It's been a long time since my last post and I feel really bad about it. I had a really good Easter Break and now its back to work for me!
This post will be about the usefulness/effectiveness of interview/ukcat courses.
Personally, I attended 2 UKCAT Courses, one in Singapore and one in the UK.
Were they helpful?
Honestly, to a certain extent, they were kindda helpful. I did the course in Singapore first over Summer during which i got to go through the 600 UKCAT Questions book very thoroughly and through the practice, familiarise myself with the different question types. I then attended a KAPLAN Course which i though was absolutely fantastic. It was a 2 day course and we were even provided with extra tests afterwards. This was honestly very very helpful.
While the first course made me realise the difficulty level of the UKCAT, the KAPLAN course definitely raised my confidence and gave me tips and methods to handle the UKCAT questions.
In addition to these courses, i also signed up for Medify for extra online practice. I only started with medify 2 weeks before my test and I must say, i really regret not using it from the start!
The thing with the UKCAT is that it's an online test. And as with any other test, the best way to practice is under standard conditions. Medify was able to give me this opportunity to try out real questions with a format very similar to the actual UKCAT test .
Now, on to interview courses.
I have not been for any interview courses because i felt that I had invested a lot of my time and money on my UKCAT and I kindda knew that interviews were something that i was quite strong with. I had a senior who went for a course and she passed her notes on to me. From what i saw in the notes. interview courses could either be good or bad.
They could be good because:
They help you gain confidence and give you some practice
You are given some insights as to what to expect
You are given a lot of material to use for your preparation so you will not risk not learning anything important
They could be bad because:
You may come across as being TOO prepared during the actual interview
With the amount of information given , you may be over preparing/ stressing yourself out too much
To me, i think that before you invest your time and money on a course, you should seriously consider if the course will benefit you or not. Consider the following questions first:
Is this aspect of my application my weak point?(do you little confidence in it?)
Will me spending time on this course affect other aspects of my application(A levels)?
Basically, if you think the course is good, go for it, but only if you are sure that you will be able to cope.
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Need to sell off!
Hello!
I am trying to sell off my UKCAT Books as well as Interview books.
They are all mostly in good condition and most are just like new!
Here is a list of things that I am selling:
UKCAT Books:
UKCAT For Dummies
600 UKCAT Practice Questions
BMAT and UKCAT Uncovered
Interview books:
Succeed in your Medical school Interview
Medical School Interviews
Personal Statement book:
Write the Perfect Personal Statement
Others:
A Career in medicine: do you have what it takes?
SOLD:
KAPLAN UKCAT Course book- 20Pounds
How to Master the UKCAT-3rd edition
The Knowledge: Medical school interviews, all you need to know
So you want to be a doctor?
Do email me at lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you are interested! Prices are negotiable!
I am trying to sell off my UKCAT Books as well as Interview books.
They are all mostly in good condition and most are just like new!
Here is a list of things that I am selling:
UKCAT Books:
UKCAT For Dummies
600 UKCAT Practice Questions
BMAT and UKCAT Uncovered
Interview books:
Succeed in your Medical school Interview
Medical School Interviews
Personal Statement book:
Write the Perfect Personal Statement
Others:
A Career in medicine: do you have what it takes?
SOLD:
Do email me at lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you are interested! Prices are negotiable!
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Interview questions and how to tackle them! #3
Why Medicine and not another course?(nursing/biomedical science)
For this question , you have to think over your answer carefully.
Personally, I found this question a bit tricky especially now when nurses take on quite a lot of roles that has traditionally been taken up by junior doctors!
Personally, my approach to this question is to say how i witnessed the difference of the role of a doctor and a nurse during my work experience and why i think the doctor's role is something i want more.
Don't forget to reflect on why you say some things!
For example, if you say: I prefer taking up the role of a doctor because it involves more of a decision making role.
Don't just stop there! It would sound better if you link it to past experiences.
Like: From past experiences in working in a team , I think I enjoy and am quite suited for the role of a decision maker. For instance, when I was working with a group of classmates to come up with an idea for a community project, we came up with many ideas. However, with so many ideas, it made it very difficult for us to meet the dateline when we have to come up with a proposal for submission. In the end , i decided to take up the role of a leader and drew up a list of pros and cons for the ideas and presented it to my group mates. We were then able to swiftly come to a conclusion.
