UCAT admissions / UCAT score guide

Here’s our guide UCAT score guide / UCAT admissions guide to universities.

What can you do to ensure you pass and the rest of your application process also goes well.

Free UCAT test practice

Our guide UCAT test scores

It’s estimated that over 500,000 Sixth Formers are applying to University this year. That means many more individual University applications. In theory, it’s now possible to start University in January. It’s certainly another option to complete your degree in two and a half years instead of three.

UCAT score guide

UCAT Quantitative reasoning tests 

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning UKCAT Test Practice 1.

Quantitative Reasoning UCAT Test Practice 2.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Test Practice 3.

Quantitative Reasoning UCAT Test Practice 4.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test Answers

Quantitative Reasoning Practice UCAT Test 2 answers

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test 3 answers.

Quantitative Reasoning Practice UCAT Test 4 answers.

Introducing UCAT university admissions tests

There is an excellent intro to the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) here: UCAT’s 2020 update on how the test will be delivered this year.

HOW DO UNIVERSITIES USE YOUR UCAT SCORE?

UCAT admissions guide to universities

UCAT admissions application deadline

• Your application should be submitted several weeks before the end of 2018. Early offers can be made several weeks after Universities receive an application. That means applying early could mean have a University place in time for Christmas!
• Anyone applying through school or College must submit by the end of November regardless. This is to allow teachers sufficient time for checking applications and for including their reference.
• Oxbridge and other course providers may require additional tests/interviews. So, remember that these will have a deadline too.

UCAT University admissions tips

• Give your course prospectus and University Website a very careful final check for any special entry requirements. For example, some work experience (such as nursing courses require), or a portfolio (such as art courses require).
• If you attend an early interview then the above special requirements will be one of the main discussion topics.

Personal statement for University admissions tests UCAT

• Even if it is not a pre-requisite, work experience is a great way to boost your personal statement. It clearly demonstrates a firm commitment to your specialist area.
• A strong personal statement will join up your personal experience with your skills and qualifications to date. Skills can be based on those extra-curricular activities, such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and volunteer work.

Which skills does the UCAT assess?

Let’s begin with the excellent reading and verbal reasoning skills which all doctors and dentists.  complex medical facts and advice needs to be communicated to patients in a way that can be clearly understood. Plus, doctors and dentists need to understand research papers and to interpret medical findings and recommendations.

1)  UCAT Verbal reasoning test which assesses applicants’ ability to read and critically evaluate written info. Specifically, to quickly assess the content of written passages and the accuracy of the conclusions drawn.

2) UCAT Quantitative reasoning test which assesses the use of numerical reasoning to solve problems. Specifically, knowing which information to use and how to manipulate numerical data using simple calculations.

So, doctors regularly analyse data presented in medical research statistics. Also, numerical reasoning skills are used to make accurate drug dosages and to manipulate data such as patient weight and height – as well as age-related health risks.

3) UCAT Abstract reasoning test which assesses the ability to find patterns in the abstract shape information presented. Both convergent and divergent thinking are assessed. You need to track pattern changes, generate hypotheses about which features are changing; and test these hypotheses.

So, doctors review patients’ symptoms together with the results of various tests. Also, a judgement is made on the complex mixture of information sources by focusing on the key information. Thus, the process involves abstract reasoning skills.

4) UCAT Decision analysis tiest which assesses applicants’ ability to make decisions based on complex coded information. Specifically, making complex decisions when faced with ambiguous, uncertain situations.

So, the Decision analysis test in the UKCAT assesses the effectiveness of making decisions. Particularly, when information is ambiguous or presented in a confusing way.

Just as a doctor pieces together info from a variety of sources before making a medical diagnosis.

5) UCAT situational judgment test which assesses capacity to firstly identify the critical factors in real-life, medical scenarios. Secondly, to use logical reasoning skills to determine how best to deal with these SJT scenarios.

UCAT score guide

How best to start your UCAT Preparation

• Are there any tricks? Can the UCAT be ‘cracked’? No
• Be sceptical about anyone’s claims to be able to help you do well in the test by coaching.
• You can improve by your own preparation.
• Although you must approach your preparation in a disciplined way.
• There are just a few elementary points to bear in mind when you are taking the test. You could work them out for yourself.

Since the UCAT is the series of tests given to the annual intake of graduate applicants to the medical schools around the UK., let’s introduce the UKCAT test format(s).

University admissions tests UCAT

UCAT practice tests

Our site has several UCAT practice tests available in this test in which medical students must achieve the highest possible grades. This is a necessary step in the process of gaining acceptance of a place on the medical training university of their choice.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning test tips

Although you may not finish the test, the best strategy is to answer as many questions as you can in the time available.

