2019 UCAT ANZ OFFICIAL GUIDE - University Clinical Aptitude Test for Medicine and Dentistry
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz
2019 UCAT ANZ
OFFICIAL GUIDE
University Clinical Aptitude Test for Medicine and Dentistry
UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 1
Foreword
This is the official guide to the UCAT ANZ 2019 which contains definitive information Contents
regarding the test and its content. From 2019, the UCAT ANZ replaces the UMAT
(Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) previously used by our
Consortium member universities. We have produced this guide in response to candidate Foreword 2 Practising for the Test 22
feedback that they would like a comprehensive guide to the test that is portable and How should I Prepare? 23
printable. We believe that this guide, in conjunction with the free preparation materials Test Strategies and Advice 24
and practice tests on our website ucat.edu.au, are all you need to prepare successfully What is the UCAT? 4 Adviser Resources 26
for the test. Eligibility 5
Key dates 2019 5
We do not endorse any commercially-available preparation courses for the UCAT and we Who should take the test? 6 Test Day 27
would advise you to be sceptical about anyone’s claims to be able to help you do well in the Which Universities require the test? 6 Arrival 27
test by coaching. Of course you do need to practice in order to become familiar with test items Where can I take the test? 7 Identification 28
and most importantly the timing in each subtest. We give more advice in this guide regarding Personal belongings 28
test preparation and strategies. Environment 28
Registration and Booking 8 Calculator 28
This guide includes key information about the test, it's structure, the different question types, Registration 8 Note board / note booklet 29
practice tips and strategies, marking and results, as well as information on how our Universities Booking 9 Breaks 29
use the test. In addition, it contains information about what to expect on your test day. You Test Fees 9 Problems 29
will find detailed descriptions of each subtest together with over 130 practice questions and Concessions 10 Unprofessional behaviour 29
answers to help you prepare. These questions can also be accessed through our Practice App Rescheduling and Cancelling 10
available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play.
Mitigating Circumstances 30
We hope you find this information useful. If you have any feedback and suggestions for Access Arrangements 11 Illness or Personal Circumstances 30
additional content please contact us. UCATSEN ANZ 12 Test Day Problems 31
Test Accommodations 12 Candidate Complaints 31
The UCAT ANZ Consortium
The UCAT ANZ Consortium is a group of Australian and New Zealand universities who Test Format 13 Practice Questions 32
have agreed to adopt the UCAT as part of their selection process for medicine, dentistry Overview 13 Rationales and Answers 69
and selected clinical sciences. Verbal Reasoning 14
Decision Making 15
We are committed to achieving greater fairness in selection and to the widening Quantitative Reasoning 16 Step-by-step guide 84
participation of under-represented social groups in medical, dental and health Abstract Reasoning 17
sciences training. Situational Judgement 18
Marking and Scores 20 Preparation Plan 86
The test is run by the Consortium in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in Using my Results 21
computer-based testing and part of Pearson plc. It is delivered on computers worldwide
through Pearson VUE’s centres. Feedback 88
Address details????????
© UCAT 2013
ucat.edu.au © 2019 UCAT ANZ Consortium. All rights reserved
2 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 3
WHAT IS THE UCAT?
What is the UCAT?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is an admissions test used by a consortium
of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical , dental and selected clinical
science degree programmes.
The test helps universities to make more informed choices from amongst the many
highly-qualified applicants to these highly competitive degree programmes. It assesses
a range of abilities identified as important by university medical and dental schools for
success in their programmes or courses, and later as a clinician.
The UCAT does not contain any curriculum or science content. It focuses on
exploring the cognitive powers of candidates and other attributes considered to
be valuable for health care professionals.
Eligibility Key dates 2019
The UCAT ANZ test is available to any Registration and booking opens 1 March
candidate whose educational level at the
time of sitting the test is their final year of Concession scheme opens 1 March
secondary schooling, or higher. Candidates
Concession deadline 10 May at 5pm AEST
registering for UCAT ANZ 2019 should have
already completed, or plan to COMPLETE Access arrangement
their final year of secondary schooling in application deadline 10 May at 5pm AEST
2019 (i.e. Year 12 in Australia; Year 13 in
New Zealand). Registration closes 17 May at 11.59pm AEST
Final booking deadline
Students whose current educational level is
17 May at 11.59pm AEST
Australian Year 11 or lower are NOT eligible
to take UCAT ANZ. This includes Year 11 Cancellation deadline
students undertaking one or more Year 12 17 May at 11.59pm AEST
subjects. Year 12 students completing
Year 12 over two years are only eligible to sit Testing begins 1 July
UCAT ANZ in their final year. Last testing date 31 July
Results delivered to
universities Early September
4 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 5
WHAT IS THE UCAT?
Who should take the test? Where can I take the test?
The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for our Consortium Universities. You are The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for our Consortium Universities in Australia
required to sit the test by 31 July 2019 if you are intending to apply for entry in 2020 to a and New Zealand. The test is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres during July in the
relevant course listed below. UCAT ANZ results cannot be carried over from one year to the locations listed below.
next. There are no general exemptions from the test.
Australia
You may only take the test once in any test cycle and any instances of multiple testing in the
Available dates will be shown at the time of booking your test.
same year will be treated as an example of unprofessional behaviour.
