UCAT vs GAMSAT: Which Medical Entrance Exam Is Right for You?
Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Thomas Nicolson (Currently studying Doctor of Medicine - MD at the University of Queensland)
The journey to a medical career is filled with crucial decisions, one of the earliest being the choice of medical entrance exam: UCAT vs GAMSAT.
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) are 2 common gateways to a medical career. But which is the right path for you? Let’s decipher these exams together, considering the UCAT vs GAMSAT options.
What is UCAT?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for studying medicine and dentistry at the undergraduate level and medical schools in Australia, New Zealand and the UK use UCAT in their selection process.
This exam covers 5 important areas: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Thinking and Situational Judgement.
These sections rate key competencies including reasoning capabilities, problem-solving skills and written communication abilities that are essential when pursuing an undergraduate medicine degree and eventually, a medical career path.
What is GAMSAT?
The GAMSAT exam is used to evaluate potential medical students on their scientific understanding, problem-solving aptitude, written communication competency and critical assessment skills for students at a graduate level.
The GAMSAT involves 3 sections — Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences, Written Communication and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences — which are designed to assess the capacity to undertake high-level intellectual studies in a demanding course.
What are the key differences between UCAT and GAMSAT?
To get a better understanding of the distinction between UCAT and GAMSAT, let’s explore their respective timing and structure. Both exams involve numerous components, but there are clear variations in terms of when they take place as well as how each test is organised.
UCAT vs. GAMSAT: Key Differences for Aspiring Doctors
Undergraduate vs graduate degrees
For those considering studying medicine or dentistry at an undergraduate level, UCAT is designed to measure the preparedness of high school leavers for these medical programs. However, there are some exceptions, such as the University of Newcastle, that accept UCAT for university and postsecondary applicants.
Meanwhile, GAMSAT aims to evaluate and select individuals who have already attained a Bachelor’s degree (or higher), with hopes of furthering their studies in this field through postgraduate education.
If you're currently in high school or are a recent Year 12 graduate, you'd be looking at sitting the UCAT for entry into medical school. If you've already studied and have completed a Bachelor's degree, the GAMSAT is your ticket to university for a medical degree.
Exam content
As we mentioned earlier, the UCAT includes 5 sections, while the GAMSAT includes 3. The UCAT doesn't require much prior knowledge and mostly tests generic skills, while those sitting the GAMSAT need to have some knowledge of Year 12 Physics and first year university Chemistry and Biology.
While the UCAT is compromised of only multiple choice questions, the GAMSAT involves written passages in the Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences section as well as 2 writing tasks that span 30 minutes in the Written Communication section.
Test timings
UCAT challenges students to display their abilities in problem-solving and critical thinking, giving test takers limited time frames that demand quick yet effective decision making.
This demanding examination thus tests the aptitude of those taking it in an intensive way. Here's how the 2-hour long UCAT, which is made up of 225 questions, is broken down.
- 44 questions
- 1-minute reading time
- 21-minute test time
Decision Making:
- 29 questions
- 1-minute reading time
- 31-minute test time
- 36 questions
- 1-minute reading time
- 25-minute test time
- 50 questions
- 1-minute reading time
- 12-minute test time
- 69 questions
- 1-minute reading time
- 26-minute test time
The GAMSAT exam is designed to assess a candidate's ability to comprehend and analyze various types of materials, think critically about issues, and organize and express thoughts in a logical and effective manner. The questions are based on a variety of sources and often require interpretation of written passages, graphical information, mathematical relationships, and data tables.
In 2024, the GAMSAT is divided into two separate test windows. The first window focuses on the Written Communication Section and is conducted remotely for all test takers. The second window includes the Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences, and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences sections and is conducted in-person at test centers approximately two weeks after the Written Communication test window.
The tables below show the structure of GAMSAT by section and time.
Remote Proctored Component
The Written Communication section tests a candidate's ability to generate and develop ideas in writing.
It consists of two 30-minute writing tasks, each offering four statements on a common theme. The first task deals with socio-cultural issues, and the second task deals with personal and social issues. The section is assessed on the quality of thinking and the control and use of language.
Test Centre Component
The Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences section tests skills in the interpretation and understanding of ideas in social and cultural contexts. The materials cover a range of academic and public issues, with an emphasis on socio-cultural, personal, and interpersonal topics.
The Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences section tests the recall and understanding of basic science concepts.
