10 Top Tips for GAMSAT Section 3
Section 3 of the GAMSAT is the science part of the exam and is known as “Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences”. It is the final and longest part of the exam. You will have a thirty minute break before sitting this section so make sure to bring some high energy snacks!
This is the section that most students find the hardest and the most daunting. But fear not, following this guide will allow you to conquer your fears of section 3 and get a high mark!
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the GAMSAT format and timings have changed, below is the new breakdown of the timing and disciplines:
GAMSAT Section 3
| Section | Discipline | No. of MCQs | Reading Time | Writing Time | Total Test Time |
| Section 3: Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences | Biology: 40% Chemistry: 40% Physics:20% | 75 Questions 4 multiple choice answers for each question | 8 minutes | 142 minutes | 150 minutes |
These timings allow you to spend approximately 2 minutes per question.
ACER states that a first year university level is required for biology and chemistry and A-level standard is required for physics however the general consensus is that A-level standard is sufficient for all three disciplines.
Here are ten top tips for developing your strategy to approach section 3 of the GAMSAT:
Top 10 tips for GAMSAT Section 3
- Start revising early
- Make a plan
- Revise biology, chemistry, and physics
- Use a variety of resources
- Become familiar with mental maths
- Learn equations
- Practice, practice, practice!
- Time yourself
- Remain focused
- Stay calm
Top 10 tips for GAMSAT Section 3
1. Start revising early
Cramming does not work for the GAMSAT exam and will only add to your stress and anxiety. It’s recommended to start revising at least 3 months prior to sitting the GAMSAT.
2. Make a plan
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when studying for the GAMSAT because the list of potential topics is extensive. Make a plan and note when you’ve covered a topic. This will provide reassurance for those moments when it seems like you’re not getting anywhere!
3. Revise biology, chemistry and physics
Although it may be tempting to slightly disregard physics as it is the least common topic, you will need to cover all of the disciplines to ensure a good GAMSAT score.
Check out our tips for revising and approaching each of the different science disciplines (insert link to future articles)
4. Use multiple resources for GAMSAT Section 3
There are plenty of GAMSAT and A-Level science books out there but it’s good to use a range of resources. Khan academy is a great resource; make a note of topics you’re not comfortable with whilst practicing questions then watch a video to provide a comprehensive explanation. It may also be easier to visualise the GAMSAT Section 3 topics rather than reading from a textbook, this is especially the case for 3D processes such as protein folding or stereochemistry.
Here are the links to some great resources:
5. Become familiar with mental maths
We’ve all become very reliant on calculators but unfortunately you won’t be provided with one in the GAMSAT, brushing up on mental maths is key. It’s probably been a few years since you’ve had to manipulate fractions into common denominators therefore revising the basics will help. Logs and scientific notation are also important for GAMSAT section 3. Additionally, learning when to round up or round down will increase your speed, for example gravity is 9.8ms2, you may find it easier to round this up to 10ms2 when multiplying it in an equation.
6. Learn equations
Although equations may be provided for certain questions, it is a good plan to learn the most common equations so that you do not have to rely on them being provided. You should also practice using the equations so that you are comfortable with them. It is good practice to use standard units so become aware of how to convert these.
7. Practice GAMSAT Section 3!
Practice is the most vital part so attempt as many questions as you can. GAMSAT section 3 questions are probably quite different to any exam you’ve done before so try to practice as many questions as possible. This will allow you to become familiar with the format and style of the questions. It will also allow you to relax a bit more on the day of the exam. Official GAMSAT preparation materials can be purchased from the ACER website, click here.
8. Time yourself
Although 2 minutes per question may seem like a lot, some questions will require more time than others. Time is one of the greatest challenges of the GAMSAT and therefore you need to learn to manage it well. Allow yourself to get comfortable and gain confidence with the questions and once this is achieved, start timing yourself when practicing questions. I definitely do not recommend timing yourself at the beginning of your revision, at this point it is more useful to become familiar with the questions styles.
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9. Remain focused
You need to read every part of the information provided within a question stem with great attention. This section aims to test your ability to interpret new information and is less about rote learnt knowledge. Although understanding a topic is useful because it will enable you to interpret the new information faster, you will most likely be provided with unfamiliar systems or organisms. For example, the circulation of a fish instead of a human may be examined and this is purely to test your ability to analyse and use information provided within the passage.
10. Stay calm
Although revision of the science topics is necessary, the stem of GAMSAT section 3 questions normally contain the majority of information required for answering the questions. So if you are presented with something that you are not familiar with, do not panic, take a breath and read through the stem again. Pay great attention to any bullet points and you may also need to refer to previous answers for more information.
GAMSAT section 3 is usually the section that most students dread but this doesn’t need to be the case. Follow these tips and make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the day of the exam! Also make sure to check out our tutoring options here.
If you have any further questions about GAMSAT section 3, please leave a question below and we’ll get back to you!
Click here for our top ten tips for Section 1 and 2
Frequently Asked Question
→How many questions are on the GAMSAT Section 3?
75 Questions
4 multiple choice answers for each question
→What are the 3 sections of the GAMSAT?
GAMSAT section 1 is ‘Reasoning in Humanities’.
Section 2 of the GAMSAT is known as ‘Written Communication’. You are required to write two written pieces, one from Section A and one from Section B. You are provided with five quotes and comments that are related to a common theme and you are asked to write a piece in response to one or more of them. Section 3 of the GAMSAT is the science part of the exam and is known as “Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences.”
→What is the best GAMSAT preparation material?
ACER produces the only official GAMSAT questions so these provide the most realistic and relevant questions to practice. Most students who’ve sat the GAMSAT would agree that the online Griffiths GAMSAT Review series is one of the best resources available.
If you prefer to learn from a textbook, any A-level science book will cover the topics needed.
→How can I improve my critical thinking skills for GAMSAT Section 3?
To improve your critical thinking skills for GAMSAT Section 3, it is important to practice analyzing complex information and identifying patterns and relationships. You can do this by practicing sample questions and real-world applications, and by reading scientific articles and publications. It is also helpful to work with study groups or tutors who can provide feedback and guidance on your thought processes and problem-solving strategies.
→How can I manage my time effectively during GAMSAT Section 3?
To manage your time effectively during GAMSAT Section 3, it is important to practice timed mock tests and develop a strategy for pacing yourself. This might involve allocating a certain amount of time for each question or section, or prioritizing easier questions first to build momentum and confidence. It is also helpful to stay focused and avoid distractions, and to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and fatigue.
→Is GAMSAT Section 3 hard?
GAMSAT Section 3 can be challenging for many candidates, as it requires a broad range of scientific knowledge and the ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills under time pressure. However, with sufficient preparation and practice, it is possible to succeed in this section of the test. Many students find that a combination of focused study, practice tests, and support from tutors or study groups can help them feel more confident and prepared for the test. Ultimately, the difficulty of GAMSAT Section 3 will depend on your individual level of preparation and familiarity with the subject matter.
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