Canberra ACT Rockhampton QLD
Armidale NSW Townsville QLD
Which Universities require the test? Dubbo NSW Adelaide SA
Some pathways to medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences will not require the UCAT ANZ. For some Newcastle NSW Mt Gambier SA
applicants a different test may be required. You should always check the entry requirements Parramatta NSW Hobart TAS
for each course or programme using the websites of the universities to which you intend to Port Macquarie NSW Launceston TAS
apply before booking a test as the information below may be subject to change. The UCAT ANZ Sydney NSW Albury-Wodonga VIC
website has the most up to date information. Wagga Wagga NSW Bendigo VIC
Alice Springs NT Geelong VIC
University Course or Programme Darwin NT Melbourne VIC
Brisbane QLD Mildura VIC
The University of Adelaide Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Health
Cairns QLD Bunbury WA
Curtin University Medicine Gold Coast QLD Perth WA
Flinders University Clinical Sciences / Medicine
Monash University Medicine New Zealand
Available dates will be shown at the time of booking your test
The University of Newcastle /
Joint Medical Program Auckland
University of New England
Dunedin
The University of New South Wales Medicine Christchurch
Wellington
The University of Queensland Medicine (provisional entry), Dental Science
University of Tasmania Medicine
Note: Most capital cities have multiple test centres. Details of the locations will be available to
Medicine (Direct Pathway), view when registration opens in March 2019.
The University of Western Australia
Dental Medicine (Direct Pathway)
Western Sydney University Medicine Overseas
Candidates who will be overseas for the month of July 2019 should visit the Test Centre
The University of Auckland Medicine Locations page of our website for further information on where you can sit the test and how to
book an overseas test centre. Sitting the test overseas will incur an additional administrative
University of Otago Medicine, Dental Surgery fee.
International Candidates
International applicants may not be required to sit the UCAT ANZ, an alternative admission
test (ISAT) may be required. Candidates should check the course or programme entry
requirements on the websites of the relevant universities before booking a test.
6 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 7
REGISTRATION AND BOOKING
Booking Test Fees
Once you have registered you will be able to The following test fees apply in 2019:
Registration and Booking book your test. We recommend you book a
test slot as soon as possible to maximise the
chance of attending a convenient test centre.
Tests taken in Australia or
New Zealand
$298
Concession Fee (Australia
$198
Booking closes at 11.59pm AEST on 17 May only)
2019. All candidates must book a test by Tests taken overseas /
this date. outside Australia and New $373
Zealand
The UCAT can be taken between 1 July and 31 July 2019. You must complete a two-step You should book a standard test unless you
process using the Pearson VUE online registration system to register and then book a test. are eligible for extra time in public exams.
Please see the Access Arrangements section Test fees depend on the test centre
Registration of this guide for more information. location, not on your place of residence
You are strongly recommended to register and sit your test at your earliest convenience to or nationality.
ensure that places are available at your chosen test centre. Each year there are candidates
who book a late test and then encounter problems when they fall ill or experience other issues Candidates in Australia can also refer to our
which prevent them from taking that testing slot. This can be avoided by booking to take your Concession Scheme overleaf, to see whether
test early. they are eligible to pay a reduced test fee.
You must create an online account with Pearson VUE before you can book your test (we call The test fee is payable online at the time
this first step registration). of booking. All fees will be charged in
Australian dollars.
You can register for your test between 1 March and 11.59pm AEST on 17 May by following the
links on our website ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/registration-booking/
You need to register for your test personally – this cannot be done by your school or college.
8 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 9
Concessions Rescheduling and Cancelling
Access Arrangements
Candidates who hold (or who are listed as a If you are not fit to take your test due to
dependant on) a current Health Care Card illness or other personal circumstances you
(HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), must reschedule your test to a later date or
both of which are issued by Centrelink, you will count as a 'no show' and forfeit your
are eligible for a reduced test fee. The test fee.
concession fee is not available to candidates
sitting the test outside Australia. If you wish to reschedule before the Final
Booking Deadline (11:59pm AEST on 17 May
You will need to submit the online application 2019) you can do this through your online This section covers access arrangements if you have educational needs, disabilities or
form and upload a copy of your concession / Pearson VUE account or by contacting temporary injuries that entitle you to extra time in public exams.
care card before you make your test booking Pearson VUE Customer Services. Please
to be eligible for this reduced fee. note that rescheduling the exam is based on If you are entitled to extra time for public examinations based on a medical diagnosis
availability and is not guaranteed. or report from an educational psychologist you should apply for Access Arrangements.
Applications without the correct supporting Approval will only be granted with supporting evidence. This is likely to relate to
evidence or late applications received after If you wish to reschedule your test after candidates with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dysorthographia, attention deficit disorder,
the deadline of 5pm AEST on 10 May 2019 the Final Booking Deadline (11:59pm AEST or working memory deficit. This may also apply to a range of other medical conditions.
will not be considered. on 17 May 2019), you must phone Pearson
VUE Customer Services up to 24 hours
Further information regarding applying before your appointment time. However,
for a concession can be found here the availability of convenient dates and
ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/ times will be extremely limited in the
concession-scheme/ last two weeks of testing. Please note
that rescheduling the exam is based on
availability and is not guaranteed.
If you miss this deadline, the appointment
will count as a 'no show' and you will not be
eligible for a refund or to reschedule.
You can cancel your test through your
Pearson VUE account up to the cancellation
deadline of 11.59pm AEST on 17 May 2019 to
receive a refund. If you have to cancel later
than this, the appointment will count as a
'no-show' and payment will not be refunded.
Please see the Rescheduling and
Cancelling page of the UCAT ANZ website
for full details.