It includes questions from Chemistry (40%), Biology (40%), and Physics (20%). The section primarily focuses on problem solving and the application of prerequisite knowledge.
All Written Communication responses will undergo plagiarism checks as part of the marking process. This includes a plagiarism check against previously submitted GAMSAT responses.
When to sit UCAT and GAMSAT
In 2024, testing for the UCAT runs from July 1 to August 9. Bookings for this cycle open on March 5, 2024, with a deadline of May 17. The final late booking deadline is June 5, 2024, which incurs a late fee.
There are 2 opportunities to sit the GAMSAT each year. For 2024, these are in March and September. Registrations for March open in December 2023, with standard registrations closing on January 22, 2024. Registrations for September 2024 open in May 2024 and close on July 4 of the same year.
UCAT vs GAMSAT difficulty
The question of difficulty is often discussed when comparing the UCAT and GAMSAT. And, while it's hard to give a definitive response, the UCAT is typically thought to be less demanding, as it tests one's problem-solving abilities along with an aptitude for making decisions amidst intricate scenarios without needing assumed knowledge.
In contrast, the more difficultly perceived GAMSAT requires fundamental knowledge as well as reasoning capabilities, but no particular topics or formulas.
Scoreboard: UCAT and GAMSAT marks
The scoring system also differs between the UCAT and GAMSAT — here's how it works.
UCAT scoring
Each section of the UCAT is scored on a scale of 300 to 900. The total cognitive section score is derived from the sum of your individual scaled scores from the first 4 sections, ranging from 1200 to 3600.
Your UCAT score is calculated into a percentile, which is a noteworthy yardstick for comparing your performance against that of other test-takers. A higher percentile or decile indicates better performance, with a score in the 9th decile, for example, placing you in the top 10% of all test-takers.
A “good” UCAT score is typically around the 90th to 95th percentile, which is the score required for entry into medicine. Based on previous cohorts, the average UCAT score invited to interview for medical school is 3100 and above.
GAMSAT scoring
The GAMSAT is scored on a scale of 0 to 100 but these are not percentage marks. This exam is calculated using this formula:
- Overall score = 1 × Written Communication + 1 × Humanities and Social Sciences + 2 × Biological and Physical Sciences ÷ 4
These scores are also accompanied by a chart showing one's approximate percentile ranking for the overall score, to help give you an indication of your performance in relation to other people sitting the GAMSAT.
Medical schools consider section and overall scores, but not your percentile ranking, and universities set their own GAMSAT cut-off scores each year. You'll need to achieve a minimum score to be considered for admission into medical school.
GAMSAT doesn't provide as detailed statistic as one receives in the UCAT and GAMSAT scores are often combined with a university GPA and interview score.
Although for a competitive GAMSAT score, you should aim for being in the top 10% of test-takers. This can vary between different cohorts of students, with a score of 70 being a strong goal.
Is preparation for GAMSAT different to UCAT?
Medical students need to tailor their study approach for success in UCAT and GAMSAT, as both require distinct preparation. For the former, aspiring medics should focus on honing time management skills and critical thinking abilities through resources like question banks and practice tests.
Regarding preparing for GAMSAT, on the other hand, requires a more comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts along with reviewing Year 12 Physics and first year university Biology and Chemistry.
There’s also an emphasis put on essay writing techniques including addressing contemporary issues or adopting a personal narrative format. This is a significantly different aspect to the UCAT, which is only multi-choice questions. Especially for students with English as a second language, this is often the most difficult section in the GAMSAT to improve. Rather than focusing on improving skills related to timing which can be done within weeks to months, significantly improving writing and language skills can take a long period of time.
In addition to this, GAMSAT is a style of test which is very independent from modern essay writing. As a time-pressured closed-book test, students are not able to use translation tools or any other external help, meaning that lots of practice is needed.
Further, whilst there is a set of pre-determined content for the science section of GAMSAT, it is different to usual tests that are undertaken in high school and university. Instead, there is less focus on the actual content, but rather using your understanding of content to answer problem solving questions.
Thus thorough preparation is needed that reflects each test’s unique demands if successful results are sought after from these examinations. Each test has some very unique sections and associated demands, but with enough practice, these become second nature for many of our students.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Australian medical schools require UCAT?
No, not all of them, but a number of the of undergraduate medicine programs require you sitting the UCAT. Universities like Monash University, Curtin University and the University of New South Wales all use UCAT scores as part of their admissions process.
