Designed as a gateway to esteemed medical courses at select universities, the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) demands meticulous preparation and strategic planning, much like that of other critical exams students may have prepared for. Through this guide, we are offering insights, tips and resources to support UCAT exam preparation and empower students during this pivotal stage in their academic and professional journey.

Understanding the UCAT Exam

The UCAT exam is a standardised test that is designed to assess the qualities students are expected to possess for a successful career in healthcare, like their personal behaviours and attitude, as well as their cognitive ability. 

The test is completed electronically and is made up of five sections including verbal reasoning (the format of which many students will be familiar with if they sat the 11 plus exam), quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making and a situational judgement test (‘SJT’).

Which Universities Require Students to Sit the UCAT Exam?

At the time of writing, there are 44 universities in the UK that require students to sit the UCAT exam should they want to secure a place on a medical course. A few universities previously required BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) exam results to support an application, however this exam format is being discontinued from this year onwards, so just the UCAT will remain.

The nature of applications themselves may vary among individual universities and continue to evolve over time. With that in mind, we recommend any students considering sitting the UCAT exam should also review the specific course guidelines for the universities they are applying for to ensure they are equipped with the key information to support an application. The following universities currently require applicants to sit the UCAT exam to be considered for a coveted place on their medical courses:

• University of Aberdeen 
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• Bangor University
• University of Birmingham 
• Brighton & Sussex Medical School
• University of Bristol 
• Brunel University London
• University of Cambridge (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• Cardiff University
• University of Central Lancashire
• University of Chester
• University of Dundee
• Edge Hill University
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter 
• University of Glasgow 
• Hull York Medical School
• Imperial College London
• Keele University
• Kent and Medway Medical School
• King’s College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Leeds (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• University of Leicester 
• University of Liverpool 
• University of Manchester 
• University of Newcastle 
• University of Nottingham 
• University of Oxford (this institution previously required the BMAT exam) 
• Plymouth University
• Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (part of the Queen Mary University of London)
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield 
• University of Southampton 
• University of St Andrews 
• St George’s, University of London
• University of Sunderland 
• University College London (this institution previously required the BMAT exam)
• University of Warwick 
• University of Worcester

Select universities in Australia and New Zealand also require students to sit the UCAT exam should they wish to enrol in medical courses. At the time of writing, this applies to 15 universities across Australia and 2 universities in New Zealand. 

Bookings for the UCAT exam in the UK typically open in late Spring and the exam itself is sat during the Summer and beginning of the Autumn term. Australia and New Zealand follow similar time frames but as their seasons and term dates differ from the UK, applications tend to open around March and the exam is sat between June – August.

Any students considering applying for international study should bear this in mind and contact the admissions team at their chosen universities to confirm whether UCAT results are required and the key timelines for international applicants.

Additional Preparation: A-Levels, Interviews & UCAS

In addition to the UCAT exam, there are two additional criteria students will be assessed on before being offered a place through UCAS. The first is A-Level exam performance and the second is their UCAS application itself and follow up university interviews. Fortunately, both of these are areas a private tutor can support with to help students excel during the application process.

UCAT Exam Practice

In the lead up to the UCAT exam itself, private tutors can provide invaluable support to students so the process feels comfortable and familiar by the time they sit the test. 

Our tutors are no strangers to the UCAT exam and format so they are equipped to develop effective strategies for tackling each section of the exam, provide practice questions and mock exam environments and offer constructive feedback to help students improve their performance ahead of the real thing.

A-Level Exam Preparation 

Projected and actual results are taken into consideration when universities give offers to prospective students, so it is important for students to be prepared and confident going into their A-Level exams.

Private tutors can support students in the leadup to A-Level exams by providing targeted support and guidance for a range of subjects, including those relevant to a student’s path in medicine, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Whether a student is struggling with complex concepts or simply looking to enhance their understanding and exam technique, our expert tutors will tailor their teaching approach to suit each individual’s needs. They can offer one-on-one tuition, review past papers and provide additional resources to supplement students’ learning so they are set up for success.

UCAS Applications & Personal Statements 

A student’s UCAT score is taken into consideration alongside their UCAS application for medical and dental courses so it is imperative that the UCAS application is polished and really brings to life a student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities and any relevant work or personal experiences.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, the specialist tutors we work with are well versed in crafting compelling and standout personal statements that help students secure coveted university places. We can work with students to submit a UCAS application and personal statement that showcases their passion for medicine or dentistry, highlights their experience to date and leaves a long-lasting impression on the admissions team.

