AFP

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The Application Process

AFP Introduction to the AFP The Application Process
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In this section of the module we will provide a brief overview of the application process for the Academic Foundation Programme. For a more detailed insight into what goes into an AFP application have a look at our module: “Preparing Your Application to the AFP”

The exact process of application varies between AUoAs, but the general format is as follows:

In this section of the e-module we will go through each section of the process, giving examples of what different AUoAs expect.

The different AFP posts are available to view on Oriel from mid-August, although the application process doesn’t start until the end of September. During the application window you can then apply for:
⦁ The Foundation Programme
⦁ The Academic Foundation Programme
⦁ Foundation Priority Programme
⦁ Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship

It is important to note that you have to complete your Foundation Programme (FP) application before you can submit your application for AFP. Within your application you can apply to a maximum of two AUoAs, instead of ranking all deaneries as in the FP application. Before you apply have a look at the programmes each AUoAs offer and their method of recruitment to see which would best fit you. For both these applications you will be asked to rank all the jobs offered within your chosen AUoAs. Once you have submitted these applications you cannot change your rankings. 

Will applying to AFP affect my other applications?

No, not until the offers stage. You can apply to all of the above categories without any detriment to your other applications

This part of the process is not applicable for most AUoAs. Examples of AUoAs that longlist are London, Wales and Yorkshire & Humber. For longlisting, the initial selection occurs according to your decile score awarded by your university. 

As part of your Foundation application there are a maximum of 43 points for your university decile. If you are in the top 10% of your year, your score is 43. If in the second decile, 42; the third, 41 etc. If you are below a certain decile your application is automatically rejected. Cut-off scores vary year on year, an example can be seen in the table below. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the longlisting stage a few days after the AFP application submission deadline. 

Decile cut off score for the London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex AUoA

AUoAs use a variety of methods and scoring systems to shortlist candidates. Here we briefly describe the main methods used. For more info on the shortlisting process and how you can maximise your score, check out our module on preparing your application

  • Educational Achievements

Within your initial AFP application on Oriel you can list up to 32 additional educational achievements, including prizes, presentations, posters, publications and any additional degrees. AUoAs will review these achievements and assign you a score.

  • White Space Questions

These questions are like a mini personal statement, with written answers to pre-set questions – read our White Space Questions module for more info plus examples and top tips!
Candidates with the highest shortlisting scores are then invited for an interview.

Interviews are normally offered November to January, exact dates should be available on Oriel from mid-August. Some AUoAs will offer you an interview date while others will ask you to book a slot via Oriel. The format of the interview varies widely, though the majority of AUoAs will have at least two panel interviews. Common interview scenarios include discussing your application and research, critical appraisal of a paper, communication skills or a clinical scenario. The type of interviews used by each AUoA will be available to view in their prospectus. Have a look at our “Interviews” module for info on how to tackle each type of station.

After the interviews each candidate will be assigned an “AFP match ranking score” within their AUoA. This score consists of your academic decile score plus your “AUoA score” – the score given to you during your interview. Each AUoA will decide the weightings of the decile score and interview scores.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

The SJT does not contribute to your match ranking score, however a “satisfactory” SJT score is required to be eligible for an offer. 

 

In mid-January, the candidates with the highest “AFP match ranking score” will be offered an AFP. You have 48 hours to accept the offer, after this they assume you have rejected your offer . However, if you accept an AFP offer to then later reject it, you will be withdrawn from the application process, including from Foundation Programme allocations. 

After this first round of offers a cascade system kicks in. This means that any offers that were rejected in the first round, are then re-offered to other applicants. There are four offer rounds in total, one round each week.
Once you accept an AFP offer your other applications will be withdrawn, e.g. Foundation Programme and Foundation Priority Programme.
Unsuccessful AFP applicants will automatically be included in the allocation for Foundation Programme.

This timeline is based off the UK Foundation Programme Handbook 2020. To find the exact dates relevant to your application year, search the Handbook for the equivalent year.

Read on to find out more about the Pros and Cons of applying for an AFP and see our doctors’ testimonies!​

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Elliot

Elliot is a St George’s graduate currently working as an F1 Doctor in East London. As the first in his family to apply to university, Elliot is well aware of the barriers that can be faced in trying to get to medical school. He is passionate about widening access to medicine for underrepresented groups.
 
 He was the representative for St George’s on the BMA Medical Students Committee, and has done lots of work with local schools and colleges to raise awareness of medicine as a career, as well as working on admissions policies with the widening participation team St George’s. Elliot is part of the @BecomingaDr outreach team and National Health Careers Conference Team.