What will UCAT Test Day be Like?
3 months ago by Rob
For many students, sitting UCAT can be a daunting prospect. UCAT is a very different experience to standard high school or university examinations, not to mention how important it is when determining entry into medicine. This blog describes what to expect on the day of UCAT.
UCAT check in
When you arrive, you will need to check in with an invigilator. This will involve the following:
- You will need to present your photographic identification (and sometimes your UCAT testing appointment email confirmation from Pearson VUE)
- A photograph will be taken of you
- You will need to read and sign the UCAT Consortium Examination Rules
Belongings
You will be asked to store your personal belongings in a locker or designated place. You will need to store all items that you have brought with you, including bags, coats, scrap paper, books, pens, watches, wallets, keys, mobile phones, food and drink.
Note that nothing is allowed into the UCAT testing room aside from you and the indoor clothes you are wearing. We recommend that you eat a healthy snack (eg. museli bar or piece of fruit) and have a drink of water (not too much!) before you go into the UCAT testing room.
UCAT testing equipment
You will be allocated a desk space in the UCAT testing room, where you will find a desktop computer, keyboard and mouse.
You will be given a laminated noteboard and marker pen to make notes during UCAT. You should check that you have been given one and that the marker pen is working before starting the UCAT. If you need another noteboard or marker pen during UCAT, hold your noteboard in the air or raise your hand, and the invigilator will bring a replacement. We recommend doing this early (rather than waiting until you have run out of space) and during a UCAT timed instruction section to avoid wasting time. Remember, every second is precious in UCAT!
UCAT test environment
During UCAT, there will be other people taking tests in the same room as you. As these tests start and finish at different times, there may be some disturbance as other test takers arrive and leave the room. You can request earplugs (or some UCAT testing centres will allow you to bring your own) to minimise disturbance. We recommend that you do this to maximise your focus and concentration during UCAT.
Breaks during UCAT
Once the UCAT has started, it cannot be paused for you to take a break. If you need to take a break (for example, to go to the bathroom) then you should raise your hand and the invigilator will assist you in leaving the UCAT testing room. Note that we strongly advise that you go to the bathroom before the test commences, as going to the bathroom during UCAT can be a very time consuming process.
Problems during UCAT
If you experience any problems with the UCAT, such as hardware or software issues, noise disturbance, illness or other distractions which affect your ability to take the UCAT, you must notify the invigilator immediately by raising your hand. If you do not do this then Pearson VUE cannot guarantee that the issue will be investigated after UCAT testing.
We wish you the best of luck for UCAT test day!
