UCAT
What is the UCAT?
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an admissions test required by most of UK universities for their medical degree. Its purpose is to evaluate mental skills that are important in a medical environment. The UCAT is computer-based and is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres. Candidates must take the test in the examination period just before their UCAS application.
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Candidates with disabilities or medical conditions may be entitled to sit an extended version of UCAT called UCATSEN.
Which universities require the UCAT?
Test structure
The UCAT is made up of four sections each with a different number of questions, and with a specific allocated time.
*1 minute is given before each section to read the instructions.
Each section assesses mental skills that are considered important in the medical profession.
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Verbal Reasoning – Tests the ability of the candidate to analyse text and decide whether specific conclusions can be drawn.
Decision making – Presents a complex set of information to the candidate, with the purpose of testing problem-solving skills and the application of logic.
Quantitative Reasoning – Tests the ability of the candidate to use data in numerical form (e.g. charts, tables etc.) to derive the information asked
Situational Judgement – Assesses a variety of skills needed in a medical environment through the use of scenarios where the candidate must choose the best response. Scenarios test ethics, communication skills, team work and more.
UCAT Score
Each section is given a score between 300 (the lowest score possible) and 900 (the highest score possible).
Situational judgement is marked differently and is given a band from 1 to 4, 1 being the best.
As a result the overall UCAT score will comprise of a mark from 900 to 2700 (the total score of the 3 sections) and a band from 1 to 4.
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Choosing the universities to apply based on your UCAT is a very strategic process, something that we'll surely help you with.
Our Course
This year our UCAT course will run from July 14th to July 19th, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Our experienced team has prepared a comprehensive booklet that covers the theory of the UCAT and shares the top tips and tricks for acing the test. During the teaching week, we will cover one section of the test per day, and you'll have the opportunity to practice each section in class, ask questions, and receive guidance from our instructors. We will also provide plenty of resources for you to practice in your own time.
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We recommend that each student purchase a Medify subscription, as it is a fantastic resource for practicing UCAT questions and will be the main software we use during the course. However, we will provide additional online resources to supplement your preparation, so you will have everything you need to excel on the test.
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Teaching
Each day of the course you will be taught about a section of the test.
Practice
After the teaching, you will have time for in class practice with the chance to ask questions.
Mocks
On the 6th day of the course there will be a mock test to fully simulate the examination.
More mocks will be arranged after the course.
Test day
Your time to shine!!!
What you will need to bring with you in our course
You will only need to bring with you a laptop with a number pad on the keyboard to best simulate the exam.
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If you do not have a laptop or a laptop with a number pad on the keyboard, contact us so that arrangements can be made.
When to book my test?
This year’s registrations and bookings for the test will open on June 17 and the testing period will be from 7th of July to the 26th of September.
Tip:
We would advise you to book the test about 2 - 4 weeks after the course ends to allow you enough time to practice, and to do plenty of mock tests with us. It's always best to sit the UCAT exam when you are at your peak performance and do not just try to book it as late as possible. The period when you will be able to study and practice the most, is the best period to book the test as well. Unlike riding a bicycle, you can forget your UCAT skills if you don't practice!!