UCAT Preparation

Explore the School of Medicine's UCAT webpage tailored for our MBBS/BSc programme. Here, you'll find a collection of resources compiled by our current students to guide you through your journey with the UCAT. Gain valuable insights from your peers' experiences with the UCAT, along with helpful tips and information to support you along the way.

The UCAT Consortium

The official UCAT website offers free resources, designed by the UCAT test writers, including practice questions, video tutorials, and advice on preparation strategies. They have 4 mock tests that can be completed in timed conditions. Their Instagram account (@ucatofficial) posts daily UCAT questions and reminders on key deadlines.

Passmedicine

PassMedicine offers over 3,000 free questions to help you prepare for the UCAT. You can compare your score to other users and also discuss questions. PassMedicine offers a six-month free trial, after which payment is required if not cancelled.

UCAT Ninja

UCAT Ninja offers a range of free resources including over 15,000 practice questions, worked solutions and tutorials covering different aspects of the exam. They also have a UCAT exam simulator. To access the free resources, you must make an account and sign up on their website.

Medic Mind

Medic Mind offers access to over 1,000+ UCAT practice questions separated into different question styles. They also have a few video tutorials, mocks, and blogs on FAQs. A recording of their UCAT crash course is available on their YouTube Channel. The 1000+ free UCAT questions are available to download from their website. The UCAT textbook is accessible by submitting your email address.

*Please note that Imperial College London does not sponsor or endorse any of these websites. The content of this page has been created entirely by our current students, so it should only be considered as a guide

5 Essential Tips for Dealing with Stress During UCAT Preparation

Preparing for the UCAT is undoubtedly a stressful time for aspiring medical students. As a current medical student, I’ve been there. When it comes to juggling the weight of expectations, the desire to achieve the highest score possible, and all of your other responsibilities in life, managing that stress becomes paramount. So here are five essential tips to navigate through the stress of UCAT preparation while maintaining your well-being:

1. Stay Organized, but Flexible:

It's crucial to create a study timetable to guide your revision and manage your time effectively, however don't worry too much sticking to it rigidly. Recognize that some days will be more productive than others, and that's okay. Balance your UCAT revision with other responsibilities like A-levels, interview preparation, and personal statement writing. Remember that the UCAT is only one part of the entire application process, and you can’t afford to neglect any other aspect. Being organized helps, but being flexible is equally important to avoid overwhelming yourself.

2. Know Your Limits:

Despite what the internet might tell you, acknowledge that revising for long stretches isn't sustainable. Set reasonable and realistic goals for your study sessions, whether it's a specific number of practice questions or a time limit. Remember that when it comes to revision, your brain is just like a muscle. You need to take regular breaks throughout the day, and ensure that you’re well rested before each session. Prioritize self-care by ensuring you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Taking care of your physical and mental health are equally important, and you have to ensure that you’re looking after both during this stressful time.

3. Start Early and Plan Ahead:

The key to success in the UCAT is starting early and planning strategically. Starting early gives you some much needed breathing room, and allows for adjustments along the way. Determine when you'll be taking the test, typically late July or early August, and give yourself several months to prepare adequately. Begin with light study sessions on weekends to familiarize yourself with the test format and any resources available to you. For example, the Imperial website has some great UCAT tips and resources, and the official UCAT website contains a lot of information about the exam day itself, as well as some past papers. As the summer holidays approach ramp up your revision, settling into a standard daily routine of a few hours a day to help build good study habits.

4. Have a Strong Support System:

Your journey towards conquering the UCAT shouldn't be a solitary one. Keep your family and friends involved and informed about your UCAT journey every step of the way. Share your concerns and worries with them, and be open to their advice. Having a supportive network provides encouragement and an external perspective, which can be invaluable during stressful times. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and seeking support is a sign of strength, and will likely lead to higher test results in the end.

5. Keep your head in the game:

In the age of social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your study routine with others. Resist the temptation to measure your progress against someone else's online. Avoid spending excessive time scrolling through YouTube or social media feeds showcasing intense ’10 hrs a day’ study routines. Instead, focus on your own strengths and strategies that work best for you. Stay committed to your goals and trust in your abilities to succeed. After all, you’ve come this far already.

Remember that at the end of the day, the UCAT is just an exam like any other. The content and format might be different than anything you’ve done before, but the revision process is something that you should be familiar with, given that you’ve just done your GCSE’s. Managing stress during UCAT preparation is essential for maintaining peak performance and well-being, and you’ll be able to do this by following our tips, using all of the resources at your disposal, and settling into a revision routine that works for you.

Finally, it's not just about acing the test but also about taking care of yourself along the way. Good luck!