So hopefully by this time you are all sitting on at least one offer!!!! Next thing to do - reply to it/them on UCAS by the deadline (which I believe is May if you heard before April and June if you heard in/after April) ... very exciting times!
To those with one offer - well, go ahead and accept it! Its a very easy process, just follow the instructions on track and then it'll all be done for you!
To those of you with multiple offers - if you're yet to graduate, its probably wise to have an insurance and a firm choice but not as necessary as when applying from school. So how do you choose?...
I am a big proponent for that "gut feeling" - there was a reason X university was your favourite at the time of application, try and remember that reason and see if it still stands. There are multiple factors which are important (I've made a brief list of factors I found useful) but remember - this is a brilliant situation and all medical schools in the UK are great
- Gut feeling - do you have one? is it negative or positive?
- Location - close to home/far from home, good social scene, good clinical exposure
- Future prospects - how many graduating students get FY posts etc.
- Research opportunities (if you're interested)
- Extra-curricular opportunities - you'll need to keep up with your hobbies so that you don't become a recluse!
- Student satisfaction
- Course structure, delivery etc. (although generally speaking, you should be happy to be anywhere because you applied!!)
- Financial considerations - this could be location (e.g.: London is notoriously expensive) or the availability of bursaries should they be required
So, that's probably it for a long time from me now. Congratulations to everyone with offers, you'll be a med student within the next few months!!!! To those that have to reapply, keep going! It's definitely worth it if its your dream.
Have an amazing summer when it comes around... I'm off to finish my dissertation and fulfil my offer conditions!
Dr Wannabe xx
