r/GraduateEntryMedicine

I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 7 years old. It was always my dream. But some bad advice at school left me without a biology A Level ( I did chem, maths and geography). So I was unable to apply to medicine.

I left school in 2009 and went to study chemistry at uni. I ended up dropping out at the end of my first year because it wasn’t what I wanted to do and my heart wasn’t in it. I guess I thought I HAD to go straight to uni after school and there was no other option. Then when I dropped out, I figured I HAD to get a full time job.

I worked retail management until I was 26. I then joined a big 4 financial services firm and qualified as a chartered accountant. In 2024, I did a top-up masters which converted my professional qualification into an MSc by way of doing a dissertation. I did this with the goal of being able to apply for GEM since I don’t have an undergrad degree.

I currently work in a global corporation as an in house tax specialist. I have a good solid career, a decent standard of living and am generally happy. But I can’t help but wonder if I’m missing out on my dream of medicine.

However, with the state of the NHS and the lack of jobs and training positions available, is this a wise move? I am 35. I’d start GEM (hopefully) in 2027 when I’m 37 and graduate at 41. Do I give up what I have? Has anyone been in a similar position? Does anyone have any advice or insights? I guess I’m just torn. What if I “follow my dream” but my dream actually turns out to be a nightmare?

Edit: I’ll only be applying to Ulster if I do go for it.

I GOT AN OFFER EEEEEEEEEEEK

Guys I thought this would never happen to me. I had completely given up hope. Just got the email while I was in clinic and got shivers all over. Went into the work toilets and jumped up and down in glee. I'm in COMPLETE shock

Hi !! Just received my only Offer for GEM !!! Very excited. What are some things I should know/buy before Med School ?? I already have a Littmann Cardiology IV. I've found indemnity insurance. I have a book on medicines/drugs. What are some other things?? Thank you. ❤️

I had such a terrible day as well, thinking about how I was gonna break it to my family that I got rejected. I actually cannot believe it !!!!

I called UCAS today, and they told me that Warwick can still send out offers, but you will automatically be rejected at midnight today, they can change it. Is there anyone else in this situation who is still on the waitlist? This wait is so tiring and if it's just to get rejected in the end, it will be really depressing.

On average

I am so scaredd🥲. Need a miracle to happen

I have offers for Graduate Entry Medicine at both St George's and UEA, and I'm torn. Hoping for some perspective from current/former students at either, or anyone who's been in a similar spot.

Background:

• Did my undergrad in London
• From SE England, so SGUL is closer to home and I still have friends in London
• Want to go into surgery - perhaps orthopaedics (not set in stone)

I was originally pretty set on SGUL. The trauma centre exposure felt huge given my surgical interest, plus the practical benefits of being close to home and having a built-in social network. After doing more digging on UEA, I came away really impressed with how thoughtfully they've designed the course around their students and now I'm reconsidering.

Pros for UEA:

• Spiral curriculum (which I prefer)
• HCA training and the ability to do bank shifts from year 1
• Strong support structure across all 4 years
• 3rd in the GMC survey for foundation programme prep
• Free residential accommodation for placements outside Norwich and cheap transport
• Much cheaper rent
• Large regional teaching hospital in NNUH
• Help in portfolio building from first year
• 24/7 access for OSCE practice

Pros for SGUL:

• Major trauma centre on-site
• Wider and more varied case mix from a London tertiary population
• VSLO-certified - US electives accessible via the AAMC system
• Flinders University (Adelaide) exchange for Australia
• Closer to home + can live with undergrad friends
• More tertiary specialty exposure for surgery
• Established reputation for producing surgical trainees

Any thoughts welcome, particularly from anyone who's gone into surgery from either school, or who chose between similar trade-offs. Cheers.

View Poll

Has anyone else got interview offers from the waiting list from Chester today? If yes, what UCAT? And do you plan to attend?

For those who are still waiting, what UCAT do you have?

Tomorrow by 6pm I need to choose a medical school but I am still really unsure. I am torn between KCL GEM in London or Warwick. Any help or advice would be great!

I'm going to study medicine!!! Feels so surreal, second time applying for GEM

I got offered a place yesterday after being on the wait list. Hope everyone who's waiting also gets good news!!

Anyone else going to Liverpool?

Hi! I’m currently revising for the UCAT to apply for Graduate Entry Medicine courses this October (for 2027 entry). This will be my second time sitting the UCAT — last time I scored 1800 with Band 3 in SJT, which obviously wasn’t competitive enough for offers. I feel I've hit a bit of a roadblock with my revision so I’m starting to look into getting a tutor, but I’m struggling to find good recommendations online. Has anyone here had UCAT tutoring that genuinely helped improve their score, and could recommend someone at a reasonable price? thanksss! :)

Does anyone know what’s actually happening at the Chester graduate entry program? Heard rumours but there isn’t anything online confirming it

AHP background, first time applying, 59 in the GAMSAT, got all 4 offers, distinctly average academically. Happy to give some advice/help if I can/anyone has any questions 👍

Could someone please DM me the link, thanks!

Hi, does anyone has experience with Warwick deferral? Due to difficult personal circumstances I may have to defer, but I don't know how it works in practice: do they change the date in UCAS from 2026 offer to 2027, do they issue a new Offer letter with a 2027 date, or do they leave it as it is and just get back in touch one year later?

I don't even know if my deferral request will be accepted tbh. Feel free to DM me if you prefer not to discuss it here.

anyone else a single parent of 3

or autistic ? adhd ? pmdd ?

i'm prob the only

one

it's not meant for people like us

i get easily

panicked and overwhelmed

the week before my period life feels hopeless and i stayed home

i only have 2 good weeks a month with pmdd