Mature Entry Medicine 2015

rg2007

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

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

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.

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?

rg2007

tomhenryford wrote: »

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!).

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

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)

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

rg2007

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

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!

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.

danbag1989

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

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.

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!

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

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

Abby19

BeansandToast wrote: »

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

ronivek

BeansandToast wrote: »

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.

ronivek

The HPAT anxiety and waiting games begin!

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!

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

Physiograd

Thanks Abby, that's really helpful!

jody24

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

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

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.

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

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.

Abby19

Sligo1 wrote: »

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

If you have a minimum 2:1 in your primary degree, whatever the discipline, you can sit the GAMSAT and apply for Grad Med, which is 4 years.

There used to be 5 places in Trinity, it was increased to 8, but I am not sure any more - check with the mature students officer. http://www.tcd.ie/study/assets/pdf/Undergraduate-Medicine-EU-Applicants-2015.pdf https://www.tcd.ie/maturestudents/contact/
Not sure about RCSI, but it looks like 15 http://www.rcsi.ie/mature-medicine
UCD appears to offer up to 2 places a year, but some years don't offer any. They have the Grad Med route and seem to prefer people to follow that route.

Sligo1

Thanks again for all the info guys!

Abby I studied my primary in a different country. It was a 3 year bachelor degree. I got is assessed for Gamsat by the NQA which they deemed was a high Level 8. But then when I wrote to UCD and sent in my transcripts they assessed it as only a level 7 and said I would not be eligible for GAMSAT. I told them I had received my NQA cert and they replied that the NQA was not always accurate! A bit stupid considering UCD were the ones who told me to go to the NQA in the first place to get it assessed for eligibility! Anyways, that's why I think I would have to go mature route. Unless I sent my Certs and transcripts to TCD and RCSI independently and got their opinion aswell.... Awkward situation as i don't want to do GAMSAT and then be told I'm
Not eligible based on my degree... And visa versa with the HPAT and mature route!

Again, thank you to the last 2 posters. You've been very informative.

Abby19

Sligo1 wrote: »

Thanks again for all the info guys!

Abby I studied my primary in a different country. It was a 3 year bachelor degree. I got is assessed for Gamsat by the NQA which they deemed was a high Level 8. But then when I wrote to UCD and sent in my transcripts they assessed it as only a level 7 and said I would not be eligible for GAMSAT. I told them I had received my NQA cert and they replied that the NQA was not always accurate! A bit stupid considering UCD were the ones who told me to go to the NQA in the first place to get it assessed for eligibility! Anyways, that's why I think I would have to go mature route. Unless I sent my Certs and transcripts to TCD and RCSI independently and got their opinion aswell.... Awkward situation as i don't want to do GAMSAT and then be told I'm
Not eligible based on my degree... And visa versa with the HPAT and mature route!

Again, thank you to the last 2 posters. You've been very informative.

I don't know how to go about it, but if you could get clarification between the NFA and RCSI/UCD as to what level your degree is, it could be worth your while.
So say for example it is classed as a level 7, and it is more than 5 years since you studied, I think you might be eligible for free fees as going for a level 8 means you would be progressing.
Of course this depends on your residency as to whether you might be eligible for free fees. I stand to be corrected on this but it might be a possibility.

Sligo1

Abby19 wrote: »

I don't know how to go about it, but if you could get clarification between the NFA and RCSI/UCD as to what level your degree is, it could be worth your while.
So say for example it is classed as a level 7, and it is more than 5 years since you studied, I think you might be eligible for free fees as going for a level 8 means you would be progressing.
Of course this depends on your residency as to whether you might be eligible for free fees. I stand to be corrected on this but it might be a possibility.

The NQA already deemed it a level 8 degree and i have a certificate for this from them. However, UCD said its not a level 8 and I wouldn't be eligible for GAMSAT. I do have residency here. Am Irish. It's just a pain. I think I'll just show RCSI my transcripts and the cert from the NQAI and see what they say....

Physiograd

Good luck tomorrow everyone! Hope it goes well for all!

jody24

hi guys
has any body else got the email from trinity asking for cv or saying ur application has been unsuccessful? i heard some guys got the email! and btw what is every one feel about hpat ? i think it was a disaster?

ronivek

Yeah I thought the HPAT was quite difficult; especially sections 1 and 3... I'm not particularly hopeful to be honest.

