What am I nervous/excited for upon starting medical school?

As requested by some of my lovely Instagram followers, I have decided that it is about the right time to sit back and really think about the things that have me nervous for medical school and those that make me unable to contain my excitement.

I thought a list-style might be best for this type of blog, so here goes....

Things that I am nervous for-

• Making friends - it may sound silly considering I have already done a degree so have become used to the 'Hello my name is Holly, nice to meet you' way of making friends, but no matter how many times you put me in the same situation I will always find meeting new people very nerve wrecking!! I'm very shy at heart!
• Keeping up with the content - I know I have the determination and skills, but medical school is a degree like no other and one that no one is ever fully prepared for. My worst nightmare would be falling behind. All I can do to prevent that is work my socks off like I always do!!
• Travelling - I have never used a train on my own for more than 2 stops (HECK WHAT I know) and the thought of traveling from my home town to Oxford Road everyday frightens me. I would be lying if I said it didn't. But, as a mature 21-year-old with the world at her feet, I am going to pull my big girl pants up and get on with it! How hard can it be 😅

Things I cannot wait for-

• Making friends - I am nervous, I won't deny that, but I am more excited to meet new people and learn about them and their interests over the course of my degree and beyond. Friends are always great to have around and I am sure that they are going to be key to making the most of medical school. Luckily, I have already made a few (you know who you are 😘) so I am less worried about starting out.
• Anatomy labs - HECK TO THE YES. This has me the most excited - being able to learn from those who lovingly and amazingly donated their bodies to medical science is something I will never get over - I will never have enough words to thank them, and only hope that I make enough of a difference in my future field of medicine to make their choice worthwhile.
• Clinical placements - this is what medicine is all about. Being able to put everything we have learnt in lectures and practicals into great use in real cases and with real patients. Making a real difference to people lives! It makes all the hard work worth it!!
• Learning more about Manchester as a city - something you can never be thankful enough for is the chance to explore new places, and I certainly look forward to doing just that. 
• Heck of a lot more, but not enough time in the world to share them all.... 

It is clear that starting a new degree, and for me one which I have spent my whole life prepping for, is going to make you feel nervous from time to time BUT the excitement overrules this every minute of the day. I cannot wait to get on my path to becoming a Doctor and really learning about myself! It is going to be a lot of hard work, but I am ready for the challenge and can't wait to show Manchester Medical School what I have to offer!!

Here's to the next chapter. 

H xx

Personal Statement clinic

It's easy to think you know where to start or how to write your personal statement, but it isn't until you come to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) that you realise the struggle that lies ahead. Your personal statement is the biggest and most unique piece of writing you are likely to have done (at this point in your life) - unless you are a graduate and had the stressful pleasure of writing your dissertation - so it is important that you don't rush, prepare like you would for an exam and think carefully about your best attributes that are going to make you stand out.

For a veteran like myself, writing personal statements has become second nature and I believe I have truly mastered the writing skills needed to make the admissions board wake up and smell the coffee - a new perspective on medicine, a breath of fresh air in their endless reading and something that makes them remember 'why medicine'. I don't say this to be cocky or up-my-own-***, I say this because from both personal statements I wrote and uploaded onto UCAS I received offers - something I think can be said is partly down to the way I express myself and my merits.

I didn't start this blog to tell you all of my triumphs and not help with those following in the medicine footsteps, but instead, I decided that it was my privilege to be able to give advice to similar students in the midst of applying to their future. Hence, I have decided that todays blog will focus on key tips I have to master writing your own personal statement. I hope you all find something worthwhile and keep your eyes out for my offers on social media to read over and give feedback on personal statements ahead of the UCAS deadline.

Top tips-

1. Never rush perfection - the personal statement is the eye to you for the admissions team to gain insight into what you are like as an individual and the reasons you should have a place to study. Don't be too quick to start writing, instead think about what you want to say and how you want to say it.

2. Be cautious of the word/line limit - this may seem an 'easy' thing to remember, but it soon turns into a challenge to keep to the limit once you get in the flow of writing. You must remember to say what you want to say without waffling - be consise and to the point.

3. Be picky with your work experience/volunteering - not everything you have done has a place in your personal statement. Some experiences need room for discussion at interview and others will show nothing extra to what you have already done. Make sure you know what you learned and don't repeat this by listing everything you have ever done. 

