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29 JUN 2021
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a university admissions test used in Australia, New Zealand, and abroad. Universities use it for admission into a range of health science courses, including medicine and dentistry.
The UCAT consists of a:
Candidates can choose when to sit the test from a range of permissible dates. Results will be made available instantly upon finishing the UCAT.
The UCAT tests five different abilities: Verbal reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement. These are reflected in the five subtests:
Subtest | Questions | Time | Time Per Question |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 1 min instruction 21 min test time | 29 second per question |
Decision Making | 29 | 1 min instruction 31 min test time | 64 seconds per question |
Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 1 min instruction 24 min test time | 40 seconds per question |
Abstract Reasoning | 55 | 1 min instruction 13 mins test time | 14 seconds per question |
Situational Judgement | 69 | 1 min instruction 26 min test time | 25 seconds per question |
The UCAT tests high-order thinking skills under intense time pressure. With our insight-oriented curriculum, individualised tutorial packages, and adaptive learning software, we can support every student with their UCAT preparation.
Our educational experts and consultants analyse the five abilities, what they are, and break them down into core competencies required for each.
Verbal reasoning is the ability to comprehend, analyse, synthesise, and draw conclusions from the textual information, applying critical reasoning to written content.
In this section of the UCAT, expect to see: 11 textual excerpts with four questions each. These questions are based only on non-fiction texts and do not feature poetry, comics, or fictional work.
Understand the difference between a statement, opinion, and fact.
Understand that the grey area between the dichotomy of true and false in written information.
Understand the conclusions we make from texts have to be grounded in the information provided. It is pivotal to be aware of the core assumptions we make and the cognitive biases that subconsciously cloud our conclusions.
For more detailed analysis and a thorough examination of the Crimson Core Competencies, join our UCAT program!
In the UCAT, decision-making refers to an umbrella of related abilities centred on drawing conclusions from complicated sources of information.
Data interpretation from text, charts, tables, graphs, and other diagrams and an understanding of logical argumentation are key for this section.
In this section, expect questions that require you to:
Quantitative reasoning is more than numbers and mental arithmetic. It focuses on sound reasoning grounded in numbers, including statistics, figures, and costs. All candidates have access to an on-screen calculator.
In this section, there will be nine scenarios with four questions each. Expect questions that:
Abstract reasoning tests the abilitiy to discern, analyse, and synthesise information. Students must be efficient in iterative thinking: the ability to constantly generate hypotheses and modify them dependent on their success.
In this section, you will encounter questions that expect you to:
UCAT Abstract Reasoning Type 1 Example Questions: Choose the Set
Candidates are given two sets with several examples that follow a particular pattern. Then, they will determine if several shapes fit Set A, Set B, or neither.
Complete the Sequence, This to That and Match the Question to the Family questions all display aspects of the core competencies required. For a more detailed analysis and a thorough examination of core competencies, join our UCAT program!
Situational judgement testing (SJT) has been a part of admissions processes for more than four years in Australia and New Zealand. It has now been subsumed into the UCAT process and will not be standalone as previously.
Testing on situational judgement focuses on clinical scenarios that involve university and medical students. Through these scenarios, candidates are evaluated on their integrity and ability to respond. Broadly, SJT seeks to evaluate the candidate's emotional intelligence (EQ) and how they will adapt to future careers in health sciences.
In this section, expect questions that require you to:
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 Australian Medical Schools, check out our free eBooks and blogs!
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.