Been a hetic month so far. Already done 6 exams and got 4 to go. So far they've gone really well except for C3 this morning. Won't say anymore but you get the idea. I feel I've become so motivated over the last month and bit. I've been revising every night and day, doing my best to ace these exams.
I've begun looking into AEAs (Advanced Extention Awards) as another way to make myself more attractive if/when I have to apply a second time to medical schools. If any of my (limited) reader base has any experience with these feel free to drop a comment so I can bug you with questions :D
I feel that this year I have defiently changed. I've got this whole new focus towards learning and I am already planning my work schedule for this year. It may be sad but I love it. I'm so excited about leaving college with As knowing that I earnt the bastards!
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Time's up 2008!
Too say the least, it's been a disappointing Christmas.
I won't deny it, Leicester was a blow. But it's the first of what will be four rejections. A book I order in August from Amazon also arrived today. It was Succeeding In Your Medical School Interview. That stung.
Also the revision is dragging. I'm finding it so hard to work but I've had the strength to ignore request to get drunk over the holidays from mates. It's been a bit lonely to say the least but I need to do this. I can't see any other way.
New Years is upon us. I've never been up for the New Year Resolutions idea but this year I did have some pretty obvious goals pinned to my wall. The main three goals are:
Not the most joyful post but the idea was inspired by Harry and Ellisa.
Happy New Year to all!
I won't deny it, Leicester was a blow. But it's the first of what will be four rejections. A book I order in August from Amazon also arrived today. It was Succeeding In Your Medical School Interview. That stung.
Also the revision is dragging. I'm finding it so hard to work but I've had the strength to ignore request to get drunk over the holidays from mates. It's been a bit lonely to say the least but I need to do this. I can't see any other way.
New Years is upon us. I've never been up for the New Year Resolutions idea but this year I did have some pretty obvious goals pinned to my wall. The main three goals are:
- Achieve AAAA at A2
- Get into a Medical School
- Get Tickets for a Coldplay Concert
Not the most joyful post but the idea was inspired by Harry and Ellisa.
Happy New Year to all!
Monday, 22 December 2008
First Rejection
So the first letter came today. It was Leicester. My dad bless him, actually woke me up and handed my the mail while I was still in bed. My dad is a big fan of Leicester you see. Took me there for the open day, loved the campus and it got his two thumbs up. Yet I forgot to explain to him the thin letter rule.
I know it is very unlikely, bordering on impossible to get an offer of medicine based on my AS grades this year but it still knocked me a little. Don't know why but it did. Crazy. I did love Leicester and it was bordering around my 2nd/3rd choice with Leeds. I don't know. I suppose they might take pity on my application, that my PS might really stand out. Fat Chance for Leicester.
Got the generic response though. "Appreciated your application", "large volume of students" and "your application have been passed to the biomedical department". It was nice of them to send a letter rather than let me know through UCAS so thanks Lecister.
I know it is very unlikely, bordering on impossible to get an offer of medicine based on my AS grades this year but it still knocked me a little. Don't know why but it did. Crazy. I did love Leicester and it was bordering around my 2nd/3rd choice with Leeds. I don't know. I suppose they might take pity on my application, that my PS might really stand out. Fat Chance for Leicester.
Got the generic response though. "Appreciated your application", "large volume of students" and "your application have been passed to the biomedical department". It was nice of them to send a letter rather than let me know through UCAS so thanks Lecister.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Can't believe I didn't mention it before...
I realised I missed out the most importance news of the past month!!!! I didn't say anything my previous posts!!!
On Monday, I went to see COLDPLAY LIVE in Birmingham! It was bloody amazing and one of the goals I set to achieve this year. However as if that wasn't enough. On Friday tickets to see Coldplay at Wembley. WEMBLEY! Went on sale. Guess who was first in line for tickets?? Yours Truly, that's who!
I'M GOING TO SEE COLDPLAY AT WEMBLEY NEXT YEAR!!!!!!
It's amazing, and really helped boost me to get through the next few weeks.
COLDPLAY!!