10 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 11
Test Format
UCATSEN ANZ
If you are entitled to extra time for public Therefore, difficulties with writing will not
examinations you should apply to sit the normally be seen as grounds for granting of
UCATSEN ANZ which is 25% longer than the Access Arrangements. Your application will
standard test. be rejected if you do not provide the full Overview
evidence required by the application deadline The UCAT assesses a range of abilities identified by university Medical and Dental Schools
Sitting this extended version of the test requires of 5pm AEST 10 May 2019. as important. There is no curriculum content as the test examines innate skills. Each
you to submit an online application for access subtest is in a multiple-choice format and is separately timed.
arrangements before you make your test Candidates who are unsure whether they
booking. are eligible to take the UKCATSEN ANZ or For candidates sitting the UCAT in 2019, the test will consist of:
expecting to offer different evidence of their
All applications must be submitted via the condition should contact the UCAT ANZ • Verbal reasoning - assesses ability to critically evaluate information that is presented in a
online Access Arrangements form on the Office by email ucat-anz@monash.edu before written form
website by 5pm AEST on 10 May 2019 and booking their test.
must be accompanied by the correct evidence • Decision making - assesses ability to apply logic to reach a decision or conclusion,
outlined below. Test Accommodations evaluate arguments and analyse statistical information
If you require accommodations when sitting
The supporting documentation must be the test due to a medical condition or disability, • Quantitative reasoning - assesses ability to critically evaluate information presented
from a registered health practitioner and or if you need to take medication during testing in a numerical form
must give a clear diagnosis and information there are a number of accommodations that
on the condition, indicate the impact of the can be arranged. • Abstract reasoning - assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer
condition in testing settings and include a relationships from information
statement as to what accommodations the A list of Comfort Aids which are allowed in the
health practitioner feels are appropriate for the testing room after visual inspection by test • Situational judgement - measures capacity to understand real world situations and to
candidate in testing settings. centre staff is given on the website under Test identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.
Accommodations. No other items are allowed
All supporting documentation must be in the testing room without an approved
typed on the health practitioner's official accommodation - this includes food and water.
letterhead and include the date and title, UCAT - Standard Test SEN - Extended Test
name, registration number, contact details, To request test accommodations you must (120 minutes) (150 minutes)
and signature of the medical practitioner. The submit the online application form for Access Time (including Time (including
documentation must be no more than one Arrangements on the website before you Section Questions Section Questions
instructions) instructions)
year old for health-related needs or disabilities make your test booking.
other than learning disabilities, and no more 27 minutes
Verbal Reasoning 22 minutes 44 questions Verbal Reasoning 44 questions
30 seconds
than three years old for learning disabilities. The supporting documentation must be
from a registered health practitioner and Decision Making 32 minutes 29 questions Decision Making 40 minutes 29 questions
Applicants with learning disabilities should must give a clear diagnosis and information
submit a copy of an appropriate educational on the condition, indicate the impact of the Quantitative Quantitative 31 minutes
psychologist’s report for consideration. If the condition in testing settings and include a 25 minutes 36 questions 36 questions
Reasoning Reasoning 15 seconds
report is more than three years old, it will still statement as to what accommodations the
Abstract Abstract 17 minutes
be accepted, as long as it is accompanied by health practitioner feels are appropriate for the 14 minutes 55 questions 55 questions
Reasoning Reasoning 30 seconds
a recent letter from a psychologist stating that candidate in testing settings.
the information in the report is still applicable Situational Situational 33 minutes
27 minutes 69 questions 69 questions
to the candidate as they are today. Please see the UCAT website for full details of Judgement Judgement 45 seconds
the Access Arrangements process and how to
The UCAT is a multiple-choice, online test and request Test Accommodations:
does not require extended handwriting. ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/registration-booking/
access-arrangements/
12 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 13
TEST FORMAT
Verbal Reasoning Decision Making
The Verbal Reasoning subtest assesses For other test questions, your task is to read The Decision Making subtest assesses your Decision Making Strategies
your ability to read and think carefully about each passage of text carefully and then ability to apply logic to reach a decision or • Timing is important in this subtest. Flag
information presented in passages and to decide whether the statement provided conclusion, evaluate arguments and analyse questions you are unsure about so you
determine whether specific conclusions can follows logically from the information in the statistical information. can come back to them at the end.
be drawn from information presented. You passage. In each case you can choose True,
are not expected to use prior knowledge to False or Can’t Tell. • It may help you to write out or draw the
UCAT Time Questions
answer the questions. information given in the question. Make
Verbal Reasoning Strategies 32 minutes sure you have your note board and pen to
• You are unlikely to be familiar with the (one minute for 29 questions associated hand.
UCAT Time Questions instruction and with diagrams, text, charts
content of the text shown to you. Do not
22 minutes 31 minutes for or graphs
draw on existing knowledge as this will • Some questions require you to 'drag and
(one minute for 44 questions associated questions)
not be relevant. drop' the correct response. Practice this
instruction and with 11 reading functionality in the Tour Tutorial.
21 minutes for passages
• Think about how you will plan your time in
questions)
this section. Why Decision Making? • Brush up on your maths skills around
Doctors and dentists are often required to probability and Venn diagrams.
