UCAT Tutoring | In-Depth Guide

UCAT preparation

UCAT is an abbreviation for The University Clinical Aptitude Test. According to the UCAT official website, About the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | UCAT Consortium, it states that “it is a computer generated 2 hour test which all applicants who apply through UCAS must sit before applying for Medicine or Dentistry.” The UCAT is designed primarily as a filter as to who are the best students for the 5 year university degree programs for medicine and dentistry. This filter is necessary because medicine and dentistry are the most competitive five-year degree courses at UK Universities.

We already know that the very best and able students in the whole country apply for medicine and dentistry and yet every single medicine and dentistry course is always heavily oversubscribed with many bright candidates being disappointed. These students will either opt for a different course, study abroad or go through a gap year.

To give you an idea, during the 2020-2023 cycles of admission, less than 20% of all applicants were successful. This 20% figure is actually quite generous because at some of the very competitive universities the success rate was closer to 10% which means that 90% of all the applicants were not successful.

When the student has taken their UCAT test, their result is given out straightaway and eventually all the results for all the students are compiled and placed into deciles after the deadline date.  These deciles then enable the universities to pick out only the students in the top deciles and reject the remaining students.

Therefore, it is important that you must be in one of the top deciles on percentage basis in order to be successful in applying for medicine or dentistry. As well as the UCAT test being a filter, it also has other important functions that the universities gauge. For instance the UCAT test helps to gauge important skills that you need to become a good doctor or dentist. Skills these tests include being able to be a good decision-maker, the ability to think in a systematic and logical manner and also being aware of moral ethics as one of the sections is called these situational judgment test.

So how does each University view the UCAT?

Each medical and dental University uses the UCAT in a specific manner. This is according to their unique assessment and selection procedures. Most universities will use a minimum cut-off score and if you meet this cut-off score then they will invite you for an interview. However the cut-off score is different for different universities and different in each year. Many universities will port a very heavy bias on the UCAT exam whereas other universities will look at things in a much more holistic manner such as your personal statement, work experience and how you perform on the interview. Either way, it is a highly competitive exam and we would encourage students to follow the UCAT preparation tips below.

How do I prepare for the UCAT test?

As with most important things in life, you need SMART goals with a precise preparation plan. A useful free template can be found at the official UCAT website which is Prepare | UCAT Consortium

However, although a good starting point, this may not be enough for you because the UCAT test is so competitive that students need “the extra edge” to secure a score above 2800.

One of the best ways to get the extra edge is simply to hire an experienced UCAT tutor who can go through with you the exam format and constantly encourage and mentor you throughout your preparation period. There are other ways in which to excel which many students may not be aware of.

The first thing to decide is when you should start practicing for the UCAT exam. Many parents and students think that you should prepare as early as possible, even 18 months in advance but this is not the case in our experience. Conversely, the pitfalls of preparing too late are obvious as you will not have enough practice doing the mock questions, you will not have had any practice with all the techniques, not enough practice with the timing and in the exam you may start to panic leading you to a low score. On the other hand if you practice too early the danger is that you peak too early and then your performance drops on the actual day of the exam. In 2023 we carried out a survey on students at a Grammar school who had achieved a good mark, average or below average mark in the UCAT. Students who performed average or poor admitted that they started too early in many cases rather than starting too late. So the next question must be “when is the right time to start preparing for the UCAT exam?”  There are several factors to consider, most of which are specific to each individual student and if you really want to take the guesswork out of this you could always give us a call where we offer a 15 minute free consultation on the UCAT. Contact – University Expert

When you speak to us for a 15 minute free consultation, there is no obligation and you can ask anything relating to the UCAT exam with a qualified Doctor or Dentist.

Our second tip for your UCAT preparation is that your revision must be constant. Many students make the mistake of revising very hard for a few days doing many hours and then the next few days they do little or no revision. So always set a fixed time when you will be sitting down on your desk to start revising for the UCAT and actually have a specific time which you will stick to. You must also take into account that you will also have other college or school exams, assessment tests, work experience commitments and of course your extracurricular activities.

