Booking the UCAT: Everything you need to know!

Introduction to UCAT Booking

You’ve probably got some great revision going on for your upcoming UCAT exam… but what about booking the UCAT to make sure you can actually take the test!?

This is yet another step in the medical school application process and it’s one that you might think is quite simple, however, there are a few things worth taking into consideration for UCAT booking. Don’t panic though, because in this blog post I’ve broken it down for you to make your life a little bit easier.

Sections in this article:

·  Important Dates for Booking the UCAT

·  Key Questions when Choosing a Test Date for UCAT Booking

·  Step-by-Step Guide for Booking the UCAT

Read this UCAT guide carefully, and you should be good to go ahead and book the UCAT!

UCAT Guide

Important Dates for Booking the UCAT

There are several important dates to know when it comes to UCAT booking. The timeline for UCAT 2024 is below. To keep informed of any changes to UCAT test dates 2024 refer to the official UCAT website.

‘Key Dates for UCAT 2024’ table taken from the UCAT website

Key Questions when Choosing a Test Date for UCAT Booking

After reading this section, you’ll come to realise that there’s actually quite a few things to think about when you’re choosing a date to book the UCAT. There’s no need to worry though because once you’ve taken the following questions into consideration, you should be able to pick a date that’s perfect for you!

It is worth noting that the advice on the UCAT website states booking as early as possible due to possible unanticipated changes in circumstance.

1. Do I have any other commitments?

It can be difficult enough balancing studying for your exams, entrance exams and also deciding where to apply. Don’t forget that you may have other things planned over the summer such as trips away or weddings to attend. If you have a family holiday arranged for July, you may want to book your UCAT a couple of weeks after you get back to make sure you can do some revision first. If your holiday is in August, you might consider booking the UCAT just before you go away, so you can relax on holiday and be finished with the test before school starts. Be sure that you are going to be sitting the UCAT exam when it is a quiet time in your calendar so that you are allowing yourself enough time to prepare thoroughly for the exam. 

Enjoy the sunshine while you can!

2. Will I want to postpone the date?

 Once you have booked your UCAT examination sitting you are able to change the date, time and location provided that there is availability at a later date. If you’re feeling nervous about the test, you may want to put yourself in the best possible position to try and postpone the exam if you feel unprepared as the test date approaches.

Therefore, it would be best to choose a fairly early test date to start, so that you have plenty of time left in case you need to postpone it. Having said this, we don’t recommend for you to keep on pushing back your test date as the nerves will just build up. Try to trust that you have done enough work for this and believe in yourself!

Do remember postponing your exam may not always be possible as test centres do get booked up quickly, especially near the end of the examination period and in popular locations. However by booking your test date early, it is more likely that you will be able to push it back if you need more time.

Make use of a calendar to keep a note of all dates!

3. Have I done enough revision?

This might seem like a pretty obvious one, but you should still put some thought into it. If you’ve been revising for a long time and attempted almost every practice question whilst gaining good scores – chances are that you’re ready for the test. You should choose an earlier date to get it over and done before the school year starts again. If you’ve done a fair amount of revision but still have more to do in your plan, you should pick a date which would allow you to complete your scheduled revision before the test so you feel really well prepared.

Our personal recommendation is to allow yourself at least 6-8 weeks of preparation if you can as that tends to be the optimum amount. 

If you want some revision and preparation tips, check out our handy blog post, and here’s a useful, official YouTube video from the UCAT consortium.

Download Free UCAT Questions

    4. Can I multitask if necessary?

    If you are the sort of person who can do many different things at once, you could consider choosing a later test date as you may find it easier to balance the UCAT alongside writing a personal statement and doing A-Levels all at once. However, many people find their exam performance begins to suffer when they have too many things on their plate. If this is the case for you, you should try to book the UCAT before school starts again in September, so that you can focus on doing one thing at a time; first your UCAT, then your personal statement, then your A Levels, etc.

    5. Have I decided which university to pick?

    One of the benefits of the UCAT exam is that you get your results immediately after sitting the exam. If you sit your UCAT examination earlier in the testing window you will be able to spend more time researching medical school options based on your results. If you don’t score as highly as you had hoped, you can also use this time towards sitting the BMAT for example.

    6. Do I have mocks when I return to school?

    September time can be difficult for most students as school resumes in September and it can be quite an intense time in terms of workload. This is why we usually recommend sitting the exam in August if you can to avoid the rush schoolwork.

