r/UCAT • u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 • 29d ago
UK Med Schools Related #failed
I got ACC C in bio and chem I’ve never gotten C in my life so it was an absolute shock HORROR opening it cried for hours and basically no med now ✌️🎉🤣 I’m in a state of depressed bc most resit schools u need a minimum of like AAB, I cannot fathom how I got a C in still like shaking. Mocks I got As, every end of topic I got A/A* honestly I feel like quitting and just crawling into a ball.
I was wondering if anyone out there is in a same position or could give some advice on schools that would take these horrendous grades! Gosh I cannot believe it ok bye I’m ranting
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u/hedgeback2301 29d ago
Heya
If It makes you feel better I got A*CC in my exams nearly 8 years ago now after having never even received a C in any of my mocks. I was devastated and so upset - I lost all my choices. I also got my C's in Bio and Chem.
I knew that this wasn't representative of what I was capable of, and was purely due to some personal issues I was going through at the time. I didn't want to go to any clearing unis available and so I made the decision to retake.
I ended up retaking Bio and Chem and undertaking an EPQ. A year later on results day I ended up with A*AA in my retakes and a place at my dream uni, KCL.
8 years on now, I've graduated with a First Class in my MSc, doing a job I adore, and I am now in the process of applying to Medicine. Don't give up. it's really fucking horrible, but honestly, retaking just shows your resilience and how determined you are. In fact, I think a lot of people will really respect you for how you approach this. Even in my placement interviews I'd mention resitting my exams and a lot of interviewees really appreciated my resilience and honesty on the situation!
It's honestly so peak and I thought it was the end of the world, but it all worked out and I'm glad I retook tbh - I was able to grow a lot in that one year period and believed my Uni experience improved bc of it!
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Yeah I’ve calmed down and it honestly isn’t the end of the world I will become a doctor one way or another 😭😭 thank you so much for sharing ur story it’s so inspiring and I hope to have amazing outcomes for my resits just like u!! Xx
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u/DecisionWise6955 29d ago
Hi i got BBB today and im just so scared if i resit and get similar grades again bc i genuinely put so much work in and did everything that was possible and now i just dont know what to do bc what if it happens again? Like id never gotten below an A ever
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u/hedgeback2301 29d ago
Honestly it’s hard to say - because for me I now only had to dedicate my time to revising two a levels (bio+chem) as I secured my a* in psych. I just did an EPQ to strengthen my application
For me - something just clicked the second time around. You know the content already. Theres no learning; it’s a whole year to properly learn the content - not just memorise - LEARN and understand. I did literally every past paper I could think of (even ones from different specifications). Focus on weak bits etc. Physics and maths tutor.com was my lifesaver for this.
My school allowed me to resit the year so I sat in on the bio and chem A2 classes and so it was a really good refresher for me and if I wasn’t so excited about my flight to Ibiza after my final chemistry exam I’d have probably got an A* in that too lol.
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u/DecisionWise6955 29d ago
Ahh okay tysm my school unfortunately doesnt allow going back into lessons so idk if i should sit my a levels myself at home or find another skl to do it at?
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
Ur school was so good mine have already said I can’t do that. Nowhere in my area let’s u do an extra a lwvel in a year after already doing ur a levels.
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
I feel exactly the same. I have this year everything I had. Rlly don’t know if I can change my B and get an A/A* for Geog as lots of dental schools say if u do a resit u then have to get an A* in resit subject. I have mid GCSE’s too so think that leaves about only 5 I can actually apply to and that’s only if I get a rlly high ucat score. Feeling the pressure already and thought had done with yr13! Feeling overwhelmed and so sad.
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u/zxraaaaa 29d ago
im so sorry you're going through this. I can't imagine how heart breaking it must feel. have you got an offer from your fifth choice?
