Why Studying Medicine At Cambridge?
There are many reasons why an aspiring medical student would want to study medicine at Cambridge University. Some students prefer the traditional core learning structure, emphasis on the why of basically everything done in medical practice, or just the dream of studying at one of the most popular medical schools in the world. The reasons are almost endless and unique to each person when asked. But, what is your reason?
You will initially concentrate on theoretical knowledge, spending years developing your grasp of the bodily systems through education based on evidence. However, before getting your hands dirty in real-life medical practice, you will have the chance to conduct your own research.
The important aspect of learning medicine is not about reading heaps of medical textbooks but about learning and absorbing all the available transferable skills – communication skills inclusive. Cambridge medical college trains all of these into you well.
Have you chosen to do medicine at Cambridge? Do you think you need help getting in? Keep reading to learn more about the medical program and how Oxbridge mind’s Cambridge medicine 1-on-1 program can help you.
History and Facts
Henry VIII founded the University of Cambridge’s medical school in the 1540s. The medical school muscled its way through centuries of challenges that could have brought about its demise. Still, it wasn’t until 1948 that the program’s educational curriculum began to advance. The original designers of this medical school will tell you how much of a difference they see between the current curriculum and the one that was established in the past. Who would have ever thought?
The QS World University Rankings place the University of Cambridge’s School of Medicine 4th best in the world in 2022. Impressive right? You can give a correct guess of its position in the UK.
Did you know Cambridge University is entitled to a copy of every book published in the UK? This indirectly accounts for the seven million+ books in its library. Astonishing!
International students make up more than half of Cambridge University’s graduates. Students of all countries may expect a friendly and inviting environment from the administration. You’ve got a shot if you’re an international student reading this. Don’t lose hope!
Entry requirements for Cambridge uni medicine
- A-levels: A*A*A required in Chemistry and at least one of Physics, Biology, or Further Mathematics.
- Advanced Highers: AA in Chemistry and one in Physics, Biology, or Mathematics.
- IB: 40 – 42 with 776 at Higher Levels.
- Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT): Although there are no set cutoff results for the aptitude test, 79% of applicants with average scores of 5.0 or higher in Sections 1 and 2 were given interviews, compared to only 33% of those with scores below 5.0.
What courses are offered at the Cambridge School of Medicine?
Cambridge University offers two medical curricula:
- The Standard course (Undergraduate medical degree)
- The Graduate course (Graduate medical degree)
Cambridge University would provide you with the typical 3-year program in medicine if you desire to enroll in an undergraduate medical degree. This program is structured around lectures, hands-on laboratory experience, and supervision with a solid education foundation.
After these three years of foundational coursework, you can also choose to study the Graduate Course in Medicine, which lasts an additional four years. You’d learn to hone your clinical skills through hands-on patient interaction in clinics and community settings. In this course, you can choose your specialty of interest and pursue this degree along with other degrees and exchange programs.
Becoming a fully qualified doctor would take a maximum of 7 years.
How does the Medical interview go at Cambridge?
Cambridge conducts a standard panel interview with tutors who ask academic questions to test one’s scientific aptitude. This often entails two to three interviews with various academics, and they will often examine how applicants handle information unfamiliar to them.
What are your chances of getting into Cambridge Uni Medicine?
There are typically six applications per available spot for UK students, and 295 are ultimately approved. There are about 270 open spots, with 20 reserved for students from other countries (international students).
A possible reason for rejection during the Cambridge Medicine application
The competition is steep!
From the statistics shared by a candidate who got rejected from the 2020/2021 academic year, Clare College of Medicine, Cambridge University, received 946 applications in total, 639 applicants were invited for interviews, and 147 got offers of admission into the college. That is about a 1 in 6 success rate.
Narrowing down to medicine, 90 applications were received, and 42 were interviewed, but shockingly, only 11 got offers. This proves how competitive medicine is as compared to other courses.
What could have been done differently? This particular candidate affirmed to have needed interview prep specific to Cambridge.
In this regard, the Cambridge Medicine 1-on-1 program from Oxbridge mind would do an excellent job increasing your chances of getting into Cambridge by 200%. Rejection would never be a concern.
Tips for the Cambridge Medicine interview
Have an excellent personal statement
A few interviewers have expressed their disinterest in basing their decisions on personal statements; due to the unfairness of some applicants coming from a medical background compared to others from a non-science-related background. Regardless, prepare an excellent personal statement to increase your overall chances. Cambridge medicine experts could help you with this and assist with mock interviews that could get you into the college.
Be honest!
Don’t pretend you know the answer to a question when you do not. You are not being tested on what you know but on other aspects, such as engagement in a meaningful conversation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Enjoy yourself
You should enjoy the interview, or at least be seen to enjoy the conversation. Your interviewers are also looking for that enthusiasm to study medicine.
Pay close attention
Be attentive to whether your interviewer wants more from you or wants you to stop talking. Learn to read the room.
Be resourceful
You should use pens, paper, or any other resources provided to convey your ideas during the interview. This also helps.
Cambridge Uni medicine could still be your dream. Let Oxbridge’s Cambridge Medicine program help you actualize that dream.