So we’ve all heard that medicine is really hard to get into. Is it easier for graduates?

Long Answer: This is an interesting topic and I suppose this depends on the university, but one might consider that it could just be harder. 

Short Answer: No.

Every year over 10,000 graduates apply to study medicine via the graduate entry route and the caliber of applicants is always going to be high. So given that all applicants will at least meet the minimum entrance requirements of the universities they apply to, how are you meant to stand out from the crowd?

I’ve been there myself, so I know of the trials and tribulations you will be putting yourself through by taking this route. However, I’ve come out the other side and I’m here to tell my tale and give you some key pieces of advice! If you are thinking of applying to Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM), continue reading to find out seven ways, in which you can stand out from the crowd when applying to graduate entry medicine. 

1. Do your research

Research experience is valued in the field of medicine at every stage of training and it is not something every medical student or doctor actively pursues – which could be the perfect opportunity for you to stand out if you have acquired some! If you are at all interested in medical research, showing a passion for this early on and mentioning this on your personal statement as well as your interview can go a long way to make your application stand out. However, don’t just say it – prove it. Get involved in any active research that may be available to students at your university and have a look at any summer opportunities either at your own current university or elsewhere. After all, actions speak louder than words.

During your first degree, if you had the opportunity to complete a dissertation in your final year or to contribute to research, this should also be mentioned. 

However, quite a lot of applicants will have this, so in order to stand out from other graduates, having a paper published in a peer-reviewed journal or having conducted an audit will make you a competitive candidate. Seek out those opportunities and make your interest known to your supervisors.

Even if there are no current opportunities available for you to get involved right now, by establishing those connections and showing your passion, you can put your foot in the door and the next time they have a similar project they need help with they just might think of you to contact. The possibilities can be endless if you just know where to look for them. 

Furthermore, if you are yet to complete your dissertation or have recently completed one, do not be afraid to approach your supervisor to find out if there is an opportunity to publish any of your research findings and become a named author. Don’t be shy! If you don’t ask, you don’t get!

Research experience and publications can look incredibly impressive on your CV and will not only help you with getting into medical school but will always be a useful addition to your portfolio to further assist with getting junior doctor posts in your foundation years in the UK. 

2. Ace the admissions tests

Most universities will require admission tests when it comes to applying to medical school. Of course, scoring highly on them is a good way to make you stand out to your university of choice. To make this just a little more complicated, each university requires different admissions tests with the main ones for graduates being the UCAT, GAMSAT and BMAT.

You need to do some prior research and find out what exams the universities you’re interested in require and, as they can be very different in content they examine from each other, how best to prepare for the ones you decide to take.

Also, make sure you start your preparation early and set aside time to practice and study for these exams to ensure that you get the best score possible.  

3. All-round excellence

“It is important to study hard during your first degree and to get the grades required to meet the entrance requirements.” – Every Mum 

So what advice can we give you that mother dearest may not know about? Well, it is also important to make the most of your university experience and manage your time efficiently. When writing your personal statement do not neglect to mention any sports clubs or societies you joined at university.

Having an active role in the committee of your favorite society or sports club will also help you to stand out and give you ample opportunity to demonstrate your time management and communication skills, as well as showing the admissions team how you may contribute to their medical school if accepted. The more interesting and unique your hobby or sport, the further it goes to helping you stand out, so don’t be afraid to mention anything you do in your spare time – from flame throwing to scuba-diving, it may just help you get into medical school!   

4. The first degree

Each GEM course has different requirements regarding which first degrees they will accept. While some universities consider all degrees, others will only accept particular science degrees. Despite this, a large majority of applicants will usually have a degree in Biomedical Science or related degrees such as Biochemistry. If you do have a degree in something different e.g. French, Engineering or Accounting, there is no doubt your application will stand out in this respect, but make sure you’re applying to the right place. For instance, Oxford would accept an Engineering degree but another university may not.