 Our third tip is that if you are stuck or you just are not improving; don’t just keep on doing the same thing over and over again. It’s a bit like learning how to drive a car where a certain technique doesn’t work and the more you do it the more that technique becomes ingrained. Then when you do want to change your technique it becomes more difficult. Many of the students who initially come to us for advice are not improving in a particular section of the UCAT exams such as Pattern recognition and here is where we sit down to see what they are doing wrong and then try to alter that thinking so they get a better mark in the end. For some students you may be even getting the actual questions right but you are too slow which then eat into your overall time. UCAT timing is best improved by using efficient and effective techniques from day one. Here, having a personal tutor can definitely help to encourage, motivate and constantly monitor your performance.

UCAT Tutoring

Here is how you can get the very best UCAT tutoring using our experienced tutors. Our 1:1 tailor-made Tutoring strategy makes sure that most of our students get into Medicine or Dentistry with multiple offers.

In our most recent 250 sessions, we achieved a satisfaction rating of 9.9/10. We emphasise quality and not try to “entice” you with discounts or packages. This is because you will only get the one chance to get a top UCAT score so you should maximise your chances and hire the best tutor you can afford.

Our 1:1 UCAT teaching has been specifically designed by qualified Doctors, Dentists and Teaching professionals for rapid improvement.

Free UCAT Tutoring Consultations

Still not sure about us?

Add your details in the call-back form Contact – University Expert and you’ll get a phone call to discuss any questions you have. We speak to both parents and students directly to what’s worrying them the most about the UCAT exam for Medicine and Dentistry. If you want to speak to one of our professionals about UCAT Tutoring or finding a UCAT tutor you also can call directly any time using the mobile number on the contact form above.

Who can benefit from UCAT tutoring?

We work with students who have no experience in the UCAT exam so that we give them the right techniques from day one. We also work with students who have tried revising for the UCAT without a tutor and are stuck by not making progress.

Either way, we can increase your UCAT score in 4 proven steps. Getting into Medicine or Dentistry is tough and its statistical reality can be found in this article by The Guardian; 2022 hardest year ‘in living memory’ to enter UK medical school | Medicine | The Guardian

Although the article is from 2022, much of it still applies today. You can also find data on UCAS applications on their website at Data and Analysis | Business | UCAS

The University Expert 4 step progression plan

Step 1: Understanding

We will introduce you to the essentials of all the UCAT sections. Here, you get to know what the different UCAT sections require from you in order to increase your scores.

Step 2: Application

The UCAT exam for Medicine and Dentistry has 5 sections so we identify early on which section is most likely to trip you up as any student will have areas that they struggle with and sections which they find relatively easier.

Step 3: Personalised Planning

Our UCAT tutors work closely with you on an on-going basis to identify your strong and your weaker UCAT sections. Then we agree on a personalised rigorous training programme for you.

Step 4: Monitoring and Refining

Finally, we keep monitoring and refining your techniques so that eventually you become confident. Once you get a high UCAT score, this leads to being offered interviews for Medicine or Dentistry.

Our UCAT training course

Our UCAT training course is thorough and rigorous so that on the day of your test, you get the best mark possible. Here is how our UCAT sessions work: We use a RECIPROCAL Learning approach and lessons are delivered by our Doctors and Academic professionals. Our methods are based on Anderson and Bloom’s Cognitive Learning. It is based on six cognitive levels to effective and more rapid simulation which we integrate into our comprehensive UCAT approach to eLearning.

OUR PROVEN APPROACH KEEPS YOUR 1:1 UCAT TUTOR SESSIONS AS ENGAGING, SUPPORTIVE AND CONTINUALLY MOTIVATING. This active learning ensures that Powerful theory= Powerful application.

 AT ALL TIMES, WE WORK CLOSELY WITH PARENTS TO ENSURE THE STUDENTS ARE GETTING EFFECTIVE LESSONS.

Booking your UCAT 1:1 tutoring session

You can book an initial one hour of UCAT Tuition by contacting us via our Call back form or contact number. After you book, one of our doctors or dentists will be in touch to arrange days and times. Your sessions will be organised to fit around you. Our UCAT Tutoring sessions can be delivered online, anywhere in the world. We offer evening and weekend slots to fit around you and your A- levels or your work.

The UCAT has 5 distinct sections and here is a brief overview of each one. You should also read the UCAT website which also gives a summary; About the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | UCAT Consortium

Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section of UCAT is frequently known as the “VR” section by students and consists of 44 questions to be answered in 21minutes. The maximum UCAT Verbal Reasoning Score you can get is 900 and the minimum UCAT Verbal Reasoning Score is 300.

