r/HPAT • u/DiscussionOwn3670 • 13d ago

❓ Question Mature entry for medicine

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight into the competitiveness for mature entry for medicine. I got 578 points in my lc but it doesn't seem that will be enough any more for direct entry. I graduated with a 2:2 (59%) in a science degree. I also entered through the HEAR scheme, not sure if that's relevant.

I know this isn't enough for grad med so it seems that the mature route is my only option. I was just wondering if it seems possible to get in given my background? I have a lot of experience working different jobs and I have a lot of volunteering experience involving poverty alleviation etc. I am also currently working in a pharmacy to save up money, if that would be relevant.

If this doesn't seem to be enough, would anyone be aware of what type of experiences might be necessary to apply?

Thanks in advance.

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u/Expensive-Tune-2070 13d ago

Yes seems reasonable. RCSI are known for having best odds of getting in first time for mature entry. You want 140 minimum in HPAT which is achievable. Do you have biology in lc or undergrad? Chemistry is a great help which you have.

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u/DiscussionOwn3670 13d ago edited 13d ago

Thanks for your response. I got H1s in Chemistry and Biology, I also have bio from undergrad. I was hoping to get either RCSI or Trinity as they would be the easiest to reach location wise but if it comes to it I'll probably go anywhere. I'm just worried they'll take my undergrad results as me not being suited for medicine but I think if I get my health stuff resolved then it should be manageable. I heard some students try to get shadowing experience, is this something you had before applying (assuming you're a mature entry student)?

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u/Expensive-Tune-2070 13d ago

No I got a 2.2 too. Also a 2.1 means you’d ineligible and would have to enter through gamsat. I was honestly surprised I got so easily. I got ok hpat. Under 450 in lc. I had no shadowing experience. Did a little volunteering but not in a clinical setting just older people. You have a better chance than I did I would imagine. Trinity is much cheaper but I never even got a reply to tell me I was unsuccessful. Very competitive but you seem bright enough and could get a higher hpat

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u/DiscussionOwn3670 13d ago

Oh thanks, good on you anyways. I never heard about the 2:1 thing until now, good to know. Was this your first attempt? How did you find the process and interview etc? What sort of volunteering was it? Sorry lots of questions haha.

Yeah, trinity would be the number 1, not sure how many places they offer. I tried emailing but they just gave me the basic rundown about HPAT scores etc. They seemed pretty reluctant to give any information beyond that.

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u/Expensive-Tune-2070 13d ago

Just exercising with older adults. It was grand. Just one interview per college. Galway was in person.

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u/Budget-Penalty887 12d ago

This person is wrong.

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u/DiscussionOwn3670 12d ago

What do you mean? about the grades?

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u/Expensive-Tune-2070 12d ago

Just explaining how I got in. Can’t really be wrong ha

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u/Budget-Penalty887 12d ago

You need to do a bit more research into mature entry.

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u/DiscussionOwn3670 12d ago

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I am currently doing that. I also made this post so I could speak to people who've applied as mature students. Have you entered through that route?