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In Focus - Megan Harrison

Megan Harrison

Year of Study: Year 5

Year 5 student Megan Harrison reveals what made her want to study at BSMS, the piece of advice she'd give her younger self and her favourite thing about studying and living in Brighton. Read her answers in full below or watch her video here.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

When I met the medical students helping out on the open day it just made me really happy how friendly and welcoming everyone was! It made me feel like I could really fit in and make lots of friends. Brighton as a place seemed really quirky and interesting and I felt very at home when I visited. The course structure also appealed to me - having an integrated approach with early clinical contact and exciting methods of teaching like dissection, living anatomy and patient educators felt like a very hands-on approach.

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

I did some experience with a psychiatrist and a GP, as well as volunteering on a hospital ward. The most valuable part of this was chatting to doctors and health care professionals - about what the career would actually be like from a first-hand perspective, as well as discussing aspects of holistic care. Having a chance to see patients in hospital and have a chat with them as well was useful just to practise communication and hear their experiences.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

I did practise questions from a UKCAT book but to be honest I found the UKCAT quite hard and abstract and didn't end up doing fantastically overall. My advice would be practise as much as possible. For the BMAT I had a preparation book and did lots of revision of the GCSE science and additional science curriculum, and did lots of past papers. For the essay section I did practice essays and gave them to teachers from different subjects at my school for feedback - although they hadn't seen the BMAT before it was useful to have a few different opinions on areas to improve.

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

I made sure I was prepared to talk in depth about anything in my personal statement, and looked over some mock preparation questions online. I had a practise interview with the psychiatrist I did my work experience with who said he wouldn't let me in but gave me some very good advice - to not look for the perfect answer and what I thought he wanted to hear but instead just be myself and say what I actually think in response to the questions.

What’s your top tip for interviews?

To reiterate my last point - be yourself! Make sure you have thought about common things that could be asked and have some ideas prepared but don't overthink the question stress out if you stumble - just say what you think. I know it isn't as easy as it sounds but try to relax as well as it really helps with building rapport - try not to let the icy exterior of some interviewers throw you as they're normally nice people.

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

Getting into medical school does not mean you're on a conveyor belt to the rest of your life, and progression through a medical career does not equate to success or happiness. When I got into med school part of me thought that that meant my life was basically sorted for me - I'd do med school, then foundation years then specialty training and then be a consultant and that I'd essentially secured my future. There is so, so much more to learn along the way - med school is so much more than just getting a medical degree. Also, there is absolutely no rush to race through the stages of your career and it's important to live life along the way, take time out and prioritise your happiness. Everyone has a different path and everyone changes their mind about their future - you can't really plan what's going to happen!

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

To be honest I didn't mind that much where I was - at the end of the day a medical degree is a medical degree, wherever you go to med school. I didn't do amazingly in my UKCAT so applied mostly for BMAT unis, and then decided on BSMS over my other offer because it's where I thought I would be happiest (I think I was right).

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

I was so excited to come to uni that I hadn't really expected to be as overwhelmed as I was. I felt like I'd done the hard work by getting in and the rest would come easily but getting in is only step 1! It's quite a lot meeting so many new people and fit in and trying to adapt to being independent and figure out how to manage the work. Even just how I wanted to make lecture notes I found a stressful decision! Acknowledging that it's a big transition and taking things one day at a time helped me to feel more at home.

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

Definitely the clinical years, and I think now I am in final year and the pieces are coming together a bit more for me and I feel helpful on the wards I am finding the prospect of being a doctor exciting (though still scary!). The placement I enjoyed the most was probably paediatrics!

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

My friends! I'm not sure if this is what the question is asking for and I know it sounds cheesy but for me the highlight of BSMS is the people. Over the 5/6 years you study, course mates become family as you're bonded through the ups and downs of day-to-day life as a med student and it's definitely made my time at med school much better.

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

Brighton is just such a cool place! Being close to the sea is so amazing, there is so much happening and loads of great places to eat and hang out. There's lots to do when friends and family come and visit. We're also very close to the countryside and there's lots of nature about which I love. Also the people here aren't afraid to express themselves, you meet a lot of very interesting people and it's a very accepting community.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

I like going to the Seven Sisters cliffs, it's a little way down the coast but it has such amazing views and is a very peaceful place! Also Terre a Terre and Food for Friends are amazing veggie restaurants!

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

Make sure to prioritise your happiness and wellbeing - you're going to be at med school for five or six years and it's important to feel at home and content. Make sure to de-stress and have fun! Don't feel bad about taking a day off to chill out or go out with your friends or visit your family. Getting into medicine really isn't all there is to life (I know it can feel like it when you're applying) but if you don't get in you can try again and again, or there are also lots of other rewarding and challenging careers out there that you could do amazingly at!