What is the UCAT?

UCAT

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a multiple choice admissions test that many medical and dentistry schools use to aid them in their selection process. The aim is see which applicants have the right mental ability and thinking  necessary for future healthcare professionals.

 

The UCAT is a 2 hour exam split up into 5 sections.

 

Verbal Reasoning

Read passages of information and make appropriate judgements based on them to answer the questions.

Decision Making

Use logic to come to suitable conclusions, analyse arguments and statistical information.

Quantitative Reasoning

Use numerical and mathematical skills to solve problems.

Abstract Reasoning

Identify patterns and sequences in abstract shapes.

Situational Judgement

How would you respond to real-life situations that a doctor may face.

 

Each section has a specific time limit after which the computer-based test automatically proceeds to the next section, with one minute in between each time to read instructions. For tips on preparing for the UCAT check out our page.

The maximum mark for each section is 900, except for Situational Judgement which works in band system (Band 1-4 being highest to lowest grade). Your final score will be an average out of 900 plus the SJT band.

The UCAT is only one component of our medical school application and universities will use it alongside your grades, personal statement and interview performance. And the cut-off is variable amongst all the medical schools.

 

Section Number of questions Time (minutes)
Verbal Reasoning 44 21
Decision Making 29 31
Quantitative Reasoning 36 24
Abstract Reasoning 55 13
Situational Judgement 69 26

 

Do you need help preparing for your UCAT? Our online tutoring is designed to help you get the best UCAT mark possible.

Personal Statements

Our personal statement review services ensure your personal statement stands out from the crowd making your application competitive.

UCAT

Our one-to-one UCAT tutoring, online UCAT course and UCAT question bank (coming soon) gives you the confidence to ace your UCAT.

BMAT

Our one-to-one BMAT tutoring, BMAT essay review, online BMAT course and BMAT question bank (coming soon) gives you the tools to ace your BMAT.

Interviews

Our online or in-person interview practice for MMI, panel or Oxbridge interviews is great preparation for your interviews.

Testimonials

Our happy customers.

"I found the sessions incredibly useful and they helped me gain confidence for the interview. They even tailored my sessions specifically to each medical school I had an interview for, focussing on the aspects I found most challenging."

Aman

Leeds Medical School

"The Prep Medics tuition was the most beneficial resource I used during the medical school application process. I had been on a number of interview courses prior to coming to Prep Medics and had been left confused with two rejections post interview. In just a couple of sessions with Prep Medics, however, they identified the areas I was weak on and geared intensive preparation towards the style of questions in my remaining interviews."

Mo

St. George's Medical School

"Thank you so much to Maheen and Daniyal for their help and support in my medical application. The one-to-one sessions were really productive and informative and it was really useful focussing time on improving the areas where I was weaker. I would definitely recommend Prep Medics!"

Sumudi

King's College London

"Thank you for the brilliant webinar this weekend! It was a very high quality session and included so much useful information for our students!"

Aoife

A School in London

BMAT Study Tips

There’s only a small number of universities that require the BMAT, but those that do are often very high-achieving competitive medical schools.

What is the BMAT?

Like the UKCAT the British Medical Aptitude Test (BMAT) is another admissions test that some medical and veterinary schools use to assess the applicants’ abilities and approaches.

UCAT Study Tips

We know it can all sound a bit confusing. Another exam to revise for? And it’s not based on your school curriculum either? We’ve put together some useful tips to help you prepare for your UCAT!

What is the UCAT?

Many medical schools use the UCAT to select medical students. So what is the UCAT and how can I prepare for it?

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