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In Focus - Helena Cook

Helena Cook

Year of Study: Year 4

Helena Cook reveals why she wanted to study at BSMS, how she prepared for interviews and her top tip for any student thinking about applying.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

The small year group size, proximity to home. How members of staff knew people in the year groups by name and the family feel this created. Also, I enjoyed the mixture of ways of learning as this provided variety and opportunities to practice different learning techniques. Brighton is a diverse city and it’s interesting to learn medicine in somewhere with such a diverse population and progressive curriculum.

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

I did a week in a GP surgery, volunteered in a care home and spent some time in ophthalmology - which confirmed that I don’t want to be an ophthalmologist! My work experience in a GP surgery taught me professionalism, engagement with patients and the importance of confidentiality and rapport in medicine.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

I used two textbooks and did practice questions from these. In hindsight didn’t know there were practice papers available online!

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

I had a mock interview with my form tutor before my panel interview. Also practised with my mum who is brutally honest. Thought about likely questions and came up with ideas that I could talk about from my work experience, part time job and hobbies. I worked on not fidgeting as well as that’s a big downfall of mine!

What’s your top tip for interviews?

Be yourself, smile and be friendly. I think personality and approachability are so important in communication. Also, be honest if you don’t know the answer - no one likes a liar, but make sure to have a go and use logic.

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

That actually my part-time jobs were the making of me in terms of learning skills and confidence in applying to medical school, and to not doubt yourself and your ability to get in so much because results day and the first term are a bit of a shock otherwise!

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

Looked at distance from home, campus style. Didn’t want to choose too many BMAT options in case I did it badly. Then went on a few open days - shared lifts with a friend and looked at the feel of the place and the type of teaching they offered.

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

I found it so hard! Not in terms of cooking/looking after myself but emotionally it was a big change. I did a lot of extra-curricular things at school and came to university having dropped them so when I started doing things like medic revue in first year I was a lot happier and felt much less homesick. I was quite young so it was a big adjustment but I did settle and made time for my hobbies again like singing and helping with BrightMed (a bit like volunteering with cubs).

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

I love the clinical years. Paediatrics placement was amazing and I found gastroenterology and hepatology so interesting in how they produce symptoms!

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

Finishing third year after so many exams in a week, all heading down to the beach for celebrations, ice cream and swimming with a fab year group that was about to be split up by intercalating.

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

The beach and how close it is! Running routes are made so much lovelier by it.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

Trading Post is such a great cafe! And Ditchling Beacon is beautiful as well. But the beach... too many to choose from!

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

Take it one step at a time in the application process. Be yourself and do the things you enjoy - don’t do triple science if you hate physics. A part-time job is much more rewarding financially and personally than a week’s work experience with a leading cardiothoracic surgeon if you don’t have a clue what’s going on!