Why Verbal Reasoning? • Work on your speed reading skills during make decisions in situations that may be
Doctors and dentists need excellent verbal your preparation by reading articles in the complex. This requires high-level problem • Some items ask you to weigh arguments
reasoning skills in many aspects of their newspapers and learning to extract the solving skills and the ability to assess and for and against a particular solution to a
work. An ability to understand complex key facts quickly. manage risk and deal with uncertainty. problem. You must suspend your own
information and communicate this clearly beliefs to reach the strongest conclusion.
and simply to patients is obviously essential. • This section requires real concentration Decision Making Items
Medical practitioners must also be able to – it is at the beginning of the test and you You will be presented with questions that • There are a number of different question
interpret findings from published materials should be ready to focus right from the start. may refer to text, charts, tables, graphs or types; if there are some you find more
and apply this to their own practice. It is diagrams. Additional information may be challenging, flag these for review and
also essential they are able to critique such presented within the question itself. answer the item types you find easier first.
materials and draw their own conclusion as
to the validity of any findings. The best thing to prepare for All questions are standalone and do not
Verbal Reasoning is to read a share data. Some questions will have four For Decision Making, which has
Verbal Reasoning Items newspaper or even non-fiction answer options but only one correct answer; a wide variety of question types,
You will be presented with eleven passages books daily, examining the others will require you to respond to five I identified which types I was
of text, each associated with four questions. arguments, logical fallacies and statements by placing a 'yes' or 'no' answer best at and did them first when
techniques used. Join debate next to each statement. doing papers. I would aim to
Some questions assess critical reasoning groups, and read around logical
get them right before going
skills, requiring candidates to make inferences fallacies and formal logic as A simple on-screen calculator is available for onto more time consuming
and draw conclusions from information. You well. Learn to unpick arguments use in this section. You may also need to use questions”
will need to read the passage of text carefully. and read quickly. If you read your note board and pen.
You will then be presented with questions for 15 minutes every day, you’ll
Shivani, 99th percentile
which comprise a stem, which might be an gradually become better, and
incomplete statement or a question, with four this section will seem very easy
response options. by the time you have to take
the UCAT.”
The candidate is required to pick the best or
most suitable response. Candidates will only Jonathan, 99th percentile
be able to select one response.
14 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 15
TEST FORMAT
Quantitative Reasoning A simple on-screen calculator is available Abstract Reasoning For type 2, you will be presented with a
for use in this section. The calculator is series of shapes. You will be asked to select
The Quantitative Reasoning subtest integrated into the practice tests and we Abstract Reasoning assesses your ability to the next shape in the series.
assesses your ability to use numerical skills strongly recommend that you familiarise identify patterns amongst abstract shapes
to solve problems. It assumes familiarity yourself with using it. You can also utilize where irrelevant and distracting material For type 3, you will be presented with a
with numbers. However, items are less to your note board and pen. may lead to incorrect conclusions. The test statement, involving a group of shapes. You
do with numerical facility and more to do therefore measures your ability to change will be asked to determine which shape
with problem solving (i.e. knowing what Quantitative Reasoning Strategies track, critically evaluate and generate completes the statement.
information to use and how to manipulate • Timing is very important in this section – hypotheses and requires you to query
it using simple calculations and ratios). The pace yourself during the test. Check how judgements as you go along. For type 4, you will be presented with two
subtest measures reasoning using numbers you are doing halfway through and adjust sets of shapes labelled “Set A” and “Set B”.
as a vehicle rather than measuring a facility your speed accordingly. You will be asked to select which of the four
UCAT Time Questions
with numbers. response options belongs to Set A or Set B.
• Read the questions carefully – individual 14 minutes (one 55 questions
UCAT Time Questions
words and units may be crucial in minute for instruction, associated with sets Abstract Reasoning Strategies
answering the question correctly. 13 minutes for of shapes • Timing is again very challenging in this
25 minutes (one 36 questions questions) section.
minute for instruction associated with tables, • In the first place try to understand the
and 24 minutes for charts, and/or graphs scenario presented – this will help you • Remember to leave time to review set A
questions) focus quickly on the questions. Why Abstract Reasoning? and set B at the beginning of each set of
When considering possible diagnoses, questions. Once you have identified what
• Use the laminated note board and pen medical practitioners may be presented links each set you are half way there.
provided to assist with your calculations. with a set of symptoms and/or results.
Why Quantitative Reasoning? Some information may be more reliable, • Consider patterns around size and shape
Doctors and dentists are constantly required • Review where there might be gaps more relevant and clearer than other of objects; number of objects; sides of
to look at data, review it and apply it to their in your maths. You may need to work information. Doctors and Dentists need to objects; shading and colour; symmetry,
own practice. On a practical level drug out percentages, averages, ratios and make judgements about such information, number of angles, position and direction...
calculations based on patient weight, age fractions – remind yourself how to do identifying the information which will help this sounds complicated but as you look
and other factors have to be correct. At a some of these calculations if they are them reach conclusions. Carrying out at these shapes you will start to grasp
more advanced level, medical and dental causing you problems. research involving data often involves what you need to focus on.
research requires an ability to interpret, identifying patterns in results in order to
critique and apply results presented in • If you are finding a question difficult, generate further hypotheses. • What links shapes in set A and those in
the form of complex statistics. Universities eliminate the more obvious incorrect set B will often be linked in some way –
considering applicants need to know they answers and make an educated guess. Abstract Reasoning Items remembering this may help you ignore
have the aptitude to cope in these situations. There are 4 different question types in the distracting information.
• Practice your mental arithmetic to speed Abstract Reasoning subtest.
Quantitative Reasoning Items up your answering by reducing your • If you can’t see the pattern, don’t waste
You are required to solve problems by reliance on the calculator. For type 1, you will be presented with two time; flag this set of questions and move
extracting relevant information from tables sets of shapes labelled “Set A” and “Set B”. on to the next set of shapes. You can
and other numerical presentations. Most You will be given a test shape and asked to revisit it if you have time at the end.
questions will be shown as a set of four decide whether the test shape belongs to
questions each connected to the same data. Set A, Set B, or Neither.
