UK vs US medical school?

-Hello, I'm a US rising senior in high school. I want to become a forensic pathologist, which means i have to complete med school and specialize which, in the US system, will take a long time. I was looking to go to school in the UK for many reasons (one of the most prominent being that the UK system is faster) and had a few questions about the differences and similarities between the two programs. If it helps narrow the comparison a little bit, I'm mainly focusing on Ivy leagues in the US and schools in England and Canada.

(don't feel obligated to address all 7 questions. even just one answer will help. i appreciate any information you can give)



1. How does the application process differ?

Do UK schools take into account the US student's disadvantage in preparation for the UKCAT and personal statement? Can i really only apply to 4 UK schools, or do i just have to pay a fee to apply to more than 4? What do UK schools like to see in an application?



2. how does the program itself differ?

I know that in the UK i wont have to go through Pre med, but is there anything else i should know about the program? if i have to take a foundation year(s?) will it end up taking just as long as a US program?

exactly how long will both programs take? (for example, in the US i need 4 years premed, 4 years med, ? years specializing...)



3. How does specializing work?

I have hardly any knowledge on this topic.



4. if i get accepted to a UK program where should i do my residency?

Would i be able to come back and practice medicine in the US after completing all my schooling and residencies in the UK? Which plan of action would be most beneficial, staying in the UK for a while or transferring back to the US at a certain point?



5. What are my chances of getting in?

I will have completed AP classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus AB and BC, I have a 2170 on the SAT, a decently high GPA, and lots of clubs/sports including band, orchestra, National Honor Society, and swimming. is it enough? what else do they want to see?



6. in my one recommendation, should i ask the teacher to focus on one area or broadly discuss my achievements and suitability for the program? (my teachers are about as unsure as i am)



7. Lastly, are there any tips you can give me for applying to the UK? (besides having a back up plan ready)

I have prep books for the UKCAT/BMAT and personal statement, but i still feel a little lost and overwhelmed. is there anything else i can do to prepare? anything else i should know?



I'm sorry the post is so lengthy! Thank you for taking the time to help!