry) medicine. Around the world it is normal to start med aged 24/5.

Fiddles44

Sorry for this long reply but I just saw this thread and noticed how many people are considering or have already decided on going back to repeat the leaving as mature student to get into medicine.

I'm 23 and I just finished repeating in IOE this year and thought i'd share my experience. I already have a science degree but unfortunately just missed out on the 2.1. It was suggested to me to go back and do the leaving again. Everyone of course said it'll be so easy because you already have a degree but let me tell you know it most definately is not.

I took 9 subjects. English, Irish and French at ordinary level and then I took Biology, Chem, Physics, Agricultural Science and Agricultural Economics all at higher level. I just finished my exams last thursday I am still exhausted. I have to say this year was a lot harder then I thought it was going to be.

Be prepared to give up a lot of time with friends and your social life. I worked extremely hard this year and still feel I didnt get enough points. I let the stress and nerves get to me at the end and under the exam pressure made some stupid mistakes that I really should not have made. And believe me the stress will get to you at some stage of the year. I usually don't get very stressed but the Leaving cert changed that.

I think you should keep in mind that repeating is a good idea when you're older because you are now more mature and realise what you want but you still have to keep in mind that you're covering 9 different nine subjects in 9 months rather than the usual 17/18 year olds that are covering the courses in 2 years. I have to admitted the subject matter is easier to understand now but the volume of information you have to learn is unbelievable. Also you have to keep in mind that knowing the subject matter is fine but to get A1s you need to know the information to perfection.

What also really got on my nerves was the way the leaving cert is actually marked. If you answer a question your explanation may be correct but if its not in the marking schemes then you get a big fat zero for the question even though you may be right :mad:. Also if you're thinking about taking Higher Maths the new Projects Maths is very different to the old course and Maths is changing again this year.

Time is also so important this year. At the beginning you think you have so much time to do everything but that quickly changes. Especially after christmas your study time can really takes a hit. The middle term is the worst. You have project deadlines, orals and hpat to study for and believe me they definately take more time than you think they will. Also if you're thinking about doing Agricultural Science just to warn you my project was about 14,000 words long (longer then my thesis in college) and my project wasnt even the biggest in my class. The teacher can only give so many projects A1s so competition for those marks is high. ( Like everything with the leaving cert I suppose)

I meet a few other people 23/24 years old who went back and repeated and it didnt work out. I thought repeating the leaving was my ticket in but unfortunately I think I'll either have to repeat again or depending on points just take the hpat again.

I know all the above sounds pretty bad but tbh I dont regret the year. It was extremely stressfull but I'm still glad I did it and just have my fingers crossed that I did better in my exams than I think I did.

If you would like anymore advice, about orals, projects, hpat etc just pm me and best of luck to all of you

Just Like Heaven

Fiddles44 wrote: »

Sorry for this long reply but I just saw this thread and noticed how many people are considering or have already decided on going back to repeat the leaving as mature student to get into medicine.

I'm 23 and I just finished repeating in IOE this year and thought i'd share my experience. I already have a science degree but unfortunately just missed out on the 2.1. It was suggested to me to go back and do the leaving again. Everyone of course said it'll be so easy because you already have a degree but let me tell you know it most definately is not.

I took 9 subjects. English, Irish and French at ordinary level and then I took Biology, Chem, Physics, Agricultural Science and Agricultural Economics all at higher level. I just finished my exams last thursday I am still exhausted. I have to say this year was a lot harder then I thought it was going to be.

Be prepared to give up a lot of time with friends and your social life. I worked extremely hard this year and still feel I didnt get enough points. I let the stress and nerves get to me at the end and under the exam pressure made some stupid mistakes that I really should not have made. And believe me the stress will get to you at some stage of the year. I usually don't get very stressed but the Leaving cert changed that.

