By the time you read this, you have likely already chosen or even taken your GCSE subjects. If not, here are some points to consider.

Most universities require specific grades, typically A/7 or B/6, in English language, maths, and science subjects (whether dual, triple, or core and additional). You must carefully research each medical school's requirements and ensure you meet them before applying. Many medical schools expect a 'good' set of GCSE results, usually meaning a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A/7 or B/6, including the core subjects mentioned. Some medical schools will score GCSE grades as part of the interview shortlisting process, so these should be avoided if your GCSE grades are not outstanding.

Most medical schools require A-level chemistry and at least one other science (biology or physics) or maths. Biology is typically the preferred second science. However, some universities no longer list chemistry as an A-level requirement. These universities traditionally include Anglia Ruskin, East Anglia, Keele, Kent, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth, Queen Mary, Sheffield, Southampton, and Sunderland. Always check the specific requirements on university websites, as medical schools are known to change A-level subject entry requirements.

If your subjects include taking AS-level exams, admissions tutors will likely consider them when reviewing your application but are unlikely to be part of any offer. Remember, AS levels are stand-alone qualifications and should be taken seriously if you sit these exams in Year 12. However, we advise students not to bother with AS levels and focus on studying three A-levels.

If you've already taken your GCSEs and are disappointed with your grades, research the GCSE requirements of each university to identify where you have the best chance. Your referee can write on your UCAS application that your A-level performance will not reflect your GCSE results if that is genuinely the case. You must work hard to achieve strong A-level grades to support this claim.

If mitigating circumstances affect your GCSE performance, contact the university admissions department to understand their required procedure. Often, a comment from your teacher in your reference will suffice, but some universities may require additional documentation or evidence of your circumstances before considering your application. The medical school may also insist you take up such mitigating circumstances with the exam board that awarded your GCSE, and there may be a time limit for doing this. You must complete occupational health clearance, be medically fit to study medicine and meet academic entry requirements.

Your Choice of A-level Subjects for applying to medicine.

All medical schools now ask for just two science/maths subjects at A level except Newcastle University.

When choosing your A-level subjects, consider these important points:

• Choose subjects you are good at. You must be capable of achieving at least an A grade. If unsure, ask your teachers. Some medical schools are now including A* grades in their offers.

• Choose subjects that will help you in your medical course. Medical school is challenging enough without having to learn new subjects from scratch. Chemistry and biology are your friends here.

• If you must choose a non-scientific third subject, choose one you enjoy. This can provide an interesting topic for conversation during interviews, sometimes in a negative way. Universities generally do not discriminate based on the third subject, except for general studies, critical thinking, and often further maths.

• Students who handle both arts and sciences at A level can be seen to demonstrate breadth at some medical schools. The more traditional medical schools, especially those in the Russell Group universities, anecdotally used to favour three science subjects.

• Some combinations of subjects are not permitted, such as maths and further maths, biology and human biology. If you offer these pairs, only one of the A-level subjects would count.

Suggested A-Level Subject Combinations for applying to medicine.

In addition to chemistry or biology, and another science, consider subjects like psychology or sociology. Psychology has become more scientific as time has passed. Several universities accept it as a second science subject, including Edge Hill University, Keele University, Kent and Medway Medical School, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, University of Manchester, Plymouth University, and the University of Sheffield.

Choose subjects where you can achieve high grades, in practice, a grade A or A*, avoiding ones that only sound interesting if you're not good at them. Don’t be tempted to take Latin or Art if you are rubbish at foreign languages and have the artistic ability of a sloth. Check individual university requirements that you may be interested in applying to for their preferred A-level subjects.

Should I take four A-levels if I want to study medicine?

While taking more than three A levels (and an AS exam, if offered by your school) isn't harmful, it typically doesn't provide a significant advantage. The added pressure of work and studies might lower your overall grades, so consider dropping the fourth A level at the end of Year 12. Medical schools usually won't include the fourth A level in conditional offers and can even insist on which subjects they want you to have certain grades. For example, you could take Chemistry, Biology, Maths and French, and they will insist you have the AAA in the sciences and disregard the French. Those who ask for an A* typically do so in one subject and may well insist this is Chemistry or Biology.

What if I take the International Baccalaureate or Scottish Qualifications to apply to medicine?

If you are taking the International Baccalaureate, aim for biology and chemistry, as these are often required for undergraduate study. Some universities also accept maths, human biology, and physics.

For Scottish students, at least two Advanced Highers and three Highers are typically required, with biology and chemistry, and usually either maths or physics at least at Higher level. Imperial College, for example, asks for five Highers and three Advanced Highers at A grade standard. Aim for mostly A grades in Highers and Advanced Highers, though AB at Advanced Highers is accepted, and even BB in some cases like the University of Edinburgh.

Are predicted A-level grades important in my application to medicine?

The admissions tutor will look for a grade prediction in the reference section of the UCAS form filled in by your teacher. This prediction has to be evidence-based and uses reports from your subject teachers, your GCSE grades, and, most importantly, the results of any exams taken at the end of Year 12.

Therefore, working hard during your first year of A levels is vital to secure strong predicted grades on your UCAS application. If you have any reasons for poor or reduced performance in your GCSE exams or Year 12, perhaps due to medical or personal circumstances, ensure the teacher writing your reference knows about them and includes this information. Universities may require additional evidence to support these claims, so it's crucial to be honest about any mitigating circumstances. Medical schools are unlikely to use the COVID pandemic to mitigate circumstances in isolation.

Ultimately, you need to persuade your school that you are on track for grades of AAA or higher, depending on where you are applying. If your school insists on giving you predicted grades below the entry requirements, your application will likely be rejected at the initial stage.