There are a number of things to consider when applying for medical school. This includes work experience/volunteering, choosing a medical school, UCAS application and medical school interviews.

• Applying to medical school generally involves applying through UCAS
• During the application process, you need to apply as an individual NOT through a school, college or centre
• The deadline is 15 October every year

Key factors to consider include:

• Whether to study a 4-year Graduate Entry medicine degree, which are highly competitive with fewer places available, or a standard 5-year degree
• Funding issues. See our Funding box below for the differences between 4-year and 5-year courses
• How you want to learn. You will find traditional courses, integrated courses and problem-based learning (PBL) courses
• Cadaver dissection - not all courses do this
• Admission tests required. It could be UCAT, BMAT or GAMSAT. However, some don't require any for Graduate Entry courses.

There are several medicine courses being offered in Europe that are taught in English, as well as others in Ireland, Australia, USA and Hong Kong. Important issues to consider include:

• Fees and the possibility of getting funding/scholarships/bursaries/loans
• Application procedure and deadlines, admission tests and entry requirements
• Can you practise in the UK after gaining an overseas qualification?

Links to communities and discussions for medicine: