It’s UCAT season again!
Every year, thousands of aspiring medical and dental students get ready to take the UCAT test. This time, let Babylon Tutors be your guide to mastering the UCAT. This series aims to enhance your understanding and skills, sharing secrets to acing the UCAT and much more. Stay tuned for more chapters, with one released every week!
Chapter 1 | Introducing the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
The UCAT evaluates candidates’ cognitive abilities, decision-making skills, and suitability for medical and dental education. This guide aims to shed light on the UCAT, offering insights into its structure, preparation strategies, and significance in the medical admissions process.
What is the UCAT?
The UCAT, previously known as the UKCAT, is a mandatory standardised test, lasting two hours, for all prospective medical and dental students intending to apply to universities in the UK. It is also an integral part of the selection process for undergraduate courses in medicine and dentistry.
How is the UCAT structured?
- The UCAT is a computer-based test (CBT) taken at designated test centres.
- Scores are scaled to a range from 300 to 900 for each subtest, with 500 being the average score. The SJT section is scored separately.
| UCAT Subtests | Questions | Test Duration | Score Range |
| 1. Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 21 minutes | 300 – 900 (Assesses the capacity to evaluate information conveyed through written text) |
| 2. Decision Making | 29 | 31 minutes | 300 – 900 (Evaluates the ability to apply logic and reasoning to make decisions) |
| 3. Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 25 minutes | 300 – 900 (Tests numerical analysis and problem-solving skills) |
| 4. Abstract Reasoning | 50 | 12 minutes | 300 – 900 (Assesses the ability to identify patterns and relationships) |
| 5. Situational Judgment | 69 | 26 minutes | Bands 1 – 4 (Evaluates judgment and decision-making in real-life scenarios) |
How to prepare for the UCAT?
- Jump on booking your exam as soon as UCAT test registration opens.
- DO NOT leave the UCAT until the very last minute, as choosing to sit the exam at the end of September may take away valuable time that can be used towards preparing the rest of the UCAS application.
- Start preparing 4-6 week before the day of your exam, and make sure that you have a regular routine to ensure that you are building the required skills over time.
- Familiarise yourself with the exam structure by visiting the official UCAT website.
- Practise questions under timed conditions early on, so you can get used to working under time pressure.
Why is the UCAT important for medical and dental school admissions?
- Medical and dental schools receive thousands of applications each year, making it tough for admission committees to select the best candidates. The UCAT steps in to help by identifying those with the skills and qualities needed to excel in these programs.
- Most universities consider the UCAT total score (i.e. the score after each of the cognitive subtest scores have been added together). However, some do look at individual subtest scores and may even have a cut-off score for a particular subtest.
- A strong performance in the UCAT can enhance your chances of securing a place at prestigious medical and dental schools.
How can Babylon Tutors support you?
Look out for regular posts featuring handy tips and tricks on our social media accounts. Our aim is to share insights that will boost your confidence and performance on your test day.
Also, keep an eye out for regular updates as we’ll be introducing new content and resources to enhance your UCAT preparation experience!
Instagram: @Babylontutors
Facebook: Babylon Tutors
TikTok: @Babylontutors
LinkedIn: Babylon Tutors
Wishing all students the best of luck—you’ve got this!