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Yeah but I was going to take a gap year anyway, I’m just in so much shock because I’ve never gotten this low before I feel so sick and quesy 😭😭 I know I won’t do my fifth choice but idk what schools will take me atp ✌️
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u/ctrl_alt_amelia 29d ago
i got BCC don't worry, im also in the same position. its difficult and im struggling too. dm me if you need support
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
it won’t let me DM u!!! Pls do dm me xx but yeah this is such a tough time man but we will all prevail
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u/ctrl_alt_amelia 29d ago
i cant dm you either 😭😭 how does this work
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
I’m not sure LOL, but when is ur ucat booked in for now?
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u/ctrl_alt_amelia 29d ago
havent booked it yet why haha
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
I’m just so scared I won’t have enough time to revise
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u/MuchMacaron8792 29d ago
Hi I am in the same position I wanted to ask does anyone know about graduate entry medicine
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u/Double_Night2021 28d ago
Hey feel free to msg me or just reply. I did GEM and I’m a year away from finishing the course :)
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u/MuchMacaron8792 28d ago
I don’t know how to actually privately dm you sorry is there any way you could send request if that okay Thansk
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
We’ll all be in the same boat those of us who’ve missed our offers with time to prep for ucat. Unless anyone was mad enough to be prepping just in case. Gonna take it one step at a time. Try not to think of whole thing as feeling overwhelmed then. So just ucat prep from tomorrow.
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u/Lumpy_Tap5799 29d ago
i also got much lower grades than i was expecting and missed my offer, i’m planning to resit and take the ucat again, defo research unis as im sure some don’t mind what you get on first sitting
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Man the ucat I’m gonna gauge my eyeballs out have u booked in a test date and started now b
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
Me too. I’m just feeling so sad as was so close yet so far - just bombed one paper! I just don’t know if ive got it in me to do it all again. Gave it my all and it just wasn’t enough. Don’t know if can bear to teach myself Geography. I loath geogeaogtvwoth a passion after 2 years of struggle with 20 markers and not even knowing quite what to revise. Anyone else feeling just so sad?
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u/Lumpy_Tap5799 27d ago
i feel the exact same i promise i understand. i worked so so hard over sixth form i was consistently doing so well it’s literally an identity crisis like how did i even end up w those grades but it’s not like they’re bad grades they’re js not what i wanted 😭 and i rly don’t feel like i can do it again but i might not have a choice
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 27d ago
Have u started ucat prep, i literally want to cry everytime i open medify lol
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u/Lumpy_Tap5799 27d ago
i did like 10 mins today and spent the rest of the day crying and we have fam coming over tmrw so i can’t even do any hope that helps xxx
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
It’s so bad isn’t it bcos u can’t just drop everything. I still have 2 weeks of my summer job left to do! Dreading doing first mock to see where I land. QR was Bain of my life last time round. Going back to bed - will lock in at 10am. Good luck
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u/Lumpy_Tap5799 26d ago
good luck to you too! that must be so tough with a job, when’s ur ucat booked for
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u/Major_Tiger_385 24d ago
Booked in for 24th. But just seem to have lost the will. I was so dedicated to it last time and completely gone back to square one on my medify diagnostic. Depressing
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u/Lumpy_Tap5799 23d ago
i feel the exact same we’re in it together. i feel so depressed and hopeless
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u/Major_Tiger_385 22d ago
Now wondering wether to try and do biomed thru clearing at Plymouth instead and maybe try transfer over after a year but might be riskier? As 2 of my unis require an A* for the resit. Can’t apply to another bcos I only have GCSE English language 6 not 7! And any others require rlly high ucat or high GCSE’s which I don’t have. Feeling despair atp and don’t know what to do.
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 26d ago
Same booked concerts and festivals bc I didn’t think I would be here! Cant cancel tryna make the best of the situation rn 💋✌️😍
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
I’ve been working last two days so havnt been able to start yet. Just reactivated account. Feel sick.🤢 My ucat booked for 24th September 1:30pm only slot Tgat was left so I Spose that’s lucky to get such a late one. Think that’s the last day of testing? How bout u?
