Experienced tutor and Oxford medicine student, offering support with the GAMSAT and medicine interview preparation

Learn more about Emily

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I’ve always loved science, and initially decided to study Physics at University. Then, in my second year, I became interested in studying medicine, but ultimately I decided that it wasn’t the right time for me to pursue it.
  
  However, a few years into my graduate job, medicine was still on my mind, and I decided to sign up for the GAMSAT and find some medical work experience. I sat the UCAT too, and received offers from all four medical schools I applied to.
  
  I’ve been tutoring in various capacities since sixth form, and since gaining my medical school offers, I have tutored students in the GAMSAT, UCAT and medical school admissions, as well as in the sciences. My broad scientific background and first-hand experience sitting both the UCAT and GAMSAT mean I’m well placed to support students on their journey to medical school.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  As someone studying medicine after completing an integrated master’s in Physics, I support students with admissions to medical school, which includes the GAMSAT and UCAT, as well as the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
  
  My varied scientific background makes me especially well placed to tutor the GAMSAT, which is heavily weighted towards scientific content. This can often be overwhelming, particularly for students who have less experience in one or more of the sciences.
  
  As a tutor, I focus on building confidence and conceptual understanding across key scientific topics, as well as helping students improve their exam technique.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I’ve been fortunate to have several great teachers, and the ones who had the biggest impact were generally those who made difficult concepts feel approachable and encouraged questions. That's something I try to bring into my own tutoring. Students often understand far more than they think they do, and sometimes hearing something explained from a different angle and having the opportunity to ask questions can make all the difference.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  There are lots of qualities that make a good tutor, but one I think is especially important is being strategic. I tailor each lesson to each individual student, making sure we focus on the areas where they’ll gain the greatest improvement, rather than simply covering as much content as possible. In particular, I explain not just the correct answer, but the reasoning behind it, so that students become more independent over time.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One lesson that has really stayed with me comes from my own experience of initially struggling with maths. During my GCSEs, I sat Additional Maths and found it really difficult. I realised I was approaching revision in completely the wrong way - so I researched the best ways to revise and made a plan to target my weakest areas.
  
  I then went on to get an A* in my Mathematics A-level and study Physics - a very maths-heavy degree - at University. It’s easy to think that people are either naturally good at a subject or they’re not, but I’ve found that being strategic, consistent, and having the right support are much better predictors of success.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One particular challenge of the GAMSAT is the breadth of the topics it covers, with three very different sections and a huge volume of science in Section III.
  
  The key here is to remember to focus your revision on high-yield areas - most people who do well in the GAMSAT go into the exam without being 100% confident on every topic which might come up. Instead, they have a solid foundation across the core areas and strong scientific reasoning skills, allowing them to tackle unfamiliar questions across a wide range of topics.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I absolutely love the sciences, and I particularly enjoy helping students to understand topics that initially seem intimidating. Seeing someone’s confidence grow - whether that’s in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, the UCAT or the GAMSAT - is one of the most rewarding parts of tutoring.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I bring together experience from both my Physics degree and medical school, meaning I have a broad understanding of the sciences as well as first-hand experience of the medical school admissions process. Because every student starts from a different place, I adapt my teaching to suit the individual, helping them focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact on their confidence and results.