• Before deciding upon your final answer, you may be able to rule out one or two of the multiple-choice questions as incorrect.
• Read each question and review each chart very carefully – taking one chart and its associated questions at a time. Only start looking at the answer options once you have done this.
• Ensure that you are aware of the units of measurement that each question is referring to.

So, doctors regularly analyse data presented in medical research statistics. Also, numerical reasoning skills are used to make accurate drug dosages and to manipulate data such as patient weight and height – as well as age-related health risks.

Why does the UCAT test Abstract reasoning? 

So, doctors review patients’ symptoms together with the results of various tests. Also, a judgement is made on the complex mixture of information sources by focusing on the key information. Thus, the process involves abstract reasoning skills.

University admissions tests UCAT

Why does the UCAT test Decision analysis?

So, the Decision analysis test in the UKCAT assesses the effectiveness of making decisions. Particularly, when information is ambiguous or presented in a confusing way.

Just as a doctor pieces together info from a variety of sources before making a medical diagnosis.

• UCAT Decision analysis test format. This assesses applicants’ ability to make decisions based on complex coded information. Specifically, making complex decisions when faced with ambiguous, uncertain situations.

Why does the UCAT test Quantitative reasoning?

This assesses the ability to evaluate numerical info presented in the form of tables, charts and graphs. This test assesses the use of numerical reasoning to solve problems. Specifically, knowing which information to use and how to manipulate numerical data using simple calculations. The following four aptitude tests and situational judgement test which are included in the UCAT assess the following medical reasoning skills:

UCAT score guide

Why does the UCAT test Abstract reasoning?

This assesses the ability to find patterns in the abstract shape information presented. Both convergent and divergent thinking are assessed. You need to track pattern changes, generate hypotheses about which features are changing; and test these hypotheses.

UCAT Situational Judgement Test Tips

Firstly, there is no need for medical knowledge, the UKCAT SJT scenarios test integrity, team working and several other competencies. Thus, the specific UKCAT SJT rationale is to test medical applicants’ understanding of ethics. Plus, other key aptitude areas, such as being able to work in a team and to manage high workloads.

Next, the SJT approach has the advantage of assessing in a fair and face valid way. There has been consistent research evidence demonstrating the high reliability and validity of SJTs over the last 45 years.

Here are our other situational judgment tests tips for the UCAT situational judgement test:

• The UCAT SJT test format means you can give the same rating to all response options. If, for example, two were Inappropriate and two were Appropriate that’s fine.
• The timeframe is very important to the correct answer. Consider how appropriate each response option is to both the short-term and to the long-term.
• Even when there are 4 response options this does not mean that one is Very Appropriate, Appropriate, Inappropriate and Very Inappropriate.

• There is no need for medical knowledge, the UCAT SJT scenarios test integrity, team working and several other competencies. Thus, the specific UCAT SJT rationale is to test medical applicants’ understanding of ethics. Plus, other key aptitude areas, such as being able to work in a team and to manage high workloads.

• Next, the SJT approach has the advantage of assessing in a fair and face valid way. 

Our UCAT aptitude test tips

• Each question is worth the same so don’t spend too long on a single question. Remember that you may find subsequent questions easier to answer and that if there is time at the end of the test you can return to any unfinished questions.
• Work efficiently but do not rush. Although you may not finish the test, the best strategy is to answer as many questions as you can in the time available.
• Before deciding upon your final answer, you may be able to rule out one or two of the multiple-choice questions as incorrect.
• Remember to only use the information that is provided in the charts and not any of your own background knowledge.
• Round up any decimal points and any pence (whilst taking account of any specific instructions provided).

Our UCAT Verbal Reasoning Tips

First, you need to read the passage very carefully. To gain an understanding of its contents/messages. Then to attempt to answer questions associated with that passage.

Next, each question is a single statement and you will need to decide if that statement is true or false. Hence, the third answer option is to answer that you Cannot Say.

University admissions tests UCAT verbal reasoning tips

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Subtest Format

First, you need to read the passage very carefully. To gain an understanding of its contents/messages. Then to attempt to answer questions associated with that passage.

Next, each question is a single statement and you will need to decide if that statement is true or false. Hence, the third answer option is to answer that you Cannot Say.

Next, each question is a single statement and you will need to decide if that statement is true or false. Hence, the third answer option is to answer that you Cannot Say.

UCAT score guide

UCAT Abstract Reasoning Practice Test Tips

– The previous UKCAT abstract reasoning test format of Sets A and B is still in place. Although there is a new question format with the question, Which of the following belongs in Set A / Set B?

