Good UCAT preparation is less about studying more and more about studying in the right order. Students who do well in the UCAT ANZ first understand each section, then practise under time pressure, then sit full mock exams.
This guide sets out a month-by-month UCAT study plan you can adapt to your own timeline, whether you are just starting your UCAT prep or looking to improve your practice scores.
When should you start UCAT preparation?
The UCAT ANZ is sat in a testing window that runs from early July to early August. Many students start their UCAT preparation about 1 -2 years before their test date, typically early in Year 11 or mid-late Year 10. While there are institutions teaching “pre-UCAT” earlier than this, we believe this is of lower value and training should be focused on realistic, past UCAT questions for meaningful preparation. Your UCAT result will be more important than your UCAT for a vast majority of medical schools.
The UCAT ANZ sections at a glance
Since 2025, the UCAT ANZ has four subtests. Abstract Reasoning was removed, so older study guides that include it are out of date.
| Subtest | Questions | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 22 minutes | Reading and judging written information quickly |
| Decision Making | 35 | 37 minutes | Logic, data interpretation and reasoning |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 26 minutes | Applied maths and data problems |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 minutes | Judgement in real-world healthcare scenarios |
Your month-by-month UCAT study plan
Months 1 to 6: Build the foundations
Learn the format and question types for each subtest.
Work through untimed practice questions so you understand the methods.
Master Decision Making first, followed by Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Situational Judgement respectively
Note which sections feel hardest. Typically this is Verbal Reasoning.
Months 7 to 12: Understand the full curriculum scope
Gain familiarity of all question types. There is a clearly defined UCAT syllabus that we are able to teach
Keep an error log: write down why you got each question wrong.
By this time there should no longer be any surprises when you review a new UCAT quiz or full exam
Months 13 to 18: Full mock exams
Sit full-length mock exams under real test conditions, ideally once or twice a week.
Understand an optimal exam scoring strategy individualised to your strengths. This is taught in training and solving questions by pattern recognition will be of high importance.
Review every mock carefully. Reviewing mistakes is where most improvement comes from.
How to prepare for the UCAT with practice tests
Doing hundreds of questions without reviewing them leads to slow progress. After each practice session, look at every question you got wrong or guessed. Ask whether the mistake came from timing, misreading the question or not knowing the method, and adjust your practice to fix that cause.
Our students are recommended to complete at least 10,000 questions in conjunction to their structured classroom practice to be entirely ready for exam day.
Balancing UCAT prep with Year 12
A steady routine is by far statistically superior to pushing everything towards Year 12 alone. Based on our experience working with students very holistically, a guide for each year level is as follows:
Year 10: 4 - 5 hours per week
Year 11: 6 hours per week
Year 12: 6 - 8 hours per week
Note breaks for major exams is acceptable with a good baseline established during Years 10 - 11
The final week of UCAT preparation
Do one or two final mocks a maximum of 3 days prior to your exam
The remaining time should be spent reading through questions you got incorrect and reflection on your individual section strategy developed through training
Check your booking, test centre location and ID requirements for peace of mind.
Sleep well the night before and arrive early.
UCAT preparation FAQs
How many hours should I study for the UCAT?
It varies by student. Regular weekly practice over several months is more effective than a large number of hours in the final few weeks. Our guide above is an average indicator. UCAT is a skills based exam, so excessively high study hours may be a sign that the candidate has not appropriately progressed with your understanding of the techniques required.
Is a UCAT preparation course worth it?
A good UCAT preparation course gives you structure, strategies for each section and feedback from tutors who have done well in the test themselves. It is most useful if you find it hard to stay organised on your own or are stuck at a certain score.
Can I prepare for the UCAT in six months from Year 12?
It is possible to improve in this short period; however most students benefit from a longer runway so their ability to complete Year 12 well is not compromised. Being able to undertake detailed learning, adapt strategy, receive individualised feedback on approach and rehearse with simulated examination will be a deciding factor in your success.
When should I book my UCAT test date?
Book as soon as bookings open. Popular dates and test centres fill quickly, and an early booking lets you plan your study around a fixed date.
Is Abstract Reasoning still in the UCAT?
No. Abstract Reasoning was removed from 2025, so you only need to prepare for the four current subtests.
How do I know what score I need?
Use our UCAT Score Calculator and read more on our About UCAT page.
UCAT preparation with MedEssentials
The MedEssentials UCAT MasterClass is taught by doctors and high-scoring medical students. It follows a structured UCAT preparation plan like the one above, with small-group teaching, timed practice and full mock exams. Join us at our Adelaide UCAT MasterClass or our Sydney UCAT MasterClass in Chatswood, or see the MasterClass overview.
Read what our students say on Google.
Written by:
Dr Ian Tan MBBS MMed
MedEssentials Head of Education
Royal Adelaide Hospital; Oxford University Hospital
Ophthalmology Retinal Surgery Fellow
Associate Clinical Lecturer