During our 1:1 lessons, we often start on this section first as it is the section where officially the lowest scores are attained and therefore it’s the harder section throughout the UCAT exam. You can analyse UCAT scores required on this website; Test Statistics | UCAT Consortium

During this section, we give you an introduction on what this section entails. We break the content down into various techniques such as how to use inferences, causation and correlations when reading a passage. The Keyword approach to quickly picking up the correct answer is what we teach when reading paragraphs. Verbal reasoning passages can be lengthy so you don’t want to be using up valuable time if there is a better and more rapid way to get the answer correct. Using examples, we teach UCAT timing strategies, recognising Type 1 vs. Type 2 questions and reversing the data presented. In every lesson, you will get valuable insight so that you maximise your UCAT scores in Verbal Reasoning.

In summary, UCAT Verbal Reasoning contains eleven passages having four questions each hence a total of 44. These questions assess critical reasoning skills, where the student must draw the inference and overall meaning.

Decision Making UCAT section

The UCAT decision making section consists of 29 questions to answer in just 31 minutes. In the decision making section, you are presented with a text or visual data and you’ll have access to the exam on-screen calculator throughout. There are 29 decision making UCAT questions that need to be answered in 31 minutes. Why is this section important? It’s important because as a doctor, you will on a daily basis be confronted with complex clinical and ethical situations which demand difficult decisions from you. An example question type is a syllogism which subsequently requires you to use logic and deductive reasoning to solve.

In this UCAT section, the answer formats are one of either Multiple Choice or Yes/No response. For the Multiple choice, you have to choose where only one option will be correct. For the Yes/No Statements, you mark ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each answer. Fortunately, in the UCAT mark scheme, you will not lose a mark for an incorrect response.

Decision making questions are designed to gauge your application of reasoning and logic to a piece of data. You then use your ability to evaluate different views and gain information using the data.

In summary: The UCAT Decision Making section presents complex information from which you hone into the relevant answer. There are six different types of questions to be aware of depending on how data is presented.

  • There are Venn Diagrams from which the specific question relates to.
  • Probability: You use probability and statistics to determine the most likely outcome or the most appropriate course of action.
  • Evaluating Data: After reading the data being presented, you decide the relative importance of different arguments including strength, weaknesses, validity and relevance to derive your answer.
  • Logical Puzzles: These questions are about recognising the pattern, correlation, or rules to determine the correct answer.
  •  Information gathering: This type is analysing your ability to gather trends, evaluating data or comparing within tables, graphs, charts or text.
  • Decision making Assumptions: You are given a passage to read. Here, you are required to recognise the underlying premise. It includes being able to differentiate underlying assumptions, premises, conclusions and arguments to evaluate their validity.

How Is UCAT Decision Making section Marked?

It is important to realise that the Decision Making section is marked differently from the rest of the UCAT sections. It depends on the question type. For single answer questions, these are worth 1 mark but for multiple statement questions, these are 2 marks.

However, please note that 1 mark is still awarded to partially correct responses on the multiple-statement questions.

When coming to the final mark, a conversion is used. The total number of correct answers will then be converted to a scale score which will be your actual UCAT score. The average student marks are around 625 each year but can be checked here; Test Statistics | UCAT Consortium

Learn how we get your score from average to a much higher using our effective performance boosting strategies.

Previous UK Decision Making scores:

Average Decision Making Scores201820192020202120222023
624618625622616623

You will see that the UCAT scores have been gradually creeping up so it’s even more important to get your UCAT revision right and effective.

UCAT tutoring

All our UCAT tutors use a proven plethora of tips and techniques for each type of Decision Making UCAT question. Most students initially struggle with timings and understanding what the question is actually asking.

Students often waste time in terms of techniques because we find, different techniques work equally as well according to how a student learns. The first 1:1 lesson gives an introduction followed by the theory of answering syllogisms, Venn diagrams, Data interpretation and graphs with tables.

For further lessons, we go through Probability questions, logic, ordered and spatial questions.

Here during lessons, you learn the following comprehensively:

  • How to become proficient at conditional probability and independent probability
  • How to approach graph data, Venn diagrams and tables
  • How to work out the maths behind questions
  • How to recognise assumptions to conclude appropriately
  • The techniques for single parameter and multi-parameter puzzles
  • How to deduce strong from weak arguments
  • How to approach syllogisms and draw the correct conclusions from them

Here are examples of a selection of basic Decision Making UCAT Question but you can find more at Pearson VUE test content (pvue2.com)

Question: To improve productivity, should the NHS provide free transport for all Doctors?

