The exam period is one of the most stressful times a student faces! I should know...I've been there. For every person, sitting an exam is nerve racking in some way and when there is an offer of University hanging on the balance the stress can build up further.
In this post, I am going to outline some simple ways that I manage my stress which I hope can be of some help to someone out there.
I always make sure that I start revision very early on in the academic year. At school and college I would start by the October half term, and at University I have started from the beginning of the semester. Starting revision straight away doesn't work for everyone, but for me I like to feel on top of my work load and this is one way that I manage to ensure this.
In addition to this, I make sure that I have some time to relax each night before bed. I put away all my books, and watch some TV (usually Grey's Anatomy 👍). This allows me to wind down and feel more prepared for the next day. Having some 'me time' at weekends is also important. I try to have Saturdays as a day off, and start my weeks work on a Sunday. This means I have time to spend with friends and family, and allows me to think about something other than work.
A de-stress in exam season that works for me, is having an at-home pamper night each week or every two weeks. I buy in a face mask and, if I'm at home-home (my home that isn't Newcastle), a bath bomb and spend some time feeling girly.
I have recently joined the gym in Newcastle, and have found this super useful during my own exam period over the last couple of weeks. While the excerise makes me feel great inside, it also means that I can spend time catching up with one of my closest friends during an otherwise extreamly busy period of the year.
While these techniques may not work for everyone, they definitely work for me! So if you are feeling very stressed in your own exam season and struggling to find anything to help you relax, then give these suggestions a go.
Hope I've been some help!
H. X
Thursday, 26 January 2017
Friday, 20 January 2017
Work experience
A big factor of getting into medical school is having work experience. It's required my most (if not all) medical schools as a way to show your commitment and drive to study medicine. But finding work experience can be hard whether you are just starting out, or whether you are trying to find something different to make you stand out from other candidates.
There are various kinds of work experience which can be used when applying. From volunteering at homeless shelters to working part time at a cafe. There are no extra points for having shadowed a top cardiothoracic surgeon in sub-Saharan Africa unless you can say what you learnt from the experience and how it has demonstrated your dedication to medicine. For this reason, don't stress too much about the type of experience you have. As long as you have been able to enhance your skills, while learning about how to deal with people/life as a doctor/qualities needed to succeed in medicine then you stand a good chance.
You don't want to rhyme off a long list of things you have done but instead, reflect on the experiences. The medical schools aren't looking for who has the most things to write about but instead what you were able to learn.
Trying to find any form of voluntary or shadowing work can seem tricky, but the key is applying early and speaking to as many people as possible. Look out for advertisements of positions available via your local community, on social media and in your school/college/university. I was fortunate enough to have a week's placement in a private hospital organised through my college, where I spent 6 days working with doctors and nurses in various parts of the hospital, including a day with the MRI scanner, and (my favourite) two days in surgery! This is something that would have been difficult to organise on my own but with help from college, I had the best week seeing first hand how private healthcare differs to care provided by the NHS.
Work experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a career in medicine. While it may seem like a long process to organise, once you start I can assure you that you won't ever want to stop!!
H. X
Friday, 13 January 2017
Overcoming adversity
As most of you will know from reading this blog I have had my own adversity to overcome in the last year. Something which has been difficult, but doable. At times it seems like the world is over when something doesn't go the way you intended, whether this be with university, a job you wanted or anything that matters to you. But there really is light at the end of the tunnel.
Having been unable to take up my place at medical school in September of 2016, I have learnt how to deal with the bad. I found it very hard at first, and became jealous of people who had made it. I felt left behind and wanted more than anything to be able to go to St A. This lasted about 3 days, before I realised that there are other ways to get into medical school. I decided that this 'bump in the road' was not going to define me, and instead serve to make me a stronger and even more determined person. I picked myself back up and managed to get a place at Newcastle University. I have worked extreamly hard to make sure I succeed in this degree, to ensure I get into medical school the next time I apply.
Having the ability to overcome adverse situations is a strength I believe everyone has inside them. But it's whether you are determined enough for what you want as to whether it will flourish.
Don't ever give up on your dreams, and work hard to make sure that they become reality! Everything works out in the end!
In the words of Christina Yang 'Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature.'
