For Schools

• UCAT NIE Newsletter Subscription (For Teachers) - we only email you valid and important information about the UCAT, GAMSAT, Career Experience programs,  and upcoming workshops / webinars.
• Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Information Webinars - there are free comprehensive webinars, conducted by NIE for teachers,, students and parents who are wanting to learn more about the application and selection process in undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs. 
• Official UCAT ANZ Website - for information about the test, test statistics and to register to sit UCAT.
• Official  GAMSAT Website - for information about the tests, statistics and to register to sit GAMSAT.

What is the UCAT? 

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a standardised admissions test used by universities in Australia and New Zealand for selecting students into medical and dental degree programs. The UCAT is designed to assess cognitive abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and behavioral attributes considered important for success in these fields.

Here's how the UCAT is used by universities in Australia, New Zealand and some UK universities:

1. Selection Criteria: Many medical and dental schools in Australia and New Zealand require applicants to sit the UCAT as part of their admissions process. You can also use your UCAT ANZ score to apply into undergraduate medical degrees in some of the UK universites. The test results are often used alongside academic qualifications and other criteria to assess candidates' suitability for these demanding courses.
2. Assessing Aptitude: The UCAT aims to provide a standardised measure of cognitive abilities and personal qualities relevant to healthcare professions. By using this test, universities can compare applicants fairly based on a common metric.
3. Screening Tool: The UCAT can act as an initial screening tool, helping universities identify candidates with the potential to excel in medical or dental education. It provides additional insights beyond academic transcripts.
4. Multiple Universities: The UCAT score can be used across multiple universities, allowing applicants to apply to several institutions using the same test result.
5. Complementing Academic Record: Since medical and dental programs are highly competitive, the UCAT score can complement an applicant's academic record and personal statement, offering a broader view of their capabilities.

What is all the fuss about preparing for the UCAT?

1. High Stakes: The UCAT is a crucial factor in the admissions process for medical and dental schools in Australia and New Zealand. As these programs are highly competitive, a strong performance on the UCAT can significantly enhance an applicant's chances of securing a place.
2. Complexity of Test: The UCAT is not just a test of knowledge; it assesses cognitive abilities and aptitudes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills require specific preparation beyond standard academic study.
3. Limited Attempts: Applicants generally have only one opportunity each year to sit the UCAT. This adds pressure to perform well in a single attempt.
4. Time Pressure: The UCAT is a timed test with strict time limits for each section. Managing time effectively during the test is crucial, and this requires practice and familiarity with the test format.
5. Competitive Advantage: Many applicants invest time and resources in preparing for the UCAT to gain a competitive advantage over other candidates. Strong UCAT scores can make a significant difference in the selection process.
6. Preparation Materials: There are various preparation materials available, such as practice tests, question banks, and courses specifically designed for the UCAT. Candidates often engage with these resources to familiarize themselves with the test format and improve their performance. At NIE we prefer and reccomend using the Medify Online UCAT Courses as it offers the best value for money and quality.
7. Impact on Future Career: For aspiring future medical and dental students the emphasis on preparing for the UCAT stems from its importance in determining admission to most undersgraduate medical and dental school degrees.

Why do universites advise against preparing for the UCAT and is it correct advice?

Some universities may advise against excessive or overly intensive preparation for the UCAT for several reasons, and this advice can be considered reasonable in certain contexts:

1. Natural Ability Assessment: The UCAT aims to assess innate cognitive abilities and aptitudes rather than specific knowledge or skills that can be learned through intensive preparation. Universities may prefer candidates who demonstrate genuine cognitive strengths rather than those who have simply memorized test-taking strategies.
2. Ethical Considerations: Universities want to ensure fairness and equity in their admissions processes. Excessive coaching or preparation could potentially disadvantage candidates who may not have access to such resources. Encouraging more natural, innate abilities to shine can also balance this.
3. Focus on Holistic Assessment: Universities often emphasize a holistic approach to admissions, considering a range of factors beyond test scores, such as academic performance, personal statements, and extracurricular activities. Overemphasis on test preparation could detract from other important aspects of an applicant's profile.
4. Minimizing Stress and Pressure: Overpreparation for the UCAT can lead to increased stress and pressure on applicants, potentially affecting their overall well-being and mental health during the admissions process.

However! Whether this advice is universally correct depends on the context and individual circumstances:

Given the high proportion of candidates who do prepare for the UCAT and the competitive nature of admissions, it becomes evident that preparation plays a crucial role in achieving a competitive score. According to idependant surveys, it is assumed that well over 70% of candidates preparing for the test to some extent, it's clear that many recognise the importance of readiness.

Additionally, the fact that only about 1/4th of UCAT candidates are invited for admission interviews underscores the significance of achieving a high UCAT score. Participating universities often use the UCAT score as an important componant of the screening tools used to identify candidates with the highest potential for success in medical or dental programs. This, coupled with the observation that UCAT cut-off scores for most universities are above the 95th percentile, highlights the test's critical role in the selection process.

In light of these facts, the advice from universities against excessive preparation for the UCAT may seem less applicable or overly cautious. While it's essential to avoid excessive stress and maintain a balanced approach to preparation, candidates should recognize the competitive nature of the admissions process and adequately prepare to maximize their chances of success.

Ultimately, candidates should consider the advice from universities alongside the realities of the admissions process and their individual circumstances. A strategic and focused approach to preparation, while maintaining a healthy balance, is likely to yield the best results in such a competitive environment.