On Monday, I went to see COLDPLAY LIVE in Birmingham! It was bloody amazing and one of the goals I set to achieve this year. However as if that wasn't enough. On Friday tickets to see Coldplay at Wembley. WEMBLEY! Went on sale. Guess who was first in line for tickets?? Yours Truly, that's who!
I'M GOING TO SEE COLDPLAY AT WEMBLEY NEXT YEAR!!!!!!
It's amazing, and really helped boost me to get through the next few weeks.
COLDPLAY!!
Update
Sorry it's been a while. Every time I promise I'll write more often only to post a month later apologising. I will try to post..... who am I kidding, see you in a month :P
Well the Big 18 has come and past. My week long celebrations were amazing. It's made me much closer to my best mate and I love how I can actually go out on a Saturday night, as I did last night. Don't worry, I'm not overdoing it. In fact I'm reigning it in cause I know the work that I need to do. These next few weeks are gonna be long as difficult as exams get closer. But that goal of getting a place at Med School is keeping me going.
I've yet to get any rejections. Good sign or bad, I'm not sure? Fingers crossed, although tbh I'm expecting complete rejections from all my med school choices. Just don't tell my HE advisor that, I could imagine the smug look on her face even now.
So how do I plan to get those As? Well when the crappy results day came, I worked out what I need to retake. It worked out that I need 2 retakes in each subject except law. I've 10 exams this Jan and while all my friends scream at the idea, I see it as a challenge to prove to the medical schools.
Not much else to say really. Christmas is coming but I'm not that festive at the moment, too much too think about. I know TSR is flooded with questions at the moment about the interviews and stuff like that, while I'm no where near as experienced as the people on their feel free to leave a comment or email me at supermarketcashier [at] googlemail [dot] com. Be happy to help or just listen to any pre-meds.
Well the Big 18 has come and past. My week long celebrations were amazing. It's made me much closer to my best mate and I love how I can actually go out on a Saturday night, as I did last night. Don't worry, I'm not overdoing it. In fact I'm reigning it in cause I know the work that I need to do. These next few weeks are gonna be long as difficult as exams get closer. But that goal of getting a place at Med School is keeping me going.
I've yet to get any rejections. Good sign or bad, I'm not sure? Fingers crossed, although tbh I'm expecting complete rejections from all my med school choices. Just don't tell my HE advisor that, I could imagine the smug look on her face even now.
So how do I plan to get those As? Well when the crappy results day came, I worked out what I need to retake. It worked out that I need 2 retakes in each subject except law. I've 10 exams this Jan and while all my friends scream at the idea, I see it as a challenge to prove to the medical schools.
Not much else to say really. Christmas is coming but I'm not that festive at the moment, too much too think about. I know TSR is flooded with questions at the moment about the interviews and stuff like that, while I'm no where near as experienced as the people on their feel free to leave a comment or email me at supermarketcashier [at] googlemail [dot] com. Be happy to help or just listen to any pre-meds.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
The Big 18
Eighteen soon and can not wait! To be exact, I'm Eighteen on Halloween. I've loved this holiday for obvious reason with this one being no exception.
I'm currently planning to go out for a family meal with friends I've known for years on Friday Not before seeing the new James Bond film!
Then Saturday, I'm heading to town to have an amazing time with my friends. Finally able to pull out ID when they challenge me.
Then it's back to work so I can get those As. I've feel I've been making much better progress this year.
But I suppose my biggest news is I passed my driving test. It only took me 3 attempts, but I passed with only 4 minors! Too bad I'm broke with no money for a car. Especially with my gap year to pay for.
I'm currently planning to go out for a family meal with friends I've known for years on Friday Not before seeing the new James Bond film!
Then Saturday, I'm heading to town to have an amazing time with my friends. Finally able to pull out ID when they challenge me.
Then it's back to work so I can get those As. I've feel I've been making much better progress this year.
But I suppose my biggest news is I passed my driving test. It only took me 3 attempts, but I passed with only 4 minors! Too bad I'm broke with no money for a car. Especially with my gap year to pay for.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
So much so fast...
