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We read the article, ‘Medical school prep courses promote equality of opportunity’1 with interest and agree that applicants to medical schools should succeed because of their abilities, not because of their financial or social position. It is commendable that the authors have highlighted the issue, but the argument regarding paid-for ‘preparation courses’ may be at odds with reality. For example, potential applicants from rural Wales (some of the most deprived areas in the UK2) are unlikely to be able to afford ‘personal statement reviews for as low as £20’. They may live in areas that are not well-served by internet provision or in circumstances where they cannot afford to pay for internet services. A Welsh Government funded scheme that allowed such potential applicants to spend time in GP practices3 revealed that some pupils were unable to afford bus fare to the practice.
The past year has seen a significant rise in applications for medicine in UK medical schools (up from 23,720 to 28, 690) and the selection criteria will be stricter.4 In view of this, market forces are unlikely to reduce costs.The authors highlighted resources and opportunities offered by their medical school, but these should be subordinate to raising awareness of the free guidance available from the Medical Schools Council.5 At this site, prospective applicants can find a wealth of mat...
Competing Interests: None declared.