4. It is not a LIST - the number one thing NOT to do is list off everything you have ever done as a means to get into medical school. All applicants have done hundreds of hours, but that isn't what counts. What is the most important thing is that you are able to explain exactly what you learned from the experience and how this translates to medicine. 

5. Big yourself up - no explanation needed. 

6. Don't be cliche - it's easy to say and even easier to do. Remember exactly why you are wanting to study medicine and don't be fooled into thinking there is a right answer. Every pre-med student wants to make a difference to peoples lives - it's a key trait to wanting to be a doctor. But it isn't the only reason - think deep and think true as to why you really want to enter the field of medicine. 

Hopefully, with a few of the tips I have come to discover and hold true, you will be well on your way to securing the place you deserve at the medical school of your choice.

If there is anything more you would want to know from a been-there-done-that candidate, then feel free to contact me on social medical or via email -

@dreamsofamedic - Twitter and Instagram
holly.egan@hotmail.co.uk

All the best for this writing season.

New name, same me

Well, it has been a very eventful day - I am now no longer known as Biomed And The Blog, but instead Dreams Of A Medic!!

I made the decision this week, having finally become used to the idea that I will be A MEDICAL STUDENT as of September. I still want to help those going through the same or similar routes as me but wanted my business to represent me fully. I am no longer a Biomed stsudent and instead, a Biomed graduate studying medicine. The dream part of my new name came from my very dear boyfriend and fits me so very well - while I have reached my dream of becoming a medical student, there are still many more dreams I have for myself as I move through the path of becoming a Doctor!

I hope you will all continue to follow my journey - like I said, different name but the same old me!

All the best,
H x

UCAT (UKCAT)

Medical school admissions tests. 

It's that time of year again. 

The time most people applying to medical school dread. 

While the journey to medical school is no easy slog, it is safe to say that the part which is the least favoured is the aptitude tests which are required by nearly all schools as a way to ensure they are selecting the best candidates for the future of medicine. 

Within the UK, the two main tests are very different from each other and hence require skills which cannot be easily transferred. This is the reason most people decide to only sit one. 

Medicine is about many things, but one important aspect is being able to prioritise - something which I decided to take on board when first applying. I cannot speak on behalf of all applicants, but for me making sure I could 'smash' one test rather than do 'OK' at both was critical. The amount of applicants applying each year for a small number of places in mind-blowing. It's key that you do well in everything to give yourself the best chance at success - the aptitude tests included. For me, sitting only the UKCAT allowed me to focus intensely on one thing for the whole of the summer with no confusion relating to mixing up revision techniques for another test. It worked for me. But it may not work for you - find your mindset and go with it. 

For some, booking on and paying the fee for the test is all they do. Many a person are adamant that there is no way to revise for such aptitude tests - they say you either have the skills or you don't. Simple. HECK NO - skills, like anything can be learnt and mastered. I sat the UKCAT every year for 4 years and I very much doubt that my scores going up each time was a coincidence. Instead, I give credit to the tons on days I gave up having fun in the sun so that I could revise. Yes, there were times when all I wanted to do was sleep or go out with friends, but keeping my mind focused on my goals allowed me to push through and work hard for the place at medical school I knew I deserved. 

Getting a place at medical school is not easy. Why should it be? You one day will be the individual standing between someone’s life and their death. You will need to make decisions that cause you to question yourself and your beliefs. And there is no easy way to say it - it will be hard. So, of course, the steps we must take to get there are going to be hard. But the steps we must take to get there are not impossible. With a little work each day, it is easy to have your goals in sight. And with determination, resilience and passion that you must have to be considering a career in medicine, it is very much achievable. 

While I didn't get a perfect score on my final UKCAT, I can confidently say that I was 10 points away from being within the 9th decile of the country and so something I did worked. For that reason, I decided I wanted to share some of my tips to hopefully help as many of you out there as possible. 

1. A little revision everyday really does go a long way. 

2. Focus on the section(s) which you find the most difficult under the time constraints. 

3. Always practice under timed conditions. 

4. Complete as many full practice tests as possible.

5. If it is feasible, look into booking on to revision courses for your chosen test. 

While everything I have said on this post is personal preference, it might be worth trying. I am not the perfect applicant - no one is - but the tips I have to offer helped me achieve my dream so hopefully can help you achieve yours. 

All the best for this aptitude test season. 

H. x 

WOW...

It's hard to know where to start - since I last wrote a blog a lot has gone on, and a lot of amazing things have happened. It's safe to say that my life is great!!

