The UCAT can seem overwhelming at first. With so many question types to master and only a limited time to prepare, it is easy to feel unsure about where to begin. The good news is that anyone can improve their score with the right approach. By breaking your preparation into clear steps, focusing on practice, and building your confidence along the way, revision becomes much more manageable. In this guide, we share some of the best strategies for preparing effectively, so you know exactly how to make the most of your time and walk into test day ready to perform at your best.
What is the UCAT?
The UCAT, or University Clinical Aptitude Test, is the admissions test used by the majority of UK medical and dental schools. It is designed to assess qualities such as problem solving, critical thinking, numerical ability, and professional judgement — skills that are essential for success in healthcare careers.
Until 2019, the test was known as the UKCAT, before being updated and rebranded as the UCAT. It is now the largest admissions test for medicine and dentistry in the UK, taken by over 30,000 applicants each year.
Previously, some universities also used the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test). However, the BMAT is being phased out after 2024. This means that for applicants from 2025 onwards, the UCAT will play an even greater role in the admissions process, making effective preparation more important than ever.
Which Universities Require the UCAT?
The majority of medical and dental schools in the UK now require applicants to take the UCAT. These currently include:
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England: University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, King’s College London, University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, Queen Mary University of London, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, St George’s University of London, University of Sunderland, and others.
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Scotland: University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews.
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Northern Ireland: Queen’s University Belfast.
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Wales: Cardiff University.
A small number of universities outside the UK also accept the UCAT, including some in Australia and New Zealand.
Understanding the UCAT
Before diving into revision strategies, it is essential to understand the structure of the UCAT. The test is computer-based and consists of five subtests. Each section is timed and designed to assess specific skills essential for a career in medicine or dentistry.
Verbal Reasoning (21 minutes | 44 questions)
This section tests your ability to read and interpret written information. You will be presented with short passages of text and asked to answer questions that assess your comprehension, critical analysis, and ability to draw logical conclusions.
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Key challenge: Managing time while reading quickly and accurately.
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Revision focus: Practise skim-reading techniques and identifying keywords to locate information efficiently.#
Decision Making (31 minutes | 29 questions)
Decision-making evaluates your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. You may be asked to analyse arguments, interpret data, or assess probabilities.
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Key challenge: Working through multi-step problems under time pressure.
Revision focus: Learn to eliminate clearly incorrect options, practise using diagrams or tables to organise information, and stay calm when handling uncertainty.
Quantitative Reasoning (24 minutes | 36 questions)
This section measures how well you can solve numerical problems. The questions are often presented in charts, graphs, or tables, and require rapid calculations.
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Key challenge: Performing accurate calculations while racing against the clock.
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Revision focus: Memorise key mathematical formulas, sharpen mental maths skills, and use the UCAT calculator efficiently.
Abstract Reasoning (13 minutes | 50 questions)
Abstract Reasoning assesses your ability to recognise patterns, relationships, and rules in sets of shapes. You will need to spot similarities and differences to identify the correct answer quickly.
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Key challenge: Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant visual information.
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Revision focus: Familiarise yourself with common UCAT pattern types and practise identifying rules quickly.
Situational Judgement (26 minutes | 69 questions)
This section focuses on professional behaviours and ethics. You will be given scenarios that mimic real-life situations and asked to judge how appropriate or important different responses are.
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Key challenge: Understanding the nuances of professional conduct in healthcare settings.
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Revision focus: Practise questions to get used to ranking responses and develop an awareness of the values expected of medical and dental professionals.
Knowing the format, timings, and demands of each subtest allows you to create a targeted revision plan. Instead of spreading your time evenly, you can prioritise the sections where you feel less confident. By practising under timed conditions, you will learn how to balance speed and accuracy, which is essential for achieving a competitive UCAT score.
In the next section, we will look at the timelines and how to plan your revision for the test.
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How to Plan Your UCAT Revision Timeline
One of the biggest mistakes students make is leaving UCAT preparation too late. The test is designed to challenge your speed, accuracy, and resilience, and these skills can only be built through steady, consistent practice. Starting early allows you to develop techniques gradually and avoid last-minute stress.
When Should You Start Revising for the UCAT?
