Passing the GAMSAT : non science background

[@catherinesullivan1823]

I really needed this today. I took my UCAT yesterday and got 2230 🤦🏻‍♀️ so definitely won’t be getting into GEM this year. I woke up this morning and decided to formulate a new plan and I’m going to do the GAMSAT. Seeing what you have achieved is so inspiring.

[@StephLou95]

Sounds like you're in the exact same boat as me!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner! It toom me about 3 bloody attempts and I swear all through med school I was waiting for them to call me and say my grade on the GAMSAT was wrong and I couldn't continue! I even asked Ash after I graduated if it was wrong could they take my degree back! How is it coming?

[@rimelius]

This is so inspiring! To use the metaphor you gave, I have to say that, sadly, I’m the kind of applicant that might have to retake the Gamsat 10 consecutive years before to get in, either because of the test itself or because of the application. I won’t give up, and your mindset “I will be a doctor” is the best motto!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Ah I'm so glad to hear! good luck with it and I hope it treats you easy!

[@catherinesullivan1823]

How are you getting on?

[@deekircher21]

Considering that you are a non science background, this gives me hope

[@DrLauren-Jane]

You'll get there!

[@foxbraydon7989]

i guess I am kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to watch new series online ?

[@darrenrussell3214]

@Fox Braydon flixportal :)

[@foxbraydon7989]

@Darren Russell thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !!

[@darrenrussell3214]

@Fox Braydon you are welcome =)

[@wolfsmith1671]

Your perseverance is inspiring. Congratulations on achieving your dream!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you!

[@nadinencube4187]

this is EXACTLY what I needed!! Thank you so much! I liked when you said that you always knew that you would get into med and you would not let this test stop you, because that's also how i feel as well. Congrats on getting in!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you and you too!

[@adama.r.6798]

This is so motivational, I will remember your resilience when preparing for the exam myself.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you, Adam and good luck!!

[@muftiusmanqureshi5874]

Dear Dr Lauren, thank you very much for your sincere and beneficial advice. This video was exactly what i needed to watch.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you, feel free to ask me more questions over on insta @thesurgicaldoctor

[@christiancox9614]

Very inspiring video. Taking the GAMSAT again in March. Thanks for your advice

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Good luck! Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

[@HaveFunALittle]

This gives me so much hope. I'm going into my third year at uni doing an economics degree and I'm slightly scared of having to study for the gamsat, ucat and my degree all at the same time while volunteering and, you know, not dying. I do have an A in A-Level in chemistry but that was in 2018 and I can hardly remember a thing. But I hope at least that will give me more of an advantage

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Good luck, Darya! Let me know if you have questions I can answer.

[@HaveFunALittle]

Hi Lauren! Just wanted to come back here and tell you that I (finally) took the GAMSAT for the first time in September and came out with a 67! I was shocked haha. Thank you so much for your tips and the inspiration.

[@sofya6553]

Thank you so much, this is so useful and well thought out. Exactly what I was looking for and in no way expected to find it! THANK YOU 💫

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you!

[@fasiatbashir5752]

Thank you so much for this video! Very detailed and informative and now I feel like I can actually do it and have a solid place to start. Bless you 🥰

[@DrLauren-Jane]

You're so welcome. Let me know if you need any help

[@natoyle]

Wish i watched your video (or it was available 11 years ago). Im now 31 and going to start studying and hopefully sit the gamsat in a few years. Thanks doc

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Oh good luck! Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions

[@agemjourney5457]

Thank you for this video, my score overall is high enough for interview but I'm one mark short in section three, so frustrating but hopefully next time I can get that one mark xD I loved what you said about taking it every year for 10 years, that's kind of where I'm at right now although I am almost 28 so I worry about my age!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi, thanks for your comments. Ah, thanks so frustrating, isn't it!? As I said, I too have been there and been "disqualifed" because of section 3 but it sounds like you're almost there so keep going!

[@siobhanchristine-bligh183]

im doing it at 33 so I wouldnt worry about age!!!

[@agemjourney5457]

@@siobhanchristine-bligh183 Thats awesome and thanks :) I'm actually in first year now and much less worried about age, there are people in their 40s so it really doesn't matter!