It's been a while since I've posted but I've got so much to write about. So watch out, this is along one. For you (and me) I've got a brief summary so this is a bit organised. What's happened since last time we talked then?
Now because of my infamous AS grades, the people who deal with oxbridge/med/vet have been a pain in the arse. The headwoman, a physic teacher, and my personal tutor, a maths teacher, have tried to "pursuable" me to choose a different course/career. They actually reduced me to tears one day but I would never give them the pleasure of knowing that they got to me. They critised my AS grades repeatedly. However when I explained my volunteering, work experience, job, £75 entry exam (not cheap for a student) and other med commitment they realised how committed I was. They continued to push other subjects which only further drove me to medicine. They even wanted me to sign a disclaimer saying they had warned me there was no chance of getting an offer from medicine. I kind a saw their point of view but I don't see grades to be the end all. With some admission offices mentioning the "smallest possibility" of offers, the worst that happens is I lose £17 and continue with my gap year plans (more later). So naturally after the disclaimer issue, I got my parents involved. They were amazing backing me 120%! They threatened to go to the LEA, UCAS and local press. My college soon changed their tune and while not supportive, they became more cooperative. To be fair, the head women wrote a great bit in my reference for my principle. After all this fuss about not being able to back me academically and to not lie about me in my application, she wrote a great bit about my dedication to medicine and my continual clinical exposure etc. It sounded great with my other tutors writing truly amazing stuff. I was especially surprised how warming my Law reference was. Even my personal tutor described my AS grade as not reflecting my true ability. It's amazing what a little nudge can do.
Well that dreaded personal statement. I spent a month on mine, and it still didn't seem right. I was working on it till Wednesday night, just gone. I feel it's perfect now and truly reflects my drive for medicine. When this year's applications close I may even post it here (proud snipits). of course, surprise surprise, my college had something to say on my PS. TBH they loved it (not cocky swear). This caught me off guard but they still wanted a paragraph changing. They felt it was too bold and cocky because I told the med schools to set me a conditional offer of AAAA. I did eventually remove this but I kept the strength and arguments behind the point. I loved it and just hope it does me justice.
I suppose you want to know where I applied to. well in order of favourites: Barts,Leeds, Leicester and Pennisular. I also applied for a paramedic course at St Georges in London. All these choices are for deferred entry. I currently plan to go to Latin America for my gap year. It gives me the opportunity to spend a year without exams while learning Spanish and volunteering in a foreign health care system. I love the idea, and this way rather than get no offers and chucked into the abyss, I've got a planned year of fun and adventure.
Naturally at A2 my workload has double plus 6 retake exams for AS. I need to get As in every exam to be able to get 4 As at A2. This is my goal that I will achieve. I currently have exam papers for every exam I'm taking on my tablet pc. So I can literally ink on virtual paper. If it's wrong rub it out. If it's right, reuse the paper and write the perfect answer again. I've yet to establish a proper routine or timetable; something I'm fixing tomorrow. I am however using "free time" at college more effectively. It's no longer free time but just extentions of classes. Without putting to much pressure on myself, I cannot fail. There is no chance to repeat.
I was searching for a job since late July. However I've given up since September. I just can't find a job that only needs 8 hours or less a week. Even this seems like too much. I've managed to get by but it's been difficult. I've kept a look out but who knows. It just annoys me when I apply for jobs e.g. Woolworth. When I went for an interview, they obviously hadn't read their own application form. They offered me Christmas temp jobs at minimum 14 hours. When I pointed out my maximum hours, they realised it wasn't going to work. DUH!
With this year flying by (20% of my academic course is already done) I've begun initial plans for my gap year. I hopefully want to travel round South America. I won't write much more but I've decided to learn Spanish using the Michel Thomas programme and also the Pimsleur audio CDs for my pronunciation. From there I'll develop my vocab by using a range of texts and other mediums. Hopefully I'll have a good grasp of the language in 4-6 months.
So there you have it. My life in the past month and a bit. It's felt quite good to blog again. I'll make this a regular thing and I'll add a side feature to let you guys keep up to date on my UCAS status. Doubt I'll get offers this year though for med but fingers crossed.