Most experts recommend beginning your UCAT revision around 6 to 8 weeks before your test date, although this can vary depending on your schedule and confidence. Some students prefer to start earlier, building up skills over several months, while others focus intensively for a shorter period. The key is to ensure you give yourself enough time to practise under timed conditions and review your performance.
How Many Hours Should You Revise Each Week?
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Early stage (6–8 weeks before test): Aim for around 1 hour per day, 5 to 6 days per week. At this stage, focus on learning the question types, trying different strategies, and reviewing mistakes.
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Mid stage (3–5 weeks before test): Increase to 1.5–2 hours per day, with practice blocks dedicated to specific subtests. Start completing small sets of questions under timed conditions.
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Final stage (last 2 weeks): Ramp up to 2–3 hours per day. Prioritise full-length mock exams, reviewing performance carefully after each one.
This gradual increase in intensity helps you build stamina and ensures you peak at the right time.
6-Week UCAT Study Plan
Here is a sample timeline you can adapt to your own schedule:
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Weeks 1–2: Learn the format of each subtest. Practise untimed questions to develop familiarity. Begin keeping a revision log.
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Weeks 3–4: Complete sets of 10–15 questions per subtest under timed conditions. Focus on weaker areas. Start incorporating keyboard shortcuts and test-day strategies.
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Weeks 5–6: Complete at least 2–3 full UCAT mocks per week. Review answers in detail, track recurring mistakes, and refine your strategies. Focus on accuracy first, then speed.
Should You Revise During School Term or Holidays?
If you are preparing during term time, shorter but consistent daily sessions often work best. During school holidays, you may have the flexibility to complete longer sessions and fit in more full mock exams. The most important thing is to maintain regular practice rather than leaving everything until the final week.
Why a Timeline Matters
Having a clear revision timeline prevents procrastination and makes your preparation more effective. Breaking your preparation into smaller, manageable steps not only improves your score but also reduces anxiety as test day approaches.
At Ivy Education, we support students every step of the way in their university application journey, including helping students create a study timeline. Our UK University Consultancy services provide tailored guidance on UCAT preparation.
Get in touch with Ivy Education today to start your UCAT preparation journey with expert support.
Building a UCAT Study Plan
Once you know your timeline, the next step is to create a study plan that helps you balance consistent practice with targeted improvement. A well-structured plan stops you from wasting time on random practice and ensures you make steady progress in every section of the test.
Break Down Your Practice by Subtest
Each UCAT subtest assesses a different skill, so it is important to dedicate focused practice time to each one. For example:
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Verbal Reasoning: practise skim-reading and keyword identification.
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Decision Making: work through logic puzzles and probability questions.
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Quantitative Reasoning: review maths fundamentals and practise with the UCAT calculator.
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Abstract Reasoning: practise pattern recognition drills daily.
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Situational Judgement: read medical ethics scenarios and practise ranking responses.
Rotating subtests in your study plan helps prevent fatigue and ensures balanced preparation.
Use Short, Focused Study Blocks
Research shows that focused study sessions of 25–40 minutes with short breaks are more effective than long, unfocused cramming. Structure your study plan into blocks, such as:
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30 minutes of targeted question practice
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10 minutes of reviewing mistakes
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5 minutes of note-taking or updating your revision log
Keep a UCAT Question Log
A question log is one of the most effective tools for improving performance. Record:
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The type of question
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Whether you answered correctly
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Why you got it wrong (if applicable)
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Any strategies or shortcuts that worked
Over time, this log will highlight patterns in your performance, helping you to focus on weaker areas and avoid repeating mistakes.
Set SMART Goals
Your study plan should include Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. For example:
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“Complete 50 Quantitative Reasoning questions with at least 70% accuracy this week.”
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“Reduce average reading time per passage in Verbal Reasoning by 15 seconds over the next 10 days.”
SMART goals keep you motivated and ensure your revision is purposeful.
Balance UCAT Prep with Other Commitments
If you are preparing during term time, schedule shorter daily sessions so you can fit UCAT practice alongside schoolwork. During holidays, you can include longer blocks of timed practice and full mocks. The key is consistency rather than intensity — little and often works better than leaving everything to the last few weeks.
