This student applied in the 2021/22 application cycle and therefore the selection process at Keele may have changed since then. You should read all the information a University sends you about the selection process to get the most up to date details!
Remember to check out the glossary at the bottom of the page for our explanations of all the jargon we medical students like to use!
Our Summary
Course: Standard undergraduate entry
Online MMI interview
Admissions Tests: UCAT
Before I made my application…
Choosing to apply
When did you decide you wanted to apply to medicine?
I decided to study medicine from around year 9 this was because I developed a passion for both biology but also a fulfilling feeling from helping people and helping solve problems which I used to do when I played cricket for school and my local club.
How did you choose what medical schools to apply to?
I chose the universities according to my ucat results and grades which gave me the best possible chance at gaining a place at medical school, furthermore I aimed to choose the universities which were closest to home
Completing work experience
What types of work experience did you do?
Care work (e.g. in residential care), Volunteered at the local foodbank and coaching at my local cricket club
How much work experience did you do?
I did an hour a week for coaching cricket however this has always been long term for me and I did around a month at the local foodbank during the lockdown for a few hours a week
How did you find your work experience opportunities?
Through asking someone I knew to take me on
During the application process…
Admissions tests
What admissions test did you sit?
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
How did you prepare for your admissions test?
In order to prepare for my admissions test I firstly researched online tips on how to prepare for the UCAT and the way to approach practice questions, after this I analysed the way in which I would answer question through using a systematic approach. From then in the 6 weeks leading up to my exam I would complete online practice questions and in the final few weeks I completed at least one mock test a day to get ready and used to the timings of the exam.
Interviews
What type of interview did you do?
MMI: Multiple Mini Interview. This type of interview usually includes several short interviews or ‘stations’ which may involve different types of questions and scenarios. This is different compared to a panel interview, which may cover the same scenarios/types of questions but be a more ‘traditional’ sit-down interview.
How did you prepare for your interview?
In order to prepare for my interviews I researched about the universities I was applying for including what was unique and individual to their courses for instance the course structure and how that would individually best help me as a learner. Furthermore I looked into both the societies and unions the universities had to offer and through this I narrowed down which universities would help me not only develop academically but personally as well aiding me in my professional development. I also used the GMCs points as to what are qualities needed to be a successful practitioner and the roles a doctor would play in different ethical situations. Finally I also made sure I reflected upon my volunteering and applied how that would help me as a future doctor, also though reading NHS hot topics how we can better improve our future practice.
What happened during your interview?
We had different stations in which we needed to carry out a station in which we interacted with actors aiding and providing advice to them. Furthermore we discussed about the university and their structure and styles of their courses. A few stations involved me reflecting on my volunteering that I had carried out in the past. Finally discussing global topical issues and how we should aim to resolve them.
Do you have any further advice?
Be confident and believe in yourself this is something which I lacked during the application process, keep going and endure because it’s a large commitment. Finally make time for yourself this is something I’ve learnt during my time so far at medical school it’s healthy to have a good work life balance and will give you the best chances, also take each opportunity whilst it’s on offer because it will also help you grow within your professional development.
Glossary
Clinical work experience: Not every student will complete clinical work experience before they apply to medical school. Don’t worry, this is not required to be able to apply. You can use non-clinical work experience (e.g. a caring role, like in a care home) or even reflect on paid work you’ve done (e.g. in customer service) in a productive way.
GMC Guidelines for Good Medical Practice: These guidelines describe what it means to be a good doctor. These can help guide you during your preparation for your application and how you answer questions in interviews. GMC Good Practice
Role play: some interviews or interview stations may require you to engage in a bit of role play. You might have to act out being in a scenario where you might have to deliver bad news or a clinical decision.
