Navigate competitive medicine admissions with tailored strategies, curated university lists and interview prep.
Gaining admission to undergraduate medicine programmes is one of the most competitive journeys a student can undertake. With limited seats, demanding academic requirements and rigorous interviews, it requires more than just strong grades. At The Red Pen, we guide applicants through every step of this high-stakes process, helping them secure offers from leading medicine programmes worldwide, with a particular focus on the UK.
Navigate competitive medicine admissions with tailored strategies, curated university lists and interview prep.
Case studies that highlight strategic choices, preparation and outcomes
Real voices. Real experiences. Real outcomes
Feedback from those we’ve guided
Connect with seasoned counsellors who specialise in this field
Get guidance tailored to the unique demands of undergraduate medicine admissions
Our approach to medicine admissions is both structured and personalised. We work closely with each applicant to build a compelling and competitive profile that meets the rigorous standards of undergraduate medicine programmes:
You’ll have access to experienced counsellors with exceptional track records of admission to the most competitive medical and veterinary schools, and who can guide you on what it takes to succeed in medicine.
We assess your transcripts and co-curricular activities to ensure you meet the competitive entry requirements, then recommend targeted activities to fill any gaps and enhance your profile for maximum impact.
We deliver a structured, comprehensive programme covering every MMI station type, including role-plays, ethical scenarios, understanding of the NHS, data analysis, managing conflict, motivation for Medicine, opinions on hot topics, and more. This is followed by multiple full mock interviews with personalised feedback, which ensures you enter the interview confident, polished, and ready to excel.
We will guide you in planning your UCAT preparation effectively, with regular check-ins. Our support includes guidance on medical ethics and NHS knowledge essential for the SJT section.
We help identify medical schools that align with your strengths, building an aspirational yet balanced college list to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our team guides you in writing strong, medically relevant narratives that reflect your motivation, commitment, and potential.
Our counsellors help you navigate UCAS and other global platforms, keeping you on track with key deadlines and documentation.
What every aspiring doctor must know about medicine admissions
CANDIDATE:
SJ, MUMBAI
CURRICULUM:
IBDP
SCHOOL:
OBEROI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
SUBJECTS:
Biology HL, Chemistry HL, English Language and Literature SL, Maths SL, French B
GRADES:
43/45
INTERESTED MAJOR:
UNDERGRADUTE VETERINARY MEDICINE
SJ joined us in grade 11 with a clear goal of pursuing veterinary medicine. To strengthen her profile for competitive UK programmes, we helped her systematically build both clinical and non-clinical experience across species and settings to meet individual university requirements.
Our preparation extended beyond placements. We introduced SJ to current debates in veterinary science, ethical frameworks outlined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and structured interview strategies. Under our guidance, SJ carefully refined her Personal Statement to convey her motivations, practical exposure, and sustained commitment to animal welfare.
The holistic preparation of combining targeted experience, ethical awareness and interview confidence positioned her as a strong candidate, resulting in offers from leading UK veterinary schools.
GRADE 10
GRADE 11
GRADE 12
Offers:
Attending University:
CANDIDATE:
RA, DUBAI
CURRICULUM:
IBDP
SCHOOL:
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
SUBJECTS:
Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Physics HL, English HL, Math AA SL, Spanish SL
GRADES:
44/45
UCAT SCORE:
3100/3600
INTERESTED MAJOR:
UNDERGRADUATE MEDICINE (MBBS)
By grade 11, RA had set his sights on medicine and approached us for support. With strong predicted IB grades and rigorous HL subjects, he demonstrated both academic rigour and communication skills. We helped him build a well-rounded profile with clinical placements, research, competitions, and deeper engagement with the UK healthcare system. To highlight qualities valued in medicine, we focused on developing empathy and ethical reasoning for the MMI. Our preparation included targeted simulations, college-specific mock interviews, and feedback from specialists, along with refining his Personal Statement and curating a balanced university list. Supported by his strong UCAT score, RA secured offers from three highly competitive UK medical schools.
Grade 11
Grade 12
Offers:
Attending University:
CANDIDATE:
KS, MUMBAI
CURRICULUM:
IBDP
SCHOOL:
DHIRUBHAI AMBANI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
SUBJECTS:
Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Math AA HL, English HL, Physics SL, French SL
GRADES:
44/45
UCAT SCORE:
2660/3600 (Band 1)
INTERESTED MAJOR:
UNDERGRADUTE MEDICINE (MBBS)
KS joined us in grade 10, aiming for medicine in the UK while also considering a BS/MD in the US. We helped her build a profile that met both pathways, giving her time to explore before deciding. Since she started early, we strategically paced her preparation to balance academics with activities such as clinical placements, rural health campaigns and research. Alongside this, we helped her develop interpersonal skills for the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
When her UCAT score was lower than expected, we shifted focus to medical schools that valued her academic strength. Through extensive, university-specific mock interviews, she refined her responses to deliver with confidence and clarity. Her discipline, adaptability and openness to feedback, supported by dual-pathway preparation and targeted interview coaching, positioned her to succeed in one of the UK’s most competitive admissions processes.
GRADE 10
GRADE 11
GRADE 12
Offers:
Attending University:
CANDIDATE:
AN
GRE/GMAT:
Did not take
GPA:
3.43/4.0 (as per her WES evaluation)
Qualification:
BA Economics
Work Experience:
Less than six months
Admitted to:
NYU
AN aimed for an MS in Marketing in the US and the UK. The applicant was prompt in balancing the WES evaluation and other application components. However, while brainstorming the SOP we encountered a challenge. The applicant lacked sufficient work experience, which is gained through internships. They only had a two-month marketing internship in a finance company. However, as an undergraduate, the applicant was editor-in-chief of the college magazine, co-authored academic papers and hosted an Instagram series on mental health, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community.
While storyboarding, we strategically guided the applicant to match their academic endeavours with their desire to become an inclusive impact marketer. As an editor, writer and social media content creator for diversity and inclusivity, AN developed excellent communication skills, an understanding of different people, and concise and compelling storytelling abilities. We advised the applicant to position themself as a collaborative marketing person who understood diverse needs, has problem-solving skills and was familiar with contemporary communication platforms.
AN exemplifies how storyboarding with expert counsellors can help applicants identify experiences that align with their goals. Our strategic advice proved valuable, and the applicant received offers from programmes of their choice. It reinforced the fact that transferable skills, like problem-solving, communication, collaboration and technical proficiency, are greatly valued and can compensate for work experience.