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Using UCAT Practice Resources Effectively
The UCAT is not a test you can prepare for by memorising content. Success comes from practising with the right resources, reflecting on your progress, and steadily building speed and accuracy. Choosing the right materials and using them effectively is one of the biggest factors in improving your score.
Question Banks
Online UCAT question banks are one of the most useful tools for preparation. They allow you to practise questions in every subtest and track your performance over time. Many platforms also adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, helping you focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
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Start with untimed practice to understand the logic behind each question type.
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Progress to timed sets to get used to the pressure of working quickly.
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Use the review function to check worked solutions and note down strategies in your question log.
Mock Exams
Full-length mock exams are the best way to simulate the real test. They help you build stamina, practise time management, and reduce anxiety on the day.
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Begin introducing mocks 3–4 weeks before your exam.
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Aim to complete 2–3 full mocks per week in the final fortnight.
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Always review your results carefully — look at which question types take the most time and where you are losing marks.
Reflection and Feedback
Doing practice questions is only half the job. The most important progress comes from reflection. After each session, ask yourself:
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What went well?
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What mistakes did I make?
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What strategy would work better next time?
Use your UCAT question log to record these reflections. Over time, you will spot recurring patterns and know exactly where to direct your energy.
Master the UCAT Interface
Since the UCAT is a computer-based test, it pays to become familiar with the digital environment. Practise using the online calculator, review the on-screen flagging system, and learn keyboard shortcuts (such as ALT + N to move to the next question). These small efficiencies save valuable seconds on the day.
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Section-Specific UCAT Revision Strategies
Each UCAT subtest measures different skills, so the most effective way to revise is to tailor your practice to each section. Below are detailed strategies that will help you maximise your score in every part of the test.
6.1Verbal Reasoning (21 minutes | 44 questions)
This section tests how well you can understand and interpret written information under time pressure.
Top strategies:
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Practise skim-reading: Learn to identify keywords in the question and match them quickly to the passage instead of reading every word.
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Avoid assumptions: Base your answers only on the information given, not on outside knowledge.
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Time management: Aim to spend no more than 30 seconds per question — if you are stuck, flag the question and move on.
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Practise True/False/Can’t Tell questions: These are very common and often tricky, so regular exposure helps you build confidence.
Decision Making (31 minutes | 29 questions)
This section evaluates your ability to apply logic and assess arguments.
Top strategies:
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Break down complex problems: Use diagrams, tables, or flowcharts to organise information.
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Eliminate obvious errors: Narrow down options quickly to save time.
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Practise probability questions: These are a frequent stumbling block, so make sure you are confident with basic probability and Venn diagrams.
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Stay calm under pressure: Do not overcomplicate scenarios — stick to the data provided.
Quantitative Reasoning (24 minutes | 36 questions)
This section measures how quickly and accurately you can solve numerical problems.
Top strategies:
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Memorise key formulas: Percentages, ratios, averages, speed/distance/time, and basic geometry are essential.
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Get comfortable with the UCAT calculator: Practise using the online calculator efficiently, including with keyboard shortcuts.
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Use estimation: Quickly rule out unrealistic answer options to save time.
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Drill mental maths: Daily practice of fractions, decimals, and percentages will speed up calculations.
Abstract Reasoning (13 minutes | 50 questions)
This section assesses pattern recognition and logical reasoning.
Top strategies:
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Learn common pattern types: Such as shape counts, symmetry, shading, rotation, and position.
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Apply the “rule of three”: Test three shapes quickly to spot the rule — if it does not work, move on to a different feature.
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Avoid overthinking: The simplest rule is usually correct.
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Daily short practice: Five to ten minutes of abstract reasoning practice each day builds recognition speed.
Situational Judgement (26 minutes | 69 questions)
This section tests your understanding of professional behaviour and ethical decision-making.
Top strategies:
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Understand GMC guidance: Familiarise yourself with the General Medical Council’s principles of professionalism, as the UCAT is based on these.
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Focus on “appropriateness” and “importance”: Think about what is realistic and ethical for a healthcare professional in training.
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Look for the best option, not the perfect one: In many cases, more than one answer might seem reasonable, but your task is to choose the most appropriate response.
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Practise ranking exercises: The more scenarios you review, the more natural your decision-making will feel.
