Optimising your performance in UCAT: 5 Lessons from Sports Psychology
3 weeks ago by Rob
Preparing for the UCAT is like preparing for a marathon: it requires training, persistence and strategies to optimise your performance on UCAT test day. Just as an athlete prepares for a major sporting event, so you must prepare yourself to sit UCAT, which is one of the most important exams that you will face in your career.
We can learn much from athletes about optimising performance in UCAT, as outlined in this TED talk by Martin Hagger:
This talk discusses how highly successful athletes prepare themselves before a competition. The five key points are summarised below, with an emphasis on how this is relevant to UCAT.
Understand the UCAT test
It is vital that you have a solid understanding of UCAT. This includes what it tests, how it is scored, and the strategies required to tackle each UCAT subtest. Understanding UCAT removes the fear and apprehension associated with the test, enabling you to perform at your best. These issues are discussed in detail in the MedEntry UCAT Course.
Motivate yourself
Motivation is an essential element of success in any competition, including UCAT. One of the most effective ways to increase motivation is via goal setting. Goals should be SMARTER (Specific, Meaningful, Agreed, Relevant, Time-Specific, Engaging and Recorded).
Students who may not succeed in standard high school tests can perform well in UCAT simply because they are highly motivated. They understand the importance of UCAT and take steps to improve – via UCAT practice, working on their weaknesses and reflection/discussion of UCAT questions.
Cultivate confidence
Confidence is the key to performing to the best of one’s ability in all tests, including UCAT. There are various ways to improve confidence for UCAT test day, including:
- Reminding yourself that you are well prepared for the UCAT and have sat UCAT practice exams which simulate the live UCAT
- Motivational self-talk (saying to yourself: ‘you can succeed in UCAT’, ‘I’m well ahead of others who have not done quality prep for UCAT’, ‘I will be a doctor’)
- Asking others (such as parents, siblings, teachers, friends) to provide you with positive encouragement, particularly in the final weeks leading up to the UCAT and on UCAT test day
Have a pre-performance routine
High performing athletes often have a pre-performance routine that they engage in before an important competition. This helps them control their environment, provide stability, and enhance focus.
Develop a pre-performance routine that you plan to use before the UCAT. This may include listening to upbeat music, doing some quiet reading or chatting to family members – whatever you find best relaxes you. Performing a mental rehearsal in a quiet place is also an important part of the routine. This may include imagining yourself sitting the UCAT and succeeding, as well as imagining ‘what ifs’ or problematic scenarios that may arise during UCAT, and how you will deal with them.
Manage stress
Excessive stress interferes with performance, so it is essential that you manage stress both in the lead up to UCAT and on UCAT test day. You can do this by:
- Engaging in calming self-talk before and during UCAT (reminding yourself: ‘be calm’, ‘breathe’, ‘relax’)
- Focusing on your breathing or meditating
- Writing down your thoughts or fears about UCAT
The UCAT is a competition, so treat it like one. The strategies outlined above have been used by champion athletes, and you can apply similar strategies to your UCAT preparation.
Detailed information on optimising your performance in UCAT (using principles of performance psychology) are discussed in detail in Medentry UCAT courses.
Go get ‘em!
