Applying to a new UK Medical School

If you are planning to go to medical school, why not apply to one of the newer ones. With competition for places so high, see some of the advantages of applying to one of the 5 new medical schools in the UK!

Why am I writing this blog?

As an A-level student, applying to medical schools was a nerve-wracking experience. With the competitive nature of the medical field, I wanted to maximise my chances of getting accepted into a medicine, which led me to explore newer medical schools. Out of the four schools I applied to, I was lucky enough to receive an offer, an interview, and ultimately, a place at Lincoln Medical School. It was established in 2018 and will have its first graduating class this year!

At first, I was a little apprehensive about attending a medical school that was so new – I didn’t know anyone who had gone there before and wasn’t sure what to expect. However, after completing my first year at Lincoln, I’ve come to realise that being part of a new medical school has a lot of advantages that I never could have anticipated. I wanted to write this post to shed light on some of the newer schools applicants might not be aware of and to show how great it can be to attend one!

Smaller Cohort = Better learning!

One of the biggest benefits of being at a new medical school is the small cohort size. There have been 5 new medical schools since 2018, all of them have one thing in common – they have a much smaller student cohort compared to more established schools. For example, Lincoln’s first year cohort only has 80 students! This smaller class size creates an environment where you have more one-on-one time with your lecturers, and it’s easier to form close relationships with your classmates. You’ll have more opportunities to get extra help from your teachers and peers when you need it, and the learning environment is much less intimidating.

The small cohort size also means that there are more opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Lincoln offers clinical drop-in sessions for groups and individuals, where you can practice your clinical skills in a state-of-the-art hospital simulation suite. You’ll also have more chances to get involved in brand new clubs and societies, as well as take on leadership roles early on. When I was in my first year, I was able to take on committee roles for two new medical societies, meaning I can quickly work my way up the ranks, which can be a huge boost to my CV.

Control of your learning experience

Another great aspect of being at a new medical school is the chance to be at the forefront of change and growth. New medical schools are always looking for ways to improve their courses, and as a student, you have the opportunity to be part of that process. You can bring new ideas and strategies to the table and make a real difference in the learning experience for yourself and future students. A lot of older institutions have their set, tried and tested ways – limiting the changes they make year by year.

However, by attending a new medical school, you could be seeing changes every semester, using strategies other schools may not be using. In addition, there are many opportunities to represent your school in established medical organisations. You can reach out to any organisation you’re interested in and offer to be the point of contact for your medical school! For example, I know a classmate who is really interested in medical literature and politics, so Lincoln Medical School recently appointed them as the school’s BMA spokesperson! Getting involved in medical organisations and nationwide societies by standing in as an ambassador looks amazing on a CV!

Summary

In conclusion, if you’re considering applying to a new medical school, I highly recommend it! With medicine becoming increasingly competitive (a whopping 26,830 applicants for 2023!) , it’s a smart choice to apply to a school that may not have as much competition. The small cohort size, opportunities for hands-on learning, and the chance to be part of a growing and evolving school make it a no-brainer in my opinion. Plus, who doesn’t love being part of a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals?

So, don’t let the idea of attending a new medical school scare you – embrace it! You never know, it could be the best decision you make for your medical career.