H. X
Having been unable to take up my place at medical school in September of 2016, I have learnt how to deal with the bad. I found it very hard at first, and became jealous of people who had made it. I felt left behind and wanted more than anything to be able to go to St A. This lasted about 3 days, before I realised that there are other ways to get into medical school. I decided that this 'bump in the road' was not going to define me, and instead serve to make me a stronger and even more determined person. I picked myself back up and managed to get a place at Newcastle University. I have worked extreamly hard to make sure I succeed in this degree, to ensure I get into medical school the next time I apply.
Having the ability to overcome adverse situations is a strength I believe everyone has inside them. But it's whether you are determined enough for what you want as to whether it will flourish.
Don't ever give up on your dreams, and work hard to make sure that they become reality! Everything works out in the end!
In the words of Christina Yang 'Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature.'
H. X
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Living away from home
Moving away to university is a big deal!! Not only is the course going to require a lot from you, but living away from home can be daunting.
The move itself is hugeee. The stress levels are high, as you try and pack 17/18 years worth of 'stuff' into a car (which at that moment seems smaller than most dog beds), and more than likely you will end up getting on your parents nerves (or visa versa) as you pack, travel and unpack everything you own. The fact that everyone's emotions are high also doesn't help. The move for me was fairly smooth. We packed the car up the night before and set of early in the morning to miss the pile up once we arrived.
Once everything is moved in, and your new room looks perfect 😊 Its time to get to know your flat mates. These are the people that you are more than likely going to live with for the next year (unless something goes wrong) and so you need to make sure you get off on the right foot. Make an effort to be friendly and offer help if they are struggling to move in all their things. Everyone is in the same boat, so there is no need to feel awkward about starting a conversation. Go for it!
A couple of days/weeks down the line and you will be into the swing of living as a student. You probably wont miss your family too much, and will be coping well with life at university. I mean freshers week is very fun! But give it a couple of months and you definitely (in my opinion) start to miss you family and all the comforts of home. This is the time to pick up the phone and give you're parents and friends from home a ring. Or go back home for the weekend to see what you're not missing! I guarantee it will help and if not then grab your uni friends, a box set and if you're in Newcastle order in your favourite 'Creams' dessert and have a chilled night in (or whatever makes you feel better)!
Everyone you love is only a phone call away...don't panic!
H. X
The move itself is hugeee. The stress levels are high, as you try and pack 17/18 years worth of 'stuff' into a car (which at that moment seems smaller than most dog beds), and more than likely you will end up getting on your parents nerves (or visa versa) as you pack, travel and unpack everything you own. The fact that everyone's emotions are high also doesn't help. The move for me was fairly smooth. We packed the car up the night before and set of early in the morning to miss the pile up once we arrived.
Once everything is moved in, and your new room looks perfect 😊 Its time to get to know your flat mates. These are the people that you are more than likely going to live with for the next year (unless something goes wrong) and so you need to make sure you get off on the right foot. Make an effort to be friendly and offer help if they are struggling to move in all their things. Everyone is in the same boat, so there is no need to feel awkward about starting a conversation. Go for it!
A couple of days/weeks down the line and you will be into the swing of living as a student. You probably wont miss your family too much, and will be coping well with life at university. I mean freshers week is very fun! But give it a couple of months and you definitely (in my opinion) start to miss you family and all the comforts of home. This is the time to pick up the phone and give you're parents and friends from home a ring. Or go back home for the weekend to see what you're not missing! I guarantee it will help and if not then grab your uni friends, a box set and if you're in Newcastle order in your favourite 'Creams' dessert and have a chilled night in (or whatever makes you feel better)!
Everyone you love is only a phone call away...don't panic!
H. X
Monday, 9 January 2017
Life as a Biomedical Sciences student
I chose to take a Biomedical Sciences degree mainly due to not getting into medicine and knowing that is is a good way in, but also for my love of biology. Biomedical Sciences (especially at Newcastle University) encompasses the fundamentals of biological processes with disease. I am able to understand key mechanisms in control of our bodies, with relation to biochemical pathways, genetic disease and cell processes.