Check out our university UCAT cut-off scores guide to learn which medical schools you need the UCAT for.
Is UCAT one of the hardest tests?
The UCAT exam is thought to be one of the most challenging assessments due to its pressured time limits and how well it can separate those who qualify for medical school.
As such, effective preparation is the key to obtaining a score needed for medical school admission. Here at MedView Education, we understand that the process of the UCAT as well as applying to medical schools is not only complex and confusing but it’s more competitive than ever before!
We take med school admission to a new level through personalised admission support, application review, entrance exam and interview tutoring, and extracurricular mentoring for students in Australasia.
We understand that each student is different, so the services we provide are always personalised to your individual needs. Not sure where to start?Book a free consultation with our MedView advisors if you'd like more guidance on this process.
Similar articels
Tips, tricks and how to get an advantage over your competitors in medical school.
“My name is Jonnie, and I am currently a third-year medical student at the University of Auckland (UoA). This series of six blogs explores my journey into medicine and some tricks I used to make my experience enjoyable and successful.”
Otago or Auckland?
In New Zealand, there are two institutes that offer medical degrees – the University of Auckland and Otago University. Acceptance into medicine is extremely competitive, with only the top 20% receiving an offer into medical school!
There are two main pathways for entry:
- Undergraduate pathway – this is the competitive first year
- Postgraduate pathway – after completion of a degree, you can apply as a postgraduate student
You only have two chances to apply. That is if you are not accepted as an undergraduate, you can try again as a postgraduate student. However, if this application is also unsuccessful, you cannot try again. For the purposes of this blog, we will be discussing the undergraduate pathway as it was the route I chose. If you want more information regarding the postgraduate pathway, feel free to contact our team at admission@medvieweducation.org
For Auckland, the application is weighted on three different components:
- Core Paper Grades: 60%
- UCAT Exam: 15%
- MMI: 25%
For Otago, the application is weighted on only two different components:
- Core Paper Grades: 100%
- UCAT: meet a threshold of 20th percentile to be eligible
- The details of the UCAT in Otago are explored in a later blog. There is no MMI component for Otago.
I chose MedView for my journey as they are the only provider to support all these different components within the same framework. This holistic approach is vital to your success in your first year, with MedView students being 3x times more likely to be accepted into medical school than other students.* In fact, 1 in 5 students that were accepted into Auckland in 2021 were with MedView!
*****Data is from the year 2020
Another key difference that can greatly impact your year is the living circumstances. Both universities have hostels and halls, but Otago is renowned for its “party environment”. While it is important to balance your social and academic life throughout the year, it is important to be wary of outside distractions. Some hostels are more academic than others, such as Carrington and Knox. I would recommend finding a quiet place to study on campus or in your hostel for when you need to escape and focus.
Are you thinking about a career in medicine?
The UCAT 2024 is a big step towards that goal. Sign-ups start on March 5, 2024. The tests are from July 1st to August 9th, 2024.
But, what does it actually involve? And what can you do to set yourself up for success? Knowing how best to tackle UCAT preparation, when to start, and where to access helpful resources can be overwhelming.
We're here to make this process a little more straightforward — our comprehensive guide explores the ins and outs of the UCAT, including the exam structure, advice on how to prepare for each section and what to expect on testing day.
What is the UCAT?
UCAT ANZ 2024 is an assessment that is used in the university admissions process for medical, dental and clinical science degrees.
The test, which is used in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, helps universities select applicants who hope to have clinical careers by evaluating their mental aptitude as well as their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making skills.
Unlike other exams like GAMSAT, which includes an essay element, the UCAT tests cognitive abilities through a multiple choice format.
Who can take the UCAT?
You're eligible to take the UCAT if, at the time of the exam, you are undertaking or have completed the final year of secondary schooling or higher. This means that students in Year 11 in Australia are not eligible to sit the test.
Those who have commenced or completed an undergraduate degree are also eligible but it's important to note that not all undergraduate programs that require a UCAT will offer places for non-school leavers.
Stay ahead in UCAT prep! Get the latest updates, key dates, and insider tips—delivered monthly to your inbox. Sign up for ON THE PULSE with MedView, our monthly newsletter, and your UCAT digest!
UCAT 2024: Registration and Key Dates
Sign-ups begin on March 5, 2024. You can start picking a test date on February 1, but you must choose your date by May 17.
The dates to remember for the UCAT ANZ in 2024 are from July 1 to August 9.
