Applying to medical school in Scotland

Entry requirements

Getting the required grades is often the first hurdle you'll face. Meeting the entry requirements for medical schools can be challenging, so you may have to look at other options. You could study medicine as a second degree if you don't meet the requirements the first time around.

Learn more about medical school entry requirements.

Preparing your application to medical school

If you meet the academic entry requirements, there are 3 components to applying for a place at a medical school in Scotland:

1. Your personal statement, including examples of work experience and extracurricular activities.
2. The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
3. Your medical school interviews.

Medical schools value each of these differently. When preparing for each part of your application, you should consider your strengths, values, interests, and experience.

Identifying your strengths and values

Before drafting your personal statement or preparing to sit an aptitude test, you should identify your strengths and values. These are inherent qualities that define how you approach various situations and can include the following characteristics:

• communication
• teamwork
• empathy

It is essential to recognise and align your unique attributes with the qualities needed for medical school. This will demonstrate your suitability for and commitment to studying medicine.

Core attributes you’ll need to study medicine 

The Medical Schools Council (MSC) has produced a guide to the core values and attributes needed to study medicine. It provides a helpful overview of the key qualities that medical schools may require. However, you should also check the strengths and values your chosen medical schools may be looking for.

Download the MCS’s Statement on core values to study medicine [PDF].

How to analyse your strengths and values for medical school success

A helpful starting point for identifying your strengths is to follow a step-by-step approach, which will include:

• self-reflection
• seeking input from others
• prioritisation and selection
• detailing specific examples
• identifying common themes

You should take the time to match and align your strengths to those needed for medical school. It will put you in a strong position to showcase your suitability for a career in medicine. 

Download Medic Mind’s guide on analysing your attributes for medical school success.

Reflecting on your experience

To demonstrate your strengths during the selection process, you can draw from a wide range of activities and experiences, including:

• work experience
• volunteering
• education
• extracurricular activities

You should outline specific, relevant examples at each stage of the application process. You may also find it helpful to use some tools and resources to help you reflect on the experiences you have gained.

Discover the University of Edinburgh’s resources to help you reflect on your experience.

Student-led outreach activities

Many student-led outreach societies offer support at all stages of your medical school application. They include:

• Aberdeen Medic Outreach Society (AMOS)
• In2MedSchool
• Medic Insight Dundee
• Medic Insight Edinburgh
• Medic Insight Glasgow
• Medics and Me
• Reach Aberdeen
• Reach Dundee
• Reach Edinburgh
• Reach Glasgow
• Reach St Andrews
• You Can Be A Doctor

These groups and societies run workshops on writing personal statements, preparing for UCAT, and mock multiple mini-interviews (MMIs). They are also happy to provide you with general advice.

Support from NHSScotland Health Boards

Some NHSScotland Health Boards may also offer outreach activities. You should check with them to find out if information sessions or support are available locally.

Contact NHSScotland employers.