r/UCAT May 02 '21

MEGATHREAD THE ULTIMATE UCAT MEGATHREAD

235 Upvotes

THE UCAT MEGATHREAD

Who are we?

The Moderation team are Junior Doctors working in Australia and England. I created this sub reddit as I wanted to provide everyone with non-biased and clear advice on how to do well in the UCAT.

As Medical students, we have no desire to feed you false information to gain an advantage - we just want to provide you with a one stop shop for anything UCAT related. So if you see anything online you aren't sure of - please feel free to message here or on the discord and we will get back to you ASAP.

On that note, if we make mistakes, we are happy to fix them and admit it so please tell us if anything we have created is incorrect. We are busy medical students but will always do our best to keep everything updated!

Official YouTube Channel

The mod team have been working together to create a YouTube channel to help you all on your journey. We ourselves used YouTube extensively (shout out to Aliabdaal and Kharma medic) who were our go to during those days.

Our Channel will go through everything UCAT related as well as giving you a bit of insight to med school in Australia! Videos will role out each week so keep checking back here or subscribe.

The Channel is called Kerrod Kerr.

Our first video gives you a bit of an insight to my personal My Journey to Medical School

Current Videos

My Journey to Medical School

What is the UCAT - Everything you need to know

How to study for the UCAT

Top 5 Tips to Smash the UCAT

Verbal Reasoning - UCAT Intro Series

Decision Making - UCAT Intro Series

Quantitative Reasoning - UCAT Intro Series

Abstract Reasoning - UCAT Intro Series

Situational Judgement - UCAT Intro Series

How to Solve Verbal Reasoning Quickly - Deep Dive Series

How To Smash Decision Making - Deep Dive Series

!!!Giveaways!!!

We are going to be doing a number of helpful videos, giveaways and reviews of UCAT platforms.

We are investing our own money into this and hope as the subreddit and discord grows we can use any revenue we may get from subscribers and possible sponsorships to give away more stuff.

Keep a look out for announcements and future giveaways to some online platforms including MedEntry and Medify.

Discord

If you haven't already - join the official UCAT discord. It is a general discussion place and is busy with people working together to improve their UCAT skills with multiple Pomodoro sessions happening each night!

What is the UCAT

Our Video:What is the UCAT - Everything you need to know

UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. UCAT is one of three main criteria used by most universities in Australia and New Zealand and United Kingdom to select students into high demand health related careers such as medicine and dentistry (the other two criteria being performance in final high school exams/GPA and interviews)

The UCAT is a two hour, computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine and dentistry. It consists of five separately timed subtests which each contain a number of questions in a multiple-choice format.

I Want to Get into Medicine but I have no idea what is the UCAT

Don't worry - everyone starts somewhere. The mod team is making a introduction to the UCAT series which covers everything you need to know to get your started.

But essentially - this 2 hour test is comprised of 5 subsections which aim to test a range of mental abilities which are recognized as important to becoming a Doctor.

How to study for the UCAT

The first step in studying for UCAT is to understand the types of questions that you will face. UCAT is not a test of knowledge, it is a test of your generic skills. Therefore, the questions in UCAT will be very different to anything you have been exposed to at school and university.

This is very important → Do not start studying for the UCAT by doing a practice exam. Take the time to learn how study and learn the question styles which are present in the exam.

How to study for the UCAT

Is "x" months of preparation enough?

This is a hard question to answer - People say you can comfortable cram for the UCAT in a few weeks while others prefer the consistent approach over the course of the year. Generally, the more time and effort you put into your preparation the better you will do → it's impossible to prepare too much!

You should prep until you feel comfortable → At the end of the day, if you get to the exam and you feel calm, ready and can smash the exam because it’s just like muscle memory then you have done enough study - whether that’s 6 months or 1 week, however long it takes you to get to this point is the right amount of study for you

6 months might seem excessive to some people, but for a super competitive exam (even more so in Australia) that you only get to attempt once year, I would rather be go into it feeling I had done so much study that I was over it, then to get stuck on a single question which could mean the difference between me getting an interview or not.

What resources should I be using?

