I've entered myself for the UKCAT this cycle fully expecting it to go badly. My practice scores are so up and down it is impossible to tell what my average truly is and I am aware that I am frankly not very good at the exam. But I am more nervous time time than any other (I have taken it twice before). I think it is because I have decided that there isn't really an alternative career that I will be happy in other than medicine which although I know this year it is unlikely to happen for me feels like a heavy weight on my shoulders!
My VR (should be my best section) because of the larger proportion of comprehension questions rather than true, false, can't tell seems to be an issue. I am not absorbing the necessary information quickly enough. My QR is as always average - I tend to get the questions right now at least 65-70% of the time, but time is the enemy here and I do run out of it as my maths is painfully slow. AR is always pot luck for me, I usually find a pattern, different to the ones the various resources want me to find, but still a pattern regardless, 60-65%. DA last time was amazing I had 860, this time I'm right only 70% of the time which is a shame as it was DA that bumped my score up last time, I'm not altogether too sure why this is happening either which is frustrating as I can't fix it! I'm not too worried about SJT, on the one resource it isn't going well but the Unis I think I will be applying to don't really look at it and I had band 1 last time so I'm hoping I'll manage a Band 1/2 this time around. But all in all, I don't think I can achieve the same mark I had last time and I'm predicting a 650 or there abouts, but we will see.
Why can't we go back to how it was when I was a 6th former, A levels, interview off you go! These tests are so hard to get right!!!!
Keep everything crossed for me.... I will update with whatever news I have to share, lets hope it is positive.
Showing posts with label undergraduate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label undergraduate. Show all posts
Friday, 2 October 2015
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Didn't quite make it
Firstly my apologies for going awol. After deciding to give medicine another go, things went upside down health wise which prompted me to rethink. But I'm back on track now, still trying to get into medical school.
I am taking the UKCAT soon, however I am not anticipating a good score, I've been using online practice materials (not official ones yet they're for closer to exam day) and frustratingly my scores seem lower than the last time I attempted it. I still have some time so you never know. However, some may know I have children and they are in the middle of exams etc so it won't be the end of the world if I have to wait until 2017 despite how much I just want to get on with it now!
I am going to be doing my A level Chemistry as a private student to broaden my options too and I am volunteering at the local hospital. Everything is ticking over slowly, I just don't seem to be getting anywhere! Stuck in eternal limbo between being a graduate and medical student. Still hoping I will make it, not being entirely sure if I am capable anymore, but still praying for my break.
But yes, I'm still here. Still trying to balance my family and life commitments around trying to realise my ambitions! Hope you're all well! Sorry again for the absence - going to get this blog going again!!! <3
Friday, 19 July 2013
Graduation
I finally did it, I finally graduated! I'm a mature student so this feels like a particularly large life goal completed, I was however more excited when I had my results than I was on the morning of graduation. I knew it was a big deal but I didn't feel over the top excited about it if that makes any sense at all?! So when I arrived in the blistering sunshine, I was more concerned about passing out than I was about graduating! I was given the robes and then dressed, and it started to feel slightly more important (although I did feel a little bit like an extra from Harry Potter).
I wasn't nervous about graduating per se, it reminded me of being in school and going up to receive an award in assembly a little bit, aside from the robes of course. I was however extremely nervous about the fact that we had to walk down steps after we had been on stage....the steps were in the middle of the stage leading back down into the audience. Let me say that again, steps in the middle of the stage + robes + my very very useless ankle = potential recipe for the most embarrassing moment of my entire life. Fortunately, it wasn't, it was very pleasant and quite emotional. I think it was about 10 mins before the end of the ceremony that it hit me that my degree and my time at the University I have grown to love very much over the last 3 years was over. I am leaving very dear friends, I'm moving away from my dad and family again and we're off to start new adventures at a new University. I have a BSc, but I have a lot more than just that (I know it sounds like a cliche but its true). I have learnt that I'm able to follow something through and not only follow it through but do well at it! I'm still completely and utterly in love with medicine, I still want to be a doctor and hope I will get there eventually too. I have volunteering experience and work experience which will continue throughout the next 12 months at least and I just feel like I've really made the most of what was in part a difficult 3 years.
After we graduated we went and had photos done, of course the obligatory throwing the hats up in the air shot, jumping up and down in the robes looking elated etc. Then we went and had a small school reception and reminisced about how wonderful the last 3 years have been. We're all off to do exciting things and we have plans to meet up at least once a year altogether which I really hope we stick to over the years. But I did feel sad, which was completely unexpected to be honest.
