Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on students currently preparing to apply for medical school, including lost work experience opportunities and reduced support from schools. This study evaluated an annual widening participation course aimed at supporting Year 12 students local to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which was adapted into an online format in response to these challenges.Methods: Participants completed application forms, pre-course, post-course and daily evaluation questionnaires. Participants' pre-and post-course self-reported preparedness scores were analysed using a two-tailed paired t-test. Thematic analysis was performed on all free-text responses.Results: In the pre-course questionnaire (n=48), participants reported difficulties with applications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly through lost work experience and a lack of support from schools. In the postcourse questionnaire (n=42), participants gained an understanding of medical school interviews, the application process and insights from doctors. Interactive Q&A sessions and practice interviews were found to be particularly valuable, however some participants were unable to partake due to factors such as poor internet connection.Paired responses from participants completing both pre-and post-course questionnaires (n=40) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in preparedness in all areas assessed. Discussion: With a need for alternatives to clinical work experience and school support with applications, this virtual programme is an effective example of how widening participation activities can be sustained in the current climate and continued in the future. However, inadequate internet access can pose a barrier to participation and ways