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FOR PUPILS

Applying to medicine

Whether you're just starting to explore medicine or getting ready for interviews, we'll help you through each step of your application. 

APPLICATION GUIDE

Your journey, step by step

Pick the stage that sounds like you, or work through all nine steps in order

STAGE 1

"I'm thinking about medicine as a career"

Exploring medicine

Is medicine right for you? Ways to find out more.

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Subjects & grades

Which subjects to take and the grades you'll need.

STAGE 2

"I want to apply - how do I prepare?"

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Preparing for applications

Work experience, volunteering and building your application.

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UCAS

How the UCAS application works and key deadlines.

STAGE 3

"I'm ready to apply - how do I go about it?"

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Selecting a medical school

How to choose where to apply.

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UCAT & GAMSAT

The admissions tests and how to prepare.

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How to write a strong personal statement.

Personal statement

STAGE 4

"I want to apply - how do I prepare?"

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Interviews

Interview formats and how to practice.

STAGE 5

"I did/didn't get in - now what?"

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What next?

After your offer, or if things don't go to plan

APPLICATION TIMELINE

When to do what

It's never too early to start. Here's roughly when each part happens.

S1-3

early high school

S4

S5

S6

Choose National 5s

Choose Highers

Attain required highers

Write Personal Statement

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curriculars and volunteering

Clinical work experience

Apply on UCAS

(by 15th Oct)

Volunteering

Choose Advanced Highers

Interview

Attain required Advanced Highers

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EXTRA HELP

Can you get extra help?

If you're in S4-S6, you may be eligible for Reach Scotland - an programme run by each medical school to support pupils applying to professional degrees like medicine.

FIND YOUR LOCAL REACH PROGRAMME

More support

Our events

Free events throughout the year to help you build a stronger application.

See our events →

Funding

Information about financial support while you study medicine.

Read about funding →

Alternative routes

Other ways in if your first application doesn't succeed or you're changing career.

Read about funding →

SPECIALTY PROFILES • VIDEO DIARIES

What do different doctors do?

All profiles →

Renal Medicine

Geriatric Medicine

Foundation Doctors

Palliative Medicine

Anaesthetics

Useful Resources

A curated list of trusted website, books, and tools for aspiring medics.

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