How ScotGEM students are selected

The selection process for applicants to the Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine Programme (ScotGEM) includes an assessment of all information on the application form including:

  • academic performance and predicted grades
  • personal statement and reference
  • aptitude tests - the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and the Situational Judgment Test for Admissions to Clinical Education (SJTace/ UCAT SJT)

There will be a further assessment by interview for a limited number of applicants. To be considered for interview, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • submitted a full and complete UCAS application by the application deadline
  • meets or is predicted to meet the entry requirements
  • has a positive relevant reference
  • achieved a higher Band than Band 4 in the SJTace/UCATSJT
  • completed the online questionnaire. The deadline for this is likely to be late November 2018. Applicants will be informed of the date once it has been finalised.

Applicants who have met the above criteria will then be ranked for interview on the basis of their GAMSAT scores. There are a limited number of interview places (around 160). Programme coordinators are unable to advise as to the likely GAMSAT scores that will required to be called for interview.

2018 number overview

Total spaces: 55

Total number of applications received: 222

Total number of applicants interviewed: 128

Total number of offers made: 71

GAMSAT cut-off (both rounds): overall score of 50, with no subset lower than 47. Paper III was not double weighted.

ScotGEM Admissions are unable to advise as to the likely GAMSAT scores that will be required to be called for interview for 2019 entry.

The interview process

Interviews will be held at the University of Dundee School of Medicine at Ninewells Hospital.

Interviews will follow the format of multiple mini interviews (MMI). This consists of a series of ‘stations’ each lasting seven minutes. You will rotate around the station circuit, going from one station to the next. Each person starts at a different station; it does not matter where you begin as each station is independent of the others.

Each station has a card with simple instructions that are designed to orientate you. Short (30-second) breaks between stations allow you to settle yourself and clear your head for the next station. You can expect to be asked about your motivation to study medicine, relevant work experience and personal attributes, and why you have applied to ScotGEM in particular.

Decisions and feedback

Decisions to make offers will be based on the multiple mini interviews. Applicants will be notified of decisions via UCAS. Although some decisions may be made early on in the admissions cycle, the majority of decisions will not be made until mid-March.

The information on UCAS Track will include some feedback as to why an applicant was unsuccessful in their application. The University is unable to provide any further feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Please see the University’s admissions policy for information on the appeal process.