3 REASONS I GOT REJECTED FROM MEDICAL SCHOOL: WHAT NOT TO DO! IGCSE's,UKCAT,Interview | KharmaMedic

Summary

In this video, the speaker, Karma Medic, reflects on the reasons behind his initial rejection from medical schools and shares valuable advice for aspiring medical students. He discusses the importance of strategic university selection, the necessity of taking the UKCAT and BMAT seriously, and the need for thorough interview preparation. The speaker emphasizes the competitive nature of medical school applications and encourages persistence in pursuing a career in medicine, even after setbacks.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Apply strategically to medical schools, not just the most prestigious ones.
• 📚 High school grades are important, but they don't guarantee acceptance in medical school.
• 🔍 Research each university's specific cut-offs and preferences to tailor your application.
• 📉 Avoid applying only to the most competitive universities without considering safety options.
• 🧠 The UKCAT and BMAT are exams that can be prepared for and are crucial for medical school applications.
• 📈 Scores in the UKCAT can significantly impact your application, so dedicate time to prepare for it.
• 🗣️ Practice interviews are essential to build confidence and refine your responses for the actual interview.
• 💡 Focus on showcasing your motivations for medicine, not just your academic achievements during interviews.
• 🌟 Highlighting your personal experiences, volunteering, and shadowing can demonstrate your commitment to medicine.
• 😖 Nervousness can hinder performance in interviews, so practice controlling your nerves and presenting yourself eloquently.
• 🔄 If initial applications are unsuccessful, consider taking a gap year, gaining more experience, or pursuing another degree before reapplying.

Q & A

Why did the speaker feel that they were rejected from medical schools the first time they applied?

The speaker believes they were rejected due to three main reasons: applying only to the most elite and competitive universities without a strategic mix, not taking the UKCAT and BMAT seriously enough, and not being prepared and ready for the interview process.

What was the speaker's academic performance like during high school?

The speaker performed very well academically, achieving 10 A* grades and 1 A grade in their GCSEs, and was predicted 43 points for their IB, which is considered very good.

Why did the speaker apply only to the most prestigious medical schools?

The speaker had a false impression that because they had done exceptionally well in high school, they would continue to do so in the future and therefore applied only to the most elite and competitive universities.

What is the importance of applying strategically to medical schools?

Applying strategically is crucial because medical schools are extremely competitive. It involves considering one's grades, the universities' specific cut-offs, and applying to a mix of schools to increase the chances of acceptance.

What did the speaker do wrong in terms of university selection during their first application?

The speaker only applied to Cambridge, Edinburgh, Imperial, and King's College London without giving themselves any safety options, which led to not having a mixture of schools with more attainable offers.

How did the speaker's perception of the BMAT exam affect their preparation?

The speaker believed the BMAT was an exam that couldn't be studied for and determined intelligence, leading to insufficient preparation and an average score that didn't help their application.

What is the significance of the UKCAT in medical school applications?

The UKCAT is significant because many medical schools place heavy emphasis on it, using it as an easy way to set a cut-off and filter applications. A good score can help propel an application towards an interview.

What was the speaker's experience with their first medical school interview?

The speaker's first medical school interview at Cambridge was not successful. They discovered they were nervous in interviews, which affected their ability to present themselves eloquently and explain their motivations for pursuing medicine.

Why is it important to practice for medical school interviews?

Practicing for interviews is important to showcase one's motivations for medicine, understand ethics, and handle the pressure of the interview setting. It helps in controlling nerves and presenting oneself confidently.

What advice does the speaker give to those who want to pursue medicine but face initial rejections?

The speaker advises not to be put down by initial rejections. They suggest taking a year off, gaining more experience, doing another degree, and then applying again, emphasizing that medicine is still there when one is ready.

What did the speaker do after their initial rejections from medical schools?

After initial rejections, the speaker went to the University of Toronto in Canada to do an undergraduate degree in Immunology and Microbiology, and later applied to King's as a graduate student, where they were successful.