The Top Medic Launch
The Top Medic Logo
It is finally finished! After almost a year in the making, today celebrates the launch of The Top Medic. Whether you are using this website for its free UCAT and Interview resources, are interested in finding a tutor, or are fascinated by the medicine application process, thank you for letting me be a part of your medical journey. Nothing beats receiving an email stating “Your UCAS has been updated.” and, on opening, you find you have been offered a place! Work hard now, achieve good (mock) A-level grades, revise short and often for the UCAT and BMAT (summer is the best time) and smash those interviews!
As for preparing, I would suggest now is the time to focus on your UCAT. Last year, I did a few hours a day, every day, for the month leading up my test (at the start of September). Yes it seems like a lot of work now, but I promise you, it’s worth it. Once you have sat your UCAT, take a short break and celebrate your achievements- you’ve earn’t it. Then, begin revising for the BMAT which is on the 18th of October 2023. By taking the UCAT, you will come to love the more relaxed time constraints in the BMAT. The first section mirrors that of decision making and quantitative reasoning, the second is GCSE science knowledge, and the third is an essay. If you are anything like me, the essay subject haunted me! My best tip is to listen to medicine and science podcasts. “Unexplainable”, a science podcast by Vox, discusses different scientific mysteries each week. When it came out, I would listen to it on the train or bus, pull out my phone, and take some notes. This saved me in my BMAT exam as when I had to write about the “cultural and political nature of science” I had loads of examples!
For interviews you have a while; often they take place in December or later. I wouldn’t worry about these just yet, but I suggest reading one or two books in this time frame (look at my weekly review blog if you want ideas). I ended up reading quite a few books before my interviews, and while I wasn’t quizzed on all of them (fortunately!), they really helped me answer the questions.
However, focus on smashing the UCAT and having a great summer now. If you are not applying for medicine this year, start reading some doctor themed books - it’s never too early to start.
Enjoy your summer!