We have found a house and contracts etc are all signed so we're definitely off to London in the summer! I'm so very excited about this as I adore London, although I'm slightly dreading packing up our home! We've accumulated a lot of books over the last 4 years in fact we're going to do a car boot sale on the weekend just to try and get rid of some of the stuff we just haven't really used. As much as I'm adoring the weather I do wish it would perhaps just be a little milder whilst I'm moving, I don't particularly relish the thought of unpacking in 30 degree heat!
Anyway, whatever you're all doing in this wonderful sunshine I hope you're all having a great time (and using suncream!). To other graduates of all degrees - congratulations!
I wasn't nervous about graduating per se, it reminded me of being in school and going up to receive an award in assembly a little bit, aside from the robes of course. I was however extremely nervous about the fact that we had to walk down steps after we had been on stage....the steps were in the middle of the stage leading back down into the audience. Let me say that again, steps in the middle of the stage + robes + my very very useless ankle = potential recipe for the most embarrassing moment of my entire life. Fortunately, it wasn't, it was very pleasant and quite emotional. I think it was about 10 mins before the end of the ceremony that it hit me that my degree and my time at the University I have grown to love very much over the last 3 years was over. I am leaving very dear friends, I'm moving away from my dad and family again and we're off to start new adventures at a new University. I have a BSc, but I have a lot more than just that (I know it sounds like a cliche but its true). I have learnt that I'm able to follow something through and not only follow it through but do well at it! I'm still completely and utterly in love with medicine, I still want to be a doctor and hope I will get there eventually too. I have volunteering experience and work experience which will continue throughout the next 12 months at least and I just feel like I've really made the most of what was in part a difficult 3 years.
After we graduated we went and had photos done, of course the obligatory throwing the hats up in the air shot, jumping up and down in the robes looking elated etc. Then we went and had a small school reception and reminisced about how wonderful the last 3 years have been. We're all off to do exciting things and we have plans to meet up at least once a year altogether which I really hope we stick to over the years. But I did feel sad, which was completely unexpected to be honest.
We have found a house and contracts etc are all signed so we're definitely off to London in the summer! I'm so very excited about this as I adore London, although I'm slightly dreading packing up our home! We've accumulated a lot of books over the last 4 years in fact we're going to do a car boot sale on the weekend just to try and get rid of some of the stuff we just haven't really used. As much as I'm adoring the weather I do wish it would perhaps just be a little milder whilst I'm moving, I don't particularly relish the thought of unpacking in 30 degree heat!
Anyway, whatever you're all doing in this wonderful sunshine I hope you're all having a great time (and using suncream!). To other graduates of all degrees - congratulations!
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Result: First Class Honours
I thought I should announce that after 3 years of hard work, I have the best result I could have possibly hoped for - First Class Honours. To say that I am over the moon would be an understatement. I'm absolutely thrilled.
My final exam was also a first which means that my lowest mark for all of my third year was 2 marks off a first, the rest were all firsts! I never imagined it would go as well as it did and I feel really enthused and excited about moving onto my MSc in September (which has also since been confirmed as unconditional). I have my voluntary work in the new location lined up ready to start in the summer. The house is on the market, all in all everything is slowly slipping into place. I feel very lucky indeed.
Graduation is soon, followed by the graduation ball which I'm really looking forward to and then a summer of UKCAT, GAMSAT awaits! As well as moving etc too.
Sorry this is short and sweet, but I wanted to share my good news with those who have been kind enough to read my blog over the last three years! Onto the next chapter of it.
My final exam was also a first which means that my lowest mark for all of my third year was 2 marks off a first, the rest were all firsts! I never imagined it would go as well as it did and I feel really enthused and excited about moving onto my MSc in September (which has also since been confirmed as unconditional). I have my voluntary work in the new location lined up ready to start in the summer. The house is on the market, all in all everything is slowly slipping into place. I feel very lucky indeed.
Graduation is soon, followed by the graduation ball which I'm really looking forward to and then a summer of UKCAT, GAMSAT awaits! As well as moving etc too.
Sorry this is short and sweet, but I wanted to share my good news with those who have been kind enough to read my blog over the last three years! Onto the next chapter of it.
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Final Results Pending
Don't ask me how I did it, in honesty I have no idea, but I had a first for my dissertation and one of my final exams. In fact I've only had 30 2:1 credits all year, the rest have all been firsts! I'm over the moon, I still don't know what my final exam result will be, but even if I don't get a first overall my lowest possible mark is a very high 2:1! I feel very lucky after having such a stressful year last year to have had such a wonderful year so I'm over the moon. I've really enjoyed the year and I'm actually really sad that my Undergraduate degree is over, I'm going to miss my friends but we're going to all be relatively close to each other. Some are going on to do masters like I am, others have jobs lined up. I'm now getting ready to start looking at the UKCAT, GAMSAT and BMAT.
