I felt out of the world when I got my results! I was done with the first milestone. I was beyond excited!
I decided to book the very next PLAB 2 date available and get on with it only to be disappointed as there were no slots available for the whole year.
I wanted to utilise the time between PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. But due to some personal reasons I had to leave home. Later on when I got back after a month, I decided to use my time efficiently by either studying for MRCP or by joining a MSC course in the UK. I even subscribed to passmedicine MRCP but ended up not doing a single question from it. So I went with the MSC course plan so that I get to leave to the UK ASAP on student visa.
With the guidance of my friend Aishwarya (was selected in MSC Cardiology research in King's college that year), I searched for various universities and their courses. At first I was not sure which subject to go with. I brainstormed a little and decided to go with MSC Dermatology in Cardiff University due to my keen interest in Dermatology.
After preparing the personal statement and going through the hassle of getting multiple references, I finally finished applying. Later, I got a response in a week about how they liked my application but as I lack clinical experience in Dermatology/Medicine specialities so they won't be considering it. They even gave me an option of keeping me with the next year's batch if I can prove my experience by then.
I felt low cause I was really looking forward to studying in Cardiff University. I would google photos of the University library and places to visit around the city.
But nevertheless, after having a chat with my parents, I decided to give it one more try. Again with Aishwarya's help I applied to a PGCERT course in advanced medical training, in King's just before the deadline. I was probably one the last applicants.
They took forever to respond. It spiked my anxiety levels as I kept seeing cancelled PLAB 2 dates come and go. In panic I even booked an October 2021 PLAB 2 slot. I assumed if I got selected in King's, I will use my student visa (rather than vist visa) to leave to the UK and take my PLAB 2. But I didn't get any response from King's till late september. So I went ahead and cancelled my PLAB 2 slot as I barely had a month and didn't have a visa in my hand (I was banking on student visa).
In the end of September, I received a message saying you have been rejected as there were too many applicants. It broke me.
I tried avoiding negative thoughts by keeping myself busy by starting a research with few colleagues from my college. On October 6th they released PLAB 2 slots for 2022 and I immediately booked one in February.
Currently I applied for the VISA and am waiting to hear back. It's my first time I will be visiting the UK. I can feel the thrill building up day day!
Update: I got my visa!!
~Life is full of ups and downs, without the downs, the ups would mean nothing~
Links:
Everything about MSC by Aishwarya (coming soon)
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