The Quantitative Reasoning section of UCAT tests candidates’ numerical problem solving skills. It lasts 24 minutes.
Statistically, it is the UCAT section that candidates score highest in.
This page breaks down Quantitative Reasoning and provides preparation tips that will help you excel.
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Quantitative Reasoning is the second of the five sections of UCAT.
It involves critically evaluating various numerical data sets and answering multiple choice questions.
The section consists of 36 questions in total, which need to be answered in 24 minutes. This allows for roughly 40 seconds per question.
Candidates will have access to an online calculator for this section.
Quantitative Reasoning questions are multiple choice.
Candidates will face scenarios, most of which have 4 related questions. There are 36 questions in total.
Each scenario presents data that will help to solve the problems. The data could be in various forms, including tables, graphs and two/three dimensional shapes.
There are five potential answers to choose from, some of which will include ‘can’t tell’.
Doctors need to complete tasks like drug calculations and clinical research. So, analysing data and applying it on a practical level is fundamental.
Quantitative Reasoning assesses this skill through GCSE-level math questions.
However, candidates should not feel disadvantaged if they do not have great math skills.
The UCAT website states: ‘items are less to do with numerical facility and more to do with problem-solving’.
Whilst this section does test candidates’ numerical skills, the arithmetic required is not complicated.
Below is one of our top tutors giving some advice on how to prepare for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
Between 2015 and 2019, the average score range was around 678. The average Quantitative Reasoning score in 2019 was 662.
| Average Quantitative Reasoning Scores | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 685 | 690 | 695 | 658 | 662 |
Quantitative Reasoning tends to be the section candidates feel most comfortable with in comparison to other parts of UCAT.
If you want to learn more about how scoring works, check out our UCAT Scores page.
Brush Up On Basic Arithmetic
As you will be assessed on your ability to interpret data, it is important to practice basic maths skills.
For example, you might be asked to work out the percentage of a profit made from a set of figures.
GCSE Maths past papers are perfect for sourcing questions that test this and will help you get used to calculating in percentages and ratios.
Start By Reading The Question Carefully
Read the question first and then look at any data that is provided.
Skimming the data will enable you to identify key information which you can then plug into your calculator, if required.
Occasionally there is extra information in bullet points that candidates sometimes ignore.
It’s vital to recognise all information, as it could be essential in answering at least one of the questions.
Want to try your hand at some Quantitative Reasoning questions? Get started for free in our UCAT Question Bank!
UCAT Question BankIf you’d like more Quantitative Reasoning preparation tips and advice, check out our blogs:
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