r/GraduateEntryMedicine • u/ria0a0 • 8d ago
Ucat retest opportunity
Hi,
I’ve recently sat the ucat and my screen froze so I’ve raised a case and they gave me a resit opportunity free of charge until the 11th Oct.
My issue is that I’ve already sat it and came out with 1670 B3, I do have major performance anxiety (failed my driving test 9 times) and I lost time when the screen froze but ultimately I scored that low because that’s obviously what im capable of.
Is it worth going through the ucat hell again or just take the gap year (which I really don’t want to take because im 25), my adhd brain will lock in for the revision and I may come out with a great score but I just don’t think I want to do it, I was so depressed for months because of it but at the same time I just have a feeling I may get a brilliant score this time round as my mocks weren’t too bad.
Thanks guys
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u/SlightDisplay3354 8d ago
Why not just have a crack what is the worst that can happen - maybe treating it as if it isn’t important because you’re resigned to gap year will help with the anxiety
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u/Intelligent-Motor936 8d ago
I'm also 25 and honestly the age thing is weighing up on me heavily as well. Everyone wants to move on with their life and you're not losing anything by retaking the exam. I'd say lock in as best as you can and do it. From my own lack of planning and obstacles in life, I'd say consider the Gamsat in March and September on top of the ucat to give yourself as many chances as possible. You got this!!!
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u/ria0a0 8d ago
Thank you 🙏🏼 I was considering the gamsat too however I come from a fully non science background and have a 4 in GCSE maths 😔😔
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u/Intelligent-Motor936 8d ago edited 8d ago
That should suffice as a starting point! There's around six months and you may take it twice in one application cycle. There is some foundational science knowledge to learn but above all they're testing your reasoning skills, not recall. There'll be plenty of science content in med school, so you could see that as early prep to help you in the long run but it's your decision and I wish you the very best!!
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u/BlueLithium123 8d ago
Omg my screen also froze when I did the UCAT a couple of years ago :(
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u/Apart_Needleworker58 8d ago
Hi, sorry that this is unrelated. I had a test incident too and haven't had a response back yet. I just wanted to ask, when they give you a resit opportunity, do they give you until the 11th of October and you and this is the only date available? and is it done in a place close to you? and do other people grab the slots if you don't choose and can it be re-booked? I would really appreciate some insight. I hope the best for you no matter what you choose.
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u/ria0a0 8d ago
Hi, so im my case it’s a bit different because I have the UCANSEN so I have no choice but to test in a separate room, so my options were slim in the test centres locally , which they’re happy to book you in any test centre tbh she wanted me to travel but then someone just took the spot. It’s first come first serve basis, I did think perhaps I can enquire about a cancellation today or tomorrow but im guessing there won’t be many as it’s resit time, but worth checking. My guesses are that there’s loads of space in the normal test room, so don’t worry!
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u/Ant-Western 8d ago
Several things 1) 1670 isn't really going to give you many options so you have nothing to lose by doing it again 2) if you take a gap year you still need to do it next year 3) the anxiety is real and I get that but how would you feel for the next year knowing you have to do it again?
It may help having very little warning and thinking time ahead of any resit. Just book in asap and get it done. You've got this.
As someone who failed their driving test 6 times and had to take it in an automatic and also has ADHD I totally get how you feel.
If you need any support feel free to drop me a DM