Something like that.(This is not the best)
For this question , you have to think over your answer carefully.
Personally, I found this question a bit tricky especially now when nurses take on quite a lot of roles that has traditionally been taken up by junior doctors!
Personally, my approach to this question is to say how i witnessed the difference of the role of a doctor and a nurse during my work experience and why i think the doctor's role is something i want more.
Don't forget to reflect on why you say some things!
For example, if you say: I prefer taking up the role of a doctor because it involves more of a decision making role.
Don't just stop there! It would sound better if you link it to past experiences.
Like: From past experiences in working in a team , I think I enjoy and am quite suited for the role of a decision maker. For instance, when I was working with a group of classmates to come up with an idea for a community project, we came up with many ideas. However, with so many ideas, it made it very difficult for us to meet the dateline when we have to come up with a proposal for submission. In the end , i decided to take up the role of a leader and drew up a list of pros and cons for the ideas and presented it to my group mates. We were then able to swiftly come to a conclusion.
Something like that.(This is not the best)
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Interview questions and how to tackle them! #1
Why medicine?
Probably the most obvious question they can ask but also the most difficult!
There are different approaches to this:
1.'timeline' method
As the name suggests, you talk about how your interest grew and reflect on your growth and what makes you sure medicine is something you will be able to stick to!
2. Listing method
This would probably be the way most people would choose to answer this question! You should state at least 2 reasons as to why medicine is your career choice and then reflect on why these are the reasons.
For example:
Point:I want to do medicine because I enjoy working in a team.
Reason:From my experiences in working with others through my participation in my school's activities, I have come to realise that I thrive in an environment where others can support me and where I can provide others with motivation. For example, as part of my school's basketball team, I have come to experience working with different people and understand the different dynamics of different teams. I feel that Medicine is a career where I would get to interact with other professionals of the multi disciplinary team and I think that such an environment will help em achieve my potential
What makes a good answer, in my opinion, would be a good reflection and insight into YOUR personality, after all,that's why you've been called for an interview- so that the school can learn more about YOU!
Why XXX Medical school?
Here are things that you can consider talking about for each medical school:
Course structure: Clinically led teaching? PBL? Lecture based? Integrated? Early clinical experience/exposure? Special aspects of the course that is unique to the medical school?
City: Location?Accessibility?Transport links? Activities available?
University: Facilities?Reputation?(Student satisfaction,Ranking)Strength or research?
I would suggest reading up on what news had been published in newspapers from the University recently! Just google : XXX medical school research news and then read news from about 3 months ago!
That is all for now! I shall post more soon!
Probably the most obvious question they can ask but also the most difficult!
There are different approaches to this:
1.'timeline' method
As the name suggests, you talk about how your interest grew and reflect on your growth and what makes you sure medicine is something you will be able to stick to!
2. Listing method
This would probably be the way most people would choose to answer this question! You should state at least 2 reasons as to why medicine is your career choice and then reflect on why these are the reasons.
For example:
Point:I want to do medicine because I enjoy working in a team.
Reason:From my experiences in working with others through my participation in my school's activities, I have come to realise that I thrive in an environment where others can support me and where I can provide others with motivation. For example, as part of my school's basketball team, I have come to experience working with different people and understand the different dynamics of different teams. I feel that Medicine is a career where I would get to interact with other professionals of the multi disciplinary team and I think that such an environment will help em achieve my potential
What makes a good answer, in my opinion, would be a good reflection and insight into YOUR personality, after all,that's why you've been called for an interview- so that the school can learn more about YOU!
Why XXX Medical school?
Here are things that you can consider talking about for each medical school:
Course structure: Clinically led teaching? PBL? Lecture based? Integrated? Early clinical experience/exposure? Special aspects of the course that is unique to the medical school?
City: Location?Accessibility?Transport links? Activities available?
University: Facilities?Reputation?(Student satisfaction,Ranking)Strength or research?
I would suggest reading up on what news had been published in newspapers from the University recently! Just google : XXX medical school research news and then read news from about 3 months ago!