There are some questions that standalone
and do not share data. Each question has five
options. Your task is to choose the best option.
16 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 17
TEST FORMAT
Situational Judgement • Not important at all if this is something
that should definitely not be taken into
The test measures your capacity to account.
understand real world situations and to
identify critical factors and appropriate When considering how to respond to the
behaviour in dealing with them. appropriateness of certain options, an
option is:
UCAT Time Questions
• A very appropriate thing to do if it
27 minutes (one 69 questions will address at least one aspect (not
minute for instruction associated with 22 necessarily all aspects) of the situation
and 26 minutes for scenarios (consisting
questions) of between 2 and 5
• Appropriate, but not ideal if it could be
questions)
done, but is not necessarily a very good
thing to do
Why Situational Judgement? • Inappropriate, but not awful if it should
The test assesses integrity, perspective not really be done, but would not be Situational Judgement Strategies • Some options may be appropriate/
taking, team involvement, resilience and terrible • Read each scenario and response important in the short term (i.e.
adaptability. SJTs are used widely in medical thoroughly before answering. immediately addressing a wrong doing)
and dental selection, including selection of • A very inappropriate thing to do if it and some are appropriate/ important in
Interns, GPs and other medical specialities. should definitely not be done and would • Remember, there are different styles the long term (discussing the implications
make the situation worse. of questions in this subtest; read the of the wrong doing after the event).
Situational Judgement Test Items instructions carefully to make sure you Consider response options irrelevant of the
The test consists of a series of scenarios Other questions require you to choose the understand what you have to do. timeframe. A response option may still be
for which you will need to consider either most and least appropriate action to take an appropriate thing to do even if it is not
the appropriateness of possible actions, or from the three options provided. • Within a scenario, each rating can be something that can be done immediately.
the importance of possible considerations. used more than once or not at all. For
You do not require medical or procedural example, all response options can be • When deciding which is the most / least
knowledge to answer. For SJT look at lots of past given the same rating of very appropriate. appropriate action, all of the possible
questions, and read through the options may be good actions to take, the
Some of the questions require you to rate • Responses should relate to what an question is asking you to prioritise the
explanations or model answers
each response from four possible options. individual should do, rather than what actions.
that are given as feedback.
A general summary of any they may be likely to do.
When considering how to respond to the appropriate answer would If you are struggling with this subtest,
importance of certain options, an option is: be that the idea proposed is • Response options should be treated try reading the GMC guidance
a local, direct solution to the independently. You should make a on ‘Good Medical Practice’, (this
• Very important if this is something that is problem, that doesn’t reflect judgement as to the appropriateness document is available online) as part
vital to take into account badly upon the profession and or importance of a response option of your preparation. Previous high-
always puts the patient first.” independent from the other options scoring candidates said they found it
• Important if this is something that presented within the scenario. helpful to apply the general principles
is important but not vital to take into Emma, 99th percentile contained here to the scenarios in the
account • Response options provided are not questions.
intended to represent all possible
• Of minor importance if this is something options. The response you think would
that could be taken into account, but it be the most appropriate/most important
does not matter if it is considered or not may not be present.
18 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 19TEST FORMAT
Marking and scores Using My Results
Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Within the Situational Judgement test full When do I Receive My Result? Other Universities use the UCAT alongside
Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract marks are awarded for an item if the response Your score report will be accessible online factors such as academic achievement and
Reasoning are marked on the number of matches the correct answer and partial through your Pearson VUE account within interview performance. The factor may be
correct answers you give. marks awarded if the response is close to the 24 hours of sitting your test. significant or may contribute a small amount
correct answer. to the final outcome.
Questions with one correct answer are worth 2019 results are only valid for the current
1 mark. Questions with multiple answers Raw scores are then converted to scaled university admissions cycle (for entry into Some universities use the score (sometimes
(such as those in Decision Making) are worth scores within a range of 300 to 900. medical or dental school in 2020). in addition to the above uses) to discriminate
2 marks, with 1 mark awarded to partially between candidates who are ranked equally
correct responses. As the SJT is a measure of non-cognitive How Do I Use My UCAT Result? at some point in the process. The UCAT
attributes, it will be considered by You will have your test result before most score provides an additional way of ranking
As the number of items varies between universities in a different manner to the of the university application deadlines so such candidates in order to decide who can
Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, cognitive subtests. Please refer to their please ensure you use this to help inform proceed to the next stage.
Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract websites for more details. your university choices. Our universities
Reasoning it is not possible to make a direct decide autonomously how they use A small number of Universities use the
comparison of the raw scores between the There is no negative marking for incorrect the UCAT ANZ score. Please check the test to provide opportunities to candidates
cognitive subtests. Raw scores are therefore answers in any of the subtests, and websites of the individual universities to who perhaps would not have progressed
converted to scale scores that share a performance on one item does not influence which you intend to apply to ensure you are to interview (for example) using traditional
common range from 300 to 900. which other items are presented. not wasting an application. selection methods. This may advantage
candidates who have not have achieved the
• A total scale score is generated by For some the UCAT score is a significant highest academic score but have performed
summing the individual scale scores factor in their consideration of your particularly well in the UCAT.
of Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, application. For others it may be a less
Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract significant factor or only used in marginal Test Statistics
Reasoning. situations. Most Universities consider the In order to help you understand how well
total score (i.e. the score after each of you have performed compared to other
• A total scale score ranges from 1200 the cognitive subtest scores have been candidates we will publish average scores
to 3600. added together). Some however do look at on the Test Statistics page of our website
individual subtest scores and may even have once testing has ended.
