Your Ultimate UCAS MedApp Timeline Checklist
Read Time: 5 minutes.
Hey, future medics!
If you aim to secure a medical school spot, planning early isn’t just a good idea.
It’s essential.
Juggling IB exam stress, looming deadlines, and the UCAS application altogether, I have learned this firsthand.
If I were to start again, here’s my 4-phase roadmap.
P.S. My friend is hosting a completely free UCAT webinar this weekend.
P.S.S. Join the waitlist for a new productivity system. 👀🧠
1. The groundwork (Sep-Jan of Y12)
Goal: Research, shadow, and strategize.
Checklist
Compare entry requirements of med schools, UCAT cutoffs, and teaching styles.
Start to think about “Why Medicine?” for your personal statement
Email GPs/ hospitals now to secure shadowing.
Tips
Aim for 1 GP placement, 1 hospital rotation, 1 research project (lab work, journal clubs), and 1 volunteering role.
Jot down patient interactions or insights - they’ll supercharge your personal statement later. Details are KING. 👑
Make the most of your Christmas holidays!! 🎄
🎯 How to land a research position?
Established research programs or by cold emailing, e.g. the Nuffield Research Program.
I curated a paid ultimate guide for you to secure opportunities like this!
2. Gaining momentum on A levels (Feb-May of Y12)
Brutal truth: Grades are your golden ticket. The UCAT and interviews come later.
Checklist
Target A*AA/ IB 43 (or equivalent) for top-tier schools.
Draft your personal statement first, perfect later.
Ask teachers who’ve seen your grit (Bio/Chem teachers) to write your references.
Try a couple of UCAT questions and get yourself familiar with the format. Note that the BMAT has been scrapped! You don’t need to take that.
Tips
Try out different study techniques! E.g. the Feynman technique and spaced repetition.
Make use of UCAT preparatory materials such as the official UCAT mocks and Medify.
Track your progress & notes in Notion or Google Docs.
3. UCAT and PS (June-Sep of Y12)
The home stretch: UCAT crunch time, finalising your personal statement.
Checklist
Book early for UCAT. Aim for 2300+ with mocks. (Note that full mark now is 2700, instead of 3600)
Finalise your personal statement. Get feedback from teachers, mentors, or me!
Confirm your references. Give referees your CV and standout achievements.
Tips
This is the worst time to burn out! Schedule breaks like exams (e.g., 25-minute Pomodoro sprints).
Calendar everything. Mark UCAS deadlines (Oct 15!) and UCAT test dates.
🎯 How do I write my personal statement?
The personal statement format has changed for the 2026 entry and later. You can find the details here.
You may refer to my free guide below on crafting a compelling personal statement or my paid guide for a detailed breakdown of the questions.
How to Write a Compelling UCAS Med Personal Statement
If you are applying for Medicine in the coming cycles, this article is for you.
#4 Post-submission (Oct onwards of Y13)
By this stage, you have submitted your UCAS application.
You are almost there!
Checklist
Start to practice for MMI interviews! Practice ethical scenarios and NHS-related questions especially. I have curated the complete MMI database with all the questions you need to prepare for.
Plan B: Explore gap years or allied health courses—just in case.
Tips
Record yourself answering “Why Medicine?” until it’s natural. It is also important to get someone to practise with you live. You may contact me for mock interviews when the time comes.
Submitted UCAS? Treat yourself to a meal or gift! Celebrate small wins.
Start early and stay organized
Planning is the key to turning a daunting process into a manageable, step-by-step journey.
Make use of systems and software that can supercharge your productivity, e.g. Notion.
(Here are some free templates to get started!)
Remember, every milestone reached - no matter how small - is a step towards your dream of becoming a doctor. Get started now, stay consistent, and embrace the journey, whatever the outcome is. :)
When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help:
Want to chat about study techniques, productivity, MedApp tips, or life design? Simply DM me on LinkedIn! Don’t be shy.
Are you an ambitious student looking to get into top medical schools? Send me an email at themedicadam@gmail.com with “MED” as subject for personalised guidance.
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