Opening of Registration
It is important to start the registration process for UCAT 2024 as soon as it opens in March. If you sign up early, you have a better chance of getting the test day and place you want.
You can register for UCAT at: https://www.ucat.edu.au/register/booking-a-test/
Key UCAT ANZ 2024 Dates
What universities require the UCAT?
There are 15 universities in Australia that require UCAT scores — some of the top universities in this list include:
- The University of Adelaide
- Curtin University
- Monash University
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
Learn more about these institutions and the requirements for landing an interview off in our UCAT cut-off score university guide.
Structure of the UCAT
This 2-hour long computer-based test includes 228 questions, which are divided into 5 separately timed sections. Each section of the UCAT is scored on a scale of 300 to 900.
The total cognitive section score is derived from the sum of your individual scaled scores from the first 4 sections, ranging from 1200 to 3600.
UCAT ANZ 2024 Structure and Timing
Here's a look at each subtest and what is involved.
1. Verbal Reasoning
The first section, Verbal Reasoning (VR), assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.
The VR subtest contains 44 questions, a 1-minute instruction section and a 21-minute test time. There are 4 answer options per question in this subtest and correct answers are worth 1 mark each.
In 2023, a score of 720 was in the 90th percentile, which is necessary to be considered competitive for a medical school interview.
2. Decision Making
The Decision Making (DM) subtest looks at your ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.
The DM subtest contains 29 questions, a 1-minute instruction section and a 31-minute test time. For multi-statement questions, there are 5 options per question in DM and 4 for the regular questions.
Questions with 1 correct answer are worth 1 mark, while multi-statement questions, on the other hand, are weighted as 2 marks. Although, 1 mark is awarded to partially correct responses on the multiple-statement questions.
A score of 750 in DM is the 90th percentile for 2023.
3. Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) gauges your ability to critically evaluate information presented in numerical form.
The QR subtest contains 36 questions, a 1-minute instruction section and a 25-minute test time. There are 4 answer options per question in QR and correct answers are worth 1 mark each.
To land in the 90th percentile for QR in 2023, you're looking at a score of 800.
4. Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning (AR) evaluates your use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
The AR subtest contains 50 questions, a 1-minute instruction section and a 12-minute test time. AR questions include 4 answer options and each question is worth 1 mark each.
The 90th percentile score for AR in 2023 is 820.
5. Situational Judgement
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) assesses your capacity to understand real world situations, while also identifying critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.
The SJT contains 69 questions, a 1-minute instruction section and a 26-minute test time. There are 4 answer options for per question in the SJT and full marks are awarded for responses match the correct answer. Partial marks are awarded if your response is close to the correct answer.
Those with scores of 820 landed in the 90th percentile for the SJT in 2023.
Interestingly, many universities don't tend to consider the SJT within the admissions process, instead preferring to test this skill in the interview process.
Despite this, the SJT is still a necessary part of the UCAT.
What score do you need for medicine?
While this score fluctuates from year to year, for the 2023 admissions cycle, students with a score that surpassed the 90th percentile were more likely to be successful in the medical school interview process.
Gaining an interview is understandably competitive and as a result, you need to aim for a score of around 3100 to be seriously considered. Read our guide on what score you need for medicine for more information on how this process works.
How to prepare for the UCAT test
Now that we've covered how the exam is structured, it's time to think about your approach to UCAT practice and preparation. The most important part of your preparation process is creating a study plan.
You'll want to determine what you strengths and weaknesses are and where you should be spending your revision time.
To do this, we recommend setting milestones for when you'll complete mock exams and to use the results from these practice tests to determine what to study in between.
Importantly, you don't want to create a study plan that is unrealistic because you won't end up sticking to it. Try to craft a plan that will work for you and complete at least 10 full timed mock exams before you sit the UCAT to give yourself the best chance of success.
If you're not sure how best to tackle this, MedView Spark has an easy to follow study plan feature that can help you prepare and achieve success.
Our learning platforms includes the following:
Personalised study plans
Based on your practice results, our MedView team of medical school students and medical professionals can see what you most need to work on and create a plan based on this.
Progress tracking
Using our unique algorithm, we can accurately predict your UCAT score, which helps you focus your study time and turn weaknesses into strengths.
Practice questions
We have over 4,500 practice questions ready and waiting for you to try your hand at. Plus, we have practice exams you can work on, helping to make you lightning fast at answering questions while also building your confidence to become exam-ready.
