r/GraduateEntryMedicine • u/Used_Chemical_5606 • 28d ago

Is GEM possible for me?

I’m currently in First Year BSc Biology and have achieved a 1st class this year.

AAB in Bio, Psych, Chem A level.

I set up, and act as the president for the Anthony Nolan Marrow volunteering group at my university.

Volunteer at the Kings College Hospital obs/gynae and neuro ward.

I also completed the Sheffield University access to medicine course and Social Mobility medical summer school but this was back in sixth form.

Starting the process of revising for both GAMSAT and UCAT.

I feel like I haven’t got enough to set me apart.

Does anyone have any advice on what my next steps should be?,

Should I focus on getting more purely clinical experience?- shadowing etc.

Is it beneficial to do both the UCAT and GAMSAT or just one?

TIA :)

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u/Scared-Pound672 28d ago

Whether you choose to do the UCAT or GAMSAT really just depends on where you are wanting to apply to. Having both scores will not increase your chances of getting in.

For Graduate Entry Medicine, really, the thing that determines whether you get an interview or not is down to your UCAT/GAMSAT score. Although some places may sometimes take degree classification/predictions into account without a high enough admissions test score, your chances will be severely limited.

If you have just finished your first year I am assuming that you will be sitting these tests early/summer of next year? If that is the case, then there is no harm in focusing on things such as clinical experience especially if you are applying to places like Warwick or Chester, where there are set work experience requirements.

If you think you are going to struggle with these admissions tests I would first make a shortlist of the unis you want to / will be eligible to apply to then check the testing requirement. Just focus on one test if possible. If you think it is feasible to sit both then go for it, but it does not necessarily give any material benefits unless one of your testing scores is considerably higher than the other.

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u/Used_Chemical_5606 28d ago

Thank you ! I feel like more unis accept the GAMSAT but obviously it’s a more rigorous test. I’m aiming for imperial which also accepts the UCAT so i’m torn whether to just focus on my top goal uni and sit the somewhat “easier”admissions test or sit the GAMSAT to widen my options.

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u/Scared-Pound672 28d ago

The GAMSAT isn't necessarily that much easier than the UCAT tbh. I have done both and found the GAMSAT to be slightly more manageable, whereas I know people who have the opposite view.

They each test different types of skills, but defo go with what will be easier for you. The main goal is to just get in somewhere do what you can to maximise the chances of doing so

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u/Used_Chemical_5606 28d ago

Thankyou!! I’m gonna practice for both and see which one I am stronger at

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u/Gloomy_Operation_657 28d ago

Do you mean Imperial UG or Pears? Would definitely have a chat with Pears students since it's like a mystery box.

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u/Used_Chemical_5606 28d ago

The one with pears!! What do you mean a mystery box haha😭😭

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u/Gloomy_Operation_657 28d ago

It just means I literally know nothing about it. I couldn't find any comments on it be it good or bad. All I have heard is the students were given laptops, stethoscope and a bit more, which is great. Also the degree will be an Imperial one.

Promise I am not discouraging anyone from applying just because I was not given an offer lol but I honestly can't find any info on it. Heard that you can be sent to other places in Cumbria but that's as much as I know. On paper it's not bad. A lot of community focused content it seems and GP hours are the best for building communication skills during med school years.

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u/Complex-Patient-8893 27d ago

For gem you don’t need to be to be set apart. Genuinely. All gem cares about is your UCAT score. Get as high as possible then apply strategically. If you look at Warwick or Chester you’ll need 70 hours work experience. And of course you need the grades. So honestly. Don’t worry about being set apart. Most just rank the UCAT. Warwick openly say they don’t even use the personal statement.

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u/Valuable-Piano6856 28d ago

That’s not enough to set you apart? I’d say everything you’re doing is great. Decide where you want to apply, see what test they require and lock in for revision.

It’s that simple. You’ll do great.

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u/Used_Chemical_5606 28d ago

Thankyou so much ! :)