I'm hoping that this year I will get high enough marks in those exams to be competitive, if not then I will be taking a year out and reapplying next year! I'm going to keep trying! I'm hoping that eventually I will get there in the end. Although I didn't put an application in last year I'm considering applying for at least one 5 year course to try and increase my chances....we shall see though.
The house is on the market (yay!) so the wheels are firmly in motion for our big move. My other half is also starting uni in September which will be very exciting. I'm encouraged by my success in my BSc and looking forward to the MSc more and more each day. Just waiting for my confirmation of my 2:1 (or above!).
I'm a little nervous about my result for my final exam, although I'm not terribly good at guessing my results, this exam was quite a beast! I suppose it is good practice for the GAMSAT though. I'm trying to decide how I'm going to tackle the revision for that, currently just considering what topics I need to go over. I'm only going to be applying for one GAMSAT uni probably as I don't like the thought of putting several choices down when I don't already have the results in case I'm just wasting choices as I don't know the score.
Anyway, enough rambling on. I'm off to watch 24 hours in A and E on catch up! Thanks for reading :).
I'm hoping that this year I will get high enough marks in those exams to be competitive, if not then I will be taking a year out and reapplying next year! I'm going to keep trying! I'm hoping that eventually I will get there in the end. Although I didn't put an application in last year I'm considering applying for at least one 5 year course to try and increase my chances....we shall see though.
The house is on the market (yay!) so the wheels are firmly in motion for our big move. My other half is also starting uni in September which will be very exciting. I'm encouraged by my success in my BSc and looking forward to the MSc more and more each day. Just waiting for my confirmation of my 2:1 (or above!).
I'm a little nervous about my result for my final exam, although I'm not terribly good at guessing my results, this exam was quite a beast! I suppose it is good practice for the GAMSAT though. I'm trying to decide how I'm going to tackle the revision for that, currently just considering what topics I need to go over. I'm only going to be applying for one GAMSAT uni probably as I don't like the thought of putting several choices down when I don't already have the results in case I'm just wasting choices as I don't know the score.
Anyway, enough rambling on. I'm off to watch 24 hours in A and E on catch up! Thanks for reading :).
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Dissertation work
I'm nearly at the end of my third and final year. So far my marks have been really high this year, my lowest was just 2 marks off a first, I don't know whether my overall final grade will be, but either way I'm over the moon with how this year has gone. Its been hard work, but I couldn't have asked for better marks. I'm in the middle of writing my dissertation, I'm actually really enjoying it (mostly) although I have my days where I would rather be doing almost anything else (as I'm sure most people do), overall I'm finding it really interesting and I definitely picked the right topic.
Then I have my two final exams. I'm actually REALLY nervous about these, I haven't finished my dissertation so I'm not dedicating enough time to my revision yet, which is frustrating as there are a lot of topics to cover. I need to get my head in gear really and have my dissertation finished by the beginning of next month so I can plough head first into my revision. I think I am also overthinking my dissertation a little, perhaps I need to concentrate more on writing words on the page rather than making sure everything I write is absolutely perfect. This is the largest piece of work I've ever done and I think it is good practice for my MSc, hopefully it will go well and I will get a good mark.
Other than that I can't really think of anything to report, getting the house ready to sell still, we've planned where we're going to be living and my other half is getting ready to become and Undergraduate at the same uni I'm going to be doing my MSc. Overall everything is slowly slipping into place (fingers crossed!).
Hope everything is going well for everyone in their final year (and every other year of course), not long to go now!
Then I have my two final exams. I'm actually REALLY nervous about these, I haven't finished my dissertation so I'm not dedicating enough time to my revision yet, which is frustrating as there are a lot of topics to cover. I need to get my head in gear really and have my dissertation finished by the beginning of next month so I can plough head first into my revision. I think I am also overthinking my dissertation a little, perhaps I need to concentrate more on writing words on the page rather than making sure everything I write is absolutely perfect. This is the largest piece of work I've ever done and I think it is good practice for my MSc, hopefully it will go well and I will get a good mark.
Other than that I can't really think of anything to report, getting the house ready to sell still, we've planned where we're going to be living and my other half is getting ready to become and Undergraduate at the same uni I'm going to be doing my MSc. Overall everything is slowly slipping into place (fingers crossed!).
Hope everything is going well for everyone in their final year (and every other year of course), not long to go now!
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Progress
So this month has been really busy, my dissertation is going well and I've sent off my first postgraduate application. I'm currently in the middle of an essay due in before Christmas and a presentation in a couple of weeks time, all is on track to be finished early. I'm also planning on sending my second postgraduate application off this week so hopefully I'll have an offer for next year in the new year. I'm really excited about the prospect of doing a masters now, although I'm still wishing I was going to medical school next September I'm not as disappointed as I was, mainly because of what the masters will do for my application and hopefully my future career. Just have to keep my fingers crossed now that somewhere I apply to likes my application and offers me a place!