UCAT-friendly interface
We have created our platform to mimic the UCAT experience — right down to the keyboard shortcuts and calculators — so things will feel comfortable and familiar when it comes time to sit the real thing.
Plus, you can also access a bunch of free and helpful resources — including insights from current medical students and MedView Admission Experts on the pathways and requirements to successful admission into medical school — via the MedView website.
How early should you start preparing for the UCAT?
Commencing UCAT prep as soon as possible is crucial for success.
For Aussie students, it's recommended that you start preparing between Year 10 and 11. For New Zealand students, between Year 11 and 12 if aiming for Australia and between Year 12 and Year 13 if aiming for NZ.
The skills tested in the UCAT take time to build — especially if you're starting from a low baseline. Without a doubt, the hardest part of preparation is balancing consistent UCAT practice with your schoolwork.
Starting early and using periods like school holidays to devote to UCAT preparation means you (hopefully!) won't feel as stressed during school and can give each the time and dedication they require.
Is there a recommended time to take the UCAT?
There isn't an optimal time to take the UCAT as all dates are technically equal. You have a 6-week window so work out the best time for you during that window.
In saying this, we recommend trying to schedule your test window for before you go back for term 3 of high school, or semester 2 of university, to avoid having to miss school and study and become overwhelmed.
Strategies for preparing for each UCAT subtest
While regularly trying your hand at a UCAT practice test is an important part of your preparation, there are other activities that can also be helpful.
To help you work towards the highest UCAT score you can possibly achieve, we're looking at the best ways to prepare for each UCAT subtest.
Verbal Reasoning
The secret to succeeding on the Verbal Reasoning subtest is enhancing your speed and understanding when reading.
This exam checks a student’s capacity to analyse written material critically, so going through practice questions while building up one’s ability for rapid reading should help them conquer this part of the test with greater effectiveness.
Our tips for preparing for the VR subtest:
- Practice speed reading every single day — try reading 1-2 news articles, time yourself and then see how much you can recall from the article
- Practice various speed reading tricks and see what works best for you — remember that everyone's brains work differently so it's important to find the method that suits you
- Analyse questions after you've finished a practice exam — wrong answers are usually based around certain tricks like using information outside of the passage or saying 'all' when they mean 'most'; make a list of these tricks to look out for when you're stuck on a question
- Download a vocabulary app on your phone to help you learn new words daily
Decision Making
When tackling Decision Making questions, it's important to recognise the primary facts of a problem and look at all possible outcomes carefully before deciding what step should be taken next in order to understand deeply what your task actually demands.
To get proficient in this area one needs constant practice, solving sample inquiries with help of process elimination approach will make handling UCAT test-related decision making easier.
Our tips for preparing for the DM subtest:
- Practice drawing diagrams for logic puzzles, Venn diagrams and probability questions
- Make a list of common tricks in Syllogism, Recognising Assumptions and Interpreting Information questions and have a mental checklist in your head for when you get stuck
Quantitative Reasoning
Maximising your precision and speed on the Quantitative Reasoning section of the UCAT exam is essential for success. This part tests how well you can analyse numerical data presented in both verbal and written form.
Our tips for preparing for the QR subtest:
- Practice mental maths every day — try using an app on your phone or computer
- Make a list of key formulas (especially those you struggle with) like calculating percentage change or unit conversation and memorise it
- Practice keyboard shortcuts for the calculator
- Give yourself 4 calculator tokens each time you do a practice exam and deduct one each time you use the calculator
- Pay attention to units and scales for tables and graphs and make a mental checklist every time you see one
- Challenge yourself during your school maths class and try to do as many problems as you can without relying on a calculator
Abstract Reasoning
Solving abstract reasoning questions requires using convergent and divergent thinking to deduce relations from the given information.
To make it easier, try to hone your skills in spotting patterns with number sequences, arrangements of shapes/colours/sizes, symmetry or reflection.
Our tips for preparing for the AR subtest:
- Make a list of every pattern you come across throughout your practice
- Turn that list into a mental checklist you run through each time you see a new question
- Memorise how many sides particular shapes have — for example, a star has 10, an arrow has 7 — as this saves you counting during the exam
Situational Judgement
For the UCAT exam, you need to be well-prepared for the Situational Judgement subtest. It requires proficiency in understanding real life scenarios and showing correct behaviour based on your analysis of these situations.
