Tonbridge

Free Medic Mind Talk

General Advice

• Medicine as a degree
• The parent’s role
• The pupil’s role
• Question & Answer

Free Resources

• Free UKCAT textbook
• Free BMAT textbook
• 5 Mock Tests
• Application Guide

UKCAT / BMAT

• Section breakdown
• Useful techniques • Timing tips
• Revision planning

UCAS Guide

• Key Dates
• Choosing Universities
• Course Options
• iBSc option

Interview Tips

• How to prepare
• Panel vs. MMI
• Marking Criteria
• How to succeed

Structure of the Talk

Introduction

Here we will talk to pupils a bit about our own journey into medical school including difficulties we faced on our own experiences. This included many ups and downs, but resulted in us both getting a place at UCL. We will walk through things we did well, and things in hindsight that we could have improved. In order to broaden their knowledge of medical school, we will share upon our experiences of medicine thus far including course structure, university life and highlights of the MBBS programme.

UCAS Process & Key Dates

It is important to know at an early stage the key dates for applying for UCAS, especially because they differ from the dates for other applications. We will offer a timeline of key stages in the application, and the stages applicants should be at.

It is important to strategise medical school application choices, in order to gain the best possible chance of gaining a place. Our co-founder Mohil gained offers from all four medical schools that he applied for. Medical schools vary in many ways such as teaching styles. Some offer problem-based learning, whereas others are inquiry based. We will run the pupils and parents with what these terms mean and how to decide what is best. We will also mention the fact that some universities offer an iBSc, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of undertaking one.

UKCAT

The United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test is a compulsory requirement for the majority of UK medical schools. We will discuss the different sections in the examination, and the changes that have been made for the 2017/18 cycle. We have both taught pupils for the UKCAT, and will offer some tips and techniques which will hopefully benefit your pupils significantly. Our co-founder, Kunal scored 900/900 in three sections of the UKCAT, which less than 0.5% of candidates achieved. Different universities look at the UKCAT with different weighting, and we will explore the importance of the examination at a few selected medical schools.

BMAT

The BioMedical Aptitude Test is used as part of the admissions process for the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, University of Leeds and Brighton and Sussex. This exam is only taken by a minority of candidates, but is important for those looking to apply to these universities. We will explain the section breakdown at this point, and talk a little bit about essay writing techniques that are crucial in gaining a sufficient score.

Interview

There are two styles of interviews that medical schools undertake: panel interviews and multiple mini interviews. We will describe what these refer to as well as suggesting important preparation that is key in building a strong rapport with the interviewer. The interview is another vital stage of the application, as it helps assess a potential university student from a potential doctor.