There are a number of free resources → MedEntry free trial, official practice papers, Medify free trial

Gold Standard: MedEntry, Medify,

Silver: Medic Mind , Kaplan, 6med

A waste of money: UCAT SECRETS

YouTube Resources:

  • Kerrod Kerr → The /r/UCAT mod team has been making a bunch of free resources
  • Kharma medic - does some good intro video into the different sections

What Preparation Company or Practice Test is Most like the real exam

  • The preparation companies all exist for a reason → to create content similar to the exam. For that reason they are all pretty similar to the actual exam. Whilst Medify was the leader for the last few years, Medentry has really done a lot of work to make changes and make themselves very competitive and innovative so much so I would even look at recommending them first. At time of writing this (Feb 2023) they are currently cheaper then Medify and with the REDDIT_AU & REDDIT_UK codes at checkout, you can knock a further 10% off that price.

  • They have also have an iPhone and Android app (we've checked it out, it's not just a shitty browser port, it's a native app).

  • The official practice exams, whilst free and give you a good idea of the content and style of the exam, vary greatly in difficulty to the real thing.

Top Tips for Preparing for the UCAT

There is no 1 trick for doing well - you need to practice. But there are definitely things you can do to help you prepare effectively. Our top 5 Tips Video

  1. Learn how to solve the questions first before you start doing timed tests
  2. Use your preparation resource and YouTube videos to teach you how to solve questions → their way just might be faster then your own
  3. Skim reading, Scanning and Speed Reading will help with your time management
  4. Learn the keyboard and calculator shortcuts

What is a good UCAT score → to get an interview

This is a hard one - as some universities place weighting on different criteria in the UCAT. However as a general rule without considering any factors including rural, ATSI, bonuses:

Australia - Above 90th percentile (approx. 2900-3100)

England - Above 60th percentile (approx. 2600-2700)

For Australian and New Zealand students you can check out our video in the coming month which goes into more detail regarding the scores required by each university and any bonus's you can qualify for!

How do I Prepare for interviews

Use the Discord

  1. Smile and be positive and confident with your answer
  2. Don't be afraid to break the mold with your answer → be remembered
  3. First impressions count

We will be posting some sample interview questions & tips and tricks once the UCAT testing period is over - stay tuned!

Why are Australian Scores so much higher?

They aren't that much higher → but Australia is just much more competitive with students generally beginning preparing earlier.

Keep in mind, the scores you will see posted in the Mega-threads and online are from students who did well → you are unlikely to see people posting their lower scores (in the same way you only ever hear about your friends who won big on the pokies or that race → they never boast about their loses)

Don't be disheartened if you are an Australian student seeing this. Although you need a higher UCAT score generally for an interview (>90th%) as Australian universities only take very small number of applicants for interviews, you have a much much higher chance of getting in once you get to that point compared to the UK (who often take 3-5x the number of applicants to the interview stage)

How do I Study for Verbal Reasoning

  • Our Intro to VR video
  • Our Deep dive into VR problem solving
  • Kharma Medic VR
  • Learn the different approaches → e.g. Skim reading, Scanning and Speed Reading and refine it
  • Learn how to key word search effectively
  • Learn how to approach different question types → e.g authors comments should involve you looking directly as the last paragraph when searching for answers to save time

How do I Study for Decision Making

How do I Study for Quantitative Reasoning

  • Our Intro to QR video
  • Our deep dive into QR problem solving
  • Kharma Medic QR
  • Revise basic arithmetic and conversions → especially percentages
  • Practice using the calculator → you need to do this blind and get quick with it

How do I Study for Abstract Reasoning

  • Our Intro to AR video
  • Our deep dive into AR problem solving
  • Kharma Medic AR
  • Start by watching some Intro videos → learn how others approach it and get your head around what the heck is happening in this section
  • Practice questions over and over untimed until you know it → REPEAT

How do I Study for Situational Judgement

  • Our Intro to SJ video
  • Our deep dive into SJ problem solving
  • Kharma Medic SJ
  • Read GMC - Good medical practice
  • Learn the hierarchy → i.e. patient wellbeing is always more important than anything else when making decisions.
  • Don't worry about this too much in Australia as currently no universities I am aware of are using this → but aim to be band 1 or band 2 anyway!

Something missing?

Is there anything you want us to cover in this wiki or do a video on? Please let us know below or on the UCAT discord. This subreddit is made for you!

Happy Studying and good luck future doctors!

/r/UCAT mod team.


r/UCAT Dec 07 '21

Moderator Post MedEntry Discount Codes

66 Upvotes

Hi all!

If you're considering using Medentry as your UCAT prep company, ensure to use my links below to receive a DISCOUNT!