Our tips for preparing for the SJT:
- Each question is centred around a moral dilemma — for example, patient safety versus patient confidentiality — so use practice questions to build a hierarchy of these morals and commit them to memory
- Look out for factors that might changes this hierarchy — for example, the number of people affected and your relationship to the person —and factor this into your hierarchy so you can build a logical way of determining the correct answer
We understand the process of applying to medical schools is not only complex and confusing but it’s more competitive than ever before! So, if you'd like external support on your journey to the UCAT, MedView can help.
MedView Education takes med school admission to a new level through personalised admission support, application review, entrance exam and interview tutoring, and extracurricular mentoring for students in Australasia.
We understand that each student is different, so the services we provide are always personalised to your individual needs.
UCAT test day tips
With an understanding of how the test works and ways to approach preparation, let us now take time to go through some important tips for the day of the UCAT.
If you're wondering what you can and can't bring into the exam, and what the testing environment is like, we've got you covered.
What to bring
On the day of your UCAT, remember to take with you a valid photo ID (pick from the list of permitted ID), as well as your appointment confirmation email from Pearson VUE (either electronic or printed).
The only items you're able to take into the exam include religious apparel, headwear that is worn for medical reasons and small hair clips or hairbands that are less than half an inch wide.
There is also a list of permitted Comfort Aids, including eyeglasses and certain medications, that are allowed during the test. Be sure to check this for any specific items you might need.
Checking in at the UCAT testing centre
You're expected to arrive 30 minutes before your UCAT appointment time in order to go through the check-in process. It's important to note that if you're more than 15 minutes late for your appointment or you miss the test, the cost of the UCAT won't be refunded.
If you happen to arrive early for your appointment, you may be offered to begin your test before your official exam time, if a workstation becomes available. If you don't wish to start earlier, you can decline and wait for your appointment time.
On the flip side, test centres can run behind at times, so you may have to wait to begin and you could start the UCAT after your original appointment time. You'll still have the full 2 hours to complete your exam, it may just begin later than first thought.
When you arrive, the check-in process for the UCAT will go as follows:
- Your ID will be checked
- You'll be asked to read the UCAT ANZ Examination Rules and then sign to confirm that you understand and agree
- A digital photograph will be taken of you by a staff member
- Your personal belongings (including your mobile phone, keys and wallet etc) will need to be placed in the lockers provided
- Staff will conduct a visual inspection of your clothing and Comfort Aids to ensure non-permitted items aren't being taken into the exam room
Test experience
Once you're in the testing room, you'll be assigned a desk that contains a PC and a keyboard as well as a laminated notebook and a pen. If the latter items aren't on your desk, you can raise your hand and ask a staff member for these.
Once you test has kicked off, you are under exam conditions and you'll be monitored using CCTV and/or an in-person test invigilator.
Remember that your exam can't be paused, so while you are permitted to take bathroom breaks, you will lose precious time on your test. If you need a break to use the bathroom or take medication, raise your hand to notify the staff members present.
The best approach is to not use the bathroom during the exam (you want to maximise every minute you have) so be sure to use the bathroom before you head into the testing room.
Once you've finished your test, simply raise your hand so your invigilator can end your exam and escort you out of the testing room.
When are your UCAT results released?
While the lead up to the UCAT can feel like an incredibly long process, the good news is that your exam results are delivered pretty quickly.
You can expect to receive your results within 24 hours of completing your test.
You'll receive an email from Pearson VUE within 24 hours with instructions on how to access your UCAT ANZ Score Report in your Pearson VUE account (which you created when making your exam booking).
Summary
In order to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry, preparation for the UCAT test is paramount.
Having an understanding of its layout and design as well as making a tailored study plan while perfecting each section are all essential parts that can help you achieve success in this exam. Best of luck!
Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay ON THE PULSE with the latest UCAT information and more!
Frequently asked questions
Is UCAT a hard exam?
The UCAT is undeniably a challenging exam. Its basic content combined with the time pressure creates a difficult test that works to set students apart.
How early should I start preparing for the UCAT test?
As early as possible. For students in Australia, it's recommended that you start your UCAT preparations between Year 10 and 11.
