Medical School Preparation

To see what our previous students have said about our University Preparation programmes, please click here.

Course Overview

• Students aged 16 - 18
• Residential in Balliol College, University of Oxford
• 2 weeks in July and August
• Students must be aged 16 or over before the 1st September 2012
• Students must be fluent English speakers - Please contact us direct if you have queries over your level of English

About the Course

This course is designed for students who are considering applying to British medical schools, who might be confused about the different courses available and the specific application processes, and who would like to receive some advice on how to start writing their personal statements.

This course will help students fully prepare their medical school applications. It will guide students through what they need to know before applying, from a discussion of why Medicine might be the course and career for them to the differences between various medical schools and their application processes, with a focus on Oxford and Cambridge.

Course Details

Below is a list of topics which might be covered during the course. For a more a detailed sample timetable of the course please see the PDF attached to the bottom of this page.

Medicine as a Career

The course guides students through their decision to study medicine. Students are asked to consider how their personal experience of education to date might be useful in their future medical school applications. Students are provided with tips on how to work on certain areas of their experience in order to prepare for medical school. This is to ensure that studying medicine is compatible with the students' skills, strengths, chosen high school subjects and career aspirations.

UK Medical Schools

Each and every course differs in structure, teaching methods, hospital training, intercalated degree, the location and reputation, amongst other things. The course provides students with a comparative analysis of UK medical schools to help them carefully tailor their application towards their chosen school and their particular entry requirements and application procedures.

"I mentioned ORA in my UCAS Personal Statement: how it has helped me to further understand and appreciate the field of Medicine, and also how it has enabled me to meet many skilled and likeminded individuals with whom I could share my experiences and could, furthermore, learn from theirs." (Nikola from Australia) 

Medicine at Oxford and Cambridge

The course highlights the aspects in which medicine courses at Oxford and Cambridge are different from other medical schools as well as how the application process and requirements differ from other universities. Students practise skills necessary in an Oxbridge interview.

"The experience at Oxford Royale Academy revealed to me that Oxford was where I wanted to apply." (Vasco from Portugal)

Personal Statement

With so many well-qualified students applying, a well written personal statement is necessary to stand out from the crowd. Students work closely with their teacher to draft and refine their statements to get them almost complete by the time they leave Oxford. Previous students have identified the assistance with the personal statement as one of the best aspects of the programme.

"When writing my personal statement I used the knowledge gained on my ORA course to help me. It gave me a solid base from which to work." (Oliver from the United Kingdom) 

BMAT and other Test Preparation

Students learn why it is important to take the test, and what actually gets "tested" in the exam. In class students discuss the answers to sample BMAT/UKCAT questions. Students practise critical thinking and analysis as well as reasoned argument which is useful for both the aptitude sections and their interviews. 

"The BMAT prep was very good. We were able to acquire skills for this type of examination." (Charlotte from France)

Interview Technique

Students whose paper application is successful will almost certainly be called to interview. During the course, students participate in mock interviews to prepare them for this, during which they practise good communication and presentation skills and learn useful tips on how to approach potential questions.

Practical Skills Workshops

A particular highlight of the course is the opportunity that students have to gain practical "hands-on" experience in a Medical Skills laboratory. These sessions allow students to practise using medical equipment and performing medical procedures, from using a stethoscope, tasting sensation and examining the eyes to blood-taking and cannulation.

"The thing that convinced me even more to study Medicine was the practical experience in the hospital with my teacher and the other students in my group." (Valentina from Italy)

Afternoon Workshops

In the afternoons, students follow one series of workshops chosen by them from the list provided below.

Previous Students

"Having enjoyed my summer vacation thoroughly, I am now in my first year of IB. I was fortunate enough to have an insight on the Biology and Chemistry syllabus through the Medical School Preparation Course in Oxford. What has also benefited me in preparing for a new academic year, was the contact with former IB students on the course, who gave me advice on how to face any diffuculties throughout the forthcoming year. I am in the process of deciding which Universities I will be applying for in order to study a Medical Course in the academic year 2013-2014. I will definitely consider applying to Oxford University." (Eleni from Greece)

Oxford Activities & Free Time

A full cultural and recreational programme is provided as a part of the course. Activities include museum tours, the botanic gardens, guest lectures and different summer sports, including the traditional English game of croquet. Students also have an opportunity to visit many of Oxford's most famous colleges and explore the fascinating museums and gardens. 

For "shopaholics" Oxford offers a wealth of charming markets and department stores. In the evenings, the programme offers students international parties, quiz nights, debates and variety performances. 

During the programme there are opportunities for students to take coach excursions where they will explore places of historic and cultural interest as well as enjoy London, Bicester Village shopping centre and evening social events at local country manors.

College Life

The course takes place on the campus of Balliol College, University Of Oxford. Single rooms on the campus are provided. The rooms are within walking distance of the teaching rooms, dining hall and computer room. Male and female students are separated by corridors and/or staircases. The course includes breakfast and dinner in the college dining hall, with packed lunches available during coach excursions. Lunch is not included but Oxford is scattered with cheap and healthy locations to buy lunch. 

Our Staff and Students

Our teachers come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some are teaching or have taught for the University of Oxford and some are well-established specialist tutors. Our experienced and friendly faculty offers our students a diverse range of teaching specialties and skills. Our alumni students have rated the teaching as one of the best aspects of their experiences in Oxford, many scoring their classes a perfect 10. For a full list of ORA 2011 teaching staff please see the PDF attached to the bottom of this page.

In the College itself students are overseen by the Programme Director, who implements the day-to-day running of the programme. The Director is assisted by a team of Counsellors who very often are current members of the University of Oxford.

The Counsellors ensure that students are looked after pastorally, culturally and socially during their programme. Students are able to talk informally and frankly to the Counsellors in order to raise concerns or to discuss university applications.

In terms of the demographics of the attendance of the programme, students come to ORA from all over the world. Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds and learning more about different experiences, ambitions and cultures is a central part of the ORA experience.

To see more detailed information about the nationalities of our students click here.

Dates, Fees and Location

Useful Information

• Note that arrival day is always a Sunday and departure day is always a Saturday.
• On arrival day, students will be able to check in to their rooms after 12 midday.
• There is a welcome reception for students, friends and family at 5pm in the College grounds.
• On the departure day students need to check out of their rooms after breakfast at around 10am.
• Please note that Oxford Royale Academy does offer an airport transfer option that you can book separately. Click here for details
• Useful Information

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply:

 1. Apply Online
Click APPLY NOW

 2. Send in a paper application by Post or Fax
Application Form: Click here to go to the application page or use the attachment below.
Address: Oxford Royale Academy, St. Catherine's College, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UJ, UK
Fax Number: +44 (0) 845 280 01 22

Procedure

You may choose to pay either the full course fee upon booking, or pay a deposit of £495 upon booking and pay the remaining balance 60 days before arrival in Oxford. As soon as the application form has been received with payment, a confirmation will be sent out to you along with further welcome pack materials.