JEREMY'S JOURNEY From Australia to Oxford Medical School

How Jeremy made his way to his dream medical school!

From Melbourne, Australia to the UK!   

Jeremy was accepted to Oxford Medical School! Hear how he did it with the help of his MedView Strategist and Student Success Manager!

01

Tell us about yourself. When did you start with MedView? What were your test scores and ATAR results?

My name is Jeremy, I started preparing with MedView in Year 10 because I had quite a complicated program. I did the VCE curriculum (the local Victorian curriculum) as well as sitting UCAT ANZ (for Australian and some UK medical schools) and the BMAT (for Oxford). I was lucky enough to get an ATAR of 99.95. I received a 3420 on the UCAT (out of 3600), and a BMAT score of 9, 9, 5A which is the maximum score.

02

What subjects did you take in high school?

In Year 12 I took English, MathsMethods, Chemistry, Physics and French. I took Biology 3&4 in Year 11, and Extended Investigation (as a seventh subject, which didn’t contribute to my ATAR) in Year 10.  Extended Investigation was a lot of fun. I wouldn’t recommend it as anything other than a seventh subject, but it was a valuable first introduction to research.

03

What experiences led you to pursue medicine?

I can’t say I had any particular experiences that I can remember; medicine certainly wasn’t a revelation. I think it had a lot to do with my early love for a range of sciences, which I realised I could combine by studying medicine. It was only once I started doing work experience placements that I realised how incredibly rewarding it is to work with patients and to see science and research being put into practice.

04

When did you figure out you wanted to study medicine abroad?

Quite early - I started with MedView when I was 16, so I’d say about a year before then. I didn’t have any special desire to study overseas. For me, the choice was almost totally centred around the idea of going to Oxford.

05

Why did you choose to study at Oxford Medical School?

Oxford, like Cambridge and a few other medical schools in the UK, has quite a unique approach to medicine. Oxford spends a lot more time than most Australian schools on basic science and research, and learning can be more self- directed. They also have the Oxbridge tutorial system, so students get to spend time learning from (very impressive) tutors in small groups. Being interested in research, this was all massively attractive.

06

How did first hear about MedView?

We attended a in person seminar held by MedView in Melbourne, that discussed Australia and UK medical pathways, We were so impressed that we organised a meeting with Kiri Burji, our Academic Advisor a few weeks later.

07

Who did your MedView team consist of?

My team was exceptional. Kiri Burji my Academic Advisor was instrumental in organising my program; without her constant belief and positivity, I doubt I’d have made it. My Student Success Manager, Callum Chalmers, was an indispensable source of guidance and advice. And Evelyn Wu, my UK Strategist, whom I think knows more about the UK application process than anyone, helped me over all of the million organisational hurdles involved. I cannot begin to thank them all enough. I say all the time that I could never have got in without MedView.

08

How did MedView help you prepare for your admission exam/s?

I’m taking undergraduate medicine, so I applied in my last year of high school. For Oxford I needed to sit the BMAT exam, I also sat the UCAT to ensure I had options in the UK and Australia if needed. Initially, I just had UCAT tutoring in Year 10, followed by BMAT tutoring in Year 11 and eventually personal statement mentoring and interview prep in Year 12.

09

What tutoring did you receive in your MedView Journey? How did your tutors help you navigate your journey?

I received tutoring and mentoring for the VCE, UCAT, BMAT, interviews, and CRI. Beyond the incredible help, each of my tutors gave me in preparing for every step of my application, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my tutoring sessions. Many of my tutors were already at Oxford, and being able to talk to them about medicine (and French) was an inspiration and motivation. In retrospect, I think it was important to have proof that getting into Oxford was possible.

10

What tutoring did you receive in your MedView Journey? How did your tutors help you navigate your journey?

I also received mentoring through Crimson Research Institute (CRI), which deepened my understanding of the research process and gave me my first real taste of what might be called a “cutting-edge” subject. (My project was a rather unprofessional review of CAR T-cell therapies, which at the time had only recently been approved and were in the process of gaining broader acceptance and feasibility). The result wasn’t published, but it was invaluable in helping

11

How did your CRI project positively impact yourapplication to Oxford?

In completing my CRI project, I had learned a lot about CAR T-cells, and Ikept up-to-date on the literature even after I had finished. This meant that Iwas able to talk confidently about recent developments in my interviews: one interviewer asked me to describe something I had read recently, and I chose the long-term follow-up on a particular trial which had just been published. More obliquely, the skills I gained from my CRI mentor have helped me in the research I’ve done since, which I talked about in my personal statement and interviews.

12

What were some of the challenges you faced during your application?

Everyone applying to medicine is challenged by the proccess. I think the main difference for me was the extra work involved in a UK application: I had to write a personal statement, sit the BMAT, fill out a UCAS application, etc. If you add all the tutoring involved, there were certainly times when I was very busy!

13

Describe the moment you received your admissions offer. How did you feel? How did you family react?

Relief, mostly. It took a few seconds before I got excited, and I think it’sstill sinking in. Of course, I ran out to tell my parents (and everyone at MedView) the good news. They seemed even more excited than I was.

14

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your future plans/specialisations?

I'll still be at Oxford in five years. As far as specialities are concerned, I'm not sure yet. I think a good mix of medicine and surgery would be themost fun.

15

Any advice for aspiring medical students?

In completing my CRI project, I had learned a lot about CAR T-cells, and Ikept up-to-date on the literature even after I had finished. This meant that ITry not to think about the end goal too much. I think it’s important to take the process one step at a time, partly because there are so many steps and partly because it’s all so terrifying. If you work hard and startpreparing early it’ll take some pressure off.

16

How would you describe your experience with MedView?

Overwhelmingly positive. I can’t possibly express the extent of gratitude I feel towards everyone at MedView. I’ve been treated so well and with such kindness by everyone I’ve met, and I’ve had the opportunity through MedView to meet some truly inspirational people.

17

Would you recommend MedView?

Unequivocally yes. If you want to study medicine especially if you want to study medicine abroad I think MedView is the best place to go.

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As the leading med school admissions support, MedView Education takes med school admission to a new level. Through personalised admission support, application review, entrance exam and interview tutoring and extracurricular mentoring, MedView increases a student's chances of admission to Australia, New Zealand and UK medical schools by up to 350%. Unlike many companies, we hire talented staff who specialise in the different areas you need support with - UCAT exams, interviews,applications, and extracurriculars. We have over 400 tutors, mentors, strategists and student success managers, meaning we can tap into the expertise of our team to ensure students receives the very best support for their dream medical school.

Our commitment to our students goes beyond the medical admission process to help our students become top doctors with lifelong leadership, skills and connections! For over 13 years, we’ve assisted thousands of students into medical careers and we proudly support hundreds of students across Australia and New Zealand every year.Interested in learning more about how MedView can help your child with medical school admissions support? Schedule a free 1:1 consultation with one of our Med School Advisors.They are looking forward to meeting you and showing you how MedView can help you get into your dream medical school.

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