Pupils → What next?
STEP 9 of 9
What Next?
Didn't get the grades or the offer you hoped for? You still have options.
APPLICATION GUIDE
ON THIS PAGE
General advice
Interviews by university
Useful links
You got an offer - well done!
Getting an offer to study medicine is a huge achievement. Here's what to do between now and your first day.
Reply to your offers
Accept your offers on UCAS by your reply date. Choose a firm choice (your first choice) and, if you want one, an insurance choice as a back-up.
Meet your conditions
Most offers depend on your exam results. Keep working hard – SQA results come out in early August. If you just miss your grades, contact the university straight away; they may still take you.
Complete your checks
Medical schools ask for a PVG check (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) and health clearance, including some vaccinations. Look out for emails and complete the forms early.
Sort your funding
Scottish students apply to SAAS for tuition fees and living costs – apply by the end of June so your money is in place for the start of term. Check what bursaries and scholarships you can get too.
Find somewhere to live
Apply for university accommodation as soon as you've accepted your firm choice – deadlines can be early.
Before you start
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Read about your course and first-year timetable
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Join your university's offer-holder and freshers' groups
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Look into widening access and transition programmes at your university
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Have a proper break – you've earned it
Top tip: keep checking your emails
Universities, UCAS and SAAS will contact you about deadlines, checks and enrolment – including your spam folder.
Give something back
Once you're at medical school, volunteer with us to help the next pupils get in.
Didn't get in? Your options
Not every application goes to plan - and that's OK. Which is your situation?
Didn't meet the requirements?
Entry requirements are lower for pupils who meet certain criteria – you might qualify without realising. And there are other routes into medicine.
Widening access criteria →
Alternative routes →
Didn't get in first time?
Many doctors didn't. Here's how to make your next application stronger.
See the three steps ↓
Other routes into medicine
More and more people take an extra year or two before starting medicine, given how competitive it is. Graduate and mature students often say the extra confidence and life experience left them better prepared for clinical placements than school leavers.
Not getting in first time
Get feedback
Ask each university for feedback, and look honestly at your application yourself. Being able to reflect is a huge step towards a stronger application next time.
Make the most of your year
Work, get more work experience, volunteer or take up new interests. Admissions teams want to see that you stayed driven and passionate about medicine between applications.
Keep your confidence
It's easy to feel discouraged, but plenty of doctors got in on their second try. The choice is yours.