The Studio Liverpool

Are the MeDeVet sessions timetabled?

 

• Yes, we will meet weekly.
• The primary aim is to get you ready for interview and increase your understanding of the profession you aspire to work in.
• We will discuss NHS hot topics, practise reflecting on your work experience, tackle tricky interview questions, and gain an understanding of medical ethics.

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What factors determine if I will be successful in gaining a place at medical school?

• Entrance Exams: Performance in tests like the UCAT or BMAT is crucial. For example, the University of Cambridge requires high BMAT scores for interview consideration.
• Work Experience: Clinical or volunteering experience is essential to demonstrate commitment and understanding of the medical profession.
• Academic Excellence: Strong GCSEs and A-levels, particularly in sciences, are fundamental.
• Personal Statement and Interview: A compelling personal statement and successful interview performance are vital components of the application process.

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What are the statistics on being accepted to medical school?

• Only 5% of UK medical school entrants come from working-class backgrounds, despite efforts to increase diversity.
• Of those students with a high enough UCAT to apply, there is an overall acceptance rate of around 32%.

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Do students ever get reduced offers?

• Yes, if you study an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) during your two years at Liverpool Life Sciences, you will frequently be offered a reduced offer.
• For example, Liverpool usually asks for A*AA, but when you have an A in EPQ, this reduces to AAA / AAB.
• Offers may be further reduced if you meet widening participation criteria. For example, if you are the first in your family to go to university, in receipt of free school meals, or went to an underperforming school (among many other criteria), the offer may be reduced to AAB or ABB.

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Will you help me determine which university to apply for to have the best chance of success?

• Absolutely. Once you have sat the UCAT exam, we will determine which medical school will give you the best chance of success with your grade profile.
• For example, some universities place more value on GCSEs, while others value the UCAT and personal statements more.

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Will you support me to study at Oxford or Cambridge?

• Absolutely. We have lots of experience in supporting Oxbridge applicants and have ex-students and alumni in place who will mentor you.

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Will you give me a practice interview?

• Yes, we will give you lots of mock interviews.
• It is very important you tailor your interview preparation to the university you apply for, as different universities look for different qualities.
• Therefore, mock interviews will be tailored to the university that you aspire to study at and will reflect typical questions that the university could ask.

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I am struggling for work experience; how can you help me?

• We will organise medical work placements at Whiston Hospital, Liverpool Women's Hospital, and Alder Hey, as well as local dental practices.
• You will have the opportunity to rotate around different wards and specialist areas to gain a variety of experiences you can reflect on at interview.

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What happens if I change my mind about being a doctor, dentist, or vet?

• Our focus and support will change to what you want to be in the future and ensure you are supported to reach your dream, whatever that becomes.
• For example, you may reflect on your initial ambitions and decide you no longer want to pursue a medical career. We will therefore provide all the appropriate support for this new career aim.