Question 1

What UCAT score do I need for Exeter vs Pears Cumbria (GEM)?

Accepted Answer

Neither school publishes a single fixed UCAT cut-off; both use UCAT as part of a composite shortlisting score alongside GCSE and personal-statement weighting. Exeter guidance: ~1880+ /2700 with A*A*A* (5th decile) OR ~2100+ /2700 with A*A*A (8th decile). Points cut-off 74+/100.. Pears Cumbria (GEM) guidance: Applicants may submit UCAT, GAMSAT or MCAT - whichever they performed best on. UCAT used as shortlisting filter only; offers based purely on interview + academic record..

Question 2

How do interviews differ between Exeter and Pears Cumbria (GEM)?

Accepted Answer

Exeter uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Pears Cumbria (GEM) uses Multiple Mini Interviews: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). The format is the same, so the same prep approach applies — practise ethics frameworks, NHS hot topics, and (for MMI) structured 5-7 minute station answers. Interview windows: December – March (Exeter); December - March (Pears Cumbria (GEM)).

Question 3

What A-Level grades do Exeter and Pears Cumbria (GEM) require?

Accepted Answer

Exeter requires Applicants need to apply via UCAS by 15 October; academic profile + admissions test used to determine interview invite. Typical A-Level offer A*AA (contextual AAB) for 2026 entry.. Pears Cumbria (GEM) requires Graduate entry - degree required. Most successful applicants achieve these grades on first sitting with strong predicted grades from their school.

Question 4

How are GCSEs weighted at Exeter vs Pears Cumbria (GEM)?

Accepted Answer

Exeter — GCSE performance considered as part of the broader academic profile; specific scoring not published. Pears Cumbria (GEM) — Not applicable - graduate-entry programme. Requires a 2:1 honours degree.

Question 5

How does each school actually shortlist applicants?

Accepted Answer

Exeter's selection methodology: shortlisting weight not fully disclosed; check the official admissions page. Pears Cumbria (GEM)'s selection methodology: New programme (first cohort 2024). UCAT + degree class + GAMSAT (alternative to UCAT for some routes) + interview. Imperial-affiliated graduate medicine in Cumbria. Understanding each school's exact algorithm is the single highest-leverage piece of pre-application research — it tells you whether your profile is competitive before you spend an application choice.

Question 6

Where are Exeter and Pears Cumbria (GEM) located, and how does that affect cost?

Accepted Answer

Exeter is in Exeter, Devon, England, UK, UK. Pears Cumbria (GEM) is in Carlisle, UK. Tuition is £9,250/year at both for UK home applicants; the main cost difference is accommodation (London accommodation typically runs 30-50% above the national average).

Question 7

When does each school release decisions?

Accepted Answer

Exeter typically releases medicine decisions March onwards / mid-May. Pears Cumbria (GEM) releases medicine decisions March onwards. If one is earlier than the other, you may need to hold a decision while waiting for the second school — be ready to compare in real time.

Question 8

Should I apply to both Exeter and Pears Cumbria (GEM)?

Accepted Answer

You can — UCAS allows 4 medicine/dentistry choices in total, so listing both is feasible if your profile fits each school's selection algorithm. Apply to both only if your UCAT, GCSE and predicted-grade profile is competitive against each school's published weighting. A common mistake is using two of your four slots on similar schools when a more spread-out portfolio (one safe + one stretch) would maximise overall offer probability.

Comparison field	ExeterExeter, Devon, England, UK	Pears Cumbria (GEM)Carlisle
Quick comparison
Location	Exeter, Devon, England, UK, UK	Carlisle, UK
A-Level offer	A*AA at A-level including A in Chemistry and A in Biology	Graduate entry - degree required
TrueScore	1900	1700GEM
UCAT home cut-off	~1880+ /2700 with AAA* (5th decile) OR ~2100+ /2700 with AAA (8th decile). Points cut-off 74+/100.	-
Interview format	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)	Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Post-interview chance	International (2026 policy): ~33% (10 places, ~30 interviews); UK Undergrad: 366/696 = 53%	-
Decision date	March onwards / mid-May	March onwards

Exeter vs Pears Cumbria (GEM)

Side-by-side comparison

Exeter

Pears Cumbria (GEM)

Exeter vs Pears Cumbria (GEM) - in detail

A-Level and academic profile

Interview formats

What makes each distinctive

Which is right for you?

Common questions

Where to go next

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