– The key remains to identify the patterns that differentiate Set A from Set B. You can find further UKCAT 2015 abstract reasoning tips here. – UKCAT abstract reasoning test practice is available. The 2014 formats can be found here.

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Practice Test Tips

– It’s worth noting that there are both critical verbal reasoning and more traditional True/False, Can’t Tell format questions. The latter reading comprehension format has practice questions here. – There are also practice questions for critical verbal reasoning UKCAT format questions here. -There are tips for the critical verbal reasoning UKCAT format questions here.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test Tips

– This UKCAT sub-test format is the same as the previous Quantitative Reasoning Test format. – Further UKCAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test Tips are here.  

UCAT Decision Analysis Practice Test Tips

– This UKCAT sub-test format is the same as the previous Decision Analysis Test format.

– Further UKCAT Decision Analysis Practice Test Tips are here.

– Further UKCAT Decision Analysis Practice Test Tips are here.

– The new UCAT SJT test format means you can give the same rating to all response options. If, for example, two were Inappropriate and two were Appropriate that’s fine.

– The timeframe is very important to the correct answer. Consider how appropriate each response option is to both the short-term and to the long-term.

– Even when there are 4 response options this does not mean that one is Very Appropriate, Appropriate, Inappropriate and Very Inappropriate.

UCAT university admissions tests

UCAT’s Decision Analysis sub-test – Aptitude test

There is a specific practice page for each UCAT subtest. For example, the Decision Analysis subtest is available for free download here. UCAT Decision analysis practice test 1. Here are the test answers for Decision Analysis UCAT practice test 1. UCAT Decision analysis practice test 1 answers.

Practice UCAT test 2 and test 2 answers.

Our second Decision Analysis UCAT practice test is available for free download here. UCAT Decision analysis practice test

Here are the test answers for Decision Analysis UCAT practice test

UCAT Decision analysis practice test 2 answers UCAT Decision analysis tests measure the ability to make sense of coded information. The intention is to simulate the realities of real-life when decisions need to be made without having access to all the necessary information in one place.

The UCAT Decision Analysis subtest is specifically designed for the UCAT. Since you have not experienced this type of question before it is worth spending additional time reviewing the test format. Then the questions themselves, when you come to experience them on the UCAT Test will not be any more difficult than those of the other UCAT sub-tests.

UCAT score guide

Decision Analysis Sub-test Format

These UCAT Decision Analysis questions take the format of a scenario together with a Code Table containing four different series of complex code words. This Code Table comprises of four different lists with the code and its corresponding meaning shown for each word. You are not being asked to break the code. The individual questions ask you to decipher progressively more and more difficult examples of sentences written using that code. In other words, applying what is shown in the Code Table to interpret instances of that code in practice. For each code, there will be five multiple-choice answer options. You must use your own judgment to decide which of these 5 is the best possible interpretation of that coded sentence.

UCAT Decision Analysis Strategies

The Decision Analysis sub-test comes near the end so ensure that you maintain focused concentration. A useful approach to take is to follow these stages when completing each question:

1. Write down a literal translation on a piece of paper.
2. Next, compare your translation with each of the answer options provided. Ask yourself the following questions and note the answers:

• Which of the multiple-choice answer options are clearly wrong?
• Are any of the answer options correct?
• Which of these remaining possibly correct answers is the most appropriate i.e. makes the most sense to me.

Top Decision Analysis Tips to Remember!

• Question One is particularly important. Remember that there are only a few major reasons why a particular multiple-choice answer option is incorrect. This is because one or more of the following may be true of that answer option.
• Does not include each of the code words in the question.
• Uses the combined codes in the question.
• Or uses the combined codes incorrectly.
• Introduces a new word or concept for which there is no corresponding code.
• A particular answer option may still be incorrect even though it has used all the correct codes. This is because there is a more appropriate multiple-choice answer option. In other words, one or more of the following may be true of that answer option.

Top Decision Analysis Tips to Remember!

• An unusual answer that is not the most sensible/logical option of those available.
• Uses each of the codes but not in a logical order.
• It does not capture the true meaning/essence of the question codes.
• In summary, it is not the best available interpretation of the question codes and so is not the preferred answer.
• Think of the initial stages of translating the coded words just as would translate English phrases into a foreign language, such as French or Spanish. Sometimes the translation is direct and other times there are subtleties that you need to be wary of.
• You will find some items much easier than others. This is why it’s important to get to the end of the Decision Analysis subtest before the allocated time. That way you can return to the more difficult items and at least have attempted answers to all the questions.
• The length of the coded sequence in the question and the number of combined codes are the best indicators of how difficult you are likely to find a particular Decision Analysis question. You may decide to complete the easier Decision analysis questions first.
• If you are unsure which of two possible answer options is correct then focus your decision solely on which comes across as the most logical answer to you.