I was feeling quite snowed until earlier last week, felt a bit like the term was flying past and I was trying my best to get everything done at once, I don't know why as I don't usually work in such a haphazard way...I think it was just blind panic at the concept of getting my personal statement written for my post grad, working towards my dissertation etc all at once! But its all ok now, I'm back on track!
Anyway, sorry for the short blog post I have some reading to get back to I just thought I'd pop by and say hello!
Also, go and see Skyfall - its amazing!
I was feeling quite snowed until earlier last week, felt a bit like the term was flying past and I was trying my best to get everything done at once, I don't know why as I don't usually work in such a haphazard way...I think it was just blind panic at the concept of getting my personal statement written for my post grad, working towards my dissertation etc all at once! But its all ok now, I'm back on track!
Anyway, sorry for the short blog post I have some reading to get back to I just thought I'd pop by and say hello!
Also, go and see Skyfall - its amazing!
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Not as straightforward as it seemed
If you've been following my blog at all then you'll be aware that I'm not going to medical school next year. I was pretty annoyed about the UKCAT, but I dealt with that and started looking at Postgraduate plans. However, what I didn't account for is my friends applying for medicine this year, although I don't think some of them meet the cutoffs for the Universities they've applied for, I'm still finding it pretty tough the idea of them all starting their medicine journeys in 2013 and me being left behind. This isn't the first time this is happening for me, I chose not to go into medicine straight from school and due to my age I'm now seeing my friends become specialists whereas I'm still trying to get my foot in the door. I don't regret the path I've taken, I think now is the right time for me to consider medicine and I'm grateful I have other life experience behind me and I think it will stand me in good stead with appreciating just how lucky I would be to have a career in medicine. I'm not doubting that medicine is a really difficult career, I can tell that just from my work experience placements, but the benefits certainly seem to outweigh the negatives and I think some of my friends who are my age don't appreciate it in the same way I will if I finally get there.
So onto my new plan A, my Masters. What I didn't factor into the equation is that my other half is also planning on becoming a full time student next year, which sounds great, we've chosen locations which mean that I can apply for medicine the year after etc, but we forgot one key issue....money. I won't be getting any funding for a taught masters, and nor will I be getting a maintenance loan for the year. So not only will I be spending the few months applying for masters degrees, selling our house and hopefully finding somewhere really nice to live, we'll also be looking for part time jobs for both of us once we've moved! We hadn't planned on having to work part time whilst we studied and it is very very likely that I'm going to be having my ankle surgery during my summer break after I graduate so I'm really hoping that will be fixed before I start my course and job.
I've planned for 3 years for what would happen at the end of it, and although my plan A/B is a perfectly good plan B, deep down it wasn't what I was hoping would happen I don't think. I'm sort of sad coming to terms with the whole waiting at least another year to start medicine. However, I need to tell myself to stop moping and to get on with my uni work and GAMSAT revision ready for March! I'm reading lots, but it doesn't feel like my "work mode" has truly kicked back in since I messed up the UKCAT! I'll snap out of it, everyone has to fail something in their life I guess, its just never happened to me before - silly I know. I just really really want a future in medicine, I won't give up, but I am still sulking a little bit I'm afraid to admit!
Anyway, I'm going to get on with some uni work and write my personal statement for my MSc application! Onwards and upwards as they say!
So onto my new plan A, my Masters. What I didn't factor into the equation is that my other half is also planning on becoming a full time student next year, which sounds great, we've chosen locations which mean that I can apply for medicine the year after etc, but we forgot one key issue....money. I won't be getting any funding for a taught masters, and nor will I be getting a maintenance loan for the year. So not only will I be spending the few months applying for masters degrees, selling our house and hopefully finding somewhere really nice to live, we'll also be looking for part time jobs for both of us once we've moved! We hadn't planned on having to work part time whilst we studied and it is very very likely that I'm going to be having my ankle surgery during my summer break after I graduate so I'm really hoping that will be fixed before I start my course and job.
I've planned for 3 years for what would happen at the end of it, and although my plan A/B is a perfectly good plan B, deep down it wasn't what I was hoping would happen I don't think. I'm sort of sad coming to terms with the whole waiting at least another year to start medicine. However, I need to tell myself to stop moping and to get on with my uni work and GAMSAT revision ready for March! I'm reading lots, but it doesn't feel like my "work mode" has truly kicked back in since I messed up the UKCAT! I'll snap out of it, everyone has to fail something in their life I guess, its just never happened to me before - silly I know. I just really really want a future in medicine, I won't give up, but I am still sulking a little bit I'm afraid to admit!
