UCAT Students Guide

1. UCAT Students Guide

2. UCAT® Registration The University Clinical Aptitude Test or UCAT® is a standardised computer-based test used as a criteria by many Australian universities for entry into undergraduate medical, dental and clinical science programmes. The two-hour long exam is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres and assesses a range of abilities and behaviours that these programs have identified as important towards practicing medicine and dentistry. It should be noted that the UCAT® exam is just one cog in the various components of a medical school application which typically includes academic qualifications and an interview process. The ultimate rationale for the UCAT® exam is to assist in identifying the best applicants out of the already extremely competitive cohort of medical or dental school candidates. A registration fee of $305 is required in Australia and New Zealand. If you’re eligible for concession within Australia, the fee is $199. To be eligible for concession you must: • Hold or are listed as dependant on a current, signed Health Care Card (HCC) • Hold or are listed as dependant on a current, signed Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)

3. UCAT® Structure The UCAT® exam is a two hour computer based exam composed of 233 multiple choice questions. These questions are divided into five subtests which are each designed to assess different skills. These five subtests follow in a specific order and are described in further detail below: • Verbal Reasoning - Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.    • Decision Making - Assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.    • Quantitative Reasoning - Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form.    • Abstract Reasoning - Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.    • Situational Judgement - Measures the capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.   

4. UCAT®Scores The UCAT® exam is scored based on the number of correct answers with no negative marking for incorrect answers. In other words, your performance on one question won’t affect the marking of any other question. With each of the four cognitive subtests having different amounts of sets and questions, the raw marks are converted to a scaled score ranging from 300-900. • Verbal Reasoning •Abstract Reasoning Questions – 44 Questions – 55 Scale Score Range - 300 – 900  Scale Score Range - 300 – 900 Marking - Questions are worth 1 mark each Marking - Questions are worth 1 mark each • Decision Making• Situational Judgement Questions – 29  Questions – 69 Scale Score Range - 300 – 900     Scale Score Range - 300 – 900 Marking – Either 1 mark or 2 marks Marking - Full or partial marks • Quantitative Reasoning Questions – 36 Scale Score Range - 300 – 900 Marking - Questions are worth 1 mark each

5. Preparing for the UCAT® Exam • Understanding the UCAT • To prepare for the UCAT® exam, understand that it carries as much weight as your ATAR in medical school applications, with a poor UCAT® score potentially outweighing even a strong ATAR or interview performance. • Nail down Test-Taking Strategies • The UCAT® is nuanced, with varied question types and difficulties, so it's essential to understand each section's format, strategies, and shortcuts. Identify your strengths and weaknesses early to focus your preparation effectively. • Practicing with a wide variety questions • The UCAT® consortium offers limited questions with brief explanations, so practice is key for speed and accuracy. GradReady’s MCQ bank helps you assess weaknesses with detailed explanations and test-accurate questions.

6. Preparing for the UCAT® Exam • Attempting full mock exams • After practice, the next step is to undergo time-pressured exam simulations that evaluate a proper UCAT® score. These mock exams allow you to assess your readiness to sit the exam under accurate conditions. This will also help to hone your exam-taking techniques such as using shortcuts, the calculator function as well as applying time-management skills. • Reviewing mistakes and improving weaknesses • Finally, after every practice and mock exam, it is essential to look back on what can be improved. Our detailed worked solutions provide students with the ability to quickly identify their mistakes and help reduce the chances of making the same error in the future.

7. Extenuating Circumstances • If you feel unwell before your exam, reschedule by contacting Pearson VUE Customer Services (AU: 1800 512 320; NZ: 0800 451 260) up to 24 hours before your appointment. • Missing the rescheduling deadline requires paying an additional fee to re-book your test. • The Pearson VUE helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (local time); rescheduling notice must still be given within this timeframe. • For Monday appointments, reschedule before 6pm on the preceding Friday. • Rescheduling is subject to appointment availability; you may need to travel to another location if your preferred test location is fully booked. • You cannot cancel or reschedule an appointment by email. • Missing your test without rescheduling is considered a ‘no show’ and ineligible for a refund; a standard test fee applies for re-booking. • If you feel unwell during the exam, notify the invigilator for consideration as a mitigating circumstance; you will need to reschedule your exam. • The same applies if you experience a hardware or software problem during the exam. • Presenting yourself for the test means you are declaring yourself fit to sit the exam; reschedule or cancel if you feel unwell. • Avoid scheduling your exam too late in the testing period to account for any extenuating circumstances.

8. Further Materials • Australian Medical Schools: General Overview • Australian Graduate Medical Schools - Admission Requirements • Medical Pathways in Australia • Free GAMSAT Practice Questions and Materials • GAMSAT Results: The Definitive Guide • Don’t forget to tune in to our GAMSAT® To Med School Podcast! Listen as our experienced GAMSAT® tutors explore diverse topics about everything from the GAMSAT® exam to their journeys through medical school: https://gradready.com.au/gamsat-podcast