With the UCAS application deadline on the horizon, we sat down with Head of Admissions at BSMS, Darren Beaney, to find out a bit more about what happens once you submit your application alongside some more specific questions about applying to BSMS.
What happens to my UCAS application once I press 'submit'?
UCAS will process your application and forward it to the University of Brighton. You will then be given access to the Student Application Portal. Any correspondence from BSMS will come to you via the portal.
What is considered when my application is reviewed?
We will make sure that you meet our academic requirements and also see if you meet any contextual data criteria. Assuming you meet our academic criteria, we will then wait for your BMAT score. When we receive it, you will be ranked according to your score (out of 28). We will then use the rankings to select for interview.
Why don't BSMS use personal statements?
Personal statements have become very generic and most applicants will be telling the admissions tutors very similar things. The marking of personal statements is also very subjective and therefore the results may not always appear fair. In addition, some applicants receive little or no guidance while others will receive lots of help when writing their statement. By not using them, and only using BMAT for interview selection, we believe that everyone will have an equal chance of success.
Why do BSMS offer 30% of their interview spaces to Contextual Data candidates?
BSMS is firmly committed to widening access to medicine and this commitment encourages CD candidates to apply as they know they will have a reasonable chance of securing an interview.
Can you see who else I've applied to?
No
Can you see my fifth option?
No
How long does it take to review an application?
Not very long. There is a delay while we wait for BMAT results and there may be a delay for some individuals while we verify contextual data. We also need to calculate how many interviews we need to hold.
Can I reapply again to BSMS?
Yes – there is no limit on how many times you can apply to BSMS.
What happens if I miss the deadline, or if my application is late?
Medical schools are not obliged to accept late applications. If you do apply late and feel that you have a valid reason for missing the deadline you should contact BSMS straight away to discuss, if not you will be rejected.
When do I submit my preferences?
You can make you decisions whenever you wish (up until early May). If your preferred choice makes you an early offer before any other institution you can accept it right way or wait until you have heard back from all of your choices.
For more information on applying to BSMS and the application process, visit our dedicated application pages via the link below.
Read more about applying to BSMS >