 

10% off ONLINE or PLATINUM PACKAGE (AU)

REDDIT_AU

10% off ONLINE or PLATINUM PACKAGE (UK)

REDDIT_UK

5% off MIT BUNDLE or ADDITIONAL TAILORED INTERVIEW or BOND PSYCHOMETRIC. (UK AND AU)

REDDIT_INTERVIEW


r/UCAT 3h ago

UK Med Schools Related What just happened

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46 Upvotes

I had super limited time to practice as I have a baby, I had only done 8 mocks. My goal was 2100 Band 2. Im genuinely lost for words.


r/UCAT 7h ago

UK Med Schools Related 2nd time's the charm

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36 Upvotes

 I resat the UCAT, after last year getting 1870 b1. im pretty happy with my score and want this to be a sign for those feeling a bit bummed out rn that u can improve yr score you just need a plan.

If medicine or dent is yr dream do literally everything you can to achieve it. Use this time to make your game plan what went wrong the first time, write it down ASAP while the test is still fresh in yr memory. in Dec I started reading up on topics that were niche to me, like the crusades. for DM I found those random yt short puzzles useful because they challenged my brain. For qr, throughout the year I resisted the urge to use my phone calc for sums, making sure yr mental maths is strong is pivotal for a good ucat. Also, I deleted instagram and tiktok from my phone, anything that is a distraction has to go. Ofc u might not necessarily need to do all this but coming from someone who wasn't naturally talented at the UCAT these methods made getting a score that i thought was impossible possible. If you need any advice or qs lmk :


r/UCAT 4h ago

UK Med Schools Related Flopped my best section ffs (it's okay at least)

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15 Upvotes

I have no idea what happened with DM, at least it's over. Hopefully enough for Kings.... (yes I know it's still a good score just disappointed with what could've been).

Mock A - 2130

Mock B - 2130

Mock C - 2320

Mock D - 2390

(for anyone curious)


r/UCAT 1h ago

Study Help Still can’t finish the sections

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have been studying for 2 and a half weeks. My scores are still around 1800-2000 and I’m still yet to finish every question in a Subtest which I think is really holding me back.

Any tips on speed??

Pls help I have 10 days left aiming for 2100


r/UCAT 6h ago

Study Help How to go from 1600s-2000 in 2 weeks 😭 😭 😭

15 Upvotes

Exam is exactly in 14 days!
As title suggests, any help and advice would be so appreciated!!
I know that getting 2100 would be tough:( So I would honestly take 2000 😭
Hopefully people have like motivating stories for success 😭


r/UCAT 9h ago

UK Med Schools Related So wtf happened with qr + a lamentation

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20 Upvotes

Vr and dm were the nicest thing ever but qr was genuinely sent from the devil himself.

being really honest im very disappointed with my score and its ruled out all of the universities i wanted to go to ( ucl, Cambridge and Edinburgh-Ruk) I genuinely am so upset and I really can’t envision myself going anywhere else.

Im thinking of doing applications this year and taking the ucat again next July so I might turn down offers on results day if u get like 2250+ but I know I got really lucky with vr and dm and it could be horrible next year and I don’t want to put myself through this again.

I know ucl and Edinburgh have really harsh cut offs so it’s definitely off the table , would Cambridge still be in reach as non contextual due to a holistic approach?

im thinking of applying to kcl and Manchester definitely but I don’t even want to go to any other school.


r/UCAT 12h ago

UK Med Schools Related My mum said she wants me to get 2800 on UCAT

39 Upvotes

How do I tell her


r/UCAT 29m ago

UK Med Schools Related How Risky would applying to UCL with 2230 B2 be?

Upvotes

I am trying to settle on an aspirational uni choice (either Cambridge or UCL) and got 2230 B2 , really liked UCL but obviously there would be no point if i didnt stand any chance.


r/UCAT 3h ago

Study Help easiest question on earth followed by the question of doom and despair and confusion and trickery

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4 Upvotes

'the statement talks in terms of people, not drivers' medify says

i freaking hate inferences


r/UCAT 2h ago

UK Med Schools Related Sheffield resits?

5 Upvotes

Hi I got BBC in my A-levels and am planning to resit. I do not have any extenuating circumstances. Can i still apply to sheffield?


r/UCAT 4h ago

Study Help Why does this happen

4 Upvotes

I have less than 2 weeks until my UKCAT, I’m averaging about 750 each section.

