Making a successful second application to Medical School

The UK currently has 45 medical schools, though a small number only accept international students or are private institutions. Around 20 medical schools traditionally accept retake applicants, with six having no previous grade requirements. These policies change frequently, so it is essential to stay informed and applicants should check individual university websites for specific entry requirements. Medical school applications are uniquely complex, with many factors considered in detail. Strong A Level predictions – typically at least A*AA for retake applicants – are crucial. Medical schools also scrutinise GCSE results more closely than many other degree programmes.

Additionally, the UCAT admissions test plays a significant role. As UCAT results are available immediately after the test, applicants are able to make informed choices when selecting institutions. Understanding how universities use UCAT scores is essential, as applying to those with historically high cut-off scores without meeting the threshold may result in wasted choices; for example, Bristol accepts retake students but require close to 3000 on the UCAT for an interview. Thorough research and expert guidance are invaluable in this process.

If your A Level results are below three Bs, your options are quite narrow. Only Aston, Bristol, Edge Hill, Exeter, Sheffield, and Southampton currently have open retake policies so you will need to choose four from among these six.

You will need to focus on the UCAT to make your application as strong as possible. While these universities will not care that you are resitting A Levels, because of the limited options you are subject to their processes and cannot choose with such freedom as other applicants. Strengthening all other areas of your application (UCAT, personal statement, experience) could make all the difference.

If you have some strong grades already in the bank, your options are greater as, potentially, this can open up all 20 or so medical schools which accept retakes. Previous grade requirements differ between universities but range from three Bs (Hull-York) to only dropping one grade in one subject (Newcastle).

The same care needs to be taken to apply to those universities that are best suited towards your strengths and away from your weaknesses (such as your GCSE results, UCAT score or MMI/panel interviews, for example), but you have a bit less scope to be quite as tactical as first time around.

If you already have at least three As, you may not need to resit A Levels. You can consider a post-results application – applying with your results already in hand. Your chances of acceptance will rely heavily on your GCSEs and your UCAT score as well as your A Levels, however, so careful thought and research into where you should apply is still required.

Even if you have strong grades, a retake can sometimes be a good option to strengthen your application, whether by turning As into A*s or adding a wider range of subjects and strengthening your chances in the values-led recruitment environment medical schools now largely operate in. Rochester Independent College, for example, has had medical applicants sitting subjects as varied as Philosophy, Sociology and Textile Design alongside Chemistry and Biology. UCL and Brighton and Sussex Medical Schools’ official policies promote a contrasting art or humanities subject for medical applications but elsewhere too, in a competitive market, a different approach can help give the edge in interviews over more traditional third subjects.

Medicine is not the only route to a career in healthcare. Numerous related degree programmes cater to medical and biochemical interests. Popular alternatives include Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, but other options range from Pharmacology and Microbiology to Midwifery and Audiology. Understanding your strengths and interests will help guide you toward a fulfilling career, even if it takes a different path than you originally intended.

Failing to secure a place at medical school can be deeply disappointing, particularly if an offer was contingent on narrowly missed grades. However, options remain available. Take the time to process the setback, then consider whether retaking A Levels could be the best decision for your academic future.