The work load for a biomedical sciences students can be big. We have a practical a week and usually a seminar in a group of around 20 students, where we are able to dig deeper into enhancing our knowledge. There are around 4 lectures a day and the content we learn is a huge step up from college. But this is one of the great things about university...the ability to enhance the skills and knowledge you started to build on in previous education. I make sure that I write up all me lecture notes after each lecture, so that I can review the topic in greater detail and at my own pace. This really helps when it comes to exams, as it means that I have concise notes which I can use to work out sections I need to revise more.
Aside from the academic side of life as a Biomed, there are lots of other opportunities. This includes joining societies, playing sports and spending time with new people who share common interests. I have made some fabulous friends at university, who I guarantee will be part of my life for many years to come.
University is meant to be one of the best times of your life...as we are all told. This is certainly proving to be true. For those hoping to embark on their journey in September, I wish you all the best. Remember to study hard, take time for yourself and most of all enjoy every second of it!!!!
Lots of love
H. X
The work load for a biomedical sciences students can be big. We have a practical a week and usually a seminar in a group of around 20 students, where we are able to dig deeper into enhancing our knowledge. There are around 4 lectures a day and the content we learn is a huge step up from college. But this is one of the great things about university...the ability to enhance the skills and knowledge you started to build on in previous education. I make sure that I write up all me lecture notes after each lecture, so that I can review the topic in greater detail and at my own pace. This really helps when it comes to exams, as it means that I have concise notes which I can use to work out sections I need to revise more.
Aside from the academic side of life as a Biomed, there are lots of other opportunities. This includes joining societies, playing sports and spending time with new people who share common interests. I have made some fabulous friends at university, who I guarantee will be part of my life for many years to come.
University is meant to be one of the best times of your life...as we are all told. This is certainly proving to be true. For those hoping to embark on their journey in September, I wish you all the best. Remember to study hard, take time for yourself and most of all enjoy every second of it!!!!
Lots of love
H. X
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Medical school interview
So you've gone and done it... interview time is approaching. But you start to panic and worry about the questions you'll be asked. STOP! The interviewers are normal people like you and me, they are not there to scare you and stop you from succeeding. They want you to do well as much as you do. Stay calm and collected. If there is water, have some. If you need the question repeating or rephrasing, ask. Make sure you have kept up to date on recent healthcare advances in the news and that you have done some mock interviews (even if it's just you stood in front of a mirror)! The interview is your way to show the medical school what your made of. They have read all about you, but it's this you that they want to get to know!! Just be yourself. 100%.
I can only comment on the type of interview that I have had...multiple mini interview. If this is the type that you are set to have then you will speak to around 6 different people who will each ask you different questions or to complete a role play scenario. You have an allocated amount of time at each of the stations, and so have to make sure that you make it!!
All being well, you will receive confirmation of the brilliant person you are by receiving an offer through. Well done! But stay focussed and make sure the exams go your way.
If you don't receive an offer after having an interview, then do not become too disheartened. The fact that you had an interview is an accomplishment in itself and you should be extremely proud. Not having an offer is not the end of the world. The skills you gained from applying and sitting an interview can be used for future, whether that be applying to medical schools again or in a job that you are hoping for.
Stay motivated...
H. X
I can only comment on the type of interview that I have had...multiple mini interview. If this is the type that you are set to have then you will speak to around 6 different people who will each ask you different questions or to complete a role play scenario. You have an allocated amount of time at each of the stations, and so have to make sure that you make it!!
All being well, you will receive confirmation of the brilliant person you are by receiving an offer through. Well done! But stay focussed and make sure the exams go your way.
If you don't receive an offer after having an interview, then do not become too disheartened. The fact that you had an interview is an accomplishment in itself and you should be extremely proud. Not having an offer is not the end of the world. The skills you gained from applying and sitting an interview can be used for future, whether that be applying to medical schools again or in a job that you are hoping for.
Stay motivated...
H. X
Saturday, 7 January 2017
Applying to medical school
The process of applying to medical school can be daunting. There are so many things to complete, plus juggling college work and so things can pretty soon build up and seem impossible to complete. But never fear! The application process doesn't have to be like this. Below are a few tips I have to help...
Before even starting the application process, you need to make the decision of where you want to apply? The sort of university you are looking for? And the type of teaching you're after?