That is all for now! I shall post more soon!
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Random Advice #2
1. All the medical schools in the UK are equally 'good'
They may have teaching methods and facilities but they are all recognised equally by the GMC. They may have different strengths in research and some may have a better location than others but none is 'better' than the others.
2.Choose wisely pleasepleasepleaseplease
DO apply to places where your strengths are considered. If you have a high UKCAT score(>680) you may want to consider applying to places where the UKCAT is used more, but if you did poorly in your UKCAT(<600) you may want to consider applying to a medical school that does not use the UKCAT(Eg; Bristol)
However, do bear in mind that if you apply to schools that do not use the UKCAT, they could potentially be relatively more competitive.
If you feel that interviews are not your strength, you may consider applying to schools that do not interview(Eg;Edinburgh) but then you would have to be confident of your personal statement, does it bring all that you are/all the passion you have across?
And if you are applying to a university which places a lot of emphasis on your Personal Statement please know that it is a sort of 'risk' because what you may feel to be a good/strong PS may not seem so to an admissions tutor going through a thousand over applications!Some may place more emphasis on extra curricular activities while some may look at your work experience more closely.
In conclusion, apply to schools where you strengths will give you an edge!
3.Prepare for your interview early!
I think I've said this a few times now><
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/What_you_should_expect_at_a_medical_school_interview this link gives a pretty good idea what the interviews are like at each school, but please do double check with the university website to see if any changes have been made
They may have teaching methods and facilities but they are all recognised equally by the GMC. They may have different strengths in research and some may have a better location than others but none is 'better' than the others.
2.Choose wisely pleasepleasepleaseplease
DO apply to places where your strengths are considered. If you have a high UKCAT score(>680) you may want to consider applying to places where the UKCAT is used more, but if you did poorly in your UKCAT(<600) you may want to consider applying to a medical school that does not use the UKCAT(Eg; Bristol)
However, do bear in mind that if you apply to schools that do not use the UKCAT, they could potentially be relatively more competitive.
If you feel that interviews are not your strength, you may consider applying to schools that do not interview(Eg;Edinburgh) but then you would have to be confident of your personal statement, does it bring all that you are/all the passion you have across?
And if you are applying to a university which places a lot of emphasis on your Personal Statement please know that it is a sort of 'risk' because what you may feel to be a good/strong PS may not seem so to an admissions tutor going through a thousand over applications!Some may place more emphasis on extra curricular activities while some may look at your work experience more closely.
In conclusion, apply to schools where you strengths will give you an edge!
3.Prepare for your interview early!
I think I've said this a few times now><
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/What_you_should_expect_at_a_medical_school_interview this link gives a pretty good idea what the interviews are like at each school, but please do double check with the university website to see if any changes have been made
Sunday, 3 March 2013
The waiting game-How to stay sane
Most people would submit their UCAS applications in September/October and not receive any news (or even a confirmation email!!) from their universities until March!(shocking! i know!) There are some lucky ones that get interviews by November/December and get offers by January but there are also those unfortunate enough to not hear anything(but rejections><) until March.
SIX months, half a year. It's enough to drive anyone mad.
Personally, i found myself lucky enough to have received an invitation to an interview in December and an offer in January and still have interviews in February and March. However, I understand the misery many people would be in, frantically checking/refreshing their inbox every minute of the day.
Having experienced all these firsthand, I understand the anxiety one would feel for this life changing application!
Here is what I did/would like to suggest for others to cope :
1.Study for my January A Level exams(but since the January exams have been abolished, I would think you will now have to focus on June exams!)
This is actually quite important but quite difficult to do!But you will have to keep telling yourself that later if/when you received interview invites, you will be too busy stressing over/preparing for your interviews so you should study ahead of time so you won't have too much trouble catching up later!Additionally, you must tell yourself that even if you get an offer,if you don't meet the grades, all your efforts will go down the drain!
2.Stalk TSR pages(yes! it helped me feel better when I discussed my feeling with other applicants on TSR. you will find other applicants that are equally(or even more!) anxious than you and it may make you feel better that you aren't the only one freaking out and constantly pressing the refresh button for your email!
