UCAT Course
The UCAT is a crucial component of the application process for medical schools in the UK. It assesses a range of skills including critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving. Our comprehensive UCAT course is designed to demystify the UCAT test, providing students with essential strategies to excel and achieve top scores. Whether you're aiming for the highest marks or seeking to boost your confidence, our UCAT preparation course equips you with the tools and techniques necessary to succeed. Join our UCAT preparation course to maximise your chances of securing a place at your dream medical school.
What to Expect from the UCAT Preparation Course
In these sessions, we'll delve into the various question types encountered in the UCAT, with a special focus on tackling challenging questions and mastering effective problem-solving methods. By the conclusion of these sessions, you'll possess a comprehensive toolbox of strategies poised to propel you to success in the UCAT examination.
This is particularly vital as universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, are placing significant weight on UCAT scores when selecting candidates for interview, making performance in the UCAT a critical factor in the admissions process for medical school.
Our Host: Cambridge Natural Sciences Graduate & Graduate Medic
Holly is in her final year studying Graduate Medicine at St George’s University of London. She also received a Medicine offer from the University of Oxford. Prior to attending St George’s, she attended Cambridge where she graduated in Biological Natural Sciences. Holly is highly experienced in mentoring students in application for Oxbridge and Medicine courses, including for the UCAT. She has supported a large number of students with one-to-one UCAT preparation and has also run UCAT preparation courses for leading UK Schools via U2 Tuition.
UCAT Course Logistical Details
The UCAT course is run online over Zoom. International students are welcome to join.
The UCAT course runs over two weekends over the UK Summer Term.
Each class is 2 hours in duration.
Sessions are highly interactive, not lectures.
The UCAT course host will set optional tasks between classes to ensure students consolidate material and elevate their performance as much as possible.
Sessions can be recorded in case a student is away for a particular class and would like to catch up.
U2 Tuition specialises in top UK University and Oxbridge applications, with a particularly strong team of Medicine tutors. We provide one-to-one UCAT preparation, alongside the group UCAT course. The group UCAT course is designed for intensive preparation over the summer period, but many students also choose to take on a 1-1 Medical School tutor to provide them with the essential skills prior to this booster course or to further hone their individual UCAT performance. Visit our Medicine Application Page for more details and get in touch with us to arrange 1-1 preparation if of interest.
UCAT Course Components
Session 1: Strategies for Top Marks in the Verbal Reasoning and Decision Making Sections
Our UCAT course is tailored for ambitious students aiming for top scores and looking to boost their individual preparation. In this preliminary session, we will tackle both the verbal reasoning and decision-making sections of the UCAT.
For verbal reasoning, we'll delve into strategies to expedite information retrieval and enhance comprehension of passages, focusing on deciphering the most intricate texts efficiently. For decision-making, we'll examine the most challenging question types, delving into the underlying assumptions and probability concepts. Through systematic exploration and practice, we'll explain the method behind these questions, ensuring you can approach them with confidence and precision.
Session 2: Strategies for Tackling the Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning Sections
In our second intensive session, we'll dive into quantitative reasoning and abstract reasoning. For quantitative reasoning, we'll navigate through various data sets, arming you with strategies to swiftly and effectively extract important information. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to tackle these questions with confidence and efficiency.
For abstract reasoning, we'll sharpen your critical thinking skills, a vital asset for excelling in this section. Through in-depth exploration of each question type, we'll compile a comprehensive list of key features to watch for, ensuring you are able to streamline your approach and accelerate your response times. We will review numerous practice questions together, with a focus on how to ensure achievement at the highest level.
Session 3: Strategies for Approaching the Situational Judgment Section
In this session, we'll delve into the situational judgement section of the UCAT, dissecting the key concepts that underpin the question types within this segment. Drawing from the General Medical Council Guidance, we'll explore the ethical principles and medical values that form the foundation of these questions.
A strong grasp of ethics and medical values not only ensures navigating this section with ease, but also serves as invaluable preparation for medical school interviews. We will delve into the intricacies of situational judgement, equipping you with the knowledge and insight essential for success in both the UCAT and beyond.
