Questions about UCAS - med/dent/vet?????

Manutd_4life

A lot of people from Ireland seem to apply to UK Colleges for courses in medicine/ dentistry/ veterinary.

I was wondering what is it that attracts so many people? I am considering careers in med/dent atm and from what I know, the process of applying to the UK is a long one with UKCAT to statements to work experience to interviews to grades etc. Going to the UK is very expensive as well!!

Another question I have is, if I were to apply to the UK colleges for medicine, which colleges take into account your JC results if they do at all? I heard that some do and some don't. My results were pretty average (3A 7B).

Lastly (not sure if anyone might have an answer to this) what Uk colleges have the most successful Irish entrants in medicine/dentistry?

TSMGUY

Being from the UK I'll try to answer. Not very knowledgeable on medicine but here goes:
I think what attracts loads of Irish applicants is the entry requirements aren't that stiff. Because Ireland is so tiny and there are so many applicants for medicine, you have to do insanely well just to study medicine at a relatively mediocre college over here. Even a top Uni like Cambridge or Oxford only requires 5 A's or 4 A's and 2 B1's respectively, which makes it a lot more reward for a lot less effort.
I think medicine courses in the UK are generally very exhaustive. They consider your grades from the Junior Cert because they place a massive emphasis on GCSE grades, so it translates as interest in junior cert results. I love you referred to your 3 A's and 7 B's as "pretty average". Admittedly, they're not stellar grades but they're far above average and they wouldn't disqualify you from doing medicine.
As for your last question, I couldn't say. You'd probably have a good chance of getting into any of the Russell Group unis barring oxbridge, UCL and Imperial (former two don't do clearing and UCL/Imperial are very competitive.

Good luck!

Also, good lad for supporting Manchester United. Just noticed your username!

Wanderer41

Manutd_4life wrote: »

A lot of people from Ireland seem to apply to UK Colleges for courses in medicine/ dentistry/ veterinary.

I was wondering what is it that attracts so many people? I am considering careers in med/dent atm and from what I know, the process of applying to the UK is a long one with UKCAT to statements to work experience to interviews to grades etc. Going to the UK is very expensive as well!!

Another question I have is, if I were to apply to the UK colleges for medicine, which colleges take into account your JC results if they do at all? I heard that some do and some don't. My results were pretty average (3A 7B).

Lastly (not sure if anyone might have an answer to this) what Uk colleges have the most successful Irish entrants in medicine/dentistry?

Many people apply as a back up in case they do well in the LC but not the HPAT. England was around £9000 when I was researching UCAS, Scotland was free (I think) and Queen's was around £3500. It is a longer process but I didn't find it too bad. Different universities place emphasis on different things, so it is better to research each university individually. The UCAS website shows the requirements for Leaving Cert. and you can look on each university's website for more exact details. The interviews vary for as well, some places have MMIs where you are given different scenarios. If you are serious about applying I would try do some volunteer work as soon as you can and over the summer.
The process does sound a bit daunting but honestly it isn't as bad as it sounds. I would advise you to research it at least, if only as a back up.
If you want any other advice I am happy to help

Manutd_4life

Thanks guys!! I'm also guessing they will look at your 5th year summer exam results. How much points do you reckon I should aim for if I were to apply for UCAS for med/dent.

My guess for be 520+. For those who have gone through this process, how much did you get in 5th year

TSMGUY

oh, you're in 5th year? Then you have a shot at Oxbridge. They look at transcripts for the summer test, yeah.
I'd be aiming for around 530+ if I were you.

Manutd_4life

Thanks man!!

Still not fully convinced about applying for UK.
I have an appointment with my guidance counsellor very soon so i'll be having a chat with her about it.

athtrasna

The UCAS system looks at the bigger picture and isn't so entirely focused on one set of exams. That makes it a lot more attractive, especially with the larger number of places available.

From my experience, university in the UK is a whole lot more straightforward experience, even simple things like guaranteed accommodation for a certain number of years. I did a specialised science degree over there and my masters here so I have experience of both systems.

Wanderer41

They don't look at your 5th year summer results but they do look at predicted grades. So each teacher will give you the grade they think you will get and it is uploaded with your application.
Each university has different requirements so it's best to check each individually. For example, Cardiff requires AAAABB. Queen Mary in London requires A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1. I only applied for Queen's Belfast and I think the requirement was 5 A1s. So you really do need to do your research! Even if you think you wouldn't get the grades I think it is worth applying anyway.
You will need to do the UKCAT. It's not that similar to the HPAT but I think it is easy to get a good enough score if you look at the types of questions in advance. You can choose to do it any time from around July to October so you have plenty of time. There are some good books and website resources if you choose to do it.
For some places such as Oxford and Cambridge you need to do the BMAT. You need a good knowledge of science for that and I think there is an essay component, but I didn't do it so I won't give any more advice on that.
It is something to think about as if you get high points but don't do well in the HPAT you can still get a place.