3.Start preparing for your interview:
-Shop for your interview clothes
As i have said in an earlier post, this will reduce your 'freak out' level when you get an interview invite and also give you plenty of time to make the necessary alterations!( I suggest shopping online because it takes more time shopping for a suitable outfit and it takes your mind off things!)
-Get your interview preparation books/browse for interview questions/advice online
I always believe that Chance favours only the prepared mind(Louis Pasteur) so it won't hurt to be prepared before your interview!
-Do some extra reading
Read around the subject/about the career! You may also consider reading blogs that medical student! Here are some:
http://crazylifemedstudent.blogspot.co.uk/
http://lifeofadundeemedstudent.wordpress.com/
http://tofumilk.blogspot.co.uk/
http://complicated-it-is.blogspot.co.uk/
http://ilovehotchoc.blogspot.co.uk/
These blogs are all really fun to read and it really gives you an insight as to what you are really stepping into!
4.Do some Voluntary work outside of your studying
This may take your mind off things and also if you are volunteering in a caring environment,it may even help you during your interview!
5.Pick up something new
For me, I wanted to pick up driving but i could not due to certain limitations, but if you have the chance you could maybe try something new!
SIX months, half a year. It's enough to drive anyone mad.
Personally, i found myself lucky enough to have received an invitation to an interview in December and an offer in January and still have interviews in February and March. However, I understand the misery many people would be in, frantically checking/refreshing their inbox every minute of the day.
Having experienced all these firsthand, I understand the anxiety one would feel for this life changing application!
Here is what I did/would like to suggest for others to cope :
1.Study for my January A Level exams(but since the January exams have been abolished, I would think you will now have to focus on June exams!)
This is actually quite important but quite difficult to do!But you will have to keep telling yourself that later if/when you received interview invites, you will be too busy stressing over/preparing for your interviews so you should study ahead of time so you won't have too much trouble catching up later!Additionally, you must tell yourself that even if you get an offer,if you don't meet the grades, all your efforts will go down the drain!
2.Stalk TSR pages(yes! it helped me feel better when I discussed my feeling with other applicants on TSR. you will find other applicants that are equally(or even more!) anxious than you and it may make you feel better that you aren't the only one freaking out and constantly pressing the refresh button for your email!
3.Start preparing for your interview:
-Shop for your interview clothes
As i have said in an earlier post, this will reduce your 'freak out' level when you get an interview invite and also give you plenty of time to make the necessary alterations!( I suggest shopping online because it takes more time shopping for a suitable outfit and it takes your mind off things!)
-Get your interview preparation books/browse for interview questions/advice online
I always believe that Chance favours only the prepared mind(Louis Pasteur) so it won't hurt to be prepared before your interview!
-Do some extra reading
Read around the subject/about the career! You may also consider reading blogs that medical student! Here are some:
http://crazylifemedstudent.blogspot.co.uk/
http://lifeofadundeemedstudent.wordpress.com/
http://tofumilk.blogspot.co.uk/
http://complicated-it-is.blogspot.co.uk/
http://ilovehotchoc.blogspot.co.uk/
These blogs are all really fun to read and it really gives you an insight as to what you are really stepping into!
4.Do some Voluntary work outside of your studying
This may take your mind off things and also if you are volunteering in a caring environment,it may even help you during your interview!
5.Pick up something new
For me, I wanted to pick up driving but i could not due to certain limitations, but if you have the chance you could maybe try something new!
Saturday, 2 March 2013
What should I wear for an interview?
Here are some ideas:
Boys:
Suit
Tie(a plain one preferably)
Pants
Work shoes(polished)
Girls:
Blazer
Skirt(Knee length)
Blouse
Trousers
Tights(plain and dark coloured)
Flats(Smart ones)
Heels(of a reasonable height)
Black Court Shoes
*Please ensure you wear shoes that are covered at the front
Colors/Patterns to consider:
Cream
Black
Gray
Pin-striped
Here are some shops you may consider shopping at for your formal clothes that may be reasonably priced:
Next
H&M
G2000(For Singaporeans)
asos.com
My advice would be to buy your interview clothing as early as possible(perhaps right after you send your applications off?) So when you get an interview notice you can start preparing for it immediately instead of fussing over clothes and also it will give you time to make the necessary alterations.
