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Guide to the UKAT Admissions Test

Sep 13, 2024

Overview of UKAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Introduction

  • The UKAT is an admissions test used by a consortium of medical and dental schools.
  • It has no curriculum content but assesses skills essential for success in medical courses.
  • Test results are used alongside other criteria (academic grades, interview scores) for admissions.

Test Format

  • Duration: 2-hour multiple-choice, computer-based test.
  • Frequency: Once per year, in-person at Pearson VUE test centers.
  • Requirement: Needed by 44 UK universities for specific courses.

Subtests

  1. Verbal Reasoning

    • Time: 21 minutes
    • Questions: 44
    • Skills: Critical reasoning, drawing conclusions from text.
    • Preparation: Speed reading, extracting key facts quickly from articles.
  2. Decision Making

    • Time: 31 minutes
    • Questions: 29
    • Skills: Logical puzzles, syllogisms, Venn diagrams.
    • Preparation: Practice logical reasoning, note-taking.
  3. Quantitative Reasoning

    • Time: 25 minutes
    • Questions: 36
    • Skills: Numerical problem solving.
    • Preparation: Brush up on math skills like ratios, fractions, and percentages. Practice with the online calculator.
  4. Abstract Reasoning

    • Time: 12 minutes
    • Questions: 50
    • Skills: Pattern recognition among abstract shapes.
    • Preparation: Practice spotting patterns and rules.
  5. Situational Judgment Test (SJT)

    • Time: 26 minutes
    • Questions: 69
    • Skills: Assessing real-world scenarios, professional behavior.
    • Preparation: Read GMC guidelines on good medical practice.

Scoring

  • Cognitive Subtests: Scores between 300-900 per subtest, total 1200-3600.
  • SJT: Banding score from Band 1 (highest) to Band 4 (lowest).

Booking the Test

  • Registration: Opens 14th May, create a web account.
  • Booking: Opens 18th June, use the test center locator.
  • Test Dates: 8th July to 26th September.
  • Fees: £70 in the UK, £115 outside the UK.
  • Bursaries: Available for low-income candidates.
  • Access Arrangements: Available for candidates with special requirements.

Preparation Tips

  • Start preparation at least 6 weeks before test date.
  • Use free resources on the UKAT website.
  • Practice with question banks and timed practice tests.
  • Familiarize with subtest timings, use the flag and review function.

Test Day

  • Know your test center location and bring correct ID.
  • Be aware of examination rules and test environment.
  • Ear plugs available to minimize disturbance.

Results

  • Results available on test day and through web account within 24 hours.
  • Test results are passed to universities in early November.
  • Research how different universities use the test results.

Conclusion

  • All information is available on the UKAT website and social media.
  • Best of luck with the UKAT!