Updates to UCAT ANZ 2025
8 months ago by Chris
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is undergoing a transformation for the 2025 exam cycle. These changes will impact all candidates sitting UCAT ANZ in 2025. Understanding these modifications is crucial for aspiring medical and dental students preparing for their admissions journey.
Removal of UCAT Abstract Reasoning
The most notable change is the complete removal of the Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtest from the UCAT. Previously a core component of the exam, AR will no longer be part of the testing structure. The UCAT will now consist of three cognitive subtests:
- UCAT Verbal Reasoning (VR)
- UCAT Decision Making (DM)
- UCAT Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
As well as the non-cognitive Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
Why is UCAT Abstract Reasoning being removed?
The decision to remove the Abstract Reasoning subtest stems from the UCAT consortium’s analysis of candidate performance over recent years. They claim that over the past 10 years, candidate performance in the Abstract Reasoning subtest has steadily increased whilst response times have decreased. This trend is thought to be due to preparation improving students’ performance. The UCAT consortium feels that this has reduced the subtest's ability to serve as a meaningful differentiating assessment tool for medical and dental schools.
Will UCAT Abstract Reasoning be returned in future years?
While the current indication suggests a permanent removal, the possibility of UCAT Abstract Reasoning's return remains open. The UCAT consortium will likely evaluate candidate performance in conjunction with the effectiveness of the new test format. It is possible, although unlikely, that AR or a similar non-verbal reasoning test will be reintroduced in future years if deemed necessary.
Changes to other UCAT subtests
The removal of Abstract Reasoning has led to redistributions of exam time and questions for other UCAT subtests:
- Verbal Reasoning: Increased by 1 minute
- Decision Making: Increased by 6 minutes, 6 more questions added
- Quantitative Reasoning: Increased by 1 minute
- Situational Judgement Test: No changes in time or question number
Changes to instruction times
To maintain the UCAT's duration at approximately two hours, adjustments have also been made to the instruction times for each subtest. Previously, each subtest included one minute of instruction. The updated instruction times are now structured as follows:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2-minute instruction section
- Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Situational Judgement: 1.5-minute instruction section
This change is particularly welcome as the UCAT does not include breaks between subtests. The extended instruction times will allow candidates to better recover from potential test fatigue, mentally reset between subtests and better prepare for the upcoming section.
Has my Abstract Reasoning preparation gone to waste?
Absolutely not! The skills developed while preparing for Abstract Reasoning are entirely transferable and valuable. Your practice has cultivated essential skills that extend far beyond a single subtest, including sophisticated time management techniques, advanced problem-solving approaches, analytical and logical reasoning skills, ability to identify important information from a mass of data, and increased cognitive flexibility. These critical competencies remain fundamental to academic and professional success and will continue to be beneficial across the remaining UCAT subtests.
How will my scores be affected compared to historic values?
While overall total scores will likely differ from previous years, individual subtest scores are expected to remain broadly comparable to those from past administrations of UCAT.
The UCAT consortium plans to release a score conversion method that will help candidates understand and contextualize their performance of the new three subtest structure relative to previous years' benchmarks.
What to do now to get prepared for UCAT ANZ 2025
Our advice is to embrace these changes as an opportunity. Candidates should focus on strengthening their Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning skills, appreciating the more generous timing across subtests. Most importantly, maintain a positive and flexible approach to exam preparation, viewing these changes as a chance to refine your test-taking skills and stand out in the competitive medical and dental school admissions process.
MedEntry has completed all updates to our UCAT preparation resources and platform to ensure our students are well prepared for UCAT ANZ 2025.
Got more questions about the change?
We understand that students may be feeling worried about this change, and may have questions. If you need any further clarification for UCAT, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