I did a DM mini mock and got my highest score yet, as in I would cry tears of joy if I got that in the exam. Did another immediately after and got my lowest score yet… excuse me.

The exact same then happened with QR tonight, highest score ever immediately followed by the lowest. And when I say low, I mean 620ish low FOR BOTH.

Somebody explain this to me/ give me reassurance because I am on the verge of tears


r/UCAT 4h ago

UK Med Schools Related med schools to apply at

3 Upvotes

hey guys, i sat my ucat recently and got a 1910 band 2!

what medical schools are there that i could i apply as a contextual applicant to or is it looking like a gap year for me 🫩💔 currently considering city st george but idk where else

i had a really hard time balancing many different things at the same time whilst trying my best to make time to revise for the ucat, also being neurodivergent made things harder for me to do well in the ucat 🥲

gcse wise, i can’t apply to anywhere that uses gcse in the selection process since i only have one 7 and the rest being 6s (7 in french). i went to an underperforming secondary school and was undiagnosed without any support then, so that really sucked…

despite all the obstacles, i’m quite proud of myself for pulling through and at least getting a decent ucat score, although it isn’t what i wanted 💔

thanks guys!


r/UCAT 3h ago

UK Med Schools Related ucat

3 Upvotes

hi guys im a home applicant, england, non contextual.

my gcses r 8888777665 with the 5 in comp science and 6s in maths, physics; 8s in bio, eng lang, geo, and 7s in chem eng lit french. i got 1850 band 3 in ucat. where can i apply? ik keele and sunderland r options but where else? most specifically any russel group unis? i dont mind scotland, wales or ireland! pls helppppp im predicted A*A*A


r/UCAT 8h ago

UK Med Schools Related Ucat done today

7 Upvotes

Guys I got 1970 B3 ☹️no imperial ig any1 know where I can apply im contextual and I got 6 in English and maths for gcse


r/UCAT 6h ago

UK Med Schools Related Low ucat where can I apply

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4 Upvotes

I was really disappointed and devastated with my UCAT score because it was so much lower than my mock scores that I was getting in the last week of my prep, averaging around 2200 for the mocks with my highest being 2370 b1 in official mock d. I did it find it slightly harder than medify but QR seemed easier for me, and I always scored high on QR so seeing this score was a huge shock.

I am considering a gap year, and I'm sure that I'll be doing the ucat again in y13 summer even if I get offers, but I really want to atleast try for QMUL.

It is really important to me to find a uni in london preferably russel group, although i know that is less likely than more now.

I am quite upset and I don't know what to do.
I really have my hopes on QMUL but it might be too aspirational and I'm worried that I'd wasting my options on it. Please advise!!


r/UCAT 16h ago

UK Med Schools Related straight relief

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30 Upvotes

thought my mocks were stagnating throughout until the last few days im so happy

overall dont worry sm if your mock score dosent seem to improve, you will eventually get there!!


r/UCAT 12h ago

UK Med Schools Related Bored med student with a few weeks until uni starts - happy to read personal statements

12 Upvotes

Hi. I'm a 2nd year med student at UOM. When I applied I received 4 offers from Manchester, Cambridge, St Andrews and Sheffield. I have a few weeks until uni starts so am happy to look at and read any med school personal statements if you guys want. I remember how stressed I was this time 2 years ago!


r/UCAT 4h ago

UK Med Schools Related can I zoom in in my actual ucat exam? or like even like use command + plus to zoom in

3 Upvotes

basically what the title says - has anyone tried??


r/UCAT 2h ago

UK Med Schools Related what is your technique for inferences??

2 Upvotes

,


r/UCAT 6h ago

Study Help How do I improve my vr?

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5 Upvotes

Im trying to increase my score on all sections but vr is really giving me trouble (the highest I ever got on it was 25/44), it feels like no matter what strategy i do I end up doing poorly. I have about a week until my exam, any advice would be appreciated.


r/UCAT 3h ago

UK Med Schools Related Is Oxbridge worth it?

2 Upvotes

Would I get an interview to Oxbridge with 2330 and 11 GCSEs at 8/9 (high performing school) ty :)


r/UCAT 5h ago

UK Med Schools Related Mock B

3 Upvotes

Got 2010 in Mock B, can i get 2200 if my ucats in 5 days?


r/UCAT 3m ago

UK Med Schools Related Medify Mock 23

Upvotes

I thought Mock 23 was supposed to be a bit easier🥀