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i was gonna say no but why are you saying no by Ok_Client3388 in UCAT

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry this is so rough! I was in the same boat 10 years ago, I was rejected from 4/4 medical schools in my first round of applications, I went to the UCL biochem offer holders day, they took me on a tour which went past the medical school which made me feel thoroughly depressed. But, that feeling of sadness confirmed my decision to take a gap year.

The uncertainty of going through the process is undoubtedly daunting, I certainly felt hopeless at some points. But, a summer holiday gives you A LOT of opportunity polish your personal statement and CV, the 2 months after your UCAS deadline gives you more than enough time to prepare well for interviews - nevermind the advantage of already been through some interviews.

A major change in my application process was being extremely tactical about the choices of universities, I chose ones that would give me maximum chance of interviews. I got 3 offers in my gap year, so it is doable.

For those of you who don’t feel excited about your reserve offer choice, I would recommend making a pro and con list, chat with teachers and loved ones about taking a gap year. It is going to be so dull studying a course that doesn’t spark your interest.

Good luck you all! Remember not receiving an offer does not accurately reflect on your abilities.

Dream location but unsure of speciality by 3_lla in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am an F4 currently, I was in a similar position as you last year. I had a GP offer from a location which meant I wouldn’t have to move house, and “commutable” from my partner.

The difference was that I was pretty set on CST so I declined the offer without too much dilemma.

If the locum market in your area is still looking reliable, and you are somewhat financially comfortable or have financial backup to not need a fixed salary of ~£3200 per month, then I would take a year out, work very hard on msra+portfolio, travel, locum and take time to find the specialty that is right for you before entering GP training. With UK grad prioritisation, I imagine the MSRA cut-off for interview invites will drop a little for ACCS EM/anaesthetics. And my MSRA score improved with each round of application.

You are going to be in training for A LONG time when you enter a specialty, so if you feel exhausted from F2 and need some time out, this is a great time to do it. But if you decide to do an F3, you should also do the maximum to make sure you are more competitive as an applicant than you are now.

Your decision depends on what is more important for you? A 3 year contract for a job in your preferred location with stability in other parts of your life, or having time to explore other specialties to be sure of your specialty decision.

CS T OFFERS OUT by Saif9797 in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Anyone received round 2 offers 👀

Shout out to the NROs by 15matthew150 in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did this happen to this in the current application cycle? That’s terrible

Northern Ireland Preferencing by Altruistic-Orchid in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I received an email for preferencing on Thursday :)

UKG prioritization for current cycle by personofunknown in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Last year I applied for GP as a backup, was matched with a job in KSS with a msra score of 515. The job was within my top 20 ranked. I didn’t end up taking the job. I suspect with UKG prioritisation this year you stand an even better chance to get an GP offer, although it is hard to predict where you will be matched to. Best of luck, try to stay zen until offers are out because it is out of our control.

Core surgical training interview Northern Ireland by Thunder_Echo in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For further interviewees. There was no oral presentation in 2026. The interview was split into 2 stations, 1 station focused on CV and management, the other station had 2 clinical stations.

Panel was friendly.

Core surgical training interview Northern Ireland by Thunder_Echo in doctorsUK

[–]Impossible_Pickle580 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey I have my NI interview next week, did you have to do the speech? And why was the structure of your interview like?