    BONUS: What time of day should I book? 

    This is a matter of personal preference, but we often recommend booking the test in the late morning (e.g. 11am). If your test is too early you may not get a full night’s sleep, whereas if your test is at 4pm you may be less fresh and become agitated or more nervous having waited around all day. However, the time slot is completely up to you. You may find your options are limited if you book later into the booking window.

    Step-by-Step Guide for Booking the UCAT

    Now that you know when you can book the UCAT and the date which you’d like to book it on, all that’s left over is to actually go ahead and book it!

    To make sure you have done everything you need to, I’ve made a step-by-step guide, which should be pretty easy to follow. You could also note the steps down and use it as a checklist for yourself as you go through the process.

    1. Register and create an account using the following link

    You will have to register for yourself, and you can only make one account. Ensure you sign up using your legal name as it is written on your ID as this will be checked before you sit the UCAT. During registration, you will be asked questions. Make sure all the information you entered is correct by double checking everything.

    Screenshot of the official UCAT registration page.

    2. Confirm your registration via the email you are sent.

    This one’s pretty self-explanatory but confirming your UCAT registration is really important – remember to check your junk/spam folder too! You should receive this within 36 hours, if this isn’t the case contact Pearson VUE.

    3. Book your UCAT test date.

    This step contains two important parts. Firstly, choosing the date which we’ve discussed above. Secondly, choosing where you want to take the test.

    4. Pay the test fee.

    Check out this link to see the cost of the exam. There is also a bursary scheme for those meeting certain widening participation criteria.

    End Note

    So, there you go! Now you should be completely ready when it comes to booking the UCAT exam If you need any further information, the official UCAT website is a great place to go, or you could message us on Instagram where we’re always happy to help. You can also read our guide on What Is UCAT.

    If you need any personalised help with your medicine application, have a look at our UCAT online course, or look into our tutoring services.

    Good luck with everything!

    Frequently Asked Question

    →What is the UCAT?

    The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an entrance exam used by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand to select students for undergraduate programs in medicine and dentistry.

    →When can I take the UCAT?

    The UCAT is usually offered during the summer months of July, August, and September. The exact dates and times may vary depending on the location and testing center, so it’s essential to check the official UCAT website for up-to-date information.

    →How do I book the UCAT?

    To book the UCAT, you need to create an account on the official UCAT website and complete the registration process. You will need to provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details, as well as select your preferred testing date and location.

    →How can I prepare for the UCAT?

    There are many resources available to help you prepare for the UCAT, including practice tests, study guides, and online courses. It’s essential to start preparing early and set aside enough time to study each section of the test thoroughly.

    →How many hours should I study to prepare for UCAT?

    The amount of time you should spend studying for the UCAT will depend on your current level of knowledge and skills, as well as your personal learning style and goals. However, as a general guideline, it’s recommended that you aim to study for at least 2-3 hours per day, 5-6 days per week, for 3-6 months before the exam.

    This study time should include a combination of practicing questions, reviewing study materials, and taking timed mock exams to assess your progress. It’s also important to schedule regular breaks and maintain a healthy balance between studying and other activities to avoid burnout and maximize your learning.

    It’s important to remember that quality of study time is more important than quantity. So, it’s better to focus on targeted practice and review sessions rather than simply logging hours of study time. Additionally, everyone learns differently, so it’s important to find a study routine that works for you and adjust as needed based on your progress and feedback.

    Overall, preparing for the UCAT requires dedication, discipline, and hard work, so it’s important to start early, develop a solid study plan, and stay motivated throughout the preparation process.

    →How far in advance should you prepare for the UCAT?

    It’s recommended that you start preparing for the UCAT at least 3-6 months in advance, depending on your current level of knowledge and skills. The UCAT is a challenging test that assesses a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, so it’s essential to give yourself enough time to prepare adequately.

    Starting your preparation early will give you enough time to familiarize yourself with the test format, understand the types of questions you will face, and develop effective test-taking strategies. It will also allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving areas where you need more practice.

    You can use a variety of resources to prepare for the UCAT, including official practice materials, online courses, and tutoring services. It’s essential to create a study plan and schedule regular practice sessions to stay on track and ensure you are making progress towards your goals.

    Remember that the UCAT is only one part of your medical or dental school application, and universities will also consider your academic record, personal statement, and other criteria when making admission decisions. So, it’s essential to put in the time and effort to prepare for the UCAT, but also to maintain a well-rounded application portfolio.

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