More UCAT DEcison Analysis Tips

• Remember the different reasons for why a particular answer option is unlikely to be correct that were provided earlier in this Test Taker’s Guide. Then go through a process of eliminating multiple-choice answer options. Ensure that you understand the meaning of the General Operating Codes.
• One pitfall to avoid is the use of combined codes, especially when the translation is plural (e.g. robots in questions 26-29).
• Another pitfall to avoid is spending too long on the first half of the subtest. Ask yourself the question when you are halfway through your allocated time, Have I finished half of the questions?  If the answer is yes then you are working at the right pace. If you have completed less than half you may like to speed up your working. Do not do this at the expense of accuracy.

Many candidates do not complete the Decision Analysis test which is something you should aim to do.

UCAT score guide

UCAT’s Decision Analysis practice

Our site has several practice tests available in this test in which medical students must achieve the highest possible grades. This is a necessary step in the process of gaining acceptance of a place on the medical training university of their choice.

There is a specific practice page for each UCAT subtest. For example, the Decision Analysis subtest is available for free download here: UCAT Decision analysis practice test

Here are the test answers for Decision Analysis UCAT practice test

UCAT Decision analysis practice test 1 answers  

Practice UCAT test 2 and test 2 answers

Our second Decision Analysis UCAT practice test is available for free download here: UKCAT Decision analysis practice test

Here are the test answers for Decision Analysis UCAT practice test

UCAT Decision analysis practice test 2 answers

More UCAT Decision Analysis practice

UCAT Decision analysis tests measure the ability to make sense of coded information. The intention is to simulate the realities of real life when decisions need to be made without having access to all the necessary information in one place. The UCAT Decision Analysis subtest is specifically designed for the UCAT. Since you have not experienced this type of question before it is worth spending additional time reviewing the test format. Then the questions themselves, when you come to experience them on the UCAT Test will not be any more difficult than those of the other UCAT sub-tests.

UCAT Decision Analysis Practice Strategies

Each question in the Decision Analysis sub-test needs to be approached in the same logical and structured way. The Decision Analysis sub-test comes near the end so ensure that you maintain focused concentration. A useful approach to take is to follow these stages when completing each question:

1. Write down a literal translation on a piece of paper.
2. Next, compare your translation with each of the answer options provided. Ask yourself the following questions and note the answers:

• Which of the multiple-choice answer options are clearly wrong?
• Are there any that may be correct?
• Which of these remaining possibly correct answers is the most appropriate i.e. makes the most sense to me.

UCAT university admissions tests

Top UCAT Decision Analysis Tips 

• Question One is particularly important. Remember that there are only a few major reasons why a particular multiple-choice answer option is incorrect. This is because one of more of the following may be true of that answer option:
• Does not include each of the code words in the question; or use the combined codes in the question;
• Uses the combined codes incorrectly; and/or
• Introduces a new word or concept for which there is no corresponding code.  
• A particular answer option may still be incorrect even though it has used all the correct codes. This is because there is a more appropriate multiple-choice answer option. In other words, one or more of the following may be true of that answer option:
• An unusual answer that is not the most sensible/logical option of those available;
• It has used each of the codes but not in a logical order, and it does not capture the true meaning/essence of the question codes;

More UCAT Decision Analysis Tips 

• Subjective judgement(s) have been made; and/or In summary, it is not the best available interpretation of the question codes and so is not the preferred answer. 3
• With the CAT Decision Analysis questions, the subtleties are often when coded words have been combined together. 
• You will find some items much easier than others. This is why it’s important to get to the end of the Decision Analysis subtest before the allocated time. That way you can return to the more difficult items and at least have attempted answers to all the questions.
• The length of the coded sequence in the question and the number of combined codes are the best indicators of how difficult you are likely to find a particular Decision Analysis question. You may decide to complete the easier Decision analysis questions first.
• Focus your decision solely on which comes across as the most logical answer to you.
• Remember the different reasons for why a particular answer option is unlikely to be correct that were provided earlier in this Test Taker’s Guide. Then go through a process of eliminating multiple-choice answer options.
• Ensure that you understand the meaning of the General Operating Codes. These are presented in the first column of the table presented at the start of a block of Decision Analysis questions.
• One pitfall to avoid is the use of combined codes, especially when the translation is plural (e.g. robots in questions 26-29).
• Another pitfall to avoid is spending too long on the first half of the subtest.  

UCAT score guide

UCAT Abstract reasoning test tips

Two blocks of 2 by 3 squares, called Set A and Set B. There are then several questions displaying a single box with the question, To which Set does this figure belong, or is it To Neither Set.