For medicine the most important aspect in my opinion is whether you want problem based learning, integrated or majority lecture based study. This will be the biggest part of your degree and so you need to make sure you chose one where you will thrive and get the most out of. The second most important thing for me was whether I wanted a campus or city location. You're going to be at university for a long time and so you need to find a place that you're happy to call 'home'! Another factor which may affect your decision is whether the university does dissection or prosection. For those who are very new to the application process, dissection is when you as the student does the cutting and prosection is when the demonstrator has pre-cut for you. From here you should be able to whittle down the choices of universities to find the few that offer everything you are looking for.
The admissions test for medical school can be a hugely scary experience, but something that is required by the majority of schools in the UK. Depending on the universities you are wanting to apply to, you may be required to sit the UKCAT or BMAT or both. I've only sat the UKCAT so have no comparison to the BMAT, but from my own experience I would highly recommend the UKCAT books available online (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-UKCAT-Practice-Questions/dp/1905812183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483817337&sr=8-1&keywords=UKCAT is where I got mine). The biggest part of succeeding at the tests is to practice, practice and practice. The questions in the books are not the ones you get on the test day, but they are very similar and really helped me to ensure I got a score I was happy with both times I sat the test. In the exam, remember to stay calm. Read the question carefully. Stay focused. And if your stuck on a question then flag for review at the end of the section, or guess (there is no negative marking)!
Once you have the universities you want in sight (and you are well on your way with the admission test) you need to get down to business and get started with your personal statement. As one of the BIGGEST parts of a medical application, I hope by this point you will have done plenty of volunteer work, paid work, shadowing, work experience placements etc...things that are going to make you stand out and show your commitment to a career in medicine. Once you have begun your volunteering jouney (my favourite part!) you need to start with writing everything down that you have done and what you learned from them in order to make up your personal statement. Include things you have done which link to medicine as well as any hobbies you have and situations in which you have shown good leadership skills or been part of a team. Make sure you really sell yourself and prove that you deserve a place. For those who have not succeeded first time, this is where you can shine and show the medical schools that they were wrong in not grabbing you first time around. The personal statement is like your golden ticket into medical school, so make it count!!!
If you don't manage to get an interview from your university choices then this does not mean the end of the world. This does not define you as a person, this should make you a stronger person. From here stand tall and brush yourself down. Don't push your dreams aside, work harder to achieve them. And don't ever stop!
Hope this helps someone out there,
H x
Before even starting the application process, you need to make the decision of where you want to apply? The sort of university you are looking for? And the type of teaching you're after?
For medicine the most important aspect in my opinion is whether you want problem based learning, integrated or majority lecture based study. This will be the biggest part of your degree and so you need to make sure you chose one where you will thrive and get the most out of. The second most important thing for me was whether I wanted a campus or city location. You're going to be at university for a long time and so you need to find a place that you're happy to call 'home'! Another factor which may affect your decision is whether the university does dissection or prosection. For those who are very new to the application process, dissection is when you as the student does the cutting and prosection is when the demonstrator has pre-cut for you. From here you should be able to whittle down the choices of universities to find the few that offer everything you are looking for.
The admissions test for medical school can be a hugely scary experience, but something that is required by the majority of schools in the UK. Depending on the universities you are wanting to apply to, you may be required to sit the UKCAT or BMAT or both. I've only sat the UKCAT so have no comparison to the BMAT, but from my own experience I would highly recommend the UKCAT books available online (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-School-UKCAT-Practice-Questions/dp/1905812183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483817337&sr=8-1&keywords=UKCAT is where I got mine). The biggest part of succeeding at the tests is to practice, practice and practice. The questions in the books are not the ones you get on the test day, but they are very similar and really helped me to ensure I got a score I was happy with both times I sat the test. In the exam, remember to stay calm. Read the question carefully. Stay focused. And if your stuck on a question then flag for review at the end of the section, or guess (there is no negative marking)!
Once you have the universities you want in sight (and you are well on your way with the admission test) you need to get down to business and get started with your personal statement. As one of the BIGGEST parts of a medical application, I hope by this point you will have done plenty of volunteer work, paid work, shadowing, work experience placements etc...things that are going to make you stand out and show your commitment to a career in medicine. Once you have begun your volunteering jouney (my favourite part!) you need to start with writing everything down that you have done and what you learned from them in order to make up your personal statement. Include things you have done which link to medicine as well as any hobbies you have and situations in which you have shown good leadership skills or been part of a team. Make sure you really sell yourself and prove that you deserve a place. For those who have not succeeded first time, this is where you can shine and show the medical schools that they were wrong in not grabbing you first time around. The personal statement is like your golden ticket into medical school, so make it count!!!
