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The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an admissions test designed to assess decision-making, reasoning, and ethical judgement, and is required for entry into most medical and dental schools in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. 


With our personalised learning plans, expert tutors and realistic UCAT test simulations, you can take the stress out of UCAT preparation and secure your spot at your dream school.

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What does the UCAT test?

The UCAT is a two-hour test that consists of 228 multiple-choice questions across five separately timed sections. It's designed to test aptitude, not academic knowledge. The UCAT includes sections on:

Verbal Reasoning – Assesses your ability to critically evaluate information in a written text.

Decision Making – Tests your logical reasoning and decision-making skills alongside data.

Quantitative Reasoning – Measures numerical problem-solving ability.

Abstract Reasoning – Evaluates your ability to identify patterns and relationships.

Situational Judgement – Assesses your approach to ethical scenarios and decision-making in medical contexts.

What to expect from your UCAT package

When you purchase a UCAT package, you’re guaranteed to benefit from our expert tutors, one to one coaching, personalized lesson plans, and our repository of UCAT past papers. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Planning
We always start with an in-depth assessment to understand your academic strengths, weaknesses, and medical goals. We’ll then develop a personalized plan that targets the areas where you might need the most support.

Step 2: Verbal Reasoning Practise
We’ll teach strategies for tackling dense texts and improving reading speed (as the time pressure can be intense on this section), to ensure you can approach the Verbal Reasoning with confidence.

Step 3: Decision Making Practise
Your tutor will focus on helping you break down complex problems and will teach you decision-making frameworks to build your confidence in tackling a variety of question types, from probability to syllogisms.

Step 4: Quantitative Reasoning Practise
Usually a relatively straightforward section of the UCAT, Quantitative Reasoning evaluates your ability to solve numerical problems. Your tutor will provide targeted drills, shortcuts for calculations, and techniques to efficiently interpret data from graphs, charts, and tables.

Step 5: Abstract Reasoning Practise
Given this section assesses your pattern recognition skills and logical thinking, we guide students through identifying relationships, practising question types, and building speed to tackle the most abstract problems within the allotted time.

Step 6: Situational Judgement Practise
In 2024, only 13% of candidates scored in the top band of the Situational Judgement. It’s certainly less straightforward than the other sections, and applicants often find this section of the test challenging. Here at Think Smart, we strive to help you develop a deeper understanding of the medical world, in which ethics are of paramount importance, and will teach you to apply key principles when choosing the best course of action.

Step 7: Final Overview
Your last stage of the UCAT tutoring package will be a final overview of the sections, addressing any last minute concerns and targeting any lingering areas of improvement. But worry not – we believe in long term help, so if you have any questions at all after your last lesson, feel free to reach out. We’re here for you.

Want the best UCAT score possible? You’ll need a strategy.

FAQs about the UCAT

  • Most applicants start preparing about 8-12 weeks before their test date.

  • Effective preparation includes using official practice materials, timed mock exams, and focusing on strategies for each section. Your tailored Think Smart tutoring will not only provide comprehensive support and resources on the above, but will also help address your specific challenges.

  • Each cognitive section (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning) is scored on a scale of 300-900, with a total score between 1200-3600. The Situational Judgement section is scored in bands (1-4), with Band 1 being the highest.

  • A top UCAT score, though it can vary by year, is usually considered around the 2800+ mark.

  • The UCAT exam is 2 hours long and divided into five sections with varying time limits:

    Verbal Reasoning is 21 minutes for 44 questions;

    Decision Making is 31 minutes for 29 questions;

    Quantitative Reasoning is 25 minutes for 36 questions;

    Abstract Reasoning is 12 minutes for 50 questions;

    Situational Judgement is 26 minutes for 66 questions.

  • Nearly all UK medical and dental schools require the UCAT, including King's College London, Oxford, and Manchester. A full list is available on the UCAT website.

  • Most universities in Australia and New Zealand also require you to sit the UCAT ANZ. These are:

    The University of Adelaide (Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Health)

    Charles Sturt University (Dental Science)

    Curtin University (Medicine)

    Flinders University (Clinical Sciences / Medicine)

    Monash University (Medicine)

    The University of Newcastle / University of New England (Joint Medical Program)

    The University of New South Wales (Medicine)

    The University of Queensland (Medicine (provisional entry), Dental Science)

    University of Tasmania (Medicine)

    The University of Western Australia (Medicine (Direct Pathway), Dental Medicine (Direct Pathway))

    Western Sydney University (Medicine)

    The University of Auckland (Medicine)

    University of Otago (Medicine, Dental Surgery)

    The UCAT ANZ is identical to the UCAT, but please note that Australian and New Zealand admissions deadlines are earlier than in the UK.

  • UCAS is the UK’s university admissions service, and you’ll need to submit your application there before the deadline on October 15th. 

  • Yes, the UCAT is open to international students. It is available at test centres worldwide, and many UK universities accept international applicants who take the test.

  • You can book your test from June 18, and testing begins from July 8. The booking deadline is September 19, with the last test on September 26. You’ll also need to submit your UCAS application by October 15. Results are delivered to universities by early November.

  • No, you can only take the test once in an application year. You could, however, apply again in the following year.

  • No, the UCAT does not penalise you for incorrect answers. There is no negative marking, so it's best to attempt every question, even if you're unsure about the answer. Keep the time limit in mind, though.

  • Yes, UCAT offers accommodations like additional time and rest breaks, for candidates with disabilities through their UCATSEN program. You are advised to apply at least 10 working days before you intend to book your test.

  • If you miss your scheduled UCAT test date, you will need to reschedule it within the same test cycle, subject to availability. This can cause delays to your application, and you might even find yourself unable to apply in that annual cycle.

  • A high UCAT score can definitely set you apart from other candidates, especially in competitive schools. Universities do, however, consider applicants holistically, and the UCAT is only one aspect of your application.

  • Check the location of your test centre and allow plenty of time for arrival. Make sure to bring your photo ID with you to the test centre.

  • Your personal results are given to you on the day of the test.

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What our expert UCAT tutors offer?

We pride ourselves on hand picking the best of the best for our UCAT tutoring service. With a Think Smart tutor, you’re guaranteed to receive:

1. Personalised guidance

We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?

2. Insider insight

All of our UCAT tutors are graduates having successfully taken the test themselves.

3. Comprehensive preparation for each section of the test

Taking you confidently from section to section, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging preparation to help you excel.

4. More than just teaching

We strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation.

What are you waiting for?

We’ve helped countless students ace the UCAT and secure their spot at leading medical schools.

The medical school of your dreams is within reach. Our students are already there.

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