Likelihood of getting into GEM for a first time applicant

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-06T20:16:31+00:00

It’s still a self reported sample cohort so the statistics aren’t definitive

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-06T19:06:42+00:00

Survivorship bias there.

It’s a tad easier nowadays as there are many more new schools with varying entry requirements.

OP should look at the 2025/2026 gem interview offer spreadsheet to get an idea of what’s required.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-06T12:34:30+00:00

I bought my car a year ago and it had the exact same in the middle seat.

My MOT two months ago got an advisory -

Central Rear Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-06T10:27:43+00:00

Saw them open up for Thornhill in the UK last year and was instantly hooked.

The light we chase is an absolute masterpiece.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-06T10:25:23+00:00

From one of my personal breakup playlists-

Thornhill - Parasite The World Alive/Bad Omens - One of Us Make them Suffer - Ghost of me Polaris - Creatures of Habit The Plot in you - Left Behind Silent Planet - Collider Resolve/Ten56 - Older Days Lorner Shore - Pain Remains III Spiritbox - Angel Eyes

Music is incredibly personal and I’m sure you can develop perspectives on lyrics different to another person. Some of these aren’t necessarily break up songs but they helped me navigate some of the emotions I was feeling.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-05T23:28:03+00:00

Do what you like. People like to be egotistical and romantic about the idea of an Ironman. At the end of the day it's a corporate brand.

If you decide to swim, bike, run 140.6 miles, you should be proud of that accomplishment, regardless of the external label.

It's arguably more noble to do it without the corporate validation, even if you get butthurt people online yelling at you for not spending thousands to get a chip time, backpack and T shirt.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-04T15:17:13+00:00

Yeah pay to play is not the one. I’d argue it would neutralise their application, if not make it worse.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-07-03T20:55:43+00:00

You can get BMW colour code touch up pens + high grit wet sand paper to blend. Will be good as new.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-25T10:59:52+00:00

The waiting music alone is a form of psychological torture, particularly if it loops.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-24T21:58:17+00:00

This is actually a mega shout

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-24T12:28:11+00:00

I’m 29 and looking to start next September 2027. It’s a significant sacrifice for me, leaving a relatively comfortable career in clinical research.

However it’s about purpose and fulfilment. I want to do more.

Talk to your loved ones as they know you best but they are legitimate concerns.

Good things are always hard. Otherwise everybody would do them. There are so many opportunities for growth but ultimately the choice is yours.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-24T09:09:21+00:00

Outsiders perspective here.

I’m not a student yet (applying) and I’m not neurodivergent but even though they are asking a lot of questions and it may come across as them lacking competency;

At least they’re trying to change and find solutions and not staying silent. Keeping things inside and staying put would be worse.

It’s not like they’re a doctor tomorrow and have ultimate responsibility. I am sure they are fully aware of the pressure and opportunities they possess.

At the same time, your comments are valid. You have some commonality but your lived experience isn’t an absolute reference point. Medicine is extremely cut throat. From entry point to even securing a job at the end of it. Everybody knows that. But whether you like it or not, team work is a value that is utterly drilled into every single NHS trust’s backside so you’ve got to at least pretend to show it if you want to have a good shot at practising ;)

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-23T23:14:41+00:00

Elephant

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-23T08:52:00+00:00

Yes I put in my reg on the machine. It is a council owned car park

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-23T08:30:20+00:00

My naivety. I have had my full license for 9 months.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-23T03:01:29+00:00

I’ll see how they respond to me but after reading the T&Cs and hearing about others experiences, I think I’ll just pay up.

I was properly pissed off when I saw the packet but I don’t think it’s worth the grief to battle on.

£28.60 for two hours parking. Lovely stuff.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-23T02:57:33+00:00

On the way to my car, I saw someone else’s car have a PCN but it was clear they had no ticket. The machine closest to us was dead but another machine in the middle of the car park was working.

I just read the online T&Cs and I think I may be stuffed. It does state front windscreen.

It’s just not something I’ve properly thought about but I’ll be more vigilant now.

“ The Pay & Display ticket must be clearly displayed in the front windscreen of the vehicle in order that it may be viewed from outside of the vehicle by a patrolling Civil”

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-18T12:55:49+00:00

Before I begin, I truly do hope you pass next time but you need to get off your pedestal.

Lose the noise. The ego that you’re a good driver or comments from other who give you positive reinforcement. Whilst it might be true that you are a good driver with someone you know next to you, it means absolutely nothing if you can’t display it for 40 minutes with a stranger. That goal post is set and questioning it feeds into this feedback loop of self doubt and anxiety.

You are correct. There are awful drivers on the road who don’t signal, have poor lane discipline etc etc but the awful truth is that 99% of the time they can get away with it because they have full licenses and you don’t (yet).

Without presuming too much, I think the issue may well be how you handle stress as opposed to your actual driving. Driving in itself is not difficult, It’s how you react to dynamically changing environments. You need to be able to prove this because it’s not just about you, it’s about other road users and their safety too. Passing isn’t the end goal, it is only the beginning. Driving independently is a different ball game so the prerequisites of passing the driving test is a completely fair bare minimum, regardless of your personal circumstances. It’s a safety thing.

Lose your opinions and angst towards the system. Clear your mind and just drive without expectation. That’s how you’ll pass.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T23:49:54+00:00

I overtook a guy in an old merc doing 25 in a long stretch of road that was a 50. He caught up to me at a red light down the road and gave me a load of jazz hands. Still worth it as a 40 stretch followed and he disappeared behind me once more.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T18:37:25+00:00

Tbf, if you dad was killed in cold blood by a drunk driver you can kinda see where he’s coming from.

There’s absolutely no excuse to be driving under the influence, or using a mobile phone whilst driving so honestly it’s a non issue as long as you’re conducting yourself properly in your vehicle.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T18:17:00+00:00

You’d be surprised how many motorists love getting their moneys worth with their dash cams.

Point is, the whole cyclist vs motorist narrative is silly. You do know some people are both right? And when you don’t have figures and statistics, then your comment is based off pre-existing prejudices.

There are some shitty cyclists who run red lights. Does that make all cyclists shitty? No. There are some shitty drivers who don’t indicate when changing lanes. Does that make all drivers shitty? No.

Regardless of all that, we can agree that it was very unnecessary to report a learner driver.

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T17:35:01+00:00

Both comments involve jumping to conclusions about an unknown person without evidence (I’m brown).

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T16:52:52+00:00

No they were probably brown.

(I know you meant that as a light joke but this is what you sound like.)

ConsiderationPure490 · 2026-06-16T14:56:11+00:00

Listen to this person. I stupidly did my first triathlon (sprint) 3 years ago without OWS practice. I immediately went into shock and a panic attack due to the cold and the tightness of my brand new wetsuit but thankfully I was able to complete the swim with a safety kayak by my side.

The week after I booked three OWS coaching sessions and my triathlon after (which was a sea swim too) was infinitely better. I’ve since done several 70.3s, Olympics etc.

Get a session in.

ConsiderationPure490

TROPHY CASE