Anyway, I'm going to get on with some uni work and write my personal statement for my MSc application! Onwards and upwards as they say!
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Personal Statement
So as you know I am a mature student. I've written personal statements before, in fact I used to help my friends write them when we were in 6th form, yet I can't seem to write mine for my medicine application. I don't understand what is wrong with me, I have written everything out in bullet points, I know what I want to say but it just doesn't feel strong enough! I have no idea what is missing from it, but I know I need to get it finished by next week to send to my tutor who is going to be writing my reference. I don't know what is wrong with me, this is the most important thing I'm ever going to write and I can't seem to get it sorted.
I have work experience all next week and then the GAMSAT next Friday so I really have to get it sorted this weekend, why does this seem so impossible? I think it is because I've been planning it for over 2 years now that I just want it to be perfect, when truthfully nothing ever is. I want to study medicine, I'd love to study next year, but I know it is unlikely. I'll be happy to do my MSc, but I don't want to not get an interview because I've not produced a strong enough Personal Statement!!!
I can write blog posts with ease, I talk comfortably, I can even write essays with very little difficulty, yet a statement telling admissions tutor why I'm a good candidate to study medicine is really scary! I'm positive I'm not the only one who feels this way, I just know that the competition for places will just be so intense and I want to make my application stand out more than anything!
Anyway, I'm going to go and sit and make some more notes and hope a draft magically appears!
I have work experience all next week and then the GAMSAT next Friday so I really have to get it sorted this weekend, why does this seem so impossible? I think it is because I've been planning it for over 2 years now that I just want it to be perfect, when truthfully nothing ever is. I want to study medicine, I'd love to study next year, but I know it is unlikely. I'll be happy to do my MSc, but I don't want to not get an interview because I've not produced a strong enough Personal Statement!!!
I can write blog posts with ease, I talk comfortably, I can even write essays with very little difficulty, yet a statement telling admissions tutor why I'm a good candidate to study medicine is really scary! I'm positive I'm not the only one who feels this way, I just know that the competition for places will just be so intense and I want to make my application stand out more than anything!
Anyway, I'm going to go and sit and make some more notes and hope a draft magically appears!
Thursday, 6 September 2012
My final year approaches....
Usually after such a long absence I would apologise for being awol. However, I have to admit that this time it has been a deliberate choice not to blog. I've been incredibly busy. As many of you know I had to take my second year exams in the summer as I was poorly during exam period. I am pleased to report that I passed the year with a high 2:1 so I'm very very excited to be going into my 3rd and final year of my BSc. I have already started working on my dissertation and I have chosen my supervisor which is great and I'm really looking forward to it. The modules this year seem really interesting which is always an added bonus, cannot believe however that in just over 8 months time my degree will be over.
As for my medical school application, I am taking the GAMSAT on the 21st of this month, however due to my exams I have not prepared well for it at all, so depending on how I feel it went on the day will decide whether or not I will be applying to one GAMSAT uni or not. My UKCAT is booked for the start of October and I'm truly not sure how it will go. I'm hopeful I'll meet the cutoffs for my preferred unis, if not then I will have to try again next year. I have found some MSc courses that I really really like the look of, so I shall also be applying for them at the start of next year. So hopefully next year I will either be starting a postgrad qualification, or graduate entry medicine....time will tell!
I think I was a little frustrated that things didn't go to plan last year, but to be honest, although it does seem frustrating that I may have to wait yet another year (at least) to go to medical school, my resolve has been strengthened even more! I KNOW this is what I want to do and my BSc has proved that to me. Whatever will be will be, and I'm not going to dwell on the outcome of this round of applications too much. I'm sure if I don't get in this year there will be a few tears, but one thing I've learned about myself is that I'm more than capable of picking myself up and dusting myself off, and making sure my application is even stronger and my UKCAT and GAMSAT marks are even higher. We'll cross that bridge if we come to it.
Other than that there is nothing exciting to report, we didn't manage to go on holiday this year, as we're saving in case I have to do a MSc, maybe next year we'll have enough to pop to Europe for a long weekend. We have had some nice day trips though, which is always a bonus! So yet again, I'm sorry for my absence, I will try to update more regularly, honest!
Have a nice day everyone.
As for my medical school application, I am taking the GAMSAT on the 21st of this month, however due to my exams I have not prepared well for it at all, so depending on how I feel it went on the day will decide whether or not I will be applying to one GAMSAT uni or not. My UKCAT is booked for the start of October and I'm truly not sure how it will go. I'm hopeful I'll meet the cutoffs for my preferred unis, if not then I will have to try again next year. I have found some MSc courses that I really really like the look of, so I shall also be applying for them at the start of next year. So hopefully next year I will either be starting a postgrad qualification, or graduate entry medicine....time will tell!
