WHY PUPILS NEED SUPPORT
Helping a pupil into medicine
Medicine is competitive, and some pupils face extra challenges – for example, if few pupils from their school go on to university, or if they would be the first in their family to go.
Applying to medicine is a lot like applying for any other course, but with some extra steps. This page explains what those steps are, when they happen and how you can help.
15 October deadline
Earlier than most other courses
An admissions test
The UCAT, sat in the summer before S6
Interviews
All Scottish medical schools interview
APPLICATION TIMELINE
When things happen
A rough guide to what pupils need to do in each year of secondary school.
S1-3
early high school
S4
S5
S6
Choose National 5s
Choose Highers
Attain required highers
Write Personal Statement
Clinical work experience
Choose Advanced Highers
Attain required Advanced Highers
S1-S3
The early years
Many pupils start thinking about medicine long before they apply. Let their curiosity grow without putting too much pressure on them.
Encourage them to be well-rounded. Someone who enjoys lots of different things – school, hobbies, clubs, helping others – often makes a stronger applicant later on.
Top tip: choosing National 5s
Some subjects are essential for medicine, and some Highers need the National 5 first. Check the Subjects & grades guide before choosing.
S4-S6
Getting ready to apply
Six things pupils need to get right. Each links to the full step in our application guide.
Choose the right Highers
Chemistry is almost always needed, plus Biology, Maths or Physics.
Get the grades
Usually AAAAB or better in S5, with extra Highers or Advanced Highers in S6.
Work Experience
1–2 weeks of clinical experience, plus volunteering and extra-curriculars.
IN MORE DETAIL
What happens at each stage
Highers and Advanced Highers
UCAS applications open in May and close on 15 October – earlier than most other courses. Pupils need to know which Highers each medical school asks for well before then.
Work experience and extra-curriculars
We suggest 1–2 weeks of work experience to show a pupil understands what a doctor does. Start organising early so there is time for a back-up plan. Volunteering, tutoring, team sports, music and the Duke of Edinburgh Award all count as extra-curriculars.
The UCAT
An aptitude test every applicant sits before applying. It is taken on a computer at a Pearson VUE test centre – there are centres across Scotland. We run a free UCAT summer school to help pupils get used to the test.
The personal statement
Up to 4,000 characters (about one A4 page) where pupils show why they want to study medicine and the skills medical schools look for. We offer free personal statement reviews.
Interviews
All Scottish medical schools interview, usually between December and March, but the format varies. Good preparation makes the biggest difference – our mock interview days are free.
MONEY
Costs to plan for
UCAT
£70
A bursary is available for pupils who qualify.
UCAS application
£34.50
Some schools pay this for their pupils.
At university there are other costs too: accommodation, living costs, equipment such as textbooks and a stethoscope, and travel to placements.
Paid courses, books and tutoring can never guarantee a place at medical school. All our events and resources are free for pupils who meet our eligibility criteria.
Tuition fees
Usually £0
SAAS pays tuition for most Scottish students at Scottish universities.
COMMON CHALLENGES
Applying can be stressful
Especially for pupils with no family experience of university, or from schools where few pupils apply to medicine. Pupils, parents and guidance teachers should feel free to contact university admissions teams directly with questions.
Doctors from all kinds of backgrounds make medicine better for everyone. Help pupils focus on what makes them unique.
Need more advice?
Email advice@youcanbeadoctor.co.uk and we'll do our best to get back to you as soon as possible!