Dream Realised as Alvin Secures Place to Study Medicine

Alvin, who has been a pupil at Albyn since Primary 4, achieved A grades in Advanced Higher Biology, Chemistry and English, adding to the four A grades at Higher and an Advanced Higher A in Maths he achieved in S5.

The results mean Alvin has met the conditions of his offer and will begin studying Medicine at the University of Aberdeen next month.

"I did better than I expected," said Alvin. "I was a little stressed before I got my results, but I was  hopeful. I needed two Bs to get into the university I was hoping for, so although I had a backup plan, I really wanted to go straight into Medicine. I'm so glad I got these results."

While his science subjects are central to his future career, Alvin says the result he is proudest of came in an unexpected subject.

"I'm proud of my English result. It was definitely the black sheep of all my subjects. For Medicine, you expect Maths, Biology and Chemistry, so English was a bit of a curveball, but it was one I really enjoyed. It was completely different from the sciences and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to study it."

Throughout his final year at Albyn, Alvin built on an already impressive academic record by embracing opportunities beyond the classroom. He became one of the first pupils in our history to achieve Gold awards in both the Biology Olympiad and Chemistry Olympiad, and he also represented the school in the UK Maths Trust ‘Team Maths Challenge’ national finals in Manchester earlier this year.

"I wanted to finish my secondary education on a high and, with the help of my teachers, I've achieved some really great things. I've learned so much from my teachers, my friends and everyone who has supported me. I really wanted to do them proud, and that's what motivated me to work that little bit harder."

Having successfully navigated the demanding Medicine application process, Alvin says receiving confirmation of his place is a huge relief.

"The path to getting an offer for Medicine is quite gruelling. There’s the test you have to do before you even apply, called the UCAT, which is tough; interviews and then your conditional offer depends on your exam results. Being able to clear that final hurdle and know I've got in is such a relief."

Reflecting on his time at Albyn, Alvin says the encouragement of his teachers and classmates has played a significant role in helping him achieve his ambitions.

Lynda Strachan, Deputy Head (Learning & Teaching) at Albyn School said: "Alvin has been an outstanding member of the Albyn community throughout his ten years at the school. His academic achievements are exceptional, but what has impressed us most is his curiosity, humility and determination to make the most of every opportunity. We are incredibly proud that he has achieved his ambition of studying Medicine and wish him every success in the years ahead."

Alvin plans to celebrate his results with family and friends before beginning the next chapter of his journey at the University of Aberdeen next month.