By Srushti Mehta, BSc Biomedical Sciences 2020 - now studying Graduate Entry Medicine at Nottingham University
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is an accelerated 4-year course and is a well-known option for many of those undertaking an undergraduate degree that are considering medicine as a career. The road to GEM is known to be incredibly competitive but as a successful first-time applicant I want to encourage more students to pursue this route. The application process is not easy, but it is definitely achievable with the right preparation and determination.
When and why did you decide to apply for GEM?
I started my undergraduate degree always wanting to pursue GEM. It was doing my Biomedical sciences degree and volunteering at my local hospital as a patient companion that reinforced this and made me determined to apply. I began preparing for GEM during the second year of my degree. This allowed me to have sufficient time to revise for entrance exams and make my application stronger by volunteering for a significant period, in time for my UCAS application in the September of my third year.
How did you prepare for the selection process?
Firstly, preparing for the selection process requires you to familiarise yourself with the individual universities offering GEM and their entrance exams. There is a limited choice when it comes to GEM so it is crucial to give yourself the best chance of succeeding. Completing different entrance exams allow you to apply to different schools. I chose to do the GAMSAT and at first, it seemed intimidating but doing it meant that I was able to secure 2 interviews. Therefore, I would suggest that you decide which exam you want to complete and then decide which universities are in line with that. It's incredibly important to note how many places are available at each university and their specific entry requirements to allow you to have the best chance of being successful in the selection process.
It is vital to support your application by gaining some experience in healthcare whether that is volunteering or other work experience. I volunteered at my local hospital as a patient companion and mealtime assistant. Being a patient companion involved visiting patients weekly in wards. Most of my peers in GEM have been successful in their application with roles that focused on patients rather than doctors. It’s vital that whatever role you do, you can reflect and truly use it to understand some key themes: the hospital environment, the importance of the multidisciplinary team and how the patients are impacted when the system was successful and when it fell short. Many students suggest keeping a reflective diary. However, I found it more useful to note down specific moments and days following those broad themes. Nearer to the time of interviews, I reflected on my experience using the individual points set out by the universities.
What was the most challenging part of the selection process?
The selection process is known to be very competitive and it can be hard to stay positive. The most challenging part is not getting overwhelmed by the process. During your third year there will be a lot of deadlines and work to complete for your degree. This means that finding a good way to destress is very important. It will help you be more confident and calmer during interviews and allow you to complete your degree at the same time. Just remember that everyone has different journeys to medicine and you should only focus on your own.
What advice would you give to future students who are keen to apply for GEM?
- Stay confident! Throughout the process you will meet a lot of different people at different stages. Just focus on your application and don’t get deterred!
- The entrance exams are all about practice! The more you get used to them, the better you will be. For the GAMSAT, I found the practice papers on their website and some A level CGP books helpful.
- There is so much help around you! The RHUL careers department is incredibly supportive throughout the entire process from personal statements to interview practice. Not utilising them and not asking for help is a huge loss. They were arguably one of the most helpful people in my application.
- Talk to people who are in medicine or GEM already. They will have lots of advice.
- Don’t get intimidated by the length of the process, it all goes so fast that it’s definitely worth it in the end.
- Some universities have much larger cohorts than others. Play to your strengths and I would definitely suggest aiming to apply to those rather than universities with a small number of places.
- Don’t give up! Not getting in the first cycle is not the end. The first cycle is hard and being in third year is not easy. Applying again will only mean you are a more experienced, resilient and motivated medical student.