Deciding which med schools to apply to is a vital part of the application process and your experience going forward! Everyone will have different approaches to making this decision but here's some tips that helped me:
Check the entry/ application requirements: This is super important as getting into med school anywhere is tough - you have to play to your strengths. (Most uni's require minimum AAA but some will be higher and some may have adjusted offers of AAB). Some uni's also offer AAB for widening participation applicants so it's worth checking this out. The BMAT is being discontinued so most uni's now will require UKCAT - it's important to check if they have a minimum cut off as it would be a wasted application if you don't meet it. Requirements are subject to change so make sure to carefully read what they want before applying. It's also worth considering interview style - most are MMI but some will be panel such as Cambridge and Oxford. This document breaks down the different application requirements: https://www.guessandflag.co.uk/strategic-applications
Check the learning style: This is also important to check before applying as some people will be better suited to PBL (problem based learning - small group sessions focused on case-based self directed learning), traditional (more separate learning of clinical sciences and patient centric learning) and integrated. Check out the prospectus of each uni before you make your choices (it's also important to be able to talk about teaching styles in the interview). Also have a look at the placement locations ie Manchester bases some students in Preston for the 3 clinical years.
Do some research on the city/location: It's a long degree so you want to be somewhere that suits your interests. Think about whether you want a big city or small community environment, how close to friends/ family you want to be, and whether the uni is on campus or city based. It's also important to think about living costs as student support does dwindle as you go through the years! These will all become important factors and it's good to choose somewhere you could imagine calling home for 5 years. (although don't worry too much as you can have a fun time anywhere you end up!)
Compare: Make a list of your choices and use a comparison tool to see pros and cons of each uni. https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/choosing-a-medical-school/comparisontool/
If you have the luxury of lots of choice - it's also good to consider opportunities for intercalation years, research projects, whole body dissection, accommodation etc. But, overall apply to places you have the best chance of getting in, and somewhere you can imagine yourself being happy - remember this may be somewhere that surprises you!
Feel free to email if you have any questions, jessica.beresford@medicsandme.com and good luck!
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