One of the most overlooked parts of the medical school application is choosing the schools themselves.
Too often, students pour energy into their UCAT prep, their personal statement, or their work experience, only to sabotage their chances with poor application strategy.
Let’s be clear: where you apply is just as important as how you apply. Choose poorly, and even the brightest student may find themselves without an offer.
Mistake 1: Chasing Prestige Blindly
It’s natural to be drawn to the “big names”, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial. But here’s the harsh truth: unless your academic record and admissions test scores are stellar, these choices can become wasted slots.
Many applicants throw away opportunities by applying to four of the most competitive schools without considering balance.
Lesson: Be ambitious, yes. But balance ambition with pragmatism. Two reach schools, two safer options is a wise strategy.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Entry Criteria Nuances
Each medical school has its own quirks:
- Some weight UCAT heavily, others less so.
- Some rank candidates by academics before even glancing at your personal statement.
- Some openly publish their scoring system; others do not.
Too many students apply blindly without aligning their strengths with the selection criteria.
Lesson: Read the admissions policies carefully. Match your profile to the schools that will value your strengths.
Mistake 3: Disregarding the SJT Band
You’d be surprised how many students ignore how certain universities use the Situational Judgement Test. Some heavily reward Band 1, others may filter out Band 4 automatically.
Applying to a Band-sensitive university with a low SJT is self-sabotage.
Lesson: If your SJT band isn’t strong, choose schools where it has little impact.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Geography and Lifestyle
Medicine is not a one-year course. It’s five or six years of your life. Some students apply without considering location, cost of living, distance from family, or the hospital placements tied to that university.
A brilliant academic fit can turn sour if you’re miserable with the lifestyle.
Lesson: Research beyond the prospectus. Visit campuses. Speak to current students. Imagine yourself there for half a decade.
Mistake 5: Following the Crowd
“I applied there because all my friends did.” Fatal error. Your friend’s strengths, scores, and circumstances are not yours. Admissions is not a team sport.
Lesson: Your application must be tailored to you. What suits others may not suit you.
Mistake 6: Overestimating Personal Statements
Some schools use personal statements in depth; others barely glance at them. Yet many applicants obsess over being “creative” with metaphors and poetry, while ignoring the reality of how each university actually scores applicants.
Lesson: Understand how your chosen schools use the personal statement. Don’t waste energy tailoring it to criteria they don’t even measure.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to apply is strategy, not sentiment. It’s about self-awareness, research, and ruthless honesty. The right choices maximise your chances; the wrong ones can undo years of preparation.
Remember: medicine is a marathon. The starting line should be chosen wisely. Don’t trip yourself up before the race even begins.