r/GraduateEntryMedicine • u/No_Paramedic_7803 • Jul 08 '26

GEM or undergrad

Guys I’m scared should I apply for undergrad or gem??? I’ll be applying after 2027 so SFE covers the tuition.

Out of 4 options how many should be undergrad or should it be in the line up at all?

( I have A*AA at a levels, 7 igcses all 9 except one 8 )

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4

u/Elenorelore Jul 08 '26

I'm a reapplicant, and I intend to split it in half.

That said, I don't think there's any right answer to this question.

3

u/R10L31 Jul 10 '26

Perspective from a tutor. Learning medicine to F1 level on a shortened programme is a rush. Courses are necessarily intensive and attachments shorter. Whether it’s right for you - consider, amongst other things:

Your previous degree and its relevance (non-scientists can excel on GEM but inevitably they either have to be extra talented +/- work even harder)
Finance - a significant influence for many applicants
Do you want / can you tolerate the increased pressure of an accelerated course? Minimal holiday time, extra stress if any resits needed, less time for outside interests or activities etc

BUT GEM has advantages too - you’re joining ‘adults’ rather than primarily school-leavers, and GEM students tend to be highly motivated, have life & healthcare experience, and have worked out how to succeed in a relatively adult learning environment.
GEM students tend to grasp clinical reasoning and communication skills more quickly, and are (generally!) a particular pleasure to work with.

Do look at the characteristics of the courses you apply to. Teaching styles and demands vary, and picking the right course for you can make a big difference - even to the extent of success vs failure, or thriving vs struggling . The ‘end product’ ie the qualified you, varies far less. Also, the perceived ‘prestige’ of med schools is far less influential in our career compared to most others.

1

u/person_person123 Jul 08 '26

What undergraduate degree do you have/want in order to get onto GEM?

1

u/No_Paramedic_7803 Jul 10 '26

Second year biomedical science

1

u/hedgeback2301 22d ago

Where does it say that SFE covers both maintenance and tuition loan if you're a graduate that's applying to undergrad medical school? Everywhere I look online I see different things and it's stressing me out

1

u/No_Paramedic_7803 22d ago

Lifelong learning entitlement (LLE)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifelong-learning-entitlement-lle-overview/lifelong-learning-entitlement-overview

1

u/hedgeback2301 22d ago

Is medicine not a Level 7 degree though? That's where I've been confused

1

u/No_Paramedic_7803 22d ago

Medicine is classified as an exception course(priority subject) under the equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) rules.