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In Focus - Alex Nye

Alex Nye

Year of Study: Intercalating (year 4)

Intercalating student Alex Nye reveals what made her want to study at BSMS, what piece of advice she would give herself before applying to medicine and her tips for managing the transition to university. Read her answers in full below or watch her video here.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I really liked the combination of sea, city and countryside in Brighton; it felt like there would always be something to do. Also, the students studying at BSMS on my interview day really enjoyed the formatting of the course, and all seemed to know each other - BSMS has a very naturally friendly atmosphere. Early clinical exposure was something I was very keen on (my favourite bit of medicine) and BSMS was one of the places that offered that.

What work experience did you undertake before applying to medicine? How was it beneficial?

I had quite a bit of varied work experience as I was someone who enjoyed being in a working environment, so don't think you have to do all of this! Clinically, I did a week in a GP practice and half a week in my local A & E department. I also volunteered in a stroke rehabilitation ward for a while. In addition, I did about 4 weeks in an infant school and also undertook loads of volunteering for Girl Guiding UK with children aged 5-16. I also had two jobs during Sixth Form; I was an after-school care assistant at an all-boys infant school and also worked as a sales consultant in Next.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

UCAT – practice! The classic book everyone gets is very difficult, so maybe avoid that one. I preferred using online resources as they were really useful in assessing your strengths and weaknesses, plus they are a lot more like the real thing! Avoid spending loads of money on resources as they all tend to be the same anyway, and it isn't really something you can be taught. If you can, try to message people who you may know who have recently applied and borrow their books. One of my friends sat the UCAT before I had done and gave me all her books for free which was super helpful!

BMAT – I’d suggest the same sort of thing to be honest. Try get books from libraries, or people who have previously done them. Ask you college/sixth form if they can order some in. The CGP GCSE science revision books, BBC websites and YouTube were really useful in reminding me of my science GCSEs as it had been a while! Practice writing essays and ask your friends to read them.

How did you prepare for your interview(s) for medical school?

I made a pack of information about each place where I would be interviewing. I included information about:

The location and where the medical school is
Timings
Why I wanted to go to that medical school in particular
Demographics/location info

I also listed important points from my personal statement in case they asked me about it (often it is 6 months between writing it and interviewing, so you might have forgotten what you have said).

What’s your top tip for interviews?

Being prepared will reassure you, but the most important thing is to be genuine. Showing who you are and why you want to do this is really what people want to see, not a rehearsed answer 50 times over.You will be nervous and this is fine - the interviewers will expect this. Try and use your nerves to tell yourself it is proof of how much you want it, and you just need to spend a little time showing why you should be given that opportunity. Even if it doesn't feel like it went to plan, it was a positive experience that you can learn from (and often I found the worst ones were actually the ones I did better in!).

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could have given your younger self when thinking about/applying to medicine?

Not to revolve my whole life around medicine. In sixth form, I definitely fell into the trap of focusing so much on getting into medical school. It is important to remember you will end up in medicine at some point if you really want it, and that your life will involve medicine eventually, it just doesn't need to revolve around it!

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I looked at the entry requirements and shortened down to a list of those that I could apply to. Then, I had a look at what best suited my style of learning, and the area in which it was. Ultimately though, make sure you are applying because you know you are a good candidate to their medicine applications first. Then, if you have the privilege of choosing, make sure you choose somewhere where you will be happy. Look at things like teaching styles, assessments, opportunities, living costs, and things to do in the local area.

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

I did a foundation year before coming to BSMS in clinical sciences/medicine at Bradford University (I believe the course has now moved to Sheffield). At the time, I was devastated I had missed my grades for 2 of my offers. With hindsight, I actually think this helped me to transition into university.

At first, university is a bit of a shock. You think A-Levels were the hardest thing to ever happen to your educational career, and to be honest they usually are. However, at university you find yourself having more independence, different methods of learning, and new things to do, such as Turnitin, referencing, and creating more academic pieces of work.

Whilst this is all quite intimidating initially, using the support networks around you such as your friends, people in the year above, and going to introduction lectures/library sessions/contacting your course librarian can all really help.

I also found out I was dyslexic as I came to university following an assessment we did at the medical school - if you are struggling speak to somebody as there may be ways of adapting your learning.

The most important thing is to share your good and bad points with other people, as they will probably feel the same, but maybe about different bits so you can help each other. Also, it really helps having that support network.

Which part of your course have you found the most interesting so far?

I am currently intercalating at Barts Medical School in Pre-Hospital Care. This means I am taking a year out between my 3rd and 4th years of medicine at BSMS to study a separate degree. It has been such an amazing opportunity. I am learning new skills which will be useful for when I return to medicine, plus it has been great to meet new people and live in a new city.

I also really enjoyed my psychiatry, elderly, respiratory and acute care placements in my third year - I really like learning clinical skills and getting to join in with the healthcare professionals on the ward.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

The people. It has been such an amazing opportunity to meet so many supportive and caring friends.

What is your favourite thing about studying and living in Brighton?

All the stuff to do! I love being able to just have a walk around - the beach, the city (North Laine, restaurants, pubs, cafes, brunch places - there's so much for everyone!), the South Downs. It is a great place to get fresh air and clear your mind. Plus, the people are so friendly which I was worried about coming from Yorkshire, but I don't notice any difference!

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

‘Moksha’, ‘Six’ and ‘Cafe Rust’ for brunch,
‘Pelicano’ for massive slices of cake,
‘Pizzaface’ for the best vegan pizzas,
‘Bayleaf’ for Indian cuisine,
Rottingdean and Devil's Dyke for walks,
The beach - always,
‘Revenge’ for a night out,
‘The Barley Mow’ for some board games and drinks on a chilly winter day

(I could list forever to be honest)

What is your top tip for prospective applicants applying to study medicine?

Make sure you have a life as well as medicine. You don't want to place your entire worth on a place in medicine, make sure to enjoy and look after yourself as well. It can take people a few different tries to get into medicine, and it doesn't make them any less of a medical student.