[@SK-om6tt]

@@agemjourney5457 seriously ? Im 24 n considering preparing for GAMSAT but feel trepidatious coz I thought I was 'too old' ....this is such a useful thing to know n very reassuring

[@GriffithsGAMSATReview]

This was a really good video and we especially agree with your comments about not underestimating paper 1 if you have an arts background, our experience is also that students still need to work on it and some professional guidance is useful.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Yes, I completely agree. I prepared fully for that section just less than for 3.

[@hiyo1234]

thanks for sharing your advice. really encouraging too to hear you were able to achieve your goal - congrats

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!!

[@aslihassan1053]

this was so helpful. thank u😘. for how long did u prepare before u took ur first gamsat test? and how many hours were u spending on it per day?0

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Leyla, it took me years because I failed a few times. Because I was starting from scratch, I had to study basically every free moment - though I was at uni full time and working as well. Maybe 15-20 hours per week?

[@jyro5924]

This is so inspiring, great video as always!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you so much!

[@oswin4715]

Thanks so much for the advice actually super motivating since you got in without a science degree like flipping heck its hard alone with a science degree from what I've heard congrats! I'm still doing my undergrad degree thinking of taking the GAMSAT though I'm kinda worried since its so expensive to do the exam and I heard its common for people to retake it multiple times. Do you think its possible to get the scores needed first time? is there a max amount of times you can retake it before med schools just reject you?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I took it multiple times but i'm sure you can do it first time. I think you can take the gamsat as many times as needed but at Nottingham at least you can only interview twice.

[@mafizization]

Dr. Lauren thanks for all the tips that you shared it's really helpful for me.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

You're so welcome!

[@MLissieMusic]

Thanks for this - i found the examples quite specific and useful. PS. like yourself im from a non-science background. How many hours a week did you study? Also it seems that a lot of people who get in do the exam multiple times? do most for example do the exam 2 or 3 times? PS> Thanks again!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi, I have to admit, I did study a lot! Every moment I wasn't working or studying for my degree.I did the exam 3x.You'll get there!

[@MLissieMusic]

@@DrLauren-Jane thanks for the quick reply. appreciated

[@DrLauren-Jane]

@@MLissieMusic No worries, if you have any extra questions, just ping them to me on insta as you get them. Happy to help!!

[@kerryjones2092]

the vast majority of first year uni is A level textbook material because they use first year to get people from multiple different a level backgrounds up to speed.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

.

[@jamesojinnaka]

This has given me so much hope,well done and thank for this video

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you and good luck!

[@tanjirosan1531]

I'm just starting university so that means I'm a first year. I am currently studying Economics, digital culture and communications, Spanish and psychology, but I have to pick two of them in the 2nd semester (maybe Economics and Spanish). Do you think I have enough time to study biology, chemistry and physics along with the bachelor I'm studying? And am I allowed to do the Gamsat when I'm still an undergraduate?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Tanjiro, in terms of your capacity to study I can't really say. it is difficult when your degree is so vastly different from the GAMSAT because there's no crossover but that's what I did. I did have to study alot to be honest and i didn't really do much else other than uni, studying and having a part time job. Good luck!

[@tanjirosan1531]

@@DrLauren-Jane Thank you so much for replying. I understand that it's difficult to understand my situation. What undergraduate degree did you do in college? Sorry I wasn't able to watch the video fully because I didn't have time. Since I do economics and digital culture and communications, do you think I have an advantage on section 1 and 2 in the Gamsat? Thank you so much in advance xx I just feel like no matter how much I try to throw the idea of being a doctor due to expenses of med school and the cost of the exam and of course failure, in my heart being a doctor feels so genuine and I know that I'm willing to work for it.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

@@tanjirosan1531 I did theology. I think humanities grads who are used to essay type studies do find section 2 easier but I still prepped heavily for those sections - just not as much as section 3.

[@TheDentistryDiary]

This is brilliant and very inspiring 🙌🙌

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you!

[@joannaowen9854]

Hi Lauren, which A Level textbooks did you use for Biology and Physics? Same as you I HATE Physics! Haha but I guess it’s just something that has to be done for the GAMSAT. I’m currently having a tough time revising Physics 😕 x

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I HATED physics! Try the khan academy vids. I used the letts ones and the for dummies work books. If you go on my insta page and scroll allll the way back there's a pic of my gamsat books all stacked up. Id post it here but it won't let me post photos

[@7dnein944]

Hello, I just finished my degree for English Language and Literature and I've had a change of heart. I didn't take any sciences during highschool and now I'm studying to fill in the gaps. I want to head to Neuroscience... Theology seems to make people realize their potential. Is GAMSAT really what is needed in order to fulfill my dream? Dr. Lauren, I want to thank you for this video, your story gives me hope!! :)

[@DrLauren-Jane]

GAMSAT usually fo grad entry medicine in the UK and Australia. Good luck!!