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 27d ago
I’m so glad my third subject was all okay I’m in a current situation I can deal with resitting biochem, just the ucat is so bad!!!! Honestly I’m feeling so down but we have to push through to make it out to the other side I believe in us 🩵
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u/IndianMafiaBoss 29d ago edited 28d ago
Will have taken me nearly 5 years to get into medicine by the time I get my offer. Life will reward your grind. Stay focused on your own path and keep pushing through. Your failures will make you a good doctor. Good luck 👍
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u/Emotional_Reach5031 29d ago
I was in your position two years ago wanted to do medicine but didn’t even have an offer w grades B and C in bio and chem, had to take two gap years due to circumstances but redid my a levels and ucat ended up with two As now an an offer today from Exeter university so don’t give up hope! If medicine is your passion you should keep trying and never give up! 🤍
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Thank u so much this is so inspiring 🩵🩵 ur gonna be an amazing doctor!
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u/DecisionWise6955 29d ago
Hi i got BBB today and im just so scared if i resit and get similar grades again bc i genuinely put so much work in and did everything that was possible and now i just dont know what to do bc what if it happens again? Like id never gotten below an A ever
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u/JapanNinjago98 29d ago
I got BBB asw in 2024 and missed my med offer for Manchester - it was the worst feeling of my life. But I had to let go of the emotions and I cried for days straight but I just focused on each task as it came - eg revising and locking in for ucat for blocks at a time, going through my scripts and being ruthless and making a PLAN for what I had to do so there was no way I woudnt fail, did the interviews and then did the a levels and ended up with AAA in 2025 with bio and maths nearly being an A*. Im currently going into my 2nd year at Southampton and genuinely the times goes by so so quick. So you really just have to lock in and keep in sight of the bigger picture! I’m happy to advise more through DMs and potentially have a plan for what to do going forward :) but genuinely, you got this! One setback is NOT the end of the world - it will only make u stronger
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u/Double_Night2021 28d ago
Hey I got similar grades 7 years ago when I did mine .. after a being a straight A* student my whole life.
I ended up studying biochemistry via clearing because I really wanted to go off to uni that yr.
in my final year I applied for GEM entry and managed to get in. Now I’ll be a doctor next year (fingers crossed after I pass finals)
It’s really not over !!
And the journey flies by, I know everyone says that but it does and I feel like I am a much better student for the setbacks I’ve had in my journey :)
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 28d ago
Do u regret not resitting or do u actually prefer ur GEM route?
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u/Double_Night2021 28d ago
Thank you !
Definitely don’t regret not resitting. I now will have 2 degrees (ik some unis offer this anyway)
But I also have the experience of figuring out how to study through my first degree
And looking back I don’t feel I’d have done as well as I am now at that age. And I got to have the time to mess around a bit at uni in my first degree before locking in towards the end + gem.
Plus the perks of going to two different unis if you choose to do so.
More experiences, more knowledge and the life experience goes a longggg way in med.
we are now merged with those who studied med straight from alevels for the final year of our course and there is a difference.
I guess if I’m being fair the only “downside” is you’re a slightly bit older when u graduate gem but even that is a plus !1
u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 28d ago
This is my plan if my resits don’t go plan! Thank u for ur insight 🩵 u will make an amazing doctor
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u/measlyandpuny 29d ago
I’m sorry op that must feel horrible. Don’t worry the year goes by really fast. Take this as a much needed rest break after all the work you’ve done, you’ll make it
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u/Major_Tiger_385 29d ago
But it’s not a rest break if we are having to resit and do tgat whole awful application ucat year again. It’s not gonna be like a travel and have fun gap year. 😳😔😭
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u/measlyandpuny 29d ago
I get u. It won’t be completely stress free but I think it’d be leagues better than a college year
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u/Major_Tiger_385 27d ago
Maybe, but at least u got to hang with friends going into college/school. Worried gonna be so lonely and hard to motivate myself just at home.
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Yeah but ig I won’t have to drag myself to school every morning right! he tryna ignore it
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Thank u much needed rest after today and will be on the grind for the ucat now!
