What Will UCAT Test Day Be Like?
5 days 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.
Before test day
Before sitting UCAT, it is worth keeping in mind that attending your test is considered a declaration that you are fit to sit it. If you are feeling unwell on the day, it is advisable to reschedule your appointment rather than sitting the test regardless. This is because sitting while unwell will not be accepted as mitigating circumstances if your performance is affected, meaning your score will stand regardless of how you were feeling on the day.
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 your UCAT testing appointment email confirmation from Pearson
- A photograph will be taken of you
- You will need to read and agree to the UCAT ANZ Examination Rules
Belongings
You will be asked to store your personal belongings in a locker. You will need to store all items that you have brought with you, including bags, coats, scrap paper, books, pens, jewellery, 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. It is a good idea to eat a healthy snack (e.g. a muesli 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 notebook 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 UCAT. If you need a replacement marker pen during UCAT, raise your hand and the invigilator will bring one. It is worth 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 at the test centre, or alternatively bring your own disposable earplugs in unopened packaging. It is worth doing this to maximise your focus and concentration during UCAT.
Breaks during UCAT
Once 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. Where possible, taking breaks between subtests is a good way to minimise the impact on your test time. It is also strongly advisable to go to the bathroom before the test commences, as taking a break during UCAT can be a very time-consuming process.
Problems during UCAT
If you experience any problems during UCAT, such as hardware or software issues, noise disturbance, illness, or other distractions which affect your ability to take the test, you must notify the invigilator immediately by raising your hand. If you do not raise the issue at the time, it cannot be investigated after your test sitting.
We wish you the best of luck for UCAT test day!
