This is an example of the questions faced on the Foundation Year
Programme application form. The document is reproduced from the
Northern Deanery website and they provided sample answers (sadly not
for all questions) of a high standard for their students.
We have updated the original format of the document by adding the
actual questions from this years (2005) application form.
We would like you to give two examples for each heading (maximum of 75 words per
example, 150 per heading). The aim is to illustrate your achievements and qualities. It is
important to refer to evidence for each of these headings. (Wherever possible identify
potentially verifiable evidence such as publications, documentary evidence, log books, official
titles etc.). A wide variety of examples should be quoted, these may be medical or non
medical, contemporary or historical. These statements will be anonymised and scored by a
committee who will be asked to score each heading (maximum score 4 points per example, 8
points per heading) and will be keen to identify a wide range of achievements. Although the
same example may be considered for different headings if appropriate, excessive repetition
would not necessarily demonstrate a broad and well-rounded individual and would therefore
not be encouraged. For each heading demonstrate evidence of knowledge, understanding,
experience and application.
Please do not write more than 75 words in each box.
1. Give two examples of your non-academic achievements and the significance
of these for you.
Example 1 I achieved Grade 8 distinction in piano and cello and Advanced
Performance certificate in cello. As a result, I have been employed to play both in
solo roles and as part of orchestras, including Bristol Opera Company. This not only
helps financially but also enables me to play music with professional musicians with
whom I have formed deep friendships. For me, music is a brilliant stress reliever
and takes me out of the mundane.
Example 2
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
2. Give two examples of your academic achievements and the significance of
these for you (include distinctions, prizes, etc.). At least one example should
be based on your experience as a medical undergraduate
Example 1 I undertook my medical elective at Kisiizi Hospital, a rural hospital in
south-west Uganda. Due to staff shortages, I was very involved and was given
responsibility for the medical ward. This included doing the ward round alone,
prescribing drugs and discharging patients.
I learnt to formulate and carry out
management plans, to appreciate and recognise my limitations and I learnt when I
needed to call for assistance from senior staff.
Example 2
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
GMC
‘The
New
Doctor’
guidelines:
http://www.gmcuk.org/guidance/good_medical_practice/index.asp (opens in a new window).
Pick two of the seven principles of Good Medical Practice, state the principle
and illustrate your qualities with respect to these. Please note that the seven
principles can be found by clicking on ‘The Principles of PRHO Training’ in the
contents.
3.
Example 1 Teaching and Training I have taught children, as a classroom assistant
for children with special needs and as a Sunday School teacher. I also regularly lead
Bible studies for adults from Church. This involves studying a Bible passage and
then teaching the group the aspects that I feel are important. The group attracts
people from all backgrounds, both educationally and socially so the teaching must be
accessible and relevant to all as well as inspiring.
Example 2 Good Communication I volunteered with the Winged Fellowship Trust
who provide the care necessary to enable people with disabilities to have a holiday.
Many of the holiday-makers had profound physical disabilities including
communication problems.
Through spending time getting to know them, I
appreciated that words are not necessary in order to communicate effectively and I
became more tuned in to non verbal means of expression, both in those with
communication problems and those without.
4. Identify your educational and personal reasons for applying for this
Foundation School/Deanery or Programme (first ranked only) in order to
maximize learning opportunities
Example 1 Educational Reasons
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
Example 2 Personal Reasons
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
3. Teamwork - Give two examples in which you have participated and
contributed to the successful working of a team. Examples should identify
your role and contribution to the team.
Example 1 I am a dorm leader on a residential activity holiday for children aged 1114 from disadvantaged and deprived backgrounds. I develop relationships with the
children and become someone to whom they come with their problems and
concerns. There is a large adult to child ratio due to the behavioral problems many
of the children have and I love working with the other leaders to entertain and support
the children.
Example 2
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
6. Leadership- Give two examples in which you have demonstrated your
leadership abilities. Examples should identify your specific role and
contribution as a leader
Example 1
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
Example 2
NO EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN…SORRY!!
Scoring System
The following will be used by the scoring committee for each heading:
No evidence demonstrated = 0 points, Minimal evidence demonstrated
= 1 point,
Moderate evidence demonstrated = 2 points, Fully demonstrated = 3 points,
Outstanding evidence = 4 points Thus, there will be a maximum of 8 points for each
heading, 48 points all together.