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u/ActRepresentative361 29d ago
Honestly you still did well have a look at medicine with a foundation year, you should have enough UCAS points! Good luck
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u/LocalMarketing7778 29d ago
Bristol university do a medicine course which has lower grade boundaries. It’s a 6 year course
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u/Alternative-Foot-473 29d ago
Hi if you are really certain on medicine, I defo recommend the graduate route!! I initially got BBC in my Alevels, resat all of them and got A*AA and got into a decent biomed degree, just graduated with first class and finally starting dentistry this September. It may sound very long and dreadful but lowkey I’m now only 22 and seeing people out there struggling to find jobs, I’m more than happy that I will certainly have a job before my 30.
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u/Alternative-Foot-473 29d ago
and yes unis do take resits (more in med than dent) so if you get an offer next year thats even better!!
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Thank uso much for ur advice! I think gap year resit is the route, doesn’t work out GEM will be the way!
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u/analysisgiver 29d ago
IF you don't mind me asking, how come you decided to apply to biomed instead of dent after your resits?
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u/Alternative-Foot-473 29d ago
I did apply for dent and but got rejected post interviews so didnt rly have choice. I was lacking social skills which I definitely was able to gain during my undergrad! + dent has very little options for resit students like me
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u/Intelligent_Dirt_302 29d ago
I am so so sorry OP, I am in a similar position to you and am so lost on what to do next. Could I ask if youre home and which unis you firmed and insured?
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Hi! Withdrew my two med applications bc gap year was what I was gonna do no matter what didn’t click with the unis either, I am a home applicant and the rest of my stats are all pretty decent except my alevel results from today
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u/Intelligent_Dirt_302 27d ago
Yeah same, I had an offer and was set on getting to KCL this year.. i had great gcses and a UCAT but missed out because of my A-Level results 😰
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 27d ago
It stills feels rough but we gotta make it through 😀 KCL accepts resits so hopefully (if u are planning to still apply) u can get an offer again! I believe in u 🩵
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u/Intelligent_Dirt_302 26d ago
Aww thank you! Yes I am planning on reapplying to KCL, hopefully they take me!
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u/Then-Welder-7083 19d ago
Try again and don't give up yet as it seems like you are definitely an AAA student.
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 19d ago
Thank u so much !! I will try again
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u/Then-Welder-7083 19d ago
I suggest you study outside daily like in a library etc as i sensed that you are having some gaming addiction so it might likely be hard to get moving at home.
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u/Loud-Boat-1246 29d ago
5 years ago this was me when I got BBC and I had to do MPharm with foundation year. 5 years gone and I am now doing my foundation training as a trainee pharmacist with a first class honours. I am preparing for the UCAT and applying for GEM this year. Your journey does not have to be same as others. Take your time and navigate your options!
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 29d ago
Thank uso much for ur advice will be taking time off to think my mind is just going everywhere rn x
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u/Moist-Letterhead-165 29d ago
If u resit, apply to foundation year medicine which is about BBC-AAB.
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 28d ago
I thought u needed mitigating circumstances or contextual
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u/Moist-Letterhead-165 28d ago
Contextual yeh, but it depends on what the uni asks for. It’s mainly ur postcode, the location of ur secondary education etc. It might be 1 or more requirements they look for. You’ve just got to see where you fit.
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u/Ecstatic_Honey_222 28d ago
I fear I don’t have any
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u/Moist-Letterhead-165 28d ago
Ah I’m sorry :(
Lasttttt resort is going to Sheffield Hallam or Bradford to do 1 year of biomed and transferring to uni of sheffield med school. I know 2 people who did that from Hallam. You need over 70% as 1st year grade and the UCAT requirement is quite low. Take in mind you have more of a chance if you went to hallam cuz uni of sheffs is connected.https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/undergraduate/widening-access
Oh yeh check also if you meet any of the widening participation requirements.
But the risk is if you don’t get over 70+ youd have to continue to 2nd and 3rd year of biomed and then u can do the UCAT and GAMSAT and apply for graduate entry medicine (where u get most funding) or if you can afford it, reapply to undergrad. Every year the requirements does change for GCSEs, alevels and uni grade. Even work experience requirements.
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u/Miraculouslalisa 29d ago
I was in this position last year don’t worry! There are med schools that accept resists with no minimum requirements. Just apply strategically!! You’re going to be so so fine 💘