Academic ability. This is an intensive and academically-oriented course, and you will have to show that you will be able to cope with it. We accept that some excellent students are "late developers", and so we will not insist on excellent A-levels or an outstanding first degree result (though we would normally expect two science A-levels and a 2:i or better, or a GPA above 3.5); but we do need to see some hard evidence of real academic strength. This course has a very strong academic and scientific emphasis; we need to be sure that we are selecting students who are academically in the top flight. We shall look for: scholastic excellence (in the broadest sense); evidence of originality of thought or initiative; good comprehension and verbal reasoning; an ability to present ideas clearly in writing; an ability to handle and interpret quantitative data; an ability to think analytically.
Commitment to medicine. Different people have different ways to show commitment, but medicine is emotionally and academically demanding, and you will need to be sure that it is what you want to do. We will want to be convinced that you are. We shall look for: a clear commitment to medicine, and a realistic attitude to the subject; interest in, and curiosity about, the scientific basis of medicine.
Personal suitability for medicine, and for the four-year course. Medicine is a very broad subject, and there is room for many different types of personality; but it is always necessary to show an ability to listen and to communicate, and to be able to win the trust of your colleagues and patients. A mature and professional attitude to work and to other people will be essential. Specifically we shall look for: evidence of self-motivation and an ability to organize life and work; ability to develop good relationships with other people; a high level of communication skills, with an interest in and an ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds; personal integrity; stability of character; leadership potential; concern for the welfare of others. You should also note that medical schools are now required to satisfy themselves, as far as they can, that candidates' values are consistent with the aims and values of the UK National Health Service.