Session 4: Honing UCAT Exam Technique
In our concluding session, we'll comprehensively review questions spanning the entire UCAT examination, applying the techniques and strategies you've honed throughout the course. Our focus will be on optimising your exam technique to navigate the time-pressured nature of the UCAT effectively. Through targeted discussions and practice, we'll delve into the most efficient approaches for answering questions, equipping you with invaluable skills to maximise your performance and save precious minutes in the exam room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the UCAT Course
What is the UCAT?
The UCAT, or University Clinical Aptitude Test, serves as a prerequisite for admission to numerous medical and dental degree programs, primarily in the UK. It comprises five distinct question types, known as 'subtests': verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement, each of which plays a pivotal role in assessing candidates' aptitude for healthcare professions.
Conducted via computer at designated test centres, questions are presented in a multiple-choice format, with no penalty for incorrect answers.
Crucially, the UCAT evaluates candidates' cognitive abilities rather than specific knowledge. It focuses on critical thinking skills, such as reasoning and decision-making, aiming to ensure that candidates possess the requisite attributes for success in medical and dental roles. While prior knowledge is not a prerequisite, thorough preparation and a deep understanding of question types can significantly enhance candidates' performance.
What is the UCAT test trying to measure, and why?
Despite its seemingly disparate tasks, the UCAT assesses skills directly relevant to medical and dental professions. For instance, it evaluates candidates' ability to hypothesise diagnoses based on symptoms, similar to real-world clinical scenarios. Additionally, tasks like critically analysing research papers mirror the skills required to apply medical findings to patient care effectively.
The quantitative reasoning component tests candidates' capacity for accurate medication calculations, often within time constraints, mirroring the demands of healthcare settings. Furthermore, the situational judgement section assesses candidates' responses to ethical dilemmas, reflecting the integrity and professionalism demanded of medical and dental practitioners.
What qualifications do your UCAT tutors hold?
Our UCAT tutors have top degrees in medicine or related disciplines from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. They have extensive experience in preparing students for the UCAT exam, ensuring the highest quality of instruction.
How does your UCAT preparation course differ from others?
Our UCAT preparation course stands out as the best choice for aspiring medical students. Our online UCAT course is tailored for students looking to achieve top marks, providing personalised instruction, extensive practice materials, and valuable insights from experienced Medicine tutors.
Can your UCAT course help me achieve top scores?
Absolutely. Our UCAT preparation course is designed to maximise your potential and help you achieve top scores in the exam. With our expert guidance, strategic approach, and intensive practice sessions, you'll be equipped to tackle the UCAT with confidence and precision.
How can I enrol in your UCAT preparation course?
Enrolling in our UCAT preparation course is simple. Book via the website by following the button at the top of the page. Once enrolled, we will send full UCAT course details and the support you need to excel in the UCAT exam and embark on your journey to medical school success.
Aside from the UCAT preparation course, can you assist with other aspects of the medical school application process?
Yes, we provide comprehensive support for various components of the medical school application process. From personal statement guidance to interview preparation, we offer tailored assistance to ensure that each student presents a compelling application.
Visit our Medicine Application page for full details.
Do you have a track record of success in supporting students to the UK’s top medical schools?
Yes, we take pride in our proven track record of guiding students to admission at leading medical schools, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial College London. The quality of our Medicine tutors and comprehensive approach have consistently propelled students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
How do you support students with their personal statements for medical school applications?
Our experienced Medicine tutors offer individualised guidance to help students craft compelling personal statements that showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. We provide feedback, suggestions, and editing assistance to ensure that each statement resonates with admissions committees and highlights the applicant's suitability for medical studies.
What resources do you provide for medical school interview preparation?
We offer a range of resources and strategies to help students prepare for medical school interviews, including mock interviews, interview question banks, and tips for effective communication and presentation. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence and skills needed to excel in their medical school interviews and secure offers from top institutions.