Rejected for medicine? Take one gap year and reapply liberally.
Author: Smriti Kiran
Smriti has changed the lives of many young people during her gap year with Yipiyap.
Now, she’s embarking on her new journey as a medical student at the University of Sheffield.
Getting a rejection from your dream university can feel heartbreaking – but Yipiyap tutor Smriti argues it’s not a disaster. Rather, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience to the admissions board.
Last year, she missed out on her place reading Medicine at university. A year on, she’s successfully reapplied to Medicine and is preparing to study at the University of Sheffield. Here is her advice for anybody who’s considering reapplying.
Step 1: Processing the setback
Taking a gap year is a significant and transformative decision. It offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development, which also provides ample time to enhance your application for a career in medicine.
It is important not to allow the results of your previous application to dampen your spirits. When it comes to reapplying for a highly competitive course like medicine, resilience becomes an essential quality to cultivate. Setbacks are temporary blips in your journey and doesn’t define who you are. Admissions committees really appreciate resilience because it shows them that you can tackle challenges head-on and keep going no matter what. So, embrace this chance to grow both personally and professionally. It'll bring you closer to your dream of studying medicine.
Step 2: Plan the gap year that will get you into Medicine
When it comes to taking a gap year, careful planning is essential. Being organised can make a huge difference in boosting your application. If you've been through the application process before, you're already ahead of the game. You know the timeline and what to expect at each stage, which means less stress and more confidence. Take this time to reflect on your previous application and identify areas that may need improvement. It's a chance to fine-tune your application and make it even stronger.
Step 3: Learn from your mistakes – and make your next application bulletproof
To enhance your application, I recommend revisiting the emails universities sent you last year regarding their decision. Pay close attention to any feedback they provided, highlighting areas of improvement for your application. Take note of any specific issues mentioned and consider their suggested improvements. This valuable insight can guide you in making necessary adjustments and presenting a better application this time around. When considering improvements, several aspects come into play. Take into account potential enhancements to your A-level grades, UCAT/BMAT scores, the quality of your personal statement, and your performance in interviews. Make sure to apply strategically and speak to medical students currently studying at your chosen universities!
Step 4: Show your maturity and wow the admissions team
During my gap year, I had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which turned out to be essential for my medical school application. It's no secret that universities are impressed by applicants who take initiative and show a proactive attitude.
Working at Yipiyap during my gap year has been a great choice. It has had a huge impact on my personal and professional growth, and it has definitely given my application a boost. The skills I acquired through my experience working in a school setting have played a pivotal role in performing well during interviews, while the insights gained have provided compelling evidence of my suitability as a candidate for studying medicine.
When it came to my interviews, I was able to draw on my experiences at Yipiyap to show my genuine passion for medicine and prove that I had what it takes. I shared specific examples of how I connected with students, faced challenges head-on, and came up with effective solutions. It was clear that I could thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Interviewers love hearing about the lessons and insights you've gathered from your job or any medical-related environments you've been a part of. Sharing what you've learned and how it has shaped your understanding of the medical field will make a positive impression.
So, how can a gap year help you reapply to medicine?
Make the most of your gap year by seeking out work experiences that not only demonstrate your initiative but also provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that will set you apart from other applicants. It's all about showcasing your growth and passion for medicine!
Remember, setbacks are not the end of your journey, but merely stepping stones towards success. Use this opportunity to reflect, learn and grow. This is the time for you to shine and show your unwavering determination. With that, you can confidently navigate the reapplication process and grab hold of the chance to make your aspirations a reality. Keep pushing forward, you've got this!
Reapplying to medicine? Here are Yipiyap’s FAQs:
Should I reapply to medical school if I was rejected?
Yes! Reapplying to medical school after a rejection is absolutely worthwhile if medicine is your passion – we’ve seen scores of Yipiyap tutors use their gap year to reapply and get on their dream course. Follow Smriti’s advice and use the feedback from your rejection to strengthen your application.
Is it bad to reapply to medical school multiple times?
It's not bad to reapply multiple times as long as you use each cycle to gain valuable experiences and demonstrate your determination. Many successful applicants reapply several times before getting in.
What should I do during my gap year when reapplying to medicine?
Use your gap year productively by gaining experience that’s relevant to medicine. Tutoring is a great way to develop and demonstrate those essential soft skills like communication, empathy, resilience, and integrity, as well as gaining real-world experience with following safeguarding guidelines.
Which medical schools accept resits?
Not all universities accept resit students to Medicine: for example, Oxford and Cambridge require all exams to be sat in the same exam cycle. However, many universities take a more holistic approach, including leading medical schools like the University of Bristol, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham. If you’re considering reapplying to a certain uni, check the course listing on its website for up-to-date information on admissions requirements.
How do I reapply to medical school in the UK after being rejected?
If you’re rejected from uni, you can try applying for a Clearing placement this summer. Beyond that, you’ll have to put in a fresh application in the next UCAS cycle. Use your year out to reflect on feedback and touch up your application and gain new experiences that will strengthen your application.
Medicine is a tough course, so overcoming a rejection and coming back stronger is a great way to show you admissions teams that you have what it takes!