Are you sure some people were rejected by TCD already? They asked me for my CV but I assumed they would have asked everyone for one....

Healium

ronivek wrote: »

Yeah I thought the HPAT was quite difficult; especially sections 1 and 3... I'm not particularly hopeful to be honest.

Are you sure some people were rejected by TCD already? They asked me for my CV but I assumed they would have asked everyone for one....

Yeah, I got a rejection, but I knew that was coming anyway because they don't accept Physics/Chemistry combined or Agricultural Science as science subjects for entry when you're mature for some reason, but still applied in case I get in on normal entry (not banking on that after my HPAT performance though)

ronivek

Sorry to hear that; did you apply anywhere else?

Healium

ronivek wrote: »

Sorry to hear that; did you apply anywhere else?

TCD -> UCD -> RCSI -> UCC -> NUIG

I was always going to be rejected from TCD as a mature, but still put them as first preference in case I do amazing in the HPAT and get enough points to get in with that and my Leaving Cert scores

ronivek

Nice to have both options; unfortunately I only have the mature route as a possibility.

Healium

ronivek wrote: »

Nice to have both options; unfortunately I only have the mature route as a possibility.

I got 535 in my Leaving Cert a few years ago so will basically be depending on the mature route, too

BeansandToast

Hey guys, hope HPAT went well, I found section 3 a bit iffy, screwed up my timing .

I've only applied to RCSI this year via the mature pathway - does anyone know when we get the email to send in our documents if we're selected? Or has it already gone out?

ronivek

Well I've had no communication from RCSI but I didn't do great in the HPAT either. I think it's usually closer to the beginning of April before any mails go out though.

BeansandToast

As far as I'm aware, at the RCSI mature open evening, the admissions officer stated that there would be less emphasis on the HPAT, and it's more dependent on personal statement, transcript, refs, etc. for interview selection.

Also I'm starting to get a bit worried as since we send these documents into RCSI directly, I barely wrote anything about my volunteer work, interests, etc on my CAO application. I'm only applying to RCSI though, so I figured since I'll be sending them in directly it didn't really matter as on the CAO website, they stated how it's not their responsibility to cross check documents. I've heard this is the case from one person I know in mature med in RCSI, but now I'm starting to freak out a bit. I don't suppose anyone knows anything about this no? I would be extremely grateful as my head is going 90 right now

BeansandToast

As far as I'm aware, at the RCSI mature open evening, the admissions officer stated that there would be less emphasis on the HPAT, and it's more dependent on personal statement, transcript, refs, etc. for interview selection.

Also I'm starting to get a bit worried as since we send these documents into RCSI directly, I barely wrote anything about my volunteer work, interests, etc on my CAO application. I'm only applying to RCSI though, so I figured since I'll be sending them in directly it didn't really matter as on the CAO website, they stated how it's not their responsibility to cross check documents. I've heard this is the case from one person I know in mature med in RCSI, but now I'm starting to freak out a bit. I don't suppose anyone knows anything about this no? I would be extremely grateful as my head is going 90 right now

Not sure whether to contact RCSI about it

ronivek

I wouldn't worry too much about it; as you said RCSI usually ask for applicants to leave their documents in to them directly.

There's no harm contacting them to be sure though.

Healium

BeansandToast wrote: »

Hey guys, hope HPAT went well, I found section 3 a bit iffy, screwed up my timing .

I've only applied to RCSI this year via the mature pathway - does anyone know when we get the email to send in our documents if we're selected? Or has it already gone out?

I sent in all my documents to the CAO by February 1st

Abby19

Healium wrote: »

I sent in all my documents to the CAO by February 1st

RCSI will ask for the documents to be sent directly to them. This is a good thing - the format when any information is printed out from the CAO application is pretty disastrous. You can use this opportunity to format everything so it is easy to read and looks professional.

mir71

Abby19 wrote: »

RCSI will ask for the documents to be sent directly to them. This is a good thing - the format when any information is printed out from the CAO application is pretty disastrous. You can use this opportunity to format everything so it is easy to read and looks professional.

Hi,
any idea when RCSI will ask for the documents?
tks