[@siobhanchristine-bligh183]

This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@SuperNaimuddin]

Hi This maybe a stupid question to ask but im from an accounts background and no clue with science subjects.. im 33 and feel too old to reverse the career at this stage but have huge interest and wondering does age matter, at what age group you decide to do GAMSAT ? Also how are yr1-yr4 subjects like?? Thanks

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Naim, I was 25 but there were loads of people older than me in my cohort. We're all going to work until we're 65, right? From a non-science background - I found the pre clinical years tough but it was easier (for me at least) once on the clinical years. I loved med school though and retraining was one of the best things I've ever done for myself, hard though it was.

[@ajrocks8349]

Thanks, you are very inspiring. Is this something that applies for Australia too?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I think so! I'm not sure but the GAMSAT was initially and Aus exam.

[@mrsbungle.]

Thank you for adding a hopeful message! :)

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you and good luck!!

[@trishsam1005]

Thank you for this Lauren 👌

[@DrLauren-Jane]

You're so welcome!

[@raegansmetana5944]

An interesting point of view!!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Glad you think so!

[@paolorasador7180]

Dear Doctor. I find your videos extremely helpful. I don't want to waste your time, I'll try to be as concise as possible. I have a master degree in English and French literature. I am planning on sitting the gamsat in one and half year maybe two . I am working full-time, I don't want to rush and waste my money. You recommended studying from ACER official materials, Khan academy, and A-level textbooks. I feel I need to build a solid background in chemistry and biology because I am totally deficient in those fields. Would you mind suggesting any textbook in particular? Finally, English is not my native language, should I be concerned about the Part One of the Gamsat? Thank you for your time. Let me congratulate on your career. You're such a resilient woman. Best of luck.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Paolo, thank your for your kind message. I used the "for dummies" workbooks for organic chem and biology - both the textbooks and the workbooks because I found these accessible and at my level. They're very cheap and there are a few versions. I think English not being your first language will make it more difficult but it definitely can be done. Have a go at the mocks and see how you fair. Try and read widely in English -there are some recommended reading lists somewhere (I can't remember where though.) I was advised to read AC Graylings non fiction books and to ask myself critical questions while reading them. Good luck, please ask any questions you have. Below are the books I have mentioned. www.wob.com/en-gb/books/arthur-winter/organic-chemistry-i-for-dummies/9780764569029?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoNWOBhCwARIsAAiHnEjN_ZhphgZcjPEn4aInqEfpNC2wCw-maGai0VUD9W78Bvy5c-bzVh8aAqVpEALw_wcB www.amazon.co.uk/Meaning-Things-Applying-Philosophy-life/dp/0753813599 I was recommended to read 2 by AC Grayling but apologies I can't remember the second - the book itself isn't important - it's the art of reading a dense text and rapidly being able to pull out the meaning of it, that's what part 1 asks of you.

[@paolorasador7180]

@@DrLauren-Jane Dear Doctor. I really appreciate your advice. I'd love to ask you a few more questions on the study materials. I looked for A. Winter's " organic Chemistry I for dummies" on Amazon and the related workbook and I found out that another manual called "organic chemistry II for dummies by J. T. Moore and R. H. Langley is also available. Do you think it is worth purchasing this last one? As for Biology, I came across many books entitled " Biology for dummies" ( Amazon) and I am very confused. On this matter I trust your opinion. Unfortunately, It is not easy to travel to England, due to the restrictions against Covid-19, and visit a library to see the books first hand. Which one should I pick?I have already started reading Grayling's book. Is it true that most applicants sit the gamsat many times before successfully passing it?. Apologies for holding you this much. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your reply Sincerely yours Paolo

[@aslihassan1053]

thank u darling, this is extremely beneficial? but please 1 Q, the book which u have mentioned "Organic Chemistry for dummies " do i have to learn all the topics in that book? (outside inside?). Also which books would u recommend for biology and physics? last time i did science was in gcse and my results were not great. Am so stuck as i wanna start learning for the gamsat (march 2021) and i dont know where to start from. i have no clue whosoever and i would really appreciate if u can help me with what to revise and from which books. The Gamsat doesn't state what we need to revise for😭😭😭

[@DrLauren-Jane]

For Biology I used the dummies workbooks again plus I did a GAMSAT prep course (can't remember which) which provided texts with the specified science content. I also used Khan academy, handwritten tutorials etc to cover a broadly 1st year degree level curriculum and depth. For physics I used A-level revision guides.

