Many students have the drive and ambition to study medicine in the UK, but in actuality there are many hurdles along the application process where if students aren’t properly supported, the process can become daunting and overwhelming.
The process involves gaining the required GCSE and A-Level examination grades, UCAT and BMAT examinations, an impressive personal statement relevant to medicine courses and also completing interviews at the medical schools. It is widely acknowledged that medicine courses are extremely competitive due to the sheer number of applicants meaning that it is crucial to perform well and stand out from the crowd.
Medicine courses require admissions tests, these vary depending on which UK university students apply to. It is important to research which tests the student’s desired university requirements. Increasingly universities consider the BMAT test in place of the UKCAT, whereas previously this was only for Oxford and Cambridge. To ensure that students maximise their grades, it is worthwhile investing in a tutor to help guide and instruct students on how to approach the questions on the paper.
For example, within the BMAT paper there are three sections, including problem-solving and critical thinking, a knowledge section typically focused on non-specialist school Science and Mathematics courses and finally the section on the development of ideas and communication of said ideas. All three sections are used to test specific skills and knowledge which is why a tutor can prove to be extremely beneficial, directing students to resources and the best technique to answer all three sections.
A further component of the application process to study medicine at university is the UCAS personal statement. Within this, students should research what that specific university wants them to address within the personal statement. Often universities publish their selection criteria which can be invaluable to students wanting to safely secure a place. Throughout the personal statement students need to keep it focused toward medicine and their own personal drive. At Crescent Tuition, we specialise in perfecting personal statements for University entry. All tutors are extremely experienced and able to pinpoint ways to optimise student’s personal statements ensuring that they are truly able to make the best first impression.
The benefits of tutoring are hugely significant, not only in assisting with academic content and exam technique, but also in building individual student’s confidence enabling them to materialise their academic goals and dreams.
