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Four students walk through campus
Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Student interviews

In Focus - Emily Dastjerdi

Emily Dastjerdi

Year of Study: Year 3

Emily Dastjerdi profile photo
Emily shares what inspired her to study medicine, her top interview tips, and her advice for managing the transition to university.

What made you want to study Medicine?

Having the opportunity to give back to society and help people when they are at their most vulnerable. I also found that being a doctor gives you a chance to create strong connections with your patients as you become a trustworthy figure in their lives.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I looked at their courses and chose which ones I would prefer. I also had a look at the cities they were in and whether I could see myself living there for 5 years.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I found the use of cadaveric dissection very interesting and also loved Brighton as a city itself.

Top Tips for UCAT?

Start preparing early and keep doing practice questions.

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How did you prepare for interview?

I ran through common interview questions and memorised my perfect answers

Any tips for interviews (especially online interviews)?

Relax!

If you could go back in time to give one tip to your younger self, what would it be?

You will get there in the end if you really want it! Stop stressing!

Any advice for managing the transition to university?

Go to a few freshers’ events that are your kind of thing and try and find a nice group of people you get along with! It's so much easier to deal with any stress when you've got a few friends going through the same thing.

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What is the best way to study?

There is no best way! You've got to find a way that works for you! I spent the first year trying out different methods from Anki cards, to writing notes. I've realised that what works best for me is to use a mix of methods. But try out different methods and see which one you prefer! The first year is all about trial and error!

Describe your medical school experience in three words.

Crazy, exciting, emotional