a cut-off score for a particular subtest. ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/results/
You’ll probably get tired of hearing this, but reflection is test-statistics/
incredibly important. After each practice session, reflect on Some Universities have a threshold score
what the questions you answered were asking for and ask that candidates have to achieve in order Delivering Results
yourself is there a quicker or easier way to do this? Is there a to be considered further in their admission After testing has ended, we will
reason why the answer couldn’t possibly be any of the other processes. This score is often determined communicate candidates scores to our
options? each year but Universities will usually Australian and New Zealand Consortium
indicate on their website, threshold scores universities. You do not need to take any
In doing this, you become a lot better at ruling out answers so even if you feel that have been used in previous years. further action. Note: University applications
pushed for time you can make a very good guess.” However, as this is the first sitting of UCAT should be submitted by the deadlines
ANZ these threshold scores are not able to indicated on the individual websites.
Olukayode, 99th percentile be provided for 2019.
20 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 21PRACTICE TESTS & RESOURCES
Practising for the Test How should I prepare?
• Use this Official Guide as the majority of candidates we talk to indicate that
reading this increased their knowledge of both the test content and also how to
prepare effectively for the test
• Use the Tour Tutorial to familiarise yourself with the onscreen test format, learn
The UCAT is an important test. Although it is a test of aptitude rather than academic how to move around the screen and through the test, how to flag and review
knowledge, you should still allow time to prepare thoroughly. questions, and to use the on-screen calculator provided
You should practise for the test using the FREE and OFFICIAL resources available on the • Use the interactive Question Tutorial to find out about the different question types
Practice Tests and Resources page of the UCAT website. These have been developed by you will see and learn useful strategies for approaching and answering questions
the UCAT Consortium and provide comprehensive information on the test and materials in each of the subtests
to support your preparation, including extensive question banks and a number of timed
practice tests. ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/practice-tests/ • Did you know that we provide over 1,000 FREE practice questions on our
website? Once you understand the different sections of the test, begin using our
We would recommend you spend around 25-30 hours preparing for the UCAT. This is useful online Question Banks which contain hundreds of example questions
the amount of preparation done by the highest scoring respondents to our most recent which you can you to familiarise yourself with the format and style of questions for
candidate survey. It’s best to start 4-6 weeks before your test date and do ‘little and often’ each subtest
each day, building up your practice gradually as you near your test date.
• You can watch a number of videos to support your preparation by finding
As practice materials are compiled from previous test questions, there may be a higher OfficialUCAT on Vimeo and Youtube. High-scoring candidates share advice on
proportion of questions with a UK context than you will see in the new 2019 UCAT ANZ. their revision tips and overall test experience, plus a selection of Admissions Tutors
from our UK Consortium Universities share their thoughts on the use of the test
and what they look for in an applicant
• The Official UCAT Practice App is a free preparation resource which allows you to
familiarise yourself with the question styles in each subtest. It is a complementary
resource in addition to the online practice tests, to boost your preparation.
Download this from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store
• An essential part of your preparation should be to use the official UCAT Practice
Tests. We provide you with three fully timed tests which mimic the live testing
experience. Questions are of an equivalent standard to those you will encounter in
the test and you can review your responses against answer rationales. The practice
tests are also vital in helping you to understand the time limitations in each section
and to develop strategies to approach each subtest with this in mind.
22 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 23PRACTICE TESTS & RESOURCES
The mock tests on the UCAT
Test Strategies and Advice website are the most valuable
The shortcuts available at any time during the
resource you have; don’t waste
We regularly interview our highest-scoring • If you are not well, reschedule your test to a test depend on which screen is currently
them by attempting them before
candidates for their advice on how they later date at least 24 hours before your test being viewed.
you’ve done any preparation.
prepared for the test. Some of this feedback, appointment by contacting Pearson VUE
Find a bank of questions and get
along with our own advice, is below: Customer Services. In presenting yourself Keyboard shortcuts cannot be used to select
practice on each type before
for testing, you are declaring yourself fit. We answers to questions; this has to be done
• Candidates who take our test early do trying a mock test.”
will not consider health issues as mitigating by using the mouse to select the desired
better - FACT! Doing this will allow you to circumstances. response, and in some cases to drag and drop
concentrate on other things (such as your Adam, 99th percentile
an answer.
university application!). If you book early you • Good multiple-choice questions include
will have your choice of test slots and if you answer options that are wrong but almost
then feel unwell or unprepared you have
Calculator
right. Work hard to find and eliminate them.
time to reschedule. A simple on-screen calculator is available
Questions like these are not tricks. Accept
for the Decision Making and Quantitative
that one (and only one) of the answers
• Seek help and advice from your school/ is correct. All the questions have been Reasoning subtests. To access this click on the
college or via online student forums from thoroughly checked. icon in the top left hand side of your screen.
previous test takers.
• Many candidates do not complete all The calculator will look similar to this:
• If you have not studied mathematics
questions in the test. Use the timed practice
recently, make additional time to revisit and
tests as you get nearer to your test date • No points are deducted for wrong answers
practice your mathematical skills as this will
to ensure you are managing your time – we do not use negative marking. If you
impact on performance in the Quantitative
Reasoning section in particular. effectively. are struggling with a question, make your TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-108
best guess and move on. You can flag it for
• Once you’ve worked out the subtests you • Try not to leave unanswered questions. If review if you want to come back to it later.