I think I was a little frustrated that things didn't go to plan last year, but to be honest, although it does seem frustrating that I may have to wait yet another year (at least) to go to medical school, my resolve has been strengthened even more! I KNOW this is what I want to do and my BSc has proved that to me. Whatever will be will be, and I'm not going to dwell on the outcome of this round of applications too much. I'm sure if I don't get in this year there will be a few tears, but one thing I've learned about myself is that I'm more than capable of picking myself up and dusting myself off, and making sure my application is even stronger and my UKCAT and GAMSAT marks are even higher. We'll cross that bridge if we come to it.
Other than that there is nothing exciting to report, we didn't manage to go on holiday this year, as we're saving in case I have to do a MSc, maybe next year we'll have enough to pop to Europe for a long weekend. We have had some nice day trips though, which is always a bonus! So yet again, I'm sorry for my absence, I will try to update more regularly, honest!
Have a nice day everyone.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Stress...essay...revision....stress....revision....
Sorry I've been AWOL. I had an essay to finish last week which was handed in on Monday (not the best essay I've ever done but probably not the worst either). I have also been frantically going through all my lecture notes and making revision notes as my first exam is in 15 days....15 DAYS!!!! I found out I had a 2:1 for my lab report which is great as it is worth 50% of the module, so I'm pleased with that.
So, 2 months of hell starts here really, I have 2 weeks until my first exam, and then 4 weeks of exams, followed by another 2 weeks (I think) off for revision before one more final exam for the year. I have to do an assessment in the summer as I had to miss it earlier in the year, and after that (resits pending obviously) I'm finished. Then it will be a long summer of GAMSAT revision (oh my dear god I have no idea how to begin), volunteering and dissertation reading (I'm at the point when I'm thinking of my dissertation already, oh my goodness!!!!) I'll be a 3rd year....already....this degree has flown by!
I've loved this degree, and I'm sure that if I end up doing postgraduate I'll love it too, but I can't help but hope and wish that I'll get into GEM for 2013. I know I'm one of the thousands who have the same dream, I'm just hopeful I'll get an interview. Anyway, enough wishing, time to relax for the evening as I'm absolutely shattered. Think I'm going to watch some trashy TV with my other half and then off to bed nice and early.
So, 2 months of hell starts here really, I have 2 weeks until my first exam, and then 4 weeks of exams, followed by another 2 weeks (I think) off for revision before one more final exam for the year. I have to do an assessment in the summer as I had to miss it earlier in the year, and after that (resits pending obviously) I'm finished. Then it will be a long summer of GAMSAT revision (oh my dear god I have no idea how to begin), volunteering and dissertation reading (I'm at the point when I'm thinking of my dissertation already, oh my goodness!!!!) I'll be a 3rd year....already....this degree has flown by!
I've loved this degree, and I'm sure that if I end up doing postgraduate I'll love it too, but I can't help but hope and wish that I'll get into GEM for 2013. I know I'm one of the thousands who have the same dream, I'm just hopeful I'll get an interview. Anyway, enough wishing, time to relax for the evening as I'm absolutely shattered. Think I'm going to watch some trashy TV with my other half and then off to bed nice and early.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Medical School Panic
So, in one month I'll be finishing my 2nd year. Excellent and I'm finally healthy enough and my ankle seems stable enough (touch wood!) to begin my volunteering, which is amazing. I also have the shadowing sorted for the summer, alongside the project I've been working on which has been amazing, but I can't help feeling my application isn't going to be strong enough for this year. I did a practice UKCAT test yesterday for the first time (I didn't even know what was involved) and it was ok I suppose for a first attempt, aside from the numerical section which was absolutely appalling, which does not bode well for me at all. I really didn't want to rely on the GAMSAT too much as it is such a beast I wanted 2 UKCAT Unis and 2 GAMSAT Unis and now I'm worried that I'm going to have to go for 4 GAMSAT unis.
I have absolutely no idea how this is all going to pan out, I had everything planned to the nth degree and then I messed it all up by getting injured. Completely my fault, but it isn't going to make me feel great when I have to take yet another year to apply again if I don't get in this time. I'm a mature student (I'm still the right side of 30 but still!) and I just feel frustrated. I'm seeing on forums that people who are quite honestly fantastic candidates getting rejected from all 4 choices, even with high scores, high academic grades etc.
