Why is so much weight placed on just one test, the UCAT?
2 years ago by Rob
It may seem unfair that a two hour test is so important. Remember, though, that the UCAT is not a one-shot, all-or-nothing affair. Your standardised test scores account for about a third of your medical school entry, depending on which university you apply. The other essential components include your ATAR score and medical entrance interviews. Further, if you score poorly in the UCAT (due to lack of preparation or other unfortunate event), you can re-sit the UCAT next year. As discussed here, UCAT is an objective test of medical entrance in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Ireland.
The UCAT is only “unfair” if you allow it to be, by not taking it seriously; or not preparing by believing in the self-interested hype by Pearson Vueand universities. If, instead, you look at it as an opportunity to hone important reasoning skills and prepare for it meaningfully, you’ll find the process more rewarding and less nerve-racking. You will also find that the thinking skills that you have developed will be useful throughout your professional career.