For my interview, I wore a Cream Blazer a black blouse and a black pencil skirt which i was comfortable in.
It is very important toe feel comfortable in your interview clothes and look smart at the same time. I suggest having your mock interviews in them if possible!
The above are just some of my suggestions, i am no fashion guru:/
Once again, I was not paid by any company/person to write what i have written, all these are based on my own experiences!
email me @ lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you have any questions!
Before your interview
The night before:
Stop any interview practice/digesting of new information
Re-read your personal statement
>You were called in for an interview based on your personal statement, so make sure you sound like it!
Sleep early
What to bring:
Identification documents
Any documents the University may have requested/sent to you in advance
A bottle of water
Some snacks(if you are travelling a long way to your interview venue)
On the day of your interview:
Arrive at least 15minutes before your interview time!
If you are unfamiliar with the city, either arrive early to find the university or stay the night
Try to take a nice long walk before your interview to calm yourself down
Dress appropriately
SMILE
This is all i have to say for now!
Stop any interview practice/digesting of new information
Re-read your personal statement
>You were called in for an interview based on your personal statement, so make sure you sound like it!
Sleep early
What to bring:
Identification documents
Any documents the University may have requested/sent to you in advance
A bottle of water
Some snacks(if you are travelling a long way to your interview venue)
On the day of your interview:
Arrive at least 15minutes before your interview time!
If you are unfamiliar with the city, either arrive early to find the university or stay the night
Try to take a nice long walk before your interview to calm yourself down
Dress appropriately
SMILE
This is all i have to say for now!
Interviews
Interviews, the most important part of your application, it will either make or break you!
There are mainly 2 types:
1.MMI
The Multiple Mini Interview. Some say that it is like speed dating and for me it was all good fun!
I think that the key to doing well for this interview would be:
1.Move on. You will have a lot of time to mull over your performance AFTER your interview, but while you are still doing the interview, just forget about how you did in the previous station, it is for the better
2.Follow instructions. Since there will be a lot of movement, it is very easy for you to feel really lost so it is important that you read whatever instructions you are given and follow them, it won't help if you lose your cool!
3.Don't hesitate. Because you will be under timed conditions, you will have to complete the task/answer the questions the best you can within the given time frame so use the time wisely!
I posted some resources I found/used on TSR (here is the link: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1845730&page=84&p=40978175&highlight=#post40978175)
Also, it might be helpful for you to have some practice using some of the sample questions.
Additionally, here is some advice I gave to someone based on my own personal experience in preparing for such an interview on the different aspects of it:
Roleplay:
there's a variety:
-breaking bad news to people(refer to SPIKES framework- http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.o...t/5/4/302.full, use it as a general kind of method, not just for breaking news on cancer)
-Listening to a troubled person/comforting someone(use these empathetic statements as examples: I can see how upsetting this is for you,I can tell you weren't expecting to hear this,I know this is not good news for you,I'm sorry to have to tell you this,I can understand how you felt this way,I guess anyone might have the same reaction,You are perfectly correct to think that way
-Calming an angered person down(NEVER EVER SAY 'everything will be alright'/'stop crying'/'don't worry' use the same statements as above, always put yourself in their shoes, and keep your eyes on that person
-Handling a person who has a visual/hearing/verbal impairment.(you should/would be given something to help in your communication so use it to your advantage!)
For answering questions and explaining your thoughts, it'll probably be personality questions so you might want to have mock interviews to practise that
Practical tasks, here are a few possible ones:
-Helping a person complete a puzzle/activity(that person may have a physical disadvantage or smth)-for these types of stations, don't just focus on completing the section, if there are people involved, think of the people first. Like, make sure the person is comfortable and involved in the activity, think like a teacher who is taking care of kids in this case, if you get what i mean.
-communicating
you may have to communicate an idea to someone , for example, you look at a drawing and you have to try to get a person who is looking away from you to replicate it
-working with someone
this may be hard, you may have to try to encourage someone to do something /work as a team , or you may even have to act as a mediator
you may also want to do some lateral thinking exercises, just google them and do them, they help open your mind!(:
http://www.medical-interviews.co.uk/Multi-Mini-Interviews-MMI-St-Georges.aspx ---> here are some more examples
2.Panel/discussion
This would usually consist of varying people(eg; admissions tutors/doctors/health care professionals/medical students)
This would be the more 'traditional' interview method, there are many tips and resources you can find for such interviews out there.
