UKCAT Overview
WHAT IS UKCAT?
UKCAT is a type of assessment used to identify suitable candidates for medical as well as dental school entry. The test seeks to identify a candidate’s aptitude rather than specific knowledge of a particular academic subject. The UKCAT is used by the majority of UK medical and dental schools. Candidates must sit the UKCAT test the year before they intend to start university. E.g. if you are applying for 2013 entry, you will sit the UKCAT in 2012.
It does NOT contain science related questions. You cannot really revise for it, although you can prepare yourself by familiarising yourself with the types of questions that will come up.
The test is computer based, and can be taken at any Pearson Vue Professional testing centre (the same place where driving test theory tests are taken).
WHAT IS IN THE TEST?
There are 5 sections to the test:
- Verbal reasoning – thinking logically about written information and to arrive at a reasoned conclusion.
- Quantitative reasoning - solving numerical problems.
- Abstract reasoning - infer relationships from information by convergent and divergent thinking.
- Decision analysis - dealing with various forms of information, to infer relationships, to make informed judgements, and to decide on an appropriate response, in situations of complexity and ambiguity.
- Situational Judgement test - pilot assessment (will NOT contribute to your UKCAT score). SJT questions are often used to assess professional judgement, interpersonal skills and ethical values rather than knowledge.
The format of the test will be multiple choice. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt every question.
HOW LONG IS THE TEST?
The entire test will take 2 Hours. Each section will be timed separately. A breakdown of the timing for each section is given below:
|
Duration |
Information |
Test Items |
VERBAL REASONING |
22 minutes |
11 passages |
44 |
QUANTITATIVE REASONING |
23 minutes |
9 tables, charts, graphs etc |
36 |
ABSTRACT REASONING |
16 minutes |
13 sets |
65 |
DECISION ANALYSIS |
32 minutes |
1 set of information |
26 |
SITUATIONAL JUDGEMENT TEST |
27 minutes |
13 scenarios |
60 |
TOTAL |
120 minutes |
|
233 |
If you have special educational needs, arrangements can be made to sit the UKCAT with these needs taken into consideration. This is known as UKCATSEN
BOOKING A TEST
To book a test you will need to go to the UKCAT main website.
You will need to register an account on this website.
The test cost varies by region and date:
EU candidate before August 31st: £65
EU candidate after September 1st: £80
Candidate outside EU at any time: £100
The payment card you use will need to have the same billing address as the one you give in the registration page.
Some of the questions on the form will inquire about your social background i.e. the occupation of your carers, your ethnicity and nationality. This information cannot be used by the medical schools in the selection process.
After registering an account, you will be sent further instructions on booking an actual test date via the Pearson Vue website.
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