[@aslihassan1053]

@@DrLauren-Jane Thank you so much. I really appreciate ur reply.

[@MMM.430]

Hi Lauren, I just wanted to know if u sat the ukcat exam as well? Or just the gamsat? If so why did u choose to sit the gamsat? Was it because Nottingham only accepts gamsat. Also did u only apply to Nottingham medical school and got in in one year? Thank you, your videos are very informative.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I didn't sit UKCAT because I don't have A-levels so I wouldn't have qualified. I probably would have done if I had, GAMSAT was therefore my only option. I applied a few times but I only got a GAMSAT score high enough to qualify for interview one time and I did get in that time. Thank you!

[@khs118]

@@DrLauren-Jane Hello! I thought some unis accept this as long as you have 2:1 and above on your degree? Like Warwick Uni for example, they use UCAT as their entrance exam, and require a lot of work experience hours, but they do not require A-level and GCSE results to apply. Did you only apply to GAMSAT Unis?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

@@khs118 I'm not sure to be honest because that's not the route I took, i did only apply to GAMSAT unis

[@FG-xe6rr]

Love this! I have an English degree and I’m 25. Feel so let down by myself. I need to do the GAMSAT in March.. reckon three months is enough? Ugh :(

[@DrLauren-Jane]

No, don't feel let down. You can absolutely do this! So in terms of time frames it's going to be individual. It took me 2 or so years but I had no science background and I really struggled with it.

[@mayeshamiah6482]

Where did you study medicine? And what universities accepted/rejected you? X

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I only applied to Nottingham because my family were here and I had to stay here.

[@shyleenmagwenzidabbs1563]

Hi lauren thanks so much for this video! Great advice!

[@DrLauren-Jane]

thank you!

[@rfmummyuk676]

Hi Lauren thank you so much, for posting this great video, great advice and very motivating😍xx

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you!

[@jackgray3190]

Hello Lauren-Jane! I’m getting into undergrad soon and I aim to sit the gamsat before I graduate. May I ask when do I have to start preparing? Do I have to start preparing by the first year of university? English isn’t my native language and Im concerned whether that will be an obstacle for me

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Jack, your English definitely seems good but if you're concerned about part 1, just try and read widely (fiction/ non-fiction - stuff that challenges, remember to test yourself critically on what you're reading because that's what the GAMSAT does). How long it takes to prepare depends on what your background is. Are you a science or non science background? It did take me quite a while but I was a non science background and really struggled with part 3.

[@jackgray3190]

@@DrLauren-Jane I’m currently from a science background but I never really studied physics so I’m a bit anxious about that part

[@DrLauren-Jane]

@@jackgray3190 The physics is (always was) counted less than chem and bio. TRy some practice tests and see how you do.

[@jackgray3190]

@@DrLauren-Jane Hey Lauren-Jane! While I am considering grad entrance in Australia, I got accepted by an Irish med school. However, I am an international student and internships (residencies) are scarce for non-EU graduates. It is also tough to get a residency in Australia if I am an international med school graduate. I have heard that the GAMSAT is incredibly difficult as you have to get a 70+ to be competitive enough, which is an incredibly high score. Is it wise to consider the grad entrance path in Australia as I am an Australian citizen?

[@sabihpopal148]

Thank you soo much for the video. Things are much more clear for me. I tried looking for your instagram account but can't find it. I needed to see which books u used to revise for the test. I am going to he doing mines this september and have no science background at all so I am just a little bit stressed. There is soo much science knowledge to take in and plus do practice for the section 1 and 2😣😣

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Ah sorry, I realise now I changed it and its wrong on these videos. Its @thesurgicaldoctor. Okay, try not to stress, get a good study schedule and practice loads and you'll get there!

