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MAR 10, 2020 • 9 min read
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a university admissions test that is now in Australia, New Zealand and abroad for admission into a range of health science courses. This includes medicine and dentistry.
The UCAT is:
Candidates are able to 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 5 different abilities: Verbal reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. These are reflected in the 5 subtests:
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 5 abilities, what they actually are and break them down into core competencies required for each.
Verbal reasoning is the ability to comprehend, analyse, synthesise and drawing conclusions textual information. This is applying critical reasoning to written content.
In this section of the UCAT, expect to see: 11 textual excerpts with 4 questions each These questions are based only on nonfiction texts and do not feature poetry, comics or fictional work
Understanding what is a statement, an opinion and a fact. It’s important to also understanding the differences between hypothetical explanations and
Understanding that the grey between the dichotomy of true and false in written information. Being able to understand
Understanding the conclusions we make from texts have to be grounded in the information provided. It is pivotal to be aware of core assumptions we make as well as 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 diverse complicated sources of information.
Data interpretation from text, charts, tables, graphs and other diagrams as well as an understanding of logical argumentation are key for this section.
In this section, expect questions that:
Quantitative reasoning is more than numbers and mental arithmetic. It is focused on sound reasoning which is grounded in numbers: statistics, figures, costs. All candidates will have access to an on-screen calculator.
In this section, there will be 9 Scenarios with 4 questions each. Expect questions that:
Abstract reasoning tests the ability to discern, analyse and synthesise information which is unbounded from language and linguistic skills.
Students must be efficient in iterative thinking: the ability to constantly generate hypotheses and modify them dependent on their success.
In this section, expect questions that:
Complete the Sequence, This to That and Match the Question to the Family questions all display aspects of core competencies required. For a more detailed analysis and a thorough examination of Core Competencies, join our UCAT program.
Abstract Reasoning Type 1: Choose the Set
Candidate is given two sets with several examples which follow a particular pattern. They are then asked to determine if several shapes fit Set A, Set B, or neither.
Abstract Reasoning Type 2: Choose which belongs
Abstract Reasoning Type 3: Complete the Series
Abstract Reasoning Type 4: This is to that
Situational judgement testing (SJT) has been a part of admissions processes for more than 4 years in Australia and New Zealand. It has now been subsumed into the UCAT process and will not be a standalone as previously.
Testing on situational judgement focuses on clinical scenarios that involve university and medical students. Through these scenarios, candidates’ integrity and ability to respond in difficult settings is evaluated. Broadly, SJT seeks to evaluate the emotional intelligence (EQ) that is more applicable to future careers in health sciences.
In this section, expect questions that:
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. 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.