A Levels too old?

[Phoenixi]

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I did my London GCE A-Levels in 2001 and received AAA in the sciences. I then did college in the United States and majored in English and received a BA and MA (3.5 GPA) from a competitive institution.

However, now I want to apply to medical schools in the UK. Are my A-Levels still valid? I will be taking the BMAT and other necessary admission tests next year but was wondering if:
1. My A-Levels are too old (i.e. expired)
2. If my English degree and low GPA will be a hindrance
3. What I can do to make myself more competitive

Thank you.

 

[Scottish Chap]

I did my London GCE A-Levels in 2001 and received AAA in the sciences. I then did college in the United States and majored in English and received a BA and MA (3.5 GPA) from a competitive institution.

However, now I want to apply to medical schools in the UK. Are my A-Levels still valid? I will be taking the BMAT and other necessary admission tests next year but was wondering if:
1. My A-Levels are too old (i.e. expired)
2. If my English degree and low GPA will be a hindrance
3. What I can do to make myself more competitive

Thank you.

Your A Levels are still valid and I venture to guess that they carry more weight since British medical schools will be more familiar with those than a North American GPA. That said, you should still try to target graduate entry programs because you have a degree--some schools may require science courses at the undergraduate level for the GEPs, but I'll bet they are in the minority. I think the UCKAT/BMAT will be your ticket, so try to do well on it. Good luck!

 

[bambi]

No, your A levels aren't too old, however a lot of places take your most recent qualifications for admissions so if you end up with a 2.2 it wont matter how many As you have at A level. Not everywhere is like this but a lot of places are now so check. Having a US degree might work in your favour because obv UK schools are less familiar with them but it might not help. A few years ago they just said foreign grads needed grades similar to what they would need in their home country but a lot of places now ask for a specific GPA. If you have a low GPA you would be better sticking to 5/6yr courses, with the competition for the 4yrs you are unlikely to get in, if you don't meet the grad level requirements it is a total waste of an application, you just wont get in. 5yr courses are more likely to consider your A levels.