Since the last time you heard from me, I handed in my dissertation (which at that moment did feel like I was handing over my first born child), I have sat 4 exams, I have been selected to make the closing speech at my graduation ceremony and I have (still giddy about saying this) achieved a 2.1 in Biomedical Sciences and secured my place at The University of Manchester to study medicine starting in September.

It might not seem like much to most, but to me and those that know me, this is a hell of a lot of hard work, over many, many years and means the world to me and more. It is something I have always dreamed of and had my eyes set on, and to say I have achieved it is the best thing to have ever happened to me!!

It goes to show that hard work, determination and inner strength in yourself really does pay off.

It isn't a long post today, as I am still attempting to catch my breath. But worry not, as I will be much more frequent with my blogging now as I get ready to start my next adventure and give tips to those planning for theirs.

Reach for your goals people - they really are in touching distance!!

All the best,
H xx

A day in my life

It's been a while since I caught you all up on my life - partly due to being head deep in dissertation work and partly due to still needing time to process my offers to study medicine. Buuut, I think it has been long enough and I am finally in a place where I can slow the role with my stress levels for a week or two.

Being a third-year Biomedical Sciences student isn't easy, and I never claim it to be. It has been one of the most stressful years of my life (and the year isn't over) but one that has come with so many highlights that I wouldn't change it for the world.

While third-year is busy, and especially so in the semester I am currently finishing, my timetable has never been all that full with things like lectures and seminars and instead my time has been dedicated to research. Below is a simplified breakdown of one day in my life....

7am - Rise and shine 
8.20am - Set off to catch the Metro into uni
9am - Take my favourite seat in the library (yes, by third-year that is a thing) and have some breakfast
9am-12.30pm - Work, work, work 

• At this point in the academic year and with my dissertation in full swing, this consisted of reading published journal articles and papers which looked into the field of research linked with my dissertation as well as completing statistical tests on my data. 

12.30pm-1pm - Lunch 

1pm-5pm - Work some more

5pm - Head home 

5.30pm - Tea time and catching up with my housemates

6pm-9.30pm - Work a little bit more/Revise 

9.30pm - Shower

10pm - Bed 

It is a wonder that I had time to spend with my family, friends and Kieron, but by making my Monday-Friday this productive it meant that I could take the weekend to myself! It may not have been the most social semester in my time at university, but it has been a semester that means a lot with regards to my degree and so I wanted to ensure I worked at all times to my maximum. 

While this blog has been a little different to my previous, I hope you still all enjoy!

H. x

Getting the interview and securing the offer - medical school style

4 interviews for medical school - wow.

4 offers for medical school - naaa, that only happens to a handful of people - not me.

^The thoughts I had at the back of my mind throughout the whole process of applying to medical school. Turns out I was wrong; it is possible if you believe in yourself, push through obstacles and work hard for what you want. Success is only a hop, skip and jump away!

I had a 'person' (as Meredith and Christina would word it), or a few for that matter that have helped me along the way to reach the point in which I am today - from my parents always being behind me no matter what, to my best friend (Miss Sophie) making me see the good in everything and always being there to help when I was feeling deflated, to the amazing current medical students, junior doctors and, consultants that have allowed me to shadow them in clinics and theatre, and been on hand to read through many, many personal statement drafts. The success in my life cannot be put all down to me - there are many people who have helped me to believe in myself along the way and for that I will be eternally thankful! That being said, 110% of me has gone into my application process to get to here, I have worked for 12+ hours on countless days, given up being able to go out and party and even let friends and family down time and time again to put my dream of being a doctor as my priority - something I would do again and again!

For those beginning to think about starting the journey I have made, welcome to the best and most stressful times of your life!

To make sure you make it to the other side with your head held high and offers in hand, I have put together my tips and tricks to keeping sane and being the best version of yourself.

Getting the interview:

•   This is one of the biggest hurdles to jump over, but to me not the biggest - that's yet to come! It is a time in your life that will possibly feel like it never ends. You spend all your spare time between classes and revision writing draft after draft after draft of your personal statement, only to hate the way it reads or be told by someone reading it that it is 'bland'. So you start again. The cycle progresses for a few weeks before you hit the jackpot and write the perfect personal statement that really does show off your character, and all the work experience you have undertaken. Bingo! Now you are half way to getting that place at medical school. 