If you don't manage to get an interview from your university choices then this does not mean the end of the world. This does not define you as a person, this should make you a stronger person. From here stand tall and brush yourself down. Don't push your dreams aside, work harder to achieve them. And don't ever stop!
Hope this helps someone out there,
H x
Friday, 6 January 2017
Let me introduce myself...
WOW. I did not expect the setting up of a blog to be so complicated. I still don't know if I'm doing things right?
As you can tell, I am very new to the world of blogging but I have been wanting to get started for a while now in order to help people who have been through the same as me! Before getting into that I should introduce myself...
You are probably now wanting to know the reason for me starting this blog and so here goes...last year I was given a place at St Andrews medical school, which was what dreams were made of for me. I have always wanted to study medicine and coming home to receive the news was one of the biggest highlights of my life. I worked hard all through A2 year of college to make sure I got the grades that would secure my place, and I was sure that I would be starting life as a medical student! This, as you can tell, did not happen and unfortunately I did not manage to get the grades I needed. I had never been as disappointed in myself in all my life and I really struggled for a couple of weeks adjusting the fact that I wasn't going to be joining the friends I had made (via Facebook) in St A. The weeks after A-level results day were the hardest, but I had to 'man up' and face the truth. I decided that it wasn't going to stop me from going to University and certainly not from pursuing my dreams of becoming a doctor. I chose Biomed as the pre-degree to undertake because it I knew that it was the closest to medicine that I could get for the time being, and Newcastle because I love the city.
Medical school is highly competitive and places are limited meaning inevitably people are going to be left disappointed. BUT there are ways through this! A 'no' does not mean a definitive 'no', there are ways of getting into medical school when your grades are not high enough!! Biomedical science is just one option of many. I spent a few days looking into other options for making my dream a reality and chose this route because I didn't want to leave education and I have always enjoyed biology. For every individual, there is a tailor-made path of reaching your goals which may not be the route that is necessarily chosen by you. But if there is one thing that this experience has taught me, it is that everything happens for a reason!!
Stay strong people...there is always a way!
H x
As you can tell, I am very new to the world of blogging but I have been wanting to get started for a while now in order to help people who have been through the same as me! Before getting into that I should introduce myself...
My name is Holly, I'm 19 years old and attend Newcastle University studying Biomedical Sciences. I have no siblings (cry), but a little dog called Milly who likes to think she is 'one of the girls'. I love to spend time with family and friends and I am happiest surrounded by the people I love💗
You are probably now wanting to know the reason for me starting this blog and so here goes...last year I was given a place at St Andrews medical school, which was what dreams were made of for me. I have always wanted to study medicine and coming home to receive the news was one of the biggest highlights of my life. I worked hard all through A2 year of college to make sure I got the grades that would secure my place, and I was sure that I would be starting life as a medical student! This, as you can tell, did not happen and unfortunately I did not manage to get the grades I needed. I had never been as disappointed in myself in all my life and I really struggled for a couple of weeks adjusting the fact that I wasn't going to be joining the friends I had made (via Facebook) in St A. The weeks after A-level results day were the hardest, but I had to 'man up' and face the truth. I decided that it wasn't going to stop me from going to University and certainly not from pursuing my dreams of becoming a doctor. I chose Biomed as the pre-degree to undertake because it I knew that it was the closest to medicine that I could get for the time being, and Newcastle because I love the city.
This pain and upset that I felt the day my heart was broken is something that I have learnt to live with, and it is now something that I want to help other people overcome.
Medical school is highly competitive and places are limited meaning inevitably people are going to be left disappointed. BUT there are ways through this! A 'no' does not mean a definitive 'no', there are ways of getting into medical school when your grades are not high enough!! Biomedical science is just one option of many. I spent a few days looking into other options for making my dream a reality and chose this route because I didn't want to leave education and I have always enjoyed biology. For every individual, there is a tailor-made path of reaching your goals which may not be the route that is necessarily chosen by you. But if there is one thing that this experience has taught me, it is that everything happens for a reason!!
Stay strong people...there is always a way!
H x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)