Can you get into medicine with a D?

A D in Year 12 doesn't have to end a medicine or dentistry application, but a D in final A-Levels usually will at standard entry, because most courses ask for AAA or higher. What matters is timing: how early the grade turns around, and whether it happens before predictions are finalised.

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If it's a mock or test in Year 12

There's usually still time. Find out exactly where the marks are going, fix those gaps, and ask the school when predicted grades are finalised. Our founder, Zeshan, was stuck on Ds in Year 12 and went on to get A*AA. The turnaround came after predictions were set, which cost a year, so starting early matters.

If it's a final A-Level grade

Options depend on the university:

• Resits: policies vary a lot. Manchester medicine considers resit applicants only if first-sitting Year 13 grades were at least ABB, and asks for A*A*A at resit. Southampton medicine allows one retake per A-Level. Cardiff and Bangor medicine, and Birmingham dentistry, don't generally consider A-Level resits.
• Lower offers: some schools publish contextual offers. At Nottingham medicine these are AAB or ABB for 2027 entry, with at least one A in Biology or Chemistry.
• Foundation or gateway years: some universities run these, with their own entry rules.

Requirements change, so confirm with each admissions team and check the Medical Schools Council course listings.

What to do next

1. Work out which subject and which topics are costing the marks.
2. Check the entry requirements for the courses you want.
3. Ask the school when predictions are set, and what they're based on.
4. Get structured help early. Waiting until Year 13 can be too late.

Related

• What A-Levels do you need for dentistry?
• A-Level tutoring for medicine and dentistry applicants