[@megancoole1344]

I absolutely love this! I have been thinking about going into medicine for the past few years. However it has been 5+ years since i was in education, i do not have A levels. Am i at to much of a disadvantage. Im currently a pastry chef 👩🏼‍🍳😂

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Megan, there's definitely a way to go because you'll need either A-levels and go the UG route or a degree and go the GEM route. It's absolutely do-able though and that is the position I was once in!

[@zahraa-hn8qx]

Can I ask how many times you did the gamsat, how old you were and how long it took you to study? I'm 22 and suddenly have this huggeee desire to be a doctor but i stopped science at gcse and im just worried about wether or not the risk is worth it

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I passed the 3rd time. About 2 years i think

[@SK-om6tt]

how many times did u have to take the exam and how long did u have to prepare for it?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I took it 3 times. It took me about 18 months I think and I studied hard during those 18 months

[@oliviadean5680]

Amazing! Thanks for making this video :-)

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Thank you!

[@amayeibugoibugo7642]

What would you say about hiring an experienced GAMSAT tutor. Someone who has pretty high score and is already in medicine. Thanks

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I didn't but if you think that will help - it may save money in the long run!

[@kellytowe3652]

Thank u

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Welcome!

[@allentomy3398]

Is it an okay strategy to just apply for UKCAT GEM courses only? Since I don’t have A level sciences, I think GAMSAT would be too difficult for me

[@DrLauren-Jane]

you would need to check which courses accept UKCAT because some require the GAMSAT for application

[@AM-mv6ro]

In regards to the science section would you say it is A Level Science or University level?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

1st yrar degree bio and chem and A-level physics

[@prospectivemedic3750]

Hi Dr Lauren, I cant seem to find your insta page. Are you able to link us? Thanks for this upload, it was very informative

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi sorry I only just saw this, It's @thesurgicaldoctor

[@irinmoghadam7163]

Thanks a lot for sharing this video. I am a P.h.D student of Architecture, I know it's weird but I've studied architecture to get my Permanent residency in Australia. My Pre-university background is science, and I want to seat for GAMSAT exam and be a Dr, I am old to start, but I don't care this is my dream. I would appreciate if you let me know how I can access to GAMSAT books as it's expensive, I cannot afford it. Is there any places that I can access the second-hand books. Thanks

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Irin, I think eBay or amazon used would be your best bet but there are Facebook groups for those studying the gamsat (or there used to be) and quite often you can find there are those offloading their old texts after passing. They are prohibitively expensive, I know. Best of luck with the journey!

[@irinmoghadam7163]

The Surgical Doctor thank you very much for your reply I will follow GAMSAT facebook group

[@aurorasun4791]

Do international students hv the chance to pass Gamsat??? How to improve section2? Ur really brave and smart:)

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I'm not sure tbh because I didn't go that route. You could email ACER and see?

[@aurorasun4791]

The Surgical Doctor OK thanks a lot

[@user-oe1nt4pp8n]

How many times did you sit the GAMSAT? I've heard that it isn't uncommon to sit it more than 5 times. Which means that ACER earns a ton of money of these exams 🤣🤣

[@DrLauren-Jane]

3x I think. Passing wasn't easy!

[@rachelcarton1802]

can anyone tell me the answer to the first example question in the video? Want to see if I got it right xD

[@DrLauren-Jane]

.

[@jamesojinnaka]

How much did you score

[@DrLauren-Jane]

I don't remember all the scores tbh, I was usually around or just under the threshold each time

[@philly1076]

this has made me feel a bit positive again

[@DrLauren-Jane]

So glad to hear that!

[@nikikaniki]

I love your videos and follow you on Insta now too 🥰 do you think you being in MENSA has helped with your GAMSAT/ Med study much?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

Hi Niki, Thank you so much! I don't think it did to be honest. I think doing the practice tests, solid studying and keeping going even when I failed when I eventually got there. My brain struggled with the science.

[@katerinaberhami3770]

who else is doing ucat and gamsat at same time

[@DrLauren-Jane]

.

[@mohsinchhatariya3958]

Hey can you please share your email , i would like to have a conversation regarding this topic . I'm from commerce background , recently completed bachelor . So , i would like to have this discussion if you don't mind . Thanks.

[@DrLauren-Jane]

.

[@mohsinchhatariya3958]

@@DrLauren-Jane ??

[@mohsinchhatariya3958]

Is it ok to talk here ?

[@DrLauren-Jane]

@@mohsinchhatariya3958 Yes of course