- UKCAT
- Arguing with college
- UCAS form
- Work load
- Job search
- Learning Spanish
Now because of my infamous AS grades, the people who deal with oxbridge/med/vet have been a pain in the arse. The headwoman, a physic teacher, and my personal tutor, a maths teacher, have tried to "pursuable" me to choose a different course/career. They actually reduced me to tears one day but I would never give them the pleasure of knowing that they got to me. They critised my AS grades repeatedly. However when I explained my volunteering, work experience, job, £75 entry exam (not cheap for a student) and other med commitment they realised how committed I was. They continued to push other subjects which only further drove me to medicine. They even wanted me to sign a disclaimer saying they had warned me there was no chance of getting an offer from medicine. I kind a saw their point of view but I don't see grades to be the end all. With some admission offices mentioning the "smallest possibility" of offers, the worst that happens is I lose £17 and continue with my gap year plans (more later). So naturally after the disclaimer issue, I got my parents involved. They were amazing backing me 120%! They threatened to go to the LEA, UCAS and local press. My college soon changed their tune and while not supportive, they became more cooperative. To be fair, the head women wrote a great bit in my reference for my principle. After all this fuss about not being able to back me academically and to not lie about me in my application, she wrote a great bit about my dedication to medicine and my continual clinical exposure etc. It sounded great with my other tutors writing truly amazing stuff. I was especially surprised how warming my Law reference was. Even my personal tutor described my AS grade as not reflecting my true ability. It's amazing what a little nudge can do.
Well that dreaded personal statement. I spent a month on mine, and it still didn't seem right. I was working on it till Wednesday night, just gone. I feel it's perfect now and truly reflects my drive for medicine. When this year's applications close I may even post it here (proud snipits). of course, surprise surprise, my college had something to say on my PS. TBH they loved it (not cocky swear). This caught me off guard but they still wanted a paragraph changing. They felt it was too bold and cocky because I told the med schools to set me a conditional offer of AAAA. I did eventually remove this but I kept the strength and arguments behind the point. I loved it and just hope it does me justice.
I suppose you want to know where I applied to. well in order of favourites: Barts,Leeds, Leicester and Pennisular. I also applied for a paramedic course at St Georges in London. All these choices are for deferred entry. I currently plan to go to Latin America for my gap year. It gives me the opportunity to spend a year without exams while learning Spanish and volunteering in a foreign health care system. I love the idea, and this way rather than get no offers and chucked into the abyss, I've got a planned year of fun and adventure.
Naturally at A2 my workload has double plus 6 retake exams for AS. I need to get As in every exam to be able to get 4 As at A2. This is my goal that I will achieve. I currently have exam papers for every exam I'm taking on my tablet pc. So I can literally ink on virtual paper. If it's wrong rub it out. If it's right, reuse the paper and write the perfect answer again. I've yet to establish a proper routine or timetable; something I'm fixing tomorrow. I am however using "free time" at college more effectively. It's no longer free time but just extentions of classes. Without putting to much pressure on myself, I cannot fail. There is no chance to repeat.
I was searching for a job since late July. However I've given up since September. I just can't find a job that only needs 8 hours or less a week. Even this seems like too much. I've managed to get by but it's been difficult. I've kept a look out but who knows. It just annoys me when I apply for jobs e.g. Woolworth. When I went for an interview, they obviously hadn't read their own application form. They offered me Christmas temp jobs at minimum 14 hours. When I pointed out my maximum hours, they realised it wasn't going to work. DUH!
With this year flying by (20% of my academic course is already done) I've begun initial plans for my gap year. I hopefully want to travel round South America. I won't write much more but I've decided to learn Spanish using the Michel Thomas programme and also the Pimsleur audio CDs for my pronunciation. From there I'll develop my vocab by using a range of texts and other mediums. Hopefully I'll have a good grasp of the language in 4-6 months.
So there you have it. My life in the past month and a bit. It's felt quite good to blog again. I'll make this a regular thing and I'll add a side feature to let you guys keep up to date on my UCAS status. Doubt I'll get offers this year though for med but fingers crossed.
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