Laying the Groundwork: Your Pre-Application Medical School Prep
Everyone knows the medical school application has a formal start date. But the truth is, your journey begins long before you hit “submit” on your UCAS form.
The most successful applicants are those who understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint. This phase, the long game, is about building an unshakable foundation. It’s where you transform from a student who wants to do medicine into a compelling candidate built for the challenge.
Let’s break down the three core pillars of your pre-application preparation.
Solidify Your Academic Foundation
Your grades are the non-negotiable ticket to the game. Without them, the rest of your application, no matter how shiny, won’t get a look-in.
A-Levels (or Equivalent) are Key: This is your primary focus. Most medical schools require top grades, typically ranging from AAA to AAA.
There’s one universal constant: you will almost always need Chemistry and Biology. Double-check the specific requirements of every university you might be interested in, as some have slight variations.
The Power of Predicted Grades: Your teachers’ predictions are crucial, as they are used by universities to decide whether to offer you an interview.
Consistently high performance in your AS or Lower 6th year is essential for securing the top predictions you need.
Don’t Forget Your GCSEs: While A-Levels are the star of the show, your GCSEs play a vital supporting role.
Many medical schools use them as a secondary filter, looking for a strong set of grades with several A*s (or 8/9s), particularly in the core subjects of Sciences, Maths, and English.
International Baccalaureate (IB), Scottish Highers, & Other Equivalents: The same principle applies, check the specific requirements for your qualification.
Requirements for IB are typically around 36-38 points, including higher level science subjects.
Gain Essential Real-World Experience
This is what brings your application to life. Academics show you can handle the study; your experiences show you understand the profession.
Work Experience: The Cornerstone
Types to Pursue: Aim for a mix. Clinical exposure (e.g., shadowing in a GP surgery or hospital ward) is gold standard.
Voluntary work in a care home, hospice, or with a disability charity is equally valuable, as it demonstrates compassion and commitment.
Even a paid role as a healthcare assistant or similar is fantastic.
Volunteering & Extracurriculars: Show You’re More Than Grades
Medicine is about people. Your activities outside the classroom show you’re a well-rounded, resilient, and committed individual.
Whether it’s playing a sport (teamwork, discipline), learning an instrument (dedication), doing Duke of Edinburgh (resilience, leadership), or having a part-time job (responsibility, communication), it all counts.
Choose things you genuinely enjoy, your passion will shine through.Medicine is about people.
Your activities outside the classroom show you’re a well-rounded, resilient, and committed individual.
Whether it’s playing a sport (teamwork, discipline), learning an instrument (dedication), doing Duke of Edinburgh (resilience, leadership), or having a part-time job (responsibility, communication), it all counts. Choose things you genuinely enjoy, your passion will shine through.
Build Your Intellectual Curiosity
Medicine isn’t just a job; it’s a constantly evolving field. Show that your interest extends beyond the curriculum.
Read Widely: Go beyond your textbooks. Follow health sections in major news outlets like the BBC and The Guardian.
Dip into publications like the BMJ (British Medical Journal) for a more in-depth look. Read books by doctors about the reality of the job, Adam Kay’s “This is Going to Hurt” is a modern classic for a reason.
Develop a Genuine Interest: Engage with the big questions.
Follow debates on medical ethics. Make an effort to understand how the NHS works, its funding, its pressures, its triumphs, and its challenges.
Being able to discuss topics like waiting lists, medical staffing, or the role of technology in healthcare shows a maturity and depth of interest that admissions tutors look for.
The Takeaway: The pre-application period is your time to build a compelling story. It’s the fusion of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and genuine passion.
By investing your time in these three areas, you won’t just be checking boxes for an application; you’ll be confirming that medicine is the right path for you.
Start early, be consistent, and reflect on everything you do. Your future self will thank you!