Diya
University of Exeter
Medicine
1st Year
DBS
4About Me
Hello! My name is Diya Venkatesh and I am a Canadian international student currently studying Medicine at the University of Exeter.
I applied during the 2024-25 cycle to a range of private and public universities in the UK as well as to Ireland, and received a total of 6 interviews across the two systems. I have participated in both traditional and MMI style interviews, so I am able to offer a wide base of resources and advice to aspiring applicants. During my application season, I also completed 2 CASPER exams and scored 4th-quartile in both sittings.
Throughout my own preparation I developed some reliable strategies for navigating different interview stations, from those about ethical reasoning, to personal qualities, to communication and problem-solving.
As an applicant from abroad, I truly understand the unique challenges that international students may face with admissions interviews. I aim to support students by providing tailored guidance which will help build confidence and encourage authenticity during interviews.
My teaching style
My teaching style is adaptive, supportive, and very student-centred. For interview preparation, I try to teach students to build frameworks and practical strategies, rather than memorize answers. I invite students to share the strengths they feel confident in and the areas they find challenging, then customize my feedback to support their goals.
My past experience
I was recently selected as an interviewer for a Mock MMI initiative run by Exeter’s Clinical Education Society and Medical Outreach Society. I also have experience in tutoring French.
My Proudest Achievements
One of my key achievements is securing a place in a medical program as an international student, knowing the high level of competition. I am also proud of my performance in various competitive academic and leadership activities throughout secondary school and university.
I teach
- CASPER
- French
- Med Personal Statement
- Medicine Interview
My Results and Achievements
- Offer from Buckingham Medical School
- Offer from Brunel Medical School
- Offer from University of Exeter Medical School
- Offer from RCSI School of Medicine
- Scored 4th quartile in two CASPER sittings
- Achieved 99% in Grade 11 French
- Canadian international student
- Experienced in tutoring French