Parent's Guide: UCAT
UCAT Overview
The University Clinical Aptitude Test, or UCAT as it is more commonly known, is an admissions tests that most universities use to assess your child’s application to medical school. It is a computer based examination that your child will be able to sit at a local test centre operated by Pearsons (Same as the venues for driving theory tests).
The examination consists of 5 sections; verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and situational judgement.
Once your child has completed the examination they will receive their test results while still at the test centre, which is a number between 300-900 for all sections of the exam, except for situational judgement where they will receive a band rather than a number. THese scores are then used by universities to shortlist applicants for interview.
Key UCAT Dates 2019
You are able to sit the UCAT at any time between 1st July and 2nd October, however unlike the BMAT you will need to register and book your child’s UCAT examination through and online booking system. Therefore the following dates are essential to be aware of:
- Registration for UCAT and Bursary scheme opens: 1st May
- UCAT testing begins: 1st July
- UCAT registration and online booking system closes: 18th September
- UCAT booking deadline: 1st October
- Final UCAT testing and Bursary deadline: 2nd October
UCAT Costs
As ever it is important to consider the costs of your child applying to medical school, and the application process itself is no exception. The UCAT examination does offer a bursary scheme, which you can find more information about on their website. Below are the standard prices of the UCAT taken in 2019:
| Cost | Test |
| £65 | UCAT tests taken in the EU between 1st July and 31st August |
| £87 | UCAT tests taken in the EU between 1st September and 2nd October |
| £115 | UCAT tests taken outside of the EU |
How can I support my child in the UCAT
Supporting your child through the UCAT and in their medical application can feel daunting, but that is what we here at Medic Mind are for. We are here to guide not only your child, but you too through the journey that is getting into medical school.
The UCAT has so many sections that it can be hard to know where to start with studying for it. Many parents opt for buying books full of practice questions with hints and tips for their child to get quicker and more accurate at answering the questions.
At Medic Mind we also offer UCAT support with our 1-1 tutoring, as well as our online course. With our help students who use Medic Mind score on average 720 in their UCAT, which is a highly competitive UCAT score.
Frequently Asked Question
→What is the UCAT?
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an admissions test used by many UK universities for their medical, dental and health science degree programs.
→What does the UCAT consist of?
The UCAT consists of five sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making, and situational judgment.
→How can parents support their child's UCAT preparation?
Parents can support their child’s UCAT preparation by encouraging them to practice regularly, providing a quiet study space, and helping them stay motivated and focused.
→How can parents help their child manage test day anxiety?
Parents can help their child manage test day anxiety by encouraging them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization.
→Why is the UCAT important?
The UCAT is important because it helps universities assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities, attitudes, and professional behaviors that are important for success in healthcare professions.
→How much do UCAT scores matter in university admissions?
UCAT scores are just one of the factors considered by universities in the admissions process, and the weight placed on UCAT scores varies by university and program.
→Is UCAT one of the hardest tests?
The difficulty of the UCAT test may vary from person to person, as everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. However, many students find the UCAT to be a challenging test due to its time constraints, complexity of questions, and the pressure to perform well. It is important to note that UCAT scores are only one of the factors considered by universities in the admissions process and that candidates are evaluated based on a range of criteria including academic performance, personal statement, and interview performance.
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