Select the strongest argument from the statements below:

  • Yes, as it might help to motivate at work.
  • Yes, as it would reduce absences.
  • No, as it would be costly to administer.
  • No, as it has not been shown to be of sufficient benefit.

Quantitative Reasoning

The UCAT Quantitative Reasoning section test has 36 questions to answer in just 24 minutes. Our UCAT lessons are structured by systematically working thorough the 15 key question types. These include an introductory overview followed by how to effectively assimilate the given information on the screen. Our 1:1 UCAT tutors will cover the following: Percentages, Area Questions, Using the UCAT Calculator, Estimation vs. Precision, Ratios, percentages and Fractions, Mean Median Mode questions, distance time and velocity, Quantitative Formulae, Conversions and Units, Venn diagrams and correlations.

Types Of Quantitative Reasoning Questions

You’ll have 40 seconds per question and will be given data scenarios to derive the answer from and choose one of five answers. The data can be in various forms, including formulas, visuals, tables, graphs and three-dimensional shapes. This section is included because as a Doctor or Dentist, you will frequently be analysing data and applying it on a clinical settings level, just as working out dosage levels or when undertaking clinical research.

How Is UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Marked?

Each quantitative reasoning question is worth one mark. Your total marks will be placed on a scale to give you a UCAT score. You can get the statistics from Test Statistics | UCAT Consortium

You should aim to get around 700.

 Your maximum possible UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Score is 900 with 300 as the minimum. In 2023, the average was 649.

Previous quantitative reasoning scores from 2016 to 2023:

Average Quantitative Reasoning Scores20162017201820192020202120222023
690695658662664665658649

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning tips

  1. Read the full Question first without drawing on conclusions. If you are not doing A level Maths, we advise that you revise on your GCSE maths. Mandatory topics are fractions, statistics, ratio and percentage, formulas for area and volume, and of course units.
  2.  Learn How To Use The UCAT Calculator. In particular, you will save time by keyboard shortcuts.
  3. Next, we advise Working On “Estimation Skills.” Sometimes it is worth working on you mentally rounding numbers up or down but the actual answer should be close to what your (estimated) answer is.
  4. Do not ignore any extra information in bullet points. This often does become relevant when answering at least one of the questions.
  5. Be on the lookout for Unit Changes and what units the final answer is in. Sometimes, two answers are numerically the same but units are different to confuse you.
  6. Be aware of tight time limits for each question but you can always flag a question, move on and return back.
  7. The UCAT white board allows to note down important information so when you read the question include information on units, figures, values, and the essence of the question. This saves time if you need to refer back to the question if you flag up.
  8. Don’t get flustered if you have not seen a question type before however this is unlikely to happen if you have gone through enough mock UCAT papers.
  9.  Learn Computer Shortcuts:  Here are some useful ones.

Alt + c to open the calculator

Alt + f to flag a question

Alt + n for the next question

Alt + p for the previous question

  1. Practice under Time Pressure using question banks. If you are really struggling, give us a call or use our call back form for a FREE UCAT consultation with one of our Doctors or Dentists. About UCAT – University Expert

UCAT Abstract Reasoning tips

For this section, you are given 55 questions to answer in only 13 minutes. This section can be demanding because of the time pressure and to recognise instantly the many different patterns. Your maximum possible UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Score is 900 with 300 as the minimum.

Our 1:1 tutoring sessions include an Overview with Introduction to the Question Types. We go thoroughly with each student so they are aware of the Patterns that come across including shapes, positions, colours, size and orientations. Additionally we work through questions together including Dependent and Secondary patterns. You learn effective trigger recognitions and timing your answers.

What is a good UCAT Abstract Reasoning score?

The average score hovers around the 646 mark so you should aim to get above 675. Each abstract reasoning question is worth one mark. Your total marks for the abstract reasoning subtest will be placed on a conversion scale to give your definitive UCAT score.

