The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is one of the most prestigious examinations that help you get into the medical school of your choice. The UCAT scores are accepted in medical colleges around the world such as in the UK, Poland, Italy, Australia and New Zealand to name a few. Millions of students attempt the UCATs every year. If you are an aspiring medical student, you need to be aware of the best ways to crack the UCATs. Here are a few top tips to score good marks in the UCAT exams:

1. Give Yourself plenty of time

There is no such thing as enough preparation. You can start your UCAT preparations well in advance. The sooner you start, the better. Ideally, at least 6-8 weeks of fully focused preparation of around 30 minutes every day can help you crack the UCATs. Not leaving everything to the last minute and having more than enough time on your hands can give you time to do mock tests, read and revise your study material and even get some external reading done as well. 

Read out to know more on when should start preparing for UCAT exam

2. Find your weakest section and focus on that

While studying for the UCATs, you should have a strategy to better plan your study timetable ahead. The UCATs have various types of sections and questions aimed at you such as pattern recognition, critical thinking, logical thinking, etc. What one student might find to be their strong point might be the weak point for another. Find your weakest section and start preparing for that first. This way, you can ensure you get a better overall score than if you would have just focused on your stronger sections. 

UCAT scoring tips

3. Get familiar with the Onscreen test

As the UCAT is a computer-based test, it is better to get yourself familiar with the onscreen mode of test-taking before you attempt the exam. Try to do practice tests with a UCAT simulator. This way, you can know and be prepared for how the exam would be. You would also get a chance to familiarise yourself with the UCAT calculator as well. Make sure you go through the Tour Tutorial and Question Tutorial thoroughly.

Read to know on the UCAT test format and scoring technique

4. Practice Makes Perfect - Attend Mock tests

As with any activity, only rigorous practice can help improve yourself. Attempt as many mock tests as possible before taking the final exam. This can help test your knowledge, how effective your study methods are, what kind of questions to expect for the UCATs as well as keep the surprises on the day of the test to a minimum. 

5. Use different types of preparation

Do not stick to just one way of preparation. Following just one manner of revision i.e., practice tests, may risk the chances of burnout. Instead, try various methods of preparations and revisions such as speed reading for Situational judgement, flashcards for memorising patterns for Abstract Reasoning, etc. are just a few of the different study approaches you can adopt for acing your UCAT preparation.

Also interested to read on how to prepare for UCAT efficiently.

6. Stick to your Revision Schedule

Discipline and motivation to study play an important role in cracking any exam, especially one as important as the UCAT. But we may not stay motivated everyday. This is where the importance of a study schedule and sticking to it comes in. Once you plan a revision schedule, make sure you stick to it from the get-go. Consistent efforts in revision can help you go a long way in UCAT preparations.

7. Have A Time Management Strategy

Last but not least, you should have a clearly defined and practical time management strategy, not just for the preparation part but also for the day of the exam. There are many time management strategies for the UCAT available on the internet. Find one that best fits your schedule and stick to that as far as possible. 

Learn more on how to manage your timing for the UCAT exam

These are some of the top tips to score good marks in the coveted UCATs for any aspiring medical student. With a little effort, discipline and determination, you can easily score good marks in the UCATs. Once you start the preparation process, try to avoid distractions as much as possible and stick to your schedule with conviction. 

If you need more tips or guidance on how to best prepare for the UCATs, talk to a professional like Sage educational services, who can help you from start to finish. We have the resources and personnel who can help you ace and crack the UCATs and get you into the medical school of your choice, anywhere in the world. Don’t delay, connect with our experts to give flight to your UCAT dreams today!