+/– % ÷
are better at, focus your preparation on you are finding a question difficult, MRC
% %
those with which you are less confident, eliminate the more obvious incorrect • Using the Flag and Review functions MRC
MRC M– M+
% X
%
using the answer rationales to see where answers, then make your best guess from effectively featured strongly in advice from +/–
7 +/–
8 %
9
% %
–
%
you may be going wrong. those that are left. last year’s highest scorers when questioned +/–
4 +/–
5 %
6 +
%
% %
on how they managed the time constraints +/–
1 +/–
2 %
3 =
%
within the test.
+/–
ON/C +/–
0 .
%
%
• Finally, stay calm during the test. Pace
yourself and move on if you're struggling.
It is inevitable you will find some questions The calculator has been included within the
and sections easier than others. timed practice tests. We strongly advise
you to use the calculator when taking
Keyboard Shortcuts the practice tests in order to familiarise
Keyboard shortcuts can be used to navigate yourself with the functionality.
through the test if you find this preferable to
using the mouse. In the live test the calculator closes when
clicking away or moving to another question.
Wherever there is a letter underlined, the Alt It can be recalled by clicking on the icon;
key can be used with the underlined letter your current calculations should be retained.
as a keyboard short cut, e.g. Alt + N = Next (as
displayed below) and Alt + P = Previous.
Next
24 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 25Test Day
What about commercial companies?
I found the UCAT website Whilst there are many commercial
incredibly useful, I felt the companies publishing books and offering
practice tests on there were the coaching for our test, the UCAT ANZ
most realistic resources I used Consortium does not work with any of
and by completing these tests these companies or endorse the use of
throughout my preparation their materials. Taking advantage of these
it allowed me to monitor my opportunities can cost candidates a great
progress and help improve my deal of money and we would advise you to You may be nervous, but being organised in advance can save any unnecessary stress
scores each time. be sceptical about claims they can help you on your test day. Please read this section carefully, particularly the information regarding
do well in the test by coaching. correct ID to be able to sit your test, to avoid any surprises on your arrival at the Test Centre.
Also, I downloaded the UCAT
app onto my phone so I could Commercial organisations will be using Arrival
do a couple of questions if I had questions that are not necessarily of the When you book your test you will be able to view a list of available test centres and choose
time when out and about.” standard you will encounter in the UCAT and a convenient location to sit your test. Before you set off for your test, make a note of the Test
this may distort your performance whilst Centre’s address and phone number and find it on a map.
Rachael, 99th percentile practising. Screen views may be different
and commercial organisations are unlikely Please arrive at the Test Centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time to
to include the new question types which you complete the check-in process. Candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes after their
may encounter in your test. More significantly, scheduled appointment time will not be allowed to take the test and will forfeit their test fee.
they may also not replicate the UCAT scoring This applies in cases of family emergency, accident, arrest, transport problems and security
accurately and may give misleading indicators alert as well as forgetfulness and lateness.
of your anticipated UCAT score.
On arrival, you should present to the Test Centre reception BOTH of the following:
We therefore strongly advise candidates to • a printout of your confirmation email from Pearson VUE
use the official Practices Tests and Question • one piece of photographic identification from our approved list.
Banks on our website, and to be cautious See the Identification section overleaf.
about using resources from any commercial
You can use the mouse or the number pad providers as these are not affiliated with During the check-in process the test centre will take a digital photograph of you for security
on your keyboard to operate the calculator. UCAT in any way. purposes. You will also be asked to sign the UCAT ANZ Consortium Examination Rules.
Make sure the ‘Num Lock’ is on for the You will sign these to state that you understand them. Please familiarise yourself with these
number pad to work. Due to limitations with
the web browser format the practice test
Adviser Resources before your test.
calculator does not retain calculations when
you click away or move to another question. Schools and colleges can access
useful resources to help them advise
If you need help with the calculator during their students about the sitting the UCAT
the test please raise your hand. from the Adviser Resources page of our
website.
ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/practice-tests/
adviser-resources/
26 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 27TEST DAY
Identification (ID) Personal belongings Note board / note book and Marker Pen Unprofessional behaviour
You must present one piece of approved You will be asked to store your personal You will be given a laminated note board / We expect candidates to meet minimum
photographic identification from the list belongings in a locker or in a designated notebook and a marker pen to make notes standards of acceptable behaviour during
below. You must present the original ID (not place as directed by the test administrator during the test. If you need another note testing and during any interactions with the
a photocopy or digital ID) and it must be at the test centre. Personal belongings board / notebook during the test, please hold UCAT ANZ Consortium and Pearson VUE staff.
valid (unexpired). (including bags, coats, papers, books, pens, your note board / notebook in the air and the Please familiarise yourself with the Professional
watches, wallets, keys, IDs, mobile phones, invigilator will bring a replacement. Examination Rules before your test on the Test
The name and date of birth on your ID must sweets and drinks) are not allowed into the Day page of our website.
exactly match the name and date of birth you testing room. For clarity, nothing is allowed The invigilator will have checked the marker
Where candidates fall short of these minimum
provided when you registered online. The into the testing room apart from you and the pen is working before giving it out. However
standards, such incidents will be thoroughly
photograph in your identification document indoor clothes you are wearing. Please see you may also wish to check this before you
investigated. Where such allegations of
must be recognisable as a likeness to you as the Test Experience page on our website for start the test in order to avoid the need to seek misconduct are upheld, we reserve the right to
you are on the day of the test. further clarification. assistance during testing. take actions which may include:
· Current passport Environment If you are not given a laminated note board • withdrawal of test results
You will be allocated a desk space in the / notebook and marker pen when you enter • disqualification from sitting the test for a
· Current photo-bearing driver's licence testing room at which you will find your PC, the test room, you should request this by period in the future
(learner’s permit, probationary or full keyboard and space for your laminated note raising your hand. Not requesting a laminated • the sharing of the outcomes of the
licence) board / note book and marker pen. There note board / notebook and pen during your investigation with legitimate third parties
will be other people taking tests in the same test will not be considered as a mitigating (which may include TACs and Consortium
· Current photo-bearing Australian room as you and as tests start and finish at circumstance. Universities).