University Interviews

With a stellar UCAS application submitted and UCAT exam results in-hand, students can turn their attention to university interviews. While the interview process will vary across different institutions and for different courses, tutors can offer valuable insights into what admissions tutors are looking for and help students to present themselves in the best possible light.

Equally, tutors can support students by helping them to familiarise themselves with common interview questions and practising their responses in a mock interview environment that help students to feel more confident and articulate during the actual interviews.

Key Milestones for UCAT Exam Applicants

Whether students are hoping to sit the UCAT exam this summer or they are getting ahead and thinking about the UCAT exam from 2025 onwards, there are some important milestones to take into consideration.

Registration opens

Typically, new candidates looking to sit the UCAT exam in the UK can create a UCAT account from early May. This is the first step to be completed ahead of booking the test itself and registrations are completed using the Pearson VUE system.

For those who have not come across Pearson VUE before, they are an international testing company that provides exams for a variety of purposes. Students or parents of students who have sat the LNAT exam may be familiar with the Pearson VUE registration process already but it is quite straight forward. 

To register for a UCAT account, applicants will need to provide a valid form of photo ID that meets the UCAT identification policy requirements. The ID must show the applicant’s legal name and be the form of identification they intend to present on the day of the exam itself.

Booking and sitting the UCAT exam

In 2024, booking for the UCAT 2024 opens on 18 June from 6am BST. Those planning to sit the exam can register before this point but will not be able to book the test itself until this date. 

The exam window itself then begins on 8th July 2024 and runs until 26th September 2024 so students can book their test at a time and date that best suits them within this period.

Registration for a UCAT account and test bookings themselves will close on 19th September 2024, a week prior to the final test date.

Receiving results

Students will receive their UCAT exam results straight away as the test is computerised. This means students should have a clear idea of how they measure up to other students and whether they meet their chosen university’s entry requirements before submitting UCAS applications. 

UCAT will share results with your chosen universities automatically so once you’ve completed your UCAT exam and UCAS application, there is no need to do anything further with the results. 

The UCAT exam can only be sat once per academic year and results are valid for the upcoming UCAS admissions cycle (for example, results from those sitting the exam in 2024 will be valid for the 2025 UCAS admissions cycle only). 

If for any reason the exam doesn’t go as planned and you get unexpected results that don’t meet the needs of your chosen course, there is the option to retake the UCAT the following year and defer entry. Otherwise there are also a number of other paths available.

Do note that UCAT application and exam dates vary year on year, so if you are not applying in 2024, it is worth checking the UCAT website when you’re ready to apply in case timelines have shifted. 

Preparation for the UCAT exam requires careful planning but equipped with key information, timelines and the support of private tutors when needed, students can maximise their chances of success and confidently approach the next phase of their journey towards a career in medicine or dentistry. 

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Useful resources:

• Understanding Your UCAT Results: A guide outlining the average scores over the past 8-years so you can understand how you measure up to other candidates.
• Booking your UCAT test: If and when you’re ready to book your UCAT exam, you can do so here.

The post A Tutor’s Guide to Preparing for the UCAT Exam appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

A Level results are out and they are higher than ever before. Record numbers of students have achieved top grades and secured places at their first-choice university. However, not everyone got the marks they needed this week. If you are one of them, don’t panic: clearing is still an exciting option. 

What is clearing?

Clearing is simply the process of universities filling vacant spaces on their courses. The system matches university applicants who have missed their offers – or didn’t receive any they liked the look of – with institutions that still have unfilled places. According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) more than 70,000 students were accepted through clearing last year.

If you are feeling downhearted, it is important to remember that there is a wide range of universities which accept students through clearing – including some very high ranking institutions.

How do I find alternative courses?

The first thing to do is to speak to an adviser at your school who can talk you through alternative universities and courses. Once you have a plan, login to UCAS and use their clearing webpage and online search tool. It is simple to use and provides the only official, up-to-date vacancy list. It is important to keep checking into UCAS: universities update their course information regularly some vacancies might pop up later.

Some universities also have their own clearing webpages which are worth looking at for inspiration.

How do I apply through clearing?

Before you officially submit your clearing choice in UCAS’s ‘Track’ system, you need to call the university and give them some personal details so they can look up your application. It is important to check whether they would accept you, and to secure informal offers over the phone from a variety of universities. 