Here are some that i used :
http://www.medical-interviews.co.uk/interview-questions-medical-school-interviews.aspx
http://www.getintomedicine.co.uk/interview.php
http://www.apply2medicine.co.uk/medical-school-application-support/free-resources-1/free-medical-interview-questions.html
http://www.slideserve.com/pollyjose/medical-school-interview-powerpoint
Youtube-Kevin Ahern's guide to acing your medical school interview(AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!)
I think the best way to do well in a panel interview would be to keep calm!The interviewers will definietely understand that you are feeling nervous and they will definitely do their best to calm you down so you have to respond to that too and try to be at ease as the interview goes on!
If you are ever met with a difficult question, a good way of 'buying' time would be to say: "Well, that is an interesting question, could I have some time to think about that?" But don't use that too many times because your interviewers will not be impressed if you seem like you can't think on your feet,
If you are asked an impossibly hard question, try not to let panic be your first response. Always try to keep yourself calm and trat the interview as a learning process and just admit it if you are not sure and then ask for the right question.
Always prepare for questions on your personal statement!
How to handle ethical questions:
1. If the situation is quite long, consider repeating the key points of the given situation to make sure you got everything and also to buy yourself some time
2.Do not start off by giving your view, save that for the last!
3.Consider all aspects of the situation(Who is involved? What are the possible outcomes? etc;)
Always aim to give a balanced view.It may be useful for you to read up on certain medical ethics.(http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance.asp would be a useful read)
This website also covers many ethical issues and i personally found it very useful when preparing for my interview:http://medicalschoolinterviewstheknowledge.wordpress.com/
Here are some books which i found particularly useful:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-Interviews-Practical-Questions/dp/1905812043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Succeed-Your-Medical-School-Interview/dp/0749461381/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-Interviews-Need-Knowledge/dp/0957290403/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-3
Once again, I have NOT been paid by any company/person to write any of these things, what i wrote was based on my own experience and what i personally found really useful
Feel free to contact me @ lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you have any questions
There are mainly 2 types:
1.MMI
The Multiple Mini Interview. Some say that it is like speed dating and for me it was all good fun!
I think that the key to doing well for this interview would be:
1.Move on. You will have a lot of time to mull over your performance AFTER your interview, but while you are still doing the interview, just forget about how you did in the previous station, it is for the better
2.Follow instructions. Since there will be a lot of movement, it is very easy for you to feel really lost so it is important that you read whatever instructions you are given and follow them, it won't help if you lose your cool!
3.Don't hesitate. Because you will be under timed conditions, you will have to complete the task/answer the questions the best you can within the given time frame so use the time wisely!
I posted some resources I found/used on TSR (here is the link: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1845730&page=84&p=40978175&highlight=#post40978175)
Also, it might be helpful for you to have some practice using some of the sample questions.
Additionally, here is some advice I gave to someone based on my own personal experience in preparing for such an interview on the different aspects of it:
Roleplay:
there's a variety:
-breaking bad news to people(refer to SPIKES framework- http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.o...t/5/4/302.full, use it as a general kind of method, not just for breaking news on cancer)
-Listening to a troubled person/comforting someone(use these empathetic statements as examples: I can see how upsetting this is for you,I can tell you weren't expecting to hear this,I know this is not good news for you,I'm sorry to have to tell you this,I can understand how you felt this way,I guess anyone might have the same reaction,You are perfectly correct to think that way
-Calming an angered person down(NEVER EVER SAY 'everything will be alright'/'stop crying'/'don't worry' use the same statements as above, always put yourself in their shoes, and keep your eyes on that person
-Handling a person who has a visual/hearing/verbal impairment.(you should/would be given something to help in your communication so use it to your advantage!)
For answering questions and explaining your thoughts, it'll probably be personality questions so you might want to have mock interviews to practise that
Practical tasks, here are a few possible ones:
-Helping a person complete a puzzle/activity(that person may have a physical disadvantage or smth)-for these types of stations, don't just focus on completing the section, if there are people involved, think of the people first. Like, make sure the person is comfortable and involved in the activity, think like a teacher who is taking care of kids in this case, if you get what i mean.