Keypass Card different times, there may be some limited Examples of misconduct include:
disturbance as other test takers arrive Breaks
• Testing more than once in any test cycle
Current photo-bearing Australian Proof and leave the room. The test centre will Please note that once started the test cannot
of Age Card endeavour for such disturbance to be kept be paused to take a break. If you need to take • attempting to take the UCAT ANZ in any year
to a minimum. You can request ear plugs a break during the test in order to access prior to the final year of secondary schooling
· Current photo-bearing New Zealand 18+ or provide your own if you think this will be medication or to use the centre toilets then you • breach of security arrangements
Card / Kiwi Access Card disturbing. should raise your hand and the invigilator will • impersonation
assist you in leaving the test room. However • failure to follow invigilator or other staff
No other form of identification such as bus/ Calculator you need to note that the test will continue instructions
train passes, library cards and student/ A simple on-screen calculator is available running during this time and you will lose time • creating a disturbance
employer ID cards will be accepted within the test. See the Practising for the whilst out of the test room.
• using prohibited aids (e.g. notes, note paper,
under any circumstance. Photocopies of Test section of this guide for further details
calculators, mobile phone, audio/recording
identification and documents that have of the on-screen calculator Problems device etc.)
expired will also not be accepted. If you experience hardware/software problems,
• copying another candidate’s work
We strongly advise you to use the noise disturbance, illness or other distractions
If you do not bring acceptable photographic calculator when taking the practice tests that affect your ability to take the exam, you • giving or receiving assistance from another
identification you will not be allowed to sit in order to familiarise yourself with the must notify the invigilator immediately by candidate during the test
the test and will forfeit your test fee. functionality. raising your hand. If you do not do this, then • using the test questions, their content or
such events will not usually be investigated information about them for purposes other
Full details regarding acceptable after testing – especially where it is possible than sitting the UCAT
photographic identification can be found that had you reported the incident, the issue • giving of false or misleading information
on our website ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/ could have been resolved by the invigilator. during the registration, booking and
test-day/photo-id-requirements/. payment processes
• giving false or misleading information during
the complaints and appeals processes
• giving of false or misleading information
relating to test results during admissions
processes..
28 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 29MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Mitigating Circumstances
If you wish an incident to be followed up
you must contact Pearson VUE Customer
Test Day Problems Services as soon as you are able following
The UCAT ANZ Consortium and our partner testing. The issuing of an incident number
Pearson VUE aim to provide you with a does not automatically result in a
straightforward and convenient way of sitting detailed follow up unless it is specifically
your test in a businesslike environment. requested.
However, occasionally things may go wrong
Illness or Personal Circumstances and we have put systems in place to deal We will only consider incidents reported after
The UCAT is a compulsory entry requirement for our Consortium Universities, however, we with such circumstances. the day of testing in exceptional circumstances
understand that some candidates may experience mitigating circumstances which may affect as it is often difficult for us to investigate such
their ability to take the test. Candidates who present themselves for their test are declaring If you are unable to complete the test due incidents fully.
themselves fit to take the test. to illness you will need to inform the
invigilator immediately. You then need Once an incident has been logged in this way
If you are not fit to take your test due to illness or other personal circumstances you must to contact the UCAT ANZ office directly it will be investigated by Pearson VUE and the
reschedule your test to a later date by contacting Pearson VUE Customer Services at least 24 by email ucat-anz@monash.edu with outcome of this investigation will be reported
hours before your test appointment. If you plan to take the test in the final week of testing but supporting medical evidence. If this is in the back to you. To obtain an update on how the
fall ill you may not be able to reschedule within the test window. This is why we recommend final week of testing you may not be able to investigation into an incident is progressing
that all candidates take the test early in the cycle. reschedule within the test window and will please contact Pearson VUE Customer
forfeit your test fee. Services and quote the incident number.
If your illness or mitigating circumstances occur within the 24 hours before your appointment
time please contact the UCAT ANZ Office (ucat-anz@monash.edu) directly with supporting If you experience hardware/software Candidate Complaints
evidence. If this is within the final week of testing you may not be able to reschedule within problems, noise disturbance or other If you are unhappy with the outcome of the
the test window and will forfeit your test fee. The UCAT ANZ Consortium does not grant distractions that affect your ability to take investigation by Pearson VUE, the UCAT ANZ
exemptions from the test. the exam, you must notify the invigilator Consortium has put in place a Complaints and
immediately by raising your hand. If you do Appeals Procedure which can be found on
not do this, then such events will not usually our website. Please note that we do not deal
be investigated after testing – especially with complaints about admissions decisions,
where it is possible that had you reported which should be addressed to the individual
the incident, the issue could have been university concerned.
resolved by the invigilator.
In the event of a reported incident or if a
general incident affects a test, you may be
given an incident number by the test centre.
This should be collected before leaving the
test centre.
30 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 UCAT ANZ Official Guide 2019 31You can also read