Abstract reasoning question types

  1. You are given a series of shapes that alternate from one box to the next. You then need to find out the pattern used and state which of the four shapes would follow in that particular sequence.
  2. There are two ‘sets’ of shapes (Set A and Set B). Accompanied are five ‘test shapes’. You must identify if the ‘test shapes’ fit Set A, Set B or neither set.
  3. Having given a ‘statement’ for two sets of shapes but one has been changed to create a new set. You then apply the same change to test shapes and then choose which of the four options is correct.
  4. Here, you analyse four ‘test shapes’ simultaneously and will need to decide which one of the four belongs to Set A or B.

Using the SCANS method for Abstract Reasoning

A basic mnemonic to methodically work out your answer that we use is SCANS which stands for:

  • Size
  • Colour
  • Angle
  • Number (of shapes)
  • Sides and/or Symmetry

UCAT Situational Judgement section

This section of the UCAT exam for Medicine and Dentistry applicants has 69 questions to answer in 25 minutes. It is probably the section where you can most likely predict getting a Band 1 or Band 2 score. If you are regularly obtaining only Band 3 or 4, then give us a call: It’s a FREE 15 minute consultation with a Doctor or Dentist that we offer to all students.

 When we teach our students, we approach Situational Judgement by working through the GMC Guidelines, NHS Core Values and Medical Ethics to help you understand the ethical knowledge and grasp the technique required to secure the top Band 1 score.

Our interactive tutorial lessons initially go through an overall introduction to the situational judgment test section with several examples.  We look at key principles and how to recognize the actual role in the scenario that is being discussed. Sometimes these scenarios may be around confidentiality, professionalism, or patient safety.  Other scenarios include working with team members, having respect and patient interaction. An important part of the revision includes integrity and the duties of a doctor especially in relation to the General Medical Council guidelines for doctors. These are mirrored with the GDC’s guidelines on Professionalism for dentists. We will also teach you how to apply the Ethical Pillars including tips so that you keep within the time guidelines given for the sections.  We also go through wording and how to tackle complex scenarios and when appropriateness versus importance is discerned.

Test Statistics | UCAT Consortium

Official UCAT Statistics for the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) 2019 – 2023

The table below shows the percentage of candidates achieving each SJT banding:

 20232022202120202019
Number of candidates35,62536,37437,23034,15329,375
Band 125%20%14%30%17%
Band 239%36%36%36%40%
Band 326%31%33%24%33%
Band 49%14%16%9%10%

Situational Judgement advice

  1. When you get a scenario, you must try to adapt to the GMC and GDC Guidelines.
  2. The right action is not based on what you personally think is the right course to take. Do not apply your personal judgement to the answers.
  3. Identify quickly what’s being tested. In particular, what attributes are being highlighted. 
  4. Look out when you have done similar questions in your revision in relation to example situations.
  5. Learn to judge whether a response falls into the said category and being aware of      when they mean “ideal” or “appropriate.”

Example types of UCAT Situational Judgement Questions.

There are two main types of questions in the UCAT SJT section.

Here are the four responses that you must select from when considering Importance or Appropriateness

For importance, you choices are:

  • Very important – if this is imperative for the correct outcome regarding a scenario being judged.
  • Important – answer this if this is important, but may not be the only overriding factor
  • Of minor importance –  this is something that may be taken into account, but it does not influence to a large degree.
  • Not important at all – if this is something that should not be taken into as a factor and is irrelevant.

There are four responses that you must select from when considering appropriateness:

  • The appropriate thing to do: if it will address the situation in the best way.
  • Appropriate, but not ideal: This is something that may be done however it wouldn’t be the best course of action.
  • Inappropriate: Choose this response if it should not be done, but would not be totally malapropos.
  • A very inappropriate thing to do: This would be unacceptable to action and likely be detrimental to the situation.

References

  1. Assessing the predictive validity of the UCAT—A systematic review and narrative synthesis – PMC (nih.gov)
  2. An assessment of the impact of formal preparation activities on performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): a national study | BMC Medical Education | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
  3. UCAT and dental student selection in the UK – what has changed? | British Dental Journal (nature.com)
  4. Can achievement at medical admission tests predict future performance in postgraduate clinical assessments? A UK-based national cohort study | BMJ Open
  5. Relationship between learning approach, Bloom’s taxonomy, and student performance in an undergraduate Human Anatomy course – PMC (nih.gov)
  6. (PDF) A Comprehensive Review of Bloom’s Taxonomy Integration to Enhancing Novice EFL Educators’ Pedagogical Impact (researchgate.net)