Stress and Anxiety Among UK Medical School Applicants During the Post-Interview Period: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author(s)	Reuben Amala Chandran Manikandan
Country	Oman
Abstract	The medical school application process in the United Kingdom is highly competitive and often associated with significant stress and anxiety, particularly during the post-interview period and while awaiting academic results. This study aimed to assess stress and anxiety levels among applicants and examine their association with interview frequency. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 applicants (250 home and 250 international). Stress and anxiety were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results showed that 20% of participants experienced mild anxiety, 48% moderate anxiety, and 32% severe anxiety, while 24% reported mild stress, 40% moderate stress, and 36% severe stress. Applicants attending fewer interviews reported higher stress levels. A moderate positive correlation was observed between stress and anxiety (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the high prevalence of psychological distress and the need for targeted support during the application process.
Keywords	stress, anxiety, medical school applicants, United Kingdom, post-interview period, Perceived Stress Scale, GAD-7, mental health, interview frequency, medical education
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-25
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72132

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