-communicating
you may have to communicate an idea to someone , for example, you look at a drawing and you have to try to get a person who is looking away from you to replicate it
-working with someone
this may be hard, you may have to try to encourage someone to do something /work as a team , or you may even have to act as a mediator
you may also want to do some lateral thinking exercises, just google them and do them, they help open your mind!(:
http://www.medical-interviews.co.uk/Multi-Mini-Interviews-MMI-St-Georges.aspx ---> here are some more examples
2.Panel/discussion
This would usually consist of varying people(eg; admissions tutors/doctors/health care professionals/medical students)
This would be the more 'traditional' interview method, there are many tips and resources you can find for such interviews out there.
Here are some that i used :
http://www.medical-interviews.co.uk/interview-questions-medical-school-interviews.aspx
http://www.getintomedicine.co.uk/interview.php
http://www.apply2medicine.co.uk/medical-school-application-support/free-resources-1/free-medical-interview-questions.html
http://www.slideserve.com/pollyjose/medical-school-interview-powerpoint
Youtube-Kevin Ahern's guide to acing your medical school interview(AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!)
I think the best way to do well in a panel interview would be to keep calm!The interviewers will definietely understand that you are feeling nervous and they will definitely do their best to calm you down so you have to respond to that too and try to be at ease as the interview goes on!
If you are ever met with a difficult question, a good way of 'buying' time would be to say: "Well, that is an interesting question, could I have some time to think about that?" But don't use that too many times because your interviewers will not be impressed if you seem like you can't think on your feet,
If you are asked an impossibly hard question, try not to let panic be your first response. Always try to keep yourself calm and trat the interview as a learning process and just admit it if you are not sure and then ask for the right question.
Always prepare for questions on your personal statement!
How to handle ethical questions:
1. If the situation is quite long, consider repeating the key points of the given situation to make sure you got everything and also to buy yourself some time
2.Do not start off by giving your view, save that for the last!
3.Consider all aspects of the situation(Who is involved? What are the possible outcomes? etc;)
Always aim to give a balanced view.It may be useful for you to read up on certain medical ethics.(http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance.asp would be a useful read)
This website also covers many ethical issues and i personally found it very useful when preparing for my interview:http://medicalschoolinterviewstheknowledge.wordpress.com/
Here are some books which i found particularly useful:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-Interviews-Practical-Questions/dp/1905812043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Succeed-Your-Medical-School-Interview/dp/0749461381/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-Interviews-Need-Knowledge/dp/0957290403/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362258297&sr=8-3
Once again, I have NOT been paid by any company/person to write any of these things, what i wrote was based on my own experience and what i personally found really useful
Feel free to contact me @ lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you have any questions
Friday, 1 March 2013
Work experience
This is a HUGE part in your preparation to applying to medical school!(for your interview and Personal Statement!)
Start early and start arranging for work experience really really early(preferably right after you read this post!)
Here are some places where you can look for work experience/voluntary work:
GP
Hospitals-nurses, physiotherapist,radiologist,specialist, junior doctor,consultant
Hospices
Care homes
Charity shops(eg: Oxfam)
Youth-related programmes(eg, tutoring children form less fortunate backgrounds )
Here are some useful websites:
Start early and start arranging for work experience really really early(preferably right after you read this post!)
Here are some places where you can look for work experience/voluntary work:
GP
Hospitals-nurses, physiotherapist,radiologist,specialist, junior doctor,consultant
Hospices
Care homes
Charity shops(eg: Oxfam)
Youth-related programmes(eg, tutoring children form less fortunate backgrounds )
Here are some useful websites:
vinspired.com
Personally, i decided to invest in a company called Gapmedics and i have to say i was really happy with what i got. Gapmedics really gave me the experience that i needed and i really enjoyed myself for the 2 weeks I was in Chiangmai!
Some tips before you go on a trip with them:
1.Make sure you are clear in what you say you expect for the placements(do you want to see surgeries? Pathology labs? A&E?)
