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The first thing you need to know about becoming a doctor is that you will need to undergo extremely rigorous academic testing to ensure that you are capable of meeting the requirements that a doctor is required to fulfill.

The second thing you need to know is that competition to get into the industry is very fierce and as such university admissions boards have been known to rely on GCSE results as a last port of call to establish your suitability.

So the very first thing you need to do is ensure that you have at least five A’s at GCSE level. Three of which should be the three sciences; chemistry, physics and biology.

If you don’t have an A in those three subjects you need to resit the exam/s. If you have less than perfect grades in Science subjects you won’t get a second look in for university admission.

In addition to your GCSE’s you will also need to have at least three A levels. You will also need these to be science based and pass with flying colours. The simple fact is if you don’t have straight A’s in everything you do the likelihood of you being selected is slim to none.

Social sciences rarely count towards your eligibility so that generally rules out Psychology and Sociology. General studies will not be accepted and this is generally the case for most courses.

It is always a good idea to have more than three A levels as this will show that you have an acute aptitude for academic study. This will go in your favour when it comes to applying.

You will then be ready to apply to your chosen university. You apply via UCAS and await their decision. You will also have to sit examinations in preparation for your study which you must pass as well.

Do be warned though that multiple resits will go against you and preferential treatment will be given to candidates who passed their exams the first time around. This is worth taking into consideration when your friends ask you to go out!

Remember that the early bird is the first to catch the worm! You need to be vigilant, keep up your studies and don’t give in.
The doctors in the UK are some of the best in the world because of the extreme testing they are subjected to in the early stages of their careers. You can do it, but you need to be prepared for the intense workload that you have ahead of you.

Good luck with your studies!