•   That is, once the dreaded UKCAT/BMAT/GAMSAT test has been taken - another daunting and stressful time to say the least. You can practice, practice, practice and still feel underprepared. It's a test like no other and it really can be down to luck of the day and the pick of the questions that can make or break you succeeding. BUT, I have a secret weapon to ensure success - alongside the months I spent revising for the UKCAT, I was fortunate enough to have the funds to take part in the 'Kaplan UCAT® (UKCAT) Course' in Manchester. A course that was the saving grace and a real game changer in getting my scores from 650 up to 830! The course is pricey to say the least, but if medicine is really what you want to do and you cannot see yourself doing anything else then my advice - save up and do it! It will be the best investment you make for a very long time!

•   All this being said, there really is no point in doing any of this if there is any doubt in your mind that medicine may not be for you. You have to love your volunteering and work experience placements, want to make a difference to peoples lives and enjoy learning (because let's be honest, the hard work has not started at all yet). If you can't truly say to yourself I will be a doctor because that is all I have ever wanted to be and all I care to do, then I say think carefully about your decision. Medicine is a long degree, and it doesn't stop there. Make sure it is what you really do want! 

Securing an offer:

•   So, you have the interviews and you've set a date for them - at least 2 weeks away from the time you get them is the best advice I can give - now it's time to get yourself into gear and be prepared to show off yourself and what you have to offer and make the schools see that you are a student they want! 

•   Interview season can be beyond stressful; trust me I have been there, got the t-shirt and my parents can vouch for this. It's a time of uncertainty and of unease, and that's for the ones like me that have been preparing all their life for this. The fear of not being known what in the world you are going to be asked can make your mind run away with you - from planning out answers to 'why medicine?' all the way to worrying that they will ask you on the current situation in Bermuda and they way in which this affects healthcare worldwide. The best advice for this? Look at past questions ANY and ALL medical schools have asked, and the ones that scare you think of answers for - do this as bullet points only though. You don't want your answers to sound rehearsed. 

•   For my personal interview preparation (which has appeared to work), I made myself a folder and divided it up into sections for each medical school interview, Good Medical Practice and the NHS Code of Conduct and then a section which included me looking at all the question types on the 'The Medic Portal'. From this I felt beyond prepared to answer anything the interviewers threw at me, with confidence and self-worth. 

•   Remaining yourself throughout the whole interview process is key, and if you are only to take home one thing from this blog this is it! Losing yourself in the process is a possibility - there is potentially a lot of travelling, very different interview styles to prepare for and the chance that you are putting everything on one or two interviews going well. Of course, you are going to try and present yourself as the best version of yourself - but this can go wrong and you can fall at the hurdle of making yourself appear as a robot when being asked about yourself and why you want to study medicine. That's the worst mistake an applicant can make. If you can't remain 100% yourself throughout, then you fear being changed all the way through your time at medical school and beyond - an 'ideal' that you have created of what the perfect applicant looks like; something that doesn't exist. We are all different, all offer different attributes to the school and to the medical vocation, and this is what encompasses this profession. Being yourself is what got you to the interview, so why change?!

•   Finally, something I can say have been victim too - pondering on 'bad' answers. This is a mistake of colossal size, which can cost many an applicant a place at medical school, sleep and their sanity. Once you have answered a question and moved on, then move on. You can't go back in time, you can't take words back and worrying about it will not help anyone in anyway. Instead, learn from it. You didn't know about the Junior Doctor contract? (may not be the right profession for you, but..) Research. You struggled to answer 'why a doctor and not a nurse?' Write down all the reasons for and against both, look into the ways in which you can progress within each profession and any major differences between both that have been critical in your decision. Interviews are all about being prepared and constantly learning. It's a skill that develops the more you practice and the more you have interviews. AND the interviewers know this. We aren't all born with the gift of confidence, but we all have the ability to learn and that's what the interviewers will see. The determination you show to get the place that you deserve. 

I guess it sounds easier said than done, but I've made it to the other side and been lucky enough to have my hard work and dedication pay off, so I know that it is possible. Sticking to your gut, being yourself and working to reach your goals are the difference between being able to sit and study knowing you're going to medical school and being left disappointed. It's that's simple. My tips may not work for all, but the generic theory behind them all is something I believe can work for everyone applying to medical school. Maybe it's about all the work you put into succeeding, or maybe it's about the amount you believe in yourself. Maybe it's both. Either way, I'm saying a little prayer for all of you who will begin embarking on this journey soon - embrace the challenges and celebrate each success. It really is an adventure. One that I will never forget. 

Love H. x