What is the UCAT?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is the admissions test for future healthcare students in medicine, dentistry and other clinical sciences. Prospective candidates seeking admission to selected health programs at participating Universities will be required to undertake the UCAT.
The UCAT is an online based multiple-choice exam consisting of 5 separate subtests, including Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. The UCAT exam is 2 hours in duration.
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning subtest assesses a student’s ability to make inferences and draw specific conclusions based on information presented.
44 questions, 21 minutes test time
Decision Making
The decision-making subtest assesses a student’s ability to interpret text, charts, tables, graphs or diagrams in order to reach a decision or conclusion.
29 questions, 31 minutes test time
Quantitative Reasoning
The quantitative reasoning subtest assesses a student’s ability to solve problems by extracting information from tables, chests, and/or graphs.
36 questions, 24 minutes test time
Abstract Reasoning
The abstract reasoning subtest assesses a student’s ability to identify patterns amongst abstract shapes. There are 4 different question types in this subtest:
- Type 1: Students are presented with 2 sets of shapes (Set A and Set B). The question involves a test shape and students are asked to determine which Set (Set A or Set B) does the test shape belong to.
- Type 2: Students are presented with a series of shapes. The question asks students to determine the next step in the series.
- Type 3: Students are presented with a statement involving a group of shapes. The question asks students to determine which shape completes the statement.
- Type 4: Students are presented with 2 sets of shapes (Set A and Set B). The question asks students to select which of the response options belong to Set A or Set B.
55 questions, 13 minutes test time
Situational Judgement
The situational judgement subtest assesses a student’s capacity to understand practical situations. Students will be tested on their ability to consider either the appropriateness of possible actions, or the importance of possible considerations, based on a series of scenarios.
69 questions, 26 minutes test time
All sections include 1 minute instruction section that is not included in the actual test time. For further information regarding the test format, please visit the official UCAT website: http://www.ucatofficial.com/ucat-anz/test-format/
What Universities require the UCAT for Admission?
UCAT is required as a pre-requisite for admission to the majority of health-related courses around Australia and New Zealand. As of September 2018, UCAT is required for the following courses:
Medicine – The University of Adelaide, Curtin University, Monash University, The University of Newcastle, University of New England, The University of New South Wales, The University of Queensland, University of Tasmania, The University of Western Australia, Western Sydney University, The University of Auckland, University of Otago
Dentistry – The University of Adelaide, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, University of Otago
Oral Health – The University of Adelaide
Please note that some pathways to medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences will not require the UCAT. For up to date information regarding admission requirements, students are advised to check the websites of individual universities.
Non-UCAT Universities – University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Bond University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Latrobe (Dentistry)
When is the UCAT held?
1st July - 12th August (varies each year)
Why Prepare UCAT with MedEssentials?
At MedEssentials, we are excited that UCAT test will offers comprehensive aptitude assessment and thus provide added opportunities for students seeking a career in Medicine and Dentistry. Content for our upcoming programs, including the Masterclass, Practice UCAT Exam and Free Workshop Series delivered exclusively by our team of practicing doctors.
With new changes comes a degree of uncertainty for many students. MedEssentials holds the strong belief that the best coaches for a health-related aptitude test such as the UCAT are practising clinicians within insight into the health profession. As the only provider of admissions training guided exclusively by practising doctors with MD and MBBS qualifications, MedEssentials aims to make the transition from high school to medicine & dentistry seamless.