I think you should keep in mind that repeating is a good idea when you're older because you are now more mature and realise what you want but you still have to keep in mind that you're covering 9 different nine subjects in 9 months rather than the usual 17/18 year olds that are covering the courses in 2 years. I have to admitted the subject matter is easier to understand now but the volume of information you have to learn is unbelievable. Also you have to keep in mind that knowing the subject matter is fine but to get A1s you need to know the information to perfection.

What also really got on my nerves was the way the leaving cert is actually marked. If you answer a question your explanation may be correct but if its not in the marking schemes then you get a big fat zero for the question even though you may be right :mad:. Also if you're thinking about taking Higher Maths the new Projects Maths is very different to the old course and Maths is changing again this year.

Time is also so important this year. At the beginning you think you have so much time to do everything but that quickly changes. Especially after christmas your study time can really takes a hit. The middle term is the worst. You have project deadlines, orals and hpat to study for and believe me they definately take more time than you think they will. Also if you're thinking about doing Agricultural Science just to warn you my project was about 14,000 words long (longer then my thesis in college) and my project wasnt even the biggest in my class. The teacher can only give so many projects A1s so competition for those marks is high. ( Like everything with the leaving cert I suppose)

I meet a few other people 23/24 years old who went back and repeated and it didnt work out. I thought repeating the leaving was my ticket in but unfortunately I think I'll either have to repeat again or depending on points just take the hpat again.

I know all the above sounds pretty bad but tbh I dont regret the year. It was extremely stressfull but I'm still glad I did it and just have my fingers crossed that I did better in my exams than I think I did.

If you would like anymore advice, about orals, projects, hpat etc just pm me and best of luck to all of you

Hey, just how did you go about paying for the year? I know the IOE charge about 7k, but this in combination with living costs and the fact that you weren't working, seems quite unaffordable, even though it's something I really need to consider.

Thanks.

take everything

TC80 wrote: »

Can I just offer one or two observations, based on nearly a decade as a doctor.

To the OP and all prospective medical students. Don't make getting in to medicine your everest, your four-minute-mile. Whether you get it or not, the sun will still come up tomorrow morning and there will be a whole new set of joys and challenges. In medicine, and other areas in life, every hurdle you jump puts you on the bottom rung of a new ladder. And those of you who follow the medical press will realise the number of ladders is being increased all the time.

Always, always, always be as defined by what you do outside medicine as what you do inside it. This applies as much to the first year student as to the senior consultant. This involves making sacrifices and compromises. The most dedicated, committed, saintly doctors are sadly often those who are the most psychologically burdened. Dig deeper ad you'll find a lot of pain in their personal lives, believe me. And a large part of tlit is because they lost that balance and the ability to draw boundaries.

The reason I am online at 2 am is because of something that happened at work today. After busting a gut working for a very sick patient all week I was on the receiving end of a volley of abuse today from 6 of his family members. The criticism was deeply personal and unjustified. I will have worked 94 hours by the end of this week, as well as having written two papers for submission to journals. To do all that and be accused of not making an effort hurts. And the kicker is that in the current climate you can't really argue back and defend yourself, unless you fancy a trip to the medical council and being a front page star of deeply distorted headlines on every paper in Ireland. You can only sit there meekly and apologise for things you never did. I feel like an idiot for hyping myself up so much back 14 years ago to get into med school. I can't sleep for thinking about it. Do I
regret studying medicine? No. What I do regret is losing balance in my life. I regret allowing myself to be defined by my work. I deeply regret staying in this country.

I hope all of you get into med school and make a better fist of a life in medicine than I have but please never lose sight of the fact that as a human being you are worth a whole lot more than life as a junior doctor will allow you to believe you are. Good luck in your exams.

Wow.
One of the best post i've read on Boards.
And one of the most honest i've read from another doctor.
This is great advice.

Leinsterview

take everything wrote: »

Wow.
One of the best post i've read on Boards.
And one of the most honest i've read from another doctor.
This is great advice.

Speaking as another doc, I'll second that.