How did the Access to Birmingham (A2B) programme help you prepare for University?

The two main parts of the A2B programme that helped me the most were the mock medicine interviews and the academic assignment. The mock interviews gave me confidence to perform well in my medical school interviews. 

What would be your top tips to anyone considering applying to University and the A2B scheme?

My tips for applying to universities would be to

• Go to as many open days as you can and get a feel for the universities
• Research the courses at different universities – for example, medicine at Oxford/Cambridge has a different focus to medicine at Birmingham! Choose the course that suits you!
• For medicine especially, make sure you look at your GCSEs and UKCAT scores and choose medical schools strategically. The personal statement is also important so make sure it includes relevant work experience and voluntary work

For the A2B assignment:

• Start early – your first assignment draft is not your final one! You can always edit after feedback from your A2B tutor
• Regularly contact your tutor
• Put in effort and do your best – it is harder than the assignments at college, but this will give you an advantage when you start at University! Also, for high scoring candidates, you may be eligible for another scholarship!

Assignments for A2B was challenging at first as I had never attempted an assignment like this. I knew that passing the assignment was important for the A2B module but that it was also the type of work that would be expected at University level. In my first semester, I was asked to write a reflective essay which would count for first year. Having done the A2B assignment, I believe this allowed me to get started and excel. I ended up getting a high mark!

What would be your advice or top tips to anyone about to start studying your programme in the College of Medical & Dental Sciences

• Try and keep up with lectures and small group sessions as you go along the semester – it is natural to fall behind but remember you have time to catch up during holidays
• Use your time smartly! For example, more intense pieces of work (e.g. anatomy sheets) should be done when you are more alert and less intense pieces of work can be completed when you’re less alert
• Learn and revise actively. Google this!

What has been your biggest achievement at University?

My biggest achievement at University has been passing my finals and finally becoming a Doctor!

What other opportunities has studying at University given you?

I have been a student ambassador throughout my time at university and I have absolutely loved it. I have been a mentor on various summer schools and the highlight has been the ability to make a difference to students lives by helping them get into their University and course of their choice. In fact, some of my mentees are now studying medicine at this University!

As part of my course, I chose to do my elective abroad in Malaysia to experience a different healthcare system. It was a great experience and I learnt a lot about diseases that are rarely seen in the UK. After my elective placement, I thoroughly enjoyed travelling around South East Asia for 8 weeks!

Sum up your time at the University of Birmingham in three words.

• Tough
• Rewarding
• Memorable

What do you hope to go on to do in the future (after Graduation)?

I will be working as a Junior Doctor in the West Midlands area! I am not sure which area of medicine I would like to specialise in as there are so many but hopefully I can narrow this down!