questions and answers
1. What is the ucat test format?
The multiple choice test is taken on a computer or laptop and is 2 hours long, consisting of 233 questions split into five sections:-
- Verbal reasoning (21 minutes)
- Decision making (31 minutes)
- Quantitative reasoning (25minutes)
- Abstract reasoning (12 minutes)
- Situational judgement (26 minutes)
2. Why Success tutoring?
We believe that our course is on of the best available. It has been meticulously designed and continually updated, including an evualation after each delivery. Our aim is to guide you through your preparation for this exam, where we are very conscious to take into account your anxieties and fears. This test will probably be new to you and not like any of the exams that you did for GCSE or A level. We have developed a 3 step plan that takes you methodically through the process. We are very confident that by following this plan, your goal will be achieved.
3. What is the difference between the UCAT and the BMAT?
Both are different tests, the UCAT test is an online aptitude test that focuses on answering questions of varying difficulty in a very tight time frame. The BMAT is a written exam which tests logical thinking, mathematics and science. It is required by Ox-bridge universities and other top medical schools.
4. Can I prepare for the UCAT?
The answer is definitely yes. All the studies show that familiarity and lots of practice with good strategies can vastly improve your score in aptitude tests. By following our 3-step programme and taking our live webinar in conjunction with our Question Bundle, we will teach you the methods, techniques and time management to enable you to score highly in the test.
5. How long should I spend preparing for the UCAT?
We recommend about 4-6 weeks. You should spend at least 2 hours/day where you are really focused with your mobile switched off, distractions or interruptions. This is to mimic the exam. The aim is to build your preparation to where you are prioritising the sections and question that you are not scoring highly. A common mistake is to leave the mock tests to the last minute, do avoid this. We recommend that you leave a max of 2 mocks for the day before the test.
Ucat Question bundle.
Ucat Question bundle.
6. What universities use the UCAT?
Out of a total of 34 , 27 recognise the UCAT. https://www.medschools.ac.uk/studying-medicine/medical-schools
The UCAT Consortium Univerities can be found https://www.ucat.ac.uk/about-ucat. Some universities set a threshold mark and others do not put as much weight onto the UCAT score. Some will consider your score in conjunction with your interview, personal statement, work experience and other personal qualities. In 2020, there were 23 710 students admitted into medicine, of which there were 18 500 UK; 3530 non EU and 1690 EU. This represented an increase of 6% on 2019. In 2021, 37,230 students sat the UCAT, and in 2022 it was 36, 374.
You can check the universities website https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/site-search/?query=medicine
The UCAT Consortium Univerities can be found https://www.ucat.ac.uk/about-ucat. Some universities set a threshold mark and others do not put as much weight onto the UCAT score. Some will consider your score in conjunction with your interview, personal statement, work experience and other personal qualities. In 2020, there were 23 710 students admitted into medicine, of which there were 18 500 UK; 3530 non EU and 1690 EU. This represented an increase of 6% on 2019. In 2021, 37,230 students sat the UCAT, and in 2022 it was 36, 374.
You can check the universities website https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/site-search/?query=medicine
7. What is the average UCAT score?
In 2019 it was 2483 and for 2020 it was 2512 for the first 4 sections. Situational Judgement is awarded as Bands 1 to 4, with Band 1 the highest score.
8. How much does the UCAT test cost?
The cost is £75.00 and there are bursaries available https://www.ucat.ac.uk/register/bursary-scheme
9. what is a good ucat score?
For most medical colleges offering a 5-year programme, a cut off score of 680/690 is generally enough to secure an interview. Each medical college will assess each application on its entirety and then offer interviews based on this. Some medical colleges do publish their cut off UCAT scores and it is best to contact them directly.
10. How many times can I sit the UCAT?
You may only sit the UCAT once a year. However you can re-sit it the following years and the UCAT scores are only valid for one year only.
11. When are the UCAT tests?
Registration opens on 16 June 2023, booking is available from June 20th and the first test is available on July 10th 2023. The last date available to sit the UCAT is 28 September 2023. www.ucat.ac.uk/register
12. Where can I do the test?
As of 1 April 2021, Pearson are stating that the UCAT will be delivered in Pearson test centres throughout the UK and internationally. However, if the pandemic situation changes, there are contingency plans.
13. Why take our UCAT preparation course?
Firstly, it will cover all the five subsections of the UCAT test, and it will teach you the strategies and techniques that you will use to practice with and eventually employ on the day. Additionally, we will teach you timing as this is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome, and yes, with technique and lots and lots of practice, students do manage to complete the UCAT on time. You will carry out lots of simulated practice on the day with feedback. Our tutors who have all scored in the top percentile of the UCAT with an average score of 3230 and SJ Band 1, will be very willing to help you in any specific areas that you are concerned with.
We do ask you to tell us of areas of difficulty when you book, and this is fed back to the tutor. You will be sent our UCAT e-book which has all our strategies, techniques and tips and there are lots of questions to practice for each section. We aim to reduce your stress and make the journey as enjoyable as possible for you.
We do ask you to tell us of areas of difficulty when you book, and this is fed back to the tutor. You will be sent our UCAT e-book which has all our strategies, techniques and tips and there are lots of questions to practice for each section. We aim to reduce your stress and make the journey as enjoyable as possible for you.
16. UCAT and University
How will Universities use your UCAT score? Some have a cut off score and some do not put as much emphasis on the score. It is best to contact your University of choice to find out this information. Additionally, some put much more emphasis on the Situational Judgement sub section than the other sections. More can be found out at:
https://www.medschools.ac.uk/media/2701/msc-entry-requirements-for-uk-medical-schools-2021.pdf
