Every year, thousands of applicants ask the same question: “Which four medical schools should I apply to?” It sounds deceptively simple.
In reality, it’s one of the most important strategic decisions you’ll make. Get it right, and you maximise your chances of success. Get it wrong, and even a strong applicant can walk away empty-handed.
The Golden Rule: Know Thyself
Before you even glance at prospectuses, you must understand your own profile.
- Academics: Are your GCSEs and A-level predictions competitive?
- UCAT: Did you score in the top decile, or somewhere in the middle?
- SJT Band: Is it Band 1 (a strength) or Band 3/4 (a weakness)?
- Personal statement / experiences: Do you have unique work experience, volunteering, or life stories that will stand out?
Only once you’ve assessed yourself honestly can you begin to pick strategically.
A Balanced Portfolio
Think of your four choices as a portfolio of investments. Don’t gamble all on “high risk, high reward.” Balance is key.
- 1 Ambitious Choice: Aim high if your academics and admissions test scores justify it. Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL fall in this category.
- 2 Strategic Matches: Choose universities whose selection criteria align with your strengths. If you excelled in UCAT, go for schools that rank heavily on it. If your GCSEs shine, target those with academic cut-offs.
- 1 Safer Choice: Pick at least one school where your profile is comfortably above average. This is not about settling, it’s about ensuring you stay in the race.
Common Selection Scenarios
1. The High UCAT Scorer
If you’re in the top deciles, maximise this strength. Places like Newcastle, Glasgow, and Sheffield reward strong UCAT results.
2. The Strong Academic Student
If your GCSEs and predicted A-levels are exceptional, consider Birmingham, Cardiff, or Oxford (where academic profiles are heavily weighted).
3. The Band 1 SJT Holder
Use it wisely. Schools like Keele, Hull York, and some London universities give extra weight to SJT. Don’t squander that advantage.
4. The All-Rounder
Not top decile in UCAT, but strong academics and solid experiences? Target schools with more holistic approaches, such as Leicester, Liverpool, or East Anglia.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Four Oxbridge-level choices: Ambition without balance is dangerous.
- Ignoring geography: Five or six years in a city you dislike is a costly mistake.
- Not checking admissions policies: Every school publishes their criteria, yet many applicants never read them.
Final Thoughts
There is no universal “best four” medical schools. The best four are the ones that match you. Play to your strengths, balance your risks, and remember, this is strategy, not sentiment.
The smartest applicants aren’t those with the highest scores. They’re the ones who understand the game and play it wisely.