entrance criteria

[drwanna]

Hi, I'm hoping to get an offer for SGU to start in Jan 2007. I have a degree and an MSc with good grades already and work in an emergency department at my local hospital. I have been studying for A levels at night school but due to lack of time I am worried that I might not get the best grades for my exams (they start next week). This has no reflection on my ability to study medicine, but I am worried about whether SGU would want me to get grade B or A for my chemistry and biology exams. What would be my options if I don't get the grades? I don't really want to wait another year to start med school as I'm already 30 and its fitting study around work that is the problem. I cannot financially do an extra two years of pre med so that is not an option.

Has anyone had unconditional offers or for lower A level grades?

Hope you can shed some light on this one.

[dunsoon]

I'm not all that familiar with the A level thing but knowing SGU and if you have decent grades already, I wouldn't worry too much. The school is famous for taking into consideration the whole package and often students, such as myself, will have miserable undergrad grades but other positive traits. Just do the best you can and apply no matter what.

Good luck!

[drwanna]

Thanks DrSoon, I have applied already and had my interview but not heard anything back yet (wait is awful!). When I originally asked SGU they said that I would have to get grade B for both chemistry and biology full A level, but seems a bit harsh since I have really good grades for my degree (BSc) and my MSc. Normally you would do your A levels before you do your degree, but I didn't do science A levels so decided to do them now more for interest as you don't need them to apply for graduate entry in the UK. I'll be gutted if SGU don't take me on as the science for A level doesn't link to medical study as much as my degrees. Guess will have to wait and see!! Thanks anyway.

[dunsoon]

Normally you would do your A levels before you do your degree, but I didn't do science A levels so decided to do them now more for interest as you don't need them to apply for graduate entry in the UK. I'll be gutted if SGU don't take me on as the science for A level doesn't link to medical study as much as my degrees. Guess will have to wait and see!! Thanks anyway.

Ah, I was wondering about that. I thought for sure you would have taken them much earlier in your education. Listen, even if you don't get B's and they don't admit you straight off, I wouldn't freak out. Sometimes a clearly written letter explaining your situation is effective and demonstrates your committment to attending SGU. But I get a good feeling about you and think that this is all a moot point anyway.:cool:

[drwanna]

aww, thanks dunsoon. Wish I had your confidence right now...only two days left to cram two years of work in before exams on monday!! Was far too busy working and getting rejected from UK med schools to study efficiently! Just hope SGU are as sympathetic!

[Chemist_11]

I have Biology on monday, and Chemistry on wednesday :shock:

[stephew]

Hi, I'm hoping to get an offer for SGU to start in Jan 2007. I have a degree and an MSc with good grades already and work in an emergency department at my local hospital. I have been studying for A levels at night school but due to lack of time I am worried that I might not get the best grades for my exams (they start next week). This has no reflection on my ability to study medicine, but I am worried about whether SGU would want me to get grade B or A for my chemistry and biology exams. What would be my options if I don't get the grades? I don't really want to wait another year to start med school as I'm already 30 and its fitting study around work that is the problem. I cannot financially do an extra two years of pre med so that is not an option.

Has anyone had unconditional offers or for lower A level grades?

Hope you can shed some light on this one.well hold on there.be very careful. if you are taking classes and don't perform well, simply saying "i have an excuse and its not a reflection of my ability to study medicine" isnt enough. all of us who have to go abroad are essentially saying that. youre performance will have to be ok. A and B's are probably (probably) fine but if the grades are poor this WILL be taken into consideration.

[drwanna]

Good luck Dr DGB.

Steph - not saying that I do have poor grades or that special consideration should be given, A and B grades are the highest grades possible for A level, but I am just worried that I won't get such high grades. I am taking the full two A levels in a year by correspondance and at night school off my own back and at huge cost. Obviously I would love to get top grades, but it is difficult fitting in study around full time employment in a stressful and exhausting job, whilst running a house and preparing for GAMSAT, MSAT, and other exams. Surely if you have postgrad qualifications in science but no science at A level then you can't have your A level results held against you?? Particularly since my scores on the GAMSAT, etc were very good, just not good enough for UK entry.

I was essentially asking for information on admission. I.e. I expect to get grade C for Bio and Chem, has anyone else been considered with these grades or without A levels. I essentially have the knowledge since I did a science prep course for GAMSAT and have a Masters in science, but if I were to apply without the A level pieces of paper would I still be considered for entry or would I have to do a pre clinical course?

Hope that clarifies things a bit.