If people who are:
a) Younger than me
b) Have better academic credentials than me
c) Have higher GAMSAT/UKCAT scores than I can ever hope for
d) Have more voluntary work experience than me
Aren't getting offers, what am I supposed to do? I just hope that I get one offer, I don't mind where, I really truly don't, I'll be happy with any of the 6 places I want to apply to (I haven't narrowed it down yet, open day season is upon us!) were kind enough to offer me a place I'd be over the moon. I can't quite get my head around people being offered places and then saying that they're not sure they're going to take them as it wasn't their "first choice"... *DON'T APPLY TO A UNI UNLESS YOU'RE HAPPY TO TAKE THE PLACE*.
Anyway, I'm going to stop ranting, just having a moment of complete and utter blind panic! I'm going to go and revise, because one thing is for sure, I'm not going anywhere unless I pass my degree! Thanks for reading.
I have absolutely no idea how this is all going to pan out, I had everything planned to the nth degree and then I messed it all up by getting injured. Completely my fault, but it isn't going to make me feel great when I have to take yet another year to apply again if I don't get in this time. I'm a mature student (I'm still the right side of 30 but still!) and I just feel frustrated. I'm seeing on forums that people who are quite honestly fantastic candidates getting rejected from all 4 choices, even with high scores, high academic grades etc.
If people who are:
a) Younger than me
b) Have better academic credentials than me
c) Have higher GAMSAT/UKCAT scores than I can ever hope for
d) Have more voluntary work experience than me
Aren't getting offers, what am I supposed to do? I just hope that I get one offer, I don't mind where, I really truly don't, I'll be happy with any of the 6 places I want to apply to (I haven't narrowed it down yet, open day season is upon us!) were kind enough to offer me a place I'd be over the moon. I can't quite get my head around people being offered places and then saying that they're not sure they're going to take them as it wasn't their "first choice"... *DON'T APPLY TO A UNI UNLESS YOU'RE HAPPY TO TAKE THE PLACE*.
Anyway, I'm going to stop ranting, just having a moment of complete and utter blind panic! I'm going to go and revise, because one thing is for sure, I'm not going anywhere unless I pass my degree! Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
April Already
This year is flying by, in fact the last three years have flown by. Three years ago I moved in with my better half, since then we've bought a house, been to the Maldives, got married and I've (almost) finished two years of my BSc. It literally feels like yesterday that I applied to study for my BSc and applying to med school was a distant ambition, now it is a very real, current, task. I had an email from my course director last week saying we need to start thinking about our dissertation topics through the summer, which will make me a 3rd year!!
Whilst lots of exciting things have happened, I've also had some negative things, I've injured myself and been rather poorly (as you may have read at the start of the year). I'm still not 100% better, but I'm 100% better than I was on the 1st January this year. However, we were watching "Hospital Sydney" last night and there was a man on there with multiple brain tumours having surgery to stop him from being paralysed for the last few months of his life. He and his wife were so happy to find out that his prognosis was for 3-6 months rather than a couple of weeks and it just made me feel a little sad. I was lying in bed watching this, and it made me think, yesterday was the 2nd April, on the 1st January I had a low pressure headache due to a pretty gnarly lumbar puncture and I was lying in bed doing exactly the same as I was last night (with added pain of course), 4 months ago, yet like everything else it feels like yesterday! I lay there and couldn't help feeling sad that in the short space of time that has passed between me being so poorly and me getting back on my feet again, essentially the man on the TV would have exceeded the lower end of his life expectancy scale.
I don't take my life for granted. I'd love to go to medical school, but my life won't end if I can't. I have so many wonderful things going on in my life for which I'm grateful for everyday, but every now and then it amazes me just how fast it all goes by. Life is a bit of "blink and you miss it" sometimes and I've noticed how many people don't appreciate how lucky we all are to be here.
Anyway, I'm just grateful for everyday I have and even when it is cloudy or rainy outside, or something doesn't go your way, remember it could always be worse.
Whilst lots of exciting things have happened, I've also had some negative things, I've injured myself and been rather poorly (as you may have read at the start of the year). I'm still not 100% better, but I'm 100% better than I was on the 1st January this year. However, we were watching "Hospital Sydney" last night and there was a man on there with multiple brain tumours having surgery to stop him from being paralysed for the last few months of his life. He and his wife were so happy to find out that his prognosis was for 3-6 months rather than a couple of weeks and it just made me feel a little sad. I was lying in bed watching this, and it made me think, yesterday was the 2nd April, on the 1st January I had a low pressure headache due to a pretty gnarly lumbar puncture and I was lying in bed doing exactly the same as I was last night (with added pain of course), 4 months ago, yet like everything else it feels like yesterday! I lay there and couldn't help feeling sad that in the short space of time that has passed between me being so poorly and me getting back on my feet again, essentially the man on the TV would have exceeded the lower end of his life expectancy scale.