Once you have secured permission from your chosen university or college, you can submit your clearing choice on UCAS. This counts as you firmly accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it will show as an acceptance on your ‘Choices’ page in UCAS Track. You can approach as many universities  as you like and receive multiple verbal offers over the phone, but you can only add one clearing choice on Track.

Are things different this year?

As a result of the pandemic, a record number of students received top grades in their A Levels this year. This has led to concerns that there will be fewer spaces available in clearing for the most popular courses. However, the process is the same as ever and reports suggest that leading universities have accepted more students compared with previous years.

Any tips on the process?

Take a breath and don’t panic. Your choice of university will affect the next three years of your life, so be sure you are making the right decision. While things may feel like a whirlwind, do your research, speak to your teachers and be sure you are happy with your choice.

On a practical level, make sure you have all the important information and documents which you need close to hand before you start calling up universities. For example, you’re likely to need your UCAS number and your clearing number, together with your A-level and GCSE grades.

How long do I have to choose?

You can apply for a course using clearing until 19 October.

What if I can’t find a course that I like?

Clearing is not the only option. If you’re unhappy with an A-level exam grade you’ve received, you can try to appeal it via your school or college (for more information on this, please read our latest results blog). Resits are also likely to be available.

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The Hall

The Hall is an independent preparatory day school for boys aged between 4 and 13. It is one of London’s top preparatory school and strives for academic excellence. On average, twenty to twenty five boys join St Paul’s and Westminster each year. The curriculum is broad and boys are encouraged to try out new things. Pottery, coding, fencing and debating are all up for the taking. The school values tolerance and seeks to instil progressive values in its students.

Website address: http://hallschool.co.uk

St Mary’s School

St Mary’s School is an independent Catholic day school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 11. Its curriculum is packed with arts-related activities and sport, and there are many extra-curricular activities on offer. Although the school is non-selective, it achieves excellent results at 11+ level. About 70% of its students are Catholic and there is a strong focus on faith, with pupils attending mass and studying Christianity. Nevertheless, it has a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

Website address: http://www.stmh.co.uk

Devonshire House Preparatory School

Devonshire House is an independent co-educational preparatory school. It caters for day boys aged 2-13 and day girls aged 2-11. It offers a varied, broad and interesting educational experience. There is a strong emphasis on Mathematics, English and PE and pupils are also encouraged to develop their public speaking skills. There are a range of extra-curricular activities to be enjoyed, including Mandarin.

Website address: http://devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

Lyndhurst House Preparatory School

Lyndhurst House is a pre-preparatory and preparatory day school for boys aged 4 and 13. It has an excellent academic record and its students often excel at Common Entrance and scholarship level. The school aims to be lively and friendly and to encourage a sense of responsibility and self-confidence in its pupils.

Website address: http://www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

St Christopher’s School

St Christopher’s is an independent day school for girls aged between 4 and 11. The school seeks to integrate creativity and art into all aspects of its curriculum. It places great emphasis on child-centred learning, and celebrates mutual trust, tolerance and friendship. The school also strives to support the wider community through charitable work.

Website address: http://www.st-christophers.hampstead.sch.uk

Hereward House School

Hereward House is an independent preparatory school for boys aged four to thirteen. The school claims not be an exam factory. Although it has high academic standards, it seeks to prepare boys ‘not just for senior school, but for life’. Team games are an important part of school life, and traditional educational approaches are combined with modern techniques.

Website address: http://www.herewardhouse.co.uk

Heathside Preparatory School

Heathside is an independent coeducational school for day and boarding pupils aged between 2 and 14. It is a few minutes walk from Hampstead Heath, where the students play every lunchtime. The school combines a relaxed, informal atmosphere with high academic standards. It has an exceptional array of extracurricular activities. For example, it has been the English Primary Schools Chess Association’s Champion more than once and has a thriving drama programme.

Website address: https://heathsideprep.co.uk

St. Anthony’s School

St Anthony’s is an independent Catholic preparatory school for boys aged between 4 and 13. It is close to the heart of Hampstead Village and offers a broad and balanced curriculum. At 10, all students study Latin and have the chance to study ancient Greek and Arabic as well. The school has its own swimming pool, offers masses of drama, music and art and has a friendly atmosphere. David Suchet and Antony Gormley feature among its alumni.

Website address: http://www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Northbridge House Preparatory School

Northbridge House is an independent, coeducational preparatory school for children aged 7 to 13. The school aims to nurture each child’s own strengths and achievements and is very high achieving. Students have achieved numerous scholarships to top London Senior Schools.

Website address: https://www.northbridgehouse.com/prep-school-regents-park/

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