Medicine + Dentistry application process and my experience. Louis Collins.

The main aspects of the application process. Work Experience Aptitude tests (UKCAT, BMAT) Personal Statement. Interviews.

Work Experience Ensure variety. Seek W.E outside of medical/dental environment (e.g. Summer camps, Voluntary work etc) WE isn’t necessarily about the length of time or the location, its about how you reflect on it (e.g in your personal statement and at Interview) Also, it may consolidate what fields of medicine/dentistry you have particular interest in. Record your experiences (otherwise you will forget them!) Ask lots of questions.-a lot of the dentist I shadowed had been involved in the admissions process in the past so they can give really helpful tips. Try and do something practical during your work experience e.g. calling patients in, Preparing mixtures for impression.

Brief Summary + Tips- UKCAT 1) Quantative Reasoning. 2)Abstract Reasoning. 3)Verbal Reasoning. 4) Decision Making. 5) Situational Judgement (surprisingly helpful). (Total duration: 2 hours) - Resources: Medic Portal/ Medify -Right or wrong, check their explanations for your answer. -Don’t drive yourself crazy.- A strong UKCAT score may work in your favour however a low UKCAT score wont be too detrimental.

Traits Medical/Dental schools want to see from you Team work- What Team work skills have you witnessed during your W.E and where teamwork is relevant in your life. Leadership. A caring nature- voluntary work. Independence- Jobs, Personal projects. Commitment- ^^ Working with different groups of people- e.g children, elderly, people with special needs. Identifying and working on mistakes you’ve made. Its very important that you have legitimate examples of these traits - Think where these are implemented into your own life/hobbies as you may not realise it. Evaluating both sides of a problem- At interview you may be given quite irrational situations yet youre still required to balance both arguments.

More tips… Keep up to date with medical/dental advancements and news stories- Don’t memorise them just keep yourself aware so you can show off your knowledge. Be aware of ethics within the NHS, ethical pillars etc. Be aware of certain organisations with medicine and dentistry and what there role is e.g. General Medical Council, General Dental Council, British Dental Association, NHS - They all have very different roles. Research what different medical/dental schools look for.- UKCAT/GCSE criteria e.g. Speak to people- Doctors/Dentists you may know, Year 13s