2. Have fun, but not TOO much! remember, ultimately , you are there to gain work experience after all!)
3.Try to keep a work experience diary, you'll be doing many things and seeing many interesting things so try to note them all down so you can remember them really clearly when it comes to writing your personal statement or even your interview!
Feel free to email me @ lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you want more information about my experience and also the diary i kept on my experience with gapmedics if you need help in deciding if you should go for it or not!
Personal Statement
Now, I shall talk about one of the most important parts of the entire application process:
THE PERSONAL STATEMENT.
1) START EARLY
2)HAVE MANY MANY DRAFTS( I had 19)
3) Re-read it like a thousand times and pass it along to your teachers/parents/friends/anyone who can read to ask for improvements, suggestions and to check for any grammar errors!
Alright, so this 4000 word/37lines piece of essay is about YOU. Not about anyone else, just YOU. SO how should you write it?
Personally, i started it off by listing a whole bunch of things i have done/accomplished since high school:
Here is an example of what i had on my list:
THE PERSONAL STATEMENT.
1) START EARLY
2)HAVE MANY MANY DRAFTS( I had 19)
3) Re-read it like a thousand times and pass it along to your teachers/parents/friends/anyone who can read to ask for improvements, suggestions and to check for any grammar errors!
Alright, so this 4000 word/37lines piece of essay is about YOU. Not about anyone else, just YOU. SO how should you write it?
Personally, i started it off by listing a whole bunch of things i have done/accomplished since high school:
Here is an example of what i had on my list:
Volunteered for the Youth Olympic Games (2010)
Volunteered for the Asian Youth Games (2009)
Achieved Gold Award in Swimming
Achieved 1 Star Award in Kayaking
Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good leadership and
Service (EAGLES) -2007
And then next to each achievement/thing i have done, i write what I've learnt and a short reflection on it (about 3 sentences)
So. for example:
Member of School’s Student representative council
By working with my peers from different countries and cultures,I've gotten to understand better how teamwork works and how communication is key . For example, i was placed in charge of setting up a haunted house for a Halloween party where i had to work with my peers to set up the setting in a short of period time. I have learnt how to appreciate the dynamics of different teams as well by working with 2 different groups of people-my seniors and my juniors.
And then, after that start drafting your personal statement out. You would need to first have a structure in mind, this i what i suggest:
1.Why you want to study medicine
2.Your work experience/volunteering experience*
3.Your Extra Curricular activity*
4.Your academics( not so much on your grades but what extra things have you done? For example, i did a project on Penicillin alongside studying for my A levels)
5.Conclusion
To make your personal statement PERSONAL, i suggest adding stories to them, stories are a form of reflection and it makes your PS unique to only you and it also gives room for discussion during your interview.
I've places an asterisk next to the parts where you can write a story.
so what is a story?
Here are some examples:
Through my experience in a Uniformed Group, I have experienced many setbacks, such as
when my team lost a competition which we had trained very hard for. However,
we learnt from our mistakes and in the next competition, achieved better
results. From that, I understood the importance of perseverance and a positive
mind-set.
Volunteering at a hospice has taught me how to communicate
with patients. Acting as a translator between patients and a physiotherapist to
describe the execution of exercises, has shown me how important it is to be patient
when questioning patients. For instance, when the physiotherapist asked an
elderly patient if he had any concerns regarding his health, he neglected to
inform her that he constantly felt breathless. It took further questioning, for
this and the fact that he used to be a heavy smoker to be revealed. With this
information the therapist could then advise him on what exercises he could
carry out to improve his condition.
These were some stories i had initially wanted to include i my personal statement but had not managed to due to the word limit , please do not copy them as this may cause a problem to you when UCAS does the similarity detection test!
Stories are very important! They make your personal statement more interesting to read but to have an effective story, you have to first be able to reflect on your experience so i would suggest keeping a work experience diary when you are doing your work experience or during your voluntary work.
Also, they make your interviews(when you get them!) easier in a way because 'personal' questions are much easier to answer than 'technical questions"(aka science questions) when you are under stress!
I think this is all i have to say about the Personal statement now!
Feel free to email me @ lovebullets1995@gmail.com if you have any questions! and good luck for your applications!(:
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