The UCAT
The UCAT, or the University Clinical Aptitude Test is the medical school admission test required for many universities in Australia and New Zealand. The UCAT is designed to assess applicants for the aptitude, attitudes and beliefs required of a doctor. In order to defeat the UCAT - we should understand what it is. First off, it’s a two hour computer based exam. There are 5 separately timed subtests - Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. In this blog we break down each of the sections and offer guidance on how to prepare for this important exam.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning is meant to assess your ability to read something and draw appropriate conclusions. You can see why this would be important to a doctor - you’re part of a multidisciplinary team and will have to communicate effectively. In addition, doctors have to keep current with new research and draw reasonable conclusions from published findings. Decision making involves 11 text excerpts with 4 questions each, meaning this section has 44 questions in 21 minutes - that means an average of 29 seconds per question. That doesn’t even take reading the stem into account!
Decision Making
Decision Making is essentially data interpretation from graphs, tables, text and charts. You don’t need to have background knowledge on any subject, because part of what they’re testing is your ability to understand new information. Can you think of a time a doctor might have to do the same? This section has 29 questions in 31 minutes - an average of 64 seconds per question. Compare the timing of section to verbal reasoning, it’s more than double. Consider the length of time per question as an indication of how much the test writers want you to analyse.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning is a straightforward mathematics section - there are nine scenarios each with four questions. You’ll have access to an on screen calculator - which is functional but pretty clunky! You’ll have to strike a balance between using mental maths to be quick, and keeping your wits about you, and staying accurate. This section has 36 questions in 24 minutes - an average of 40 seconds per question. It’s not a lot of time to question your maths abilities!
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning is used to evaluate your ability to locate patterns and understand logic, separate from your language abilities. If you’ve seen the guides online with pictures asking you to find a pattern - that’s abstract reasoning. This section is sometimes hard for students to grasp, because it’s such a different set of skills. It’s also probably the biggest struggle with time management. This section has 55 questions in 13 minutes - that’s only 14 seconds per question. Don’t even think about going into this section unprepared!
Situational Judgement
Situational Judgement assesses your judgement and character in different situations - the situations are usually clinical or education based. Either situations you’ve likely been in, or a situation you could be involved in future. Then you’ll have to evaluate the appropriateness, importance or consequences of the situation. It’s one way for universities to evaluate the characteristics that are important for future doctors! Situational Judgement has 69 questions in 26 minutes - an average of 25 seconds per question.
With so much to do - how can I set myself up for success?
Prepare
This sounds like a no brainer, but preparation is the most important thing you can do if you want to succeed on the UCAT. Going over questions is one thing but the most effective thing you can do is to practice under exam conditions. That means doing computer based exams - so when you get to test day, you know what to expect. Luckily MedView has a bank of questions.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Time is a precious resource when you’re preparing for medical school admissions - you have to continue doing well in your studies, prepare yourself for an interview, and master a new exam. There’s not infinite time - so you have to learn how to study smarter, not just harder. So many students waste their time by continuing to drill skills that they’ve already mastered. It’s important to identify the weak points that need more TLC.
Learn Skills
Each type of question requires a specific psychometric approach to understand and answer so quickly. Skills and strategies to identify the problem and solve the challenging question are essential for success. MedView has a range of 1:1 tutoring, group workshops, practice exams and questions alongside our spiral learning curriculum to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in time conditions. Our UCAT students are 5x more likely to receive an interview offer.
Sitting full-length practice exams under simulated conditions is the most effective preparation for developing UCAT skills. As this will familiarise yourself with the extreme time pressures, as well as allowing you to practise concentrating on psychometric skills for two hours. It is also important to practice using the computer-based platform that will be used when you sit UCAT as well.
Seek Help
Find friends that have taken the test before and ask for their experience. Better yet, schedule a free Academic Assessment with MedView today! When you start your journey as a MedView student, you are allocated an Education Coordinator who has experience helping hundreds of students get into med school. They’ll help you stay on track with your goals, offer you support, and help you succeed on your path to medical school.
Next Steps
The UCAT is an important exam that is key to medical school admission for undergraduates. We recommend starting your UCAT preparation early and integrating it into your study load to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. If you’d like to learn more about the UCAT or how to get into Medical School, check out our free eBooks and blogs!
- What is the UCAT?
- How Universities use your UCAT Results
- A Quick Guide to Australia Medicine eBook
- A Quick Guide to New Zealand Medicine eBook
- How to Prepare for the UCAT
- What UCAT scores will get me into med?
MedView offers a range of UCAT preparation courses as well as personalised 1:1 tutoring with our expert team. If you would like to know more about the UCAT and how MedView can help, get in touch today.
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