Should I Even Apply to Medical School?

12th June 2025

The Truth About Getting In, Studying Medicine & Whether It’s All Worth It

So, you’re between 14 and 18 and you’ve got this little voice in your head whispering: “Maybe I want to be a doctor…”

But that voice probably isn’t alone. It’s also joined by:
➡️ “Isn’t medicine ridiculously hard to get into?”
➡️ “What if I’m not smart enough?”
➡️ “Six years of uni? And all that debt?”
➡️ “What if I get in and can’t handle the pressure?”

These are all completely normal doubts — in fact, they show you’re thinking carefully. Applying for medicine is a big decision, and it’s not for everyone. So let’s take an honest look at the facts, the fears, and whether it’s a path worth pursuing.

Should I Even Apply to Medical School? Premed Projects

🎯 First Things First: Is Medicine Right for You?

Let’s not sugar-coat it: medicine is demanding. It’s also incredibly rewarding.

Here’s a quick litmus test. Do you:

  • Enjoy science and problem-solving?
  • Like helping others?
  • Stay calm under pressure (or at least want to learn how)?
  • Want a job that really matters?

If the answer is yes to most of the above, then medicine could be the right choice for you.

But wanting to become a doctor just because you’re good at science, or because your parents think you should, might not be enough. You’ll be studying medicine for five to six years, followed by years of training, and then taking on one of the most emotionally and mentally challenging jobs out there.

So before thinking about applications, think about motivation.

🎢 Is It Really That Hard to Get Into?

Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: Yes, but not impossible — and totally doable with the right approach.

👇 Here are the cold hard facts:

  • Around 24,000+ people apply for medicine in the UK each year.
  • Roughly 1 in 3 get in.
  • Most applicants have all A/A predicted grades* and strong UCAT/BMAT scores.
  • You’ll need top GCSEs (especially in science, maths, and English).
  • Work experience, interviews, personal statements and admissions tests all play a role.

It’s competitive, but you don’t have to be the smartest person in your school. You need:
✅ Commitment
✅ Consistency
✅ A strong application strategy

🧠 Tip: If you’re unsure where to start with work experience or your UCAT prep, check out:
👉 https://www.premedprojects.co.uk/in-person-courses
They offer placements and guidance that are great for students like you — even if you’re just exploring.

Should I Even Apply to Medical School? Premed Projects

🎓 What’s Medical School Actually Like?

Once you get in, the next question is — can you cope?

Here’s the reality:

  • The first couple of years are heavy on lectures, anatomy, and science.
  • You’ll study long hours — this isn’t like your average university course.
  • Later years involve clinical placements in hospitals and GP practices.
  • It can be mentally tough and emotionally draining — you’ll deal with illness, pressure, and real lives.

BUT…

  • You’ll make lifelong friends who understand exactly what you’re going through.
  • You’ll gain massive confidence, knowledge and resilience.
  • You’ll never be bored — every day is different.
  • You’ll know you’re training to save lives.

Yes, it’s hard. But thousands of students survive (and thrive) in medical school every single year.

And when it feels overwhelming? You’ll find support — from university services, friends, tutors, and the wider med student community.

💷 Is It Worth the Time & Money?

Six years of study. Tuition fees. Student loans. Missed parties. Summer exams. NHS shifts that start at 5am.

You might be asking: “Is it actually worth it?”

Let’s break it down.

📌 The Pros:

  • Job Security – There’s always demand for doctors.
  • High Salary Potential – Junior doctors start at ~£32K, consultants can earn over £100K+.
  • Respect & Responsibility – It’s one of the most respected jobs out there.
  • Global Opportunities – Medical degrees are recognised around the world.
  • It’s Meaningful – You’ll never wonder why your work matters.

😓 The Cons:

  • Long training period (even after university)
  • High stress
  • Unusual hours (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays)
  • Emotionally intense – life, death, and everything in between

🔄 So is it worth it?
If you want a comfortable, easy, chilled job — then no.
If you want a meaningful, challenging, and incredible career — then yes.

🤔 Still Not Sure? Try It Out First.

Don’t rush into applying if you’re unsure. But don’t walk away from it without exploring what medicine actually feels like.

Here are a few things you can do to test the waters:

✅ Do Work Experience

Nothing beats hands-on insight.
Premed Projects run hospital work experience weeks for students aged 14–18 that include real exposure to medicine in action — whether it’s in London, online, or abroad.
👉 https://www.premedprojects.co.uk/

✅ Talk to Medical Students

Ask them how they found the application process, and what uni life is like. Most are honest, and many will tell you the good and the bad.

✅ Visit Medical School Open Days

You’ll get a vibe for the course style, the workload, and the environment.

✅ Try Online Courses or Summer Schools

Some medical schools offer online or in-person summer schools where you can try lectures, mock UCAT questions, and sample clinical skills.

Should I Even Apply to Medical School? Premed Projects

💬 What Real Students Say

“I wasn’t 100% sure medicine was for me until I did a week with Premed Projects. Seeing doctors in action made me realise I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
— Anna, Year 12

“It’s hard, yes. But it’s also fascinating. Once you start, you can’t stop wanting to learn more.”
— Jacob, Medical Student at Manchester

“I didn’t get in the first time — but I learned loads and reapplied. Now I’m in my second year and loving it.”
— Nafeesa, Graduate Entry Medicine

✨ Final Thoughts

Choosing to apply for medicine is a big deal. It’s not easy. It’s not a guaranteed path. It’s not for the faint-hearted.

But it is worth it.

If you’re the kind of person who:

  • Wants to make a difference
  • Is ready to work hard
  • Can bounce back from knock-backs
  • And is endlessly curious about people, science and health…

…then don’t let the fear of difficulty stop you.

💬 Start slow. Explore. Get some experience. Talk to people.
And when you’re ready — go for it. Because the world always needs more brilliant, caring, determined future doctors.

👣 Ready to Explore Medicine Further?

Here are some great next steps:

🔗 Work Experience Opportunities:
www.premedprojects.co.uk/medicine-work-experience

🔗 Online Courses (Perfect if You’re New to It All):
https://www.premedprojects.co.uk/online-courses

🔗 Student Blogs & Application Advice:
https://www.premedprojects.co.uk/articles

Medical School Interview Questions

What Is Multiple Mini Interview Format (MMI)

What Makes A Good Doctor?