GAMSAT
There are three different entrance tests that are asked for by the different Graduate Entry Medicine courses in the UK.
The first of these are the UKCAT and BMAT. There are guides on to both of these in the Application Guide. So, we are going to focus on GAMSAT, which is required specifically for entry onto a number of Graduate Entry Medicine courses.
This page answers the following questions about GAMSAT:
- What is GAMSAT?
- Which graduate entry Medical Schools require GAMSAT?
- What is the format of the GAMSAT exam?
- When can I take GAMSAT?
- How should I prepare for GAMSAT?
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What Is GAMSAT?
GAMSAT is a test that was originally developed for Medical School applicants in Australia, where medicine was a graduate entry course. But it has since been adopted by a number of Graduate Entry Medicine courses in the UK.
The exam evaluates the nature and extent of the abilities and skills you have gained through prior experience and learning, including the use of concepts in basic science, as well as the general skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and writing.
Which Graduate Entry Medical Schools Require GAMSAT?
Five UK Medical Schools use the it for their Graduate Entry courses:
- Liverpool
- Nottingham
- St George’s, London
- Swansea
- Cardiff
What Is The Format Of The Exam?
GAMSAT is a day-long test, divided into 3 sections:
- Reasoning in Humanities (reading time 10 minutes, writing time 100 minutes)
- Written communication (reading time 5 minutes, writing time 60 minutes)
- Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences (reading time 10 minutes, writing time 170 minutes)
The purpose of the test is to assess your understanding and ability to analyse written and graphical material.
When Can I Take GAMSAT?
Registration for the UK-based exam usually opens in late May and closes at the end of July. Please keep an eye on the GAMSAT website for the latest information on this.
Registration for GAMSAT taken in Ireland takes place much earlier in the year, and the results are valid for English and Welsh Graduate Entry Medicine courses.
The results are published before the closing date for UCAS applications, so can help in clarifying your four medical school choices.
How Should I Prepare For GAMSAT?
GAMSAT measures skills and knowledge acquired over a long period of time. For non-science graduates, some specific preparation covering basic science to first year university level, or at least to A-Level standard, is highly recommended.
GAMSAT requires more focused and long term preparation than UKCAT and BMAT.
ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research), the developers of GAMSAT, have suggested a revision strategy for all parts of the test.
In the UK, Gold Standard GAMSAT is a commercial company that provides all aspects of preparation for GAMSAT, including home study courses and live preparation courses and online webinars.
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