Why you should practice each section separately
General UCAT practice is important, but targeted revision allows you to tackle weaknesses head-on. By working on each subtest individually, you can build up confidence across the exam and avoid losing marks in one area that drags down your overall score.
Final Month and Test Day Preparation
In the final four weeks before your UCAT, your focus should shift from building skills to sharpening exam technique. This is the time to refine your timing, build stamina, and ensure you are fully prepared for test day.
The Last 4 Weeks of UCAT Preparation
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Increase full mock exams: Aim for 2–3 full-length mocks per week. This will help you adjust to the pressure of completing the test in a single sitting.
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Analyse every mock in detail: Do not just check your score — review each question type, identify where you lost marks, and note strategies to improve.
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Simulate real test conditions: Sit your practice tests in a quiet environment, without breaks, and under timed conditions. This helps you build resilience and familiarity.
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Fine-tune weak areas: Use your question log to focus on recurring problem types. A short daily session on weaker subtests is more effective than redoing strengths.
The Final Week
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Do not cram: In the last 7 days, reduce your workload slightly to avoid burnout. Focus on short bursts of practice and light review of notes or logs.
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Stick to your routine: Go to bed at the same time each night and keep a balanced schedule. A clear mind will improve performance more than last-minute cramming.
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Revisit test-day strategy: Practise keyboard shortcuts, flagging questions, and calculator use so that these techniques feel automatic.
The Day Before the Exam
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Avoid heavy study — aim for light review only.
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Prepare everything you need: photo ID, confirmation email, comfortable clothes.
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Plan your journey to the test centre and allow extra time for travel.
On Test Day
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Stay calm at the start: Use the tutorial to get comfortable with the system and remind yourself of key shortcuts.
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Keep track of time: Monitor the clock in each subtest and do not get stuck on a single question.
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Use the flagging function: Flag tricky questions and return later if time allows.
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Stay positive: If one section does not go well, do not panic — each subtest is scored separately, and you can still achieve an excellent overall result.
Why the Final Stretch Matters
Many students plateau in the middle of their preparation, but the final month is where scores can rise the most. Focused practice, combined with good rest and a confident mindset, can make a significant difference on the day of your exam.
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Conclusion
Revising for the UCAT may seem challenging, but with the right plan, resources, and mindset, it is entirely manageable. By starting early, creating a structured study schedule, and reflecting on your progress, you can steadily improve your performance across all five subtests. The UCAT is not about cramming knowledge, but about building the skills and confidence to perform under pressure. With consistent practice, you can achieve a competitive score.
How Ivy Education Can Help
At Ivy Education, we support students every step of the way in their university application journey. Our UK University Consultancy services provide tailored guidance on UCAT preparation, medical school applications, and interview practice. With expert advice and personalised strategies, we help you approach the admissions process with confidence.
Get in touch with Ivy Education today to start your UCAT preparation journey with expert support.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most students spend around 6–8 weeks preparing for the UCAT, with at least one hour of practice per day. Some prefer to spread preparation over several months with lighter study sessions, while others focus intensively in the final 4–6 weeks. The key is consistency and building up to timed practice and full mocks.
UCAT bookings usually open in June, and test dates run from July through September. It is best to book early to secure your preferred test centre and date. Leaving it too late may limit your options and increase stress.
Aim to complete at least 6–8 full mocks before your test. In the final two weeks, you should be doing 2–3 mocks per week under exam conditions. Always review your results carefully to identify areas for improvement.
This varies from student to student, but many find Verbal Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning particularly challenging because of the strict time pressure. With targeted practice and familiarity with common question types, you can improve significantly in these areas.
Yes. The official UCAT consortium provides free practice materials, including sample questions and mock exams. However, many students choose to supplement these with question banks and timed practice platforms for additional variety and feedback.
Four of the subtests — Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning — are scored on a scale from 300 to 900, giving a total score range of 1200 to 3600. The Situational Judgement section is scored separately in bands (Band 1 is the highest, Band 4 the lowest).
The UCAT and BMAT are very different tests. The UCAT is more focused on speed, reasoning skills, and decision-making under pressure, while the BMAT (which has now been discontinued) included science knowledge and essay writing. Most students find the UCAT challenging because of its time constraints, rather than the academic content.
BY Alastair
Alastair Delafield is the Managing Director and founder of Ivy Education.
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