Check The Eligibility Criteria:
The first move is to visit the UK medical school websites that you are interested in and read through the criteria for admission. This will usually include academic credentials, proof of language skills (such as the IELTS), references, personal statement, job experience and a UKCAT ranking. You'll need to ensure your academic credentials are approved as a foreign applicant. There are many schools or universities which provide country-specific guidance to make this simple but contact the admissions office if there is any question. Given that job experience is such a significant factor in admissions to medical schools, there may also be requirements to help ensure that you meet standards. You need to have spent at least two weeks studying or job shadowing in a medical environment for the MBBS, or have done voluntary group service for at least six months.
Start Early:
Start your medical school applications as soon as possible, and review them thoroughly before applying, for your peace of mind and to allow yourself plenty of time to meet all the requirements. All university applications need to pay close attention to the guidance issued, to ensure that you get a good first impression and to avoid evaluating delays in your application. If necessary, before you send it, ask a friend, family member or teacher to read documents such as the personal statement.
Write Personal Statement Carefully:
The personal statement is a vital aspect of your application; this is simply a brief essay to describe your goals, aspirations and the reasons for applying. The statement has a limited length (4,000 characters) so using this space wisely is necessary. Highlight related job or volunteer experience; demonstrate the ability to work as a team; demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills, and highlight extracurricular activities and accomplishments. Seek to provide facts to support your claims, such as awards that you have won obstacles that you have faced or initiatives that you have helped coordinate.
Academic Reference:
To endorse your application, you may be asked to send one or more references (similar to the letters of recommendation). To ensure that at least one of your referees is a former teacher or academic instructor, even if you have taken some time out of education, is important. Additional references may come from individuals in a professional or charitable sense with whom you have interacted, but an academic reference is a must.
Interview Preparation:
When you meet all the eligibility requirements, and your statement and references satisfy the panel of admissions, you're likely to be invited to an interview. Although some UK medical schools offer opportunities for interviewing foreign students in other countries, it's normal to be asked to fly to the institution's UK campus. This ensures fair evaluation and adds that prospective students have a good opportunity to explore the campus, consult with tutors and ask any remaining questions.
You Should Have Information about School and Course:
Although preparing for this form of admissions interview is difficult, you can make a good impression by showing that you have done some research about the course and the medical school in question. Attempt to demonstrate your comprehension of some defining features of the ethos of the school, teaching style, facilities and student culture. Explain what motivated you to apply for research here, and why you believe the curriculum suits your interests, learning style, and expectations well.
Have Passion:
The value of communicating your contribution to the profession and your medical research motives both inside your initial application and during an interview. That's what makes candidates stand out. Think about what initially motivated you to consider a medical career, how you have already demonstrated your dedication to follow this direction, and what potential goals are likely to keep you going. Explain what motivated you to apply for research here, and why you believe the curriculum suits your interests, learning style, and expectations well.
