UCAT Preparation Courses in Singapore
About UCAT
Formerly known as UKCAT, UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. It is one of the two major admissions tests in the UK for dental, medical, and other health-related university-level courses.
The UCAT is graded not based purely on memorisation of academic content but is designed to test a candidate’s critical, situational, and lateral thinking skills. This 2-hour examination is divided into five categories:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Abstract Reasoning
- Situational Judgement
While the UCAT is not necessary for admission into medical or dental programmes in Singapore, it is a necessary admission requirement for many universities approved by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Students who wish to obtain an overseas medical or dental degree while practising locally are required to enrol and graduate in a university approved by the SMC. Hence it is common for many Singaporean applicants to undergo UCAT test preparation if they wish to study overseas before returning to Singapore.
Difference Between UCAT and BMAT
UCAT and the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) are two different qualifying examinations required for application and admission to a medical school in the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand. You are required to either take the UCAT or BMAT prior to application, depending on what the university requires. UCAT and BMAT cannot be used as substitutes for one another.
One of the main differences between UCAT and BMAT is the composition of the tests. UCAT is composed of five sections – Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement – while BMAT is only composed of three – Thinking Skills, Scientific Knowledge and Applications (Physics, Chemistry, and Math), and Writing.
Both tests are 2 hours long; however, the UCAT covers more topics than the BMAT. In terms of the manner of testing, UCAT is computer-based with multiple choice-type questions, while BMAT is a written exam that consists of multiple choice questions and a written essay.
UCAT is typically taken in late July to late September, while BMAT is normally taken in September or November. You can receive your UCAT test results immediately after you’ve taken the exam. However, you have to wait till later in the month to receive your BMAT test results.
Gateway+ not only offers a UCAT preparation course online , but also BMAT preparation courses for Singapore students who want to apply to a medical school and eventually practice their profession in the country. Try our 14-day free trial to get an idea on how our UCAT test preparation course can help you get the grades you need to apply for the school of your choice. We also offer university preparation courses online for applicants preparing for their ISAT, GMAT, SAT, and LNAT.
What to Bring to the UCAT Exam
You will need to bring the printout of your confirmation email from the Pearson VUE test centre. You also need to bring a valid photographic ID such as your driver’s license or passport. Bags, mobile phones, food, and other valuables are not allowed inside the exam venue when you’re taking the UCAT.
Essential information such as this will be covered during our UCAT preparation courses in Singapore.
UCAT Course Overview
Introduction & Diagnostic Test
This course begins with an overview of the format and components of the UCAT. After completing the introductory lesson, you will have a better understanding of the skills and knowledge points that you’ll need to master for the test.
A diagnostic test is also provided to help you gauge your current performance and identify any specific areas of concern. We recommend that you take the diagnostic test before moving on to the subsequent courses.
This course is part of the free trial, so go ahead and sign up to get started!
Course 2: Verbal Reasoning
This course will guide you through the recommended techniques and strategies to help you score well in the Verbal Reasoning section of the UCAT. You will learn the approach to efficiently tackling the passages, recognising traps in the questions, and identifying the correct answers.
The lessons are followed by sets of practice passages, allowing you to immediately reinforce and apply what you have learned.
Course 3: Decision Making
This course will cover the different types of questions that appear in the UCAT Decision Making section: syllogisms, logic puzzles, strongest arguments, inferences, Venn diagrams, and probabilistic reasoning. You will gain familiarity with the specific requirements of each question type and learn the effective strategies for determining the correct answer.
Practice questions and explanations will be provided to help you hone your skills and boost your confidence in tackling Decision Making questions.
Course 4: Quantitative Reasoning
This course offers a review of the skills and concepts that you need to master for the Quantitative Reasoning section of the UCAT, including problem solving, geometry, and data interpretation.
Each chapter contains multiple sets of practice questions to help enhance your understanding of the concepts and demonstrate their application in UCAT-style test questions.
Course 5: Abstract Reasoning
This course will equip you with the necessary skills and techniques to help you score well in the UCAT Abstract Reasoning section. You will gain familiarity with the different question types and learn various techniques to increase your efficiency in identifying patterns and answering the questions.
After completing the lessons, you will be able to practise your skills and increase your mastery by attempting the sets of practice questions.
Course 6: Situational Judgement
This course will introduce you to the requirements of the UCAT Situational Judgement section. You will learn about the ethical expectations that underpin this section and the general principles involved in evaluating the scenarios and identifying appropriate responses.
Practice questions will be provided to demonstrate the application of the concepts across a range of topics, from integrity and patient safety to communication and confidentiality.
Mock Test
Review the topics covered in the previous courses and then see how you fare in a full-length mock test!
Each of the three mock tests contains five sections (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement), just like what you will find in an actual UCAT.
You can attempt each test up to three times. If you feel unsure about any topic or question type, feel free to return to the earlier courses to review the lessons before reattempting the tests.
What You Can Expect
Over 90 lessons of online lectures
With over 10 hours of lessons, this course will guide you through the recommended techniques and strategies to help you score well in every section of the UCAT.
Interactive test modules
Put what you learn into practice with our interactive modules. You will have the opportunity to practice questions throughout and have multiple full length mock tests at the end of the course.
Community support and live Q&A session
We have forums and community spaces where you can ask questions and interact with other learners. We also hold monthly Q and A sessions where you get to interact with a seasoned test preparation coach.
Frequently Asked Questions About UCAT Test Preparation
What is a good UCAT Score?
A good UCAT score depends on the university you’re applying to. However, you generally need to be at least in the 80th percentile or above. The 80th percentile is equivalent to a total score of 2,730. To gain a more competitive advantage over your peers, you want to score more than 2,800.
It’s also important to note that some universities place a greater weight on your UCAT scores, while some give more importance to your school performance such as the A Levels, GCSEs, IB scores, and more. In order to achieve a good UCAT score to boost your overall chances of admission, it’s best to enrol in a good UCAT preparation course in Singapore.