I don't take my life for granted. I'd love to go to medical school, but my life won't end if I can't. I have so many wonderful things going on in my life for which I'm grateful for everyday, but every now and then it amazes me just how fast it all goes by. Life is a bit of "blink and you miss it" sometimes and I've noticed how many people don't appreciate how lucky we all are to be here.
Anyway, I'm just grateful for everyday I have and even when it is cloudy or rainy outside, or something doesn't go your way, remember it could always be worse.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Dentists
I have to go to the dentist today...I HATE going to the dentist with a passion. No particular reason why, apart from having two horrible experiences with wisdom teeth (doesn't everyone?) it isn't the pain I'm ever concerned about, its the noise. Fillings literally fill me with panic, and fear, and stress, I have no idea why I just REALLY hate it. I haven't been for a while so today will just be a check up, I'm not having any fillings or anything as I have work to do today so the last thing I need is numbness.
I also have an equally painful appointment just before the dentist at the car garage. I have to have two new tyres, which will cost me a ridiculous amount of money for what feels like nothing exciting at all. The joys of car ownership!
I shouldn't complain though it is beautiful and sunny outside, I shall be finishing off my report in the sunshine later, probably having a late night because knowing me I'll rip it all to bits about 20 times and then wish that I'd gone with my first draft because I'm useless like that! The plus side is that my better half has two weeks off starting on Friday and I only have one more essay to hand in before exam time, can't believe I'm nearly at the end of my 2nd year, it really really has flown by! Hopeful I'll get through the year with a 2:1!
Have a good day everyone - enjoy the sunshine, this may well be our summer!
I also have an equally painful appointment just before the dentist at the car garage. I have to have two new tyres, which will cost me a ridiculous amount of money for what feels like nothing exciting at all. The joys of car ownership!
I shouldn't complain though it is beautiful and sunny outside, I shall be finishing off my report in the sunshine later, probably having a late night because knowing me I'll rip it all to bits about 20 times and then wish that I'd gone with my first draft because I'm useless like that! The plus side is that my better half has two weeks off starting on Friday and I only have one more essay to hand in before exam time, can't believe I'm nearly at the end of my 2nd year, it really really has flown by! Hopeful I'll get through the year with a 2:1!
Have a good day everyone - enjoy the sunshine, this may well be our summer!
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
GAMSAT Ireland
Initially I had planned to take the GAMSAT twice, I wanted to know what I was heading for before the final attempt in September. Unfortunately as I've mentioned on here before, life has a funny way of getting in the way of things and after my injuries this year, I'm only just about caught up on my Undergrad stuff in time for exams let alone adding to my stress with GAMSAT revision. So I didn't take it last weekend.
A couple of my friends however, did. They went to Dublin and they took the dreaded exam, and apparently, it was awful. They said that the humanities side of it wasn't as bad as they thought, but the science side was dreadful. I believe them, I'm sure it was a horrific day but I'm optimistic that it will be ok in Sept. I don't truly know how much prep they did for it. We've had essays etc due in, and I just don't know how much work they did. I don't know when they had the time to fit in the amount of prep needed this term, so I'm still hopeful that it won't be a complete disaster in September.
I'm not sure how it will go for me, but I'm also planning on taking the UKCAT and if I do alright in that I will apply to some GAMSAT and some UKCAT unis. Still keeping my fingers crossed for a miraculous interview after applications. I start hospice work soon and I have work experience lined up (only short shadowing), but I also have that exciting project I have spoken about before to talk about in interview, which I've really enjoyed (and I'm looking forward to finishing before my exams start in 11 weeks time fingers crossed!). So I'm still hopeful, if not MSc here I come.....!
A couple of my friends however, did. They went to Dublin and they took the dreaded exam, and apparently, it was awful. They said that the humanities side of it wasn't as bad as they thought, but the science side was dreadful. I believe them, I'm sure it was a horrific day but I'm optimistic that it will be ok in Sept. I don't truly know how much prep they did for it. We've had essays etc due in, and I just don't know how much work they did. I don't know when they had the time to fit in the amount of prep needed this term, so I'm still hopeful that it won't be a complete disaster in September.
I'm not sure how it will go for me, but I'm also planning on taking the UKCAT and if I do alright in that I will apply to some GAMSAT and some UKCAT unis. Still keeping my fingers crossed for a miraculous interview after applications. I start hospice work soon and I have work experience lined up (only short shadowing), but I also have that exciting project I have spoken about before to talk about in interview, which I've really enjoyed (and I'm looking forward to finishing before my exams start in 11 weeks time fingers crossed!). So I'm still hopeful, if not MSc here I come.....!
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