UCAT vs GAMSAT
9 months ago by Robert
There are two major pathways into medicine: the undergraduate route (which generally requires you to sit UCAT) and the graduate route (which generally requires GAMSAT in Australia). As an aspiring medical student, it can be difficult to know which pathway to take, particularly when some universities strongly market the graduate route.
MedEntry recommends that you choose the undergraduate (UCAT) route, as there are several advantages for you and your future medical career. For more information, check out this blog: https://www.medentry.edu.au/blog/medicine-at-unsw-or-usyd (note: links to AU MedEntry site)
This blog summarises the differences between UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) and the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admission Test) to help you make an informed decision.
Basic Information |
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Features |
UCAT |
GAMSAT |
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Medical/Dental Schools which accept these test scores |
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|
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Test date |
Once a year in July - August |
Twice a year, in March and September |
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Test fees |
$325 ($199 for concession) |
$560 |
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For how long are scores valid? |
One year |
Four years |
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Number of people sitting the test every year in AU/NZ |
About 15,000 |
About 10,000 |
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Preferred by |
High achieving students, students sure about their career choice, students who want to start their medical career earlier |
Students that did not perform well in high school and/or UCAT, students who are less certain of their career choice |
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Number of unis which will offer an interview if you score highly |
As many as you qualify/apply for |
Only one - highest preference university that you qualify for (apply through GEMSAS) |
Eligibility to sit the test |
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Features |
UCAT |
GAMSAT |
|
Who can sit the test? |
Must be in year 12 (year 13 in NZ) or later |
Must have completed a Bachelor degree, or will be in the penultimate (second-last) or final year of study, at the time of sitting the test |
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Can you sit the test during a gap year after high school? |
Yes |
No |
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Can you sit the test during university? |
Yes |
Yes, but only if you are in the second last year of your degree or later |
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Can you sit the test if you are a graduate or postgraduate? |
Yes |
Yes |
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Cohort of people sitting the test |
Mainly school leavers (median age 19) |
Mainly graduates, postgraduates & professionals (median age 24) |
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How many times can you resit the test? |
You can resit once per year, in Year 12 (Year 13 in NZ) or thereafter |
No limit, as long as you are in the second last year of degree or later |
Test Details |
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Features |
UCAT |
GAMSAT |
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Number of Questions |
228 |
137 (also 2 essay prompts) |
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Test type |
Entirely multiple choice |
Multiple choice + two essays |
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Time allowed |
2 hours |
6.5 hours (including lunch break) |
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Number of sections |
Five subtests |
Three sections |
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Difficulty of the test |
Fast paced |
Requires stamina to endure long duration |
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Test score |
Out of 3600 |
Out of 100 |
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Cost of preparing |
About $300+ |
Generally more expensive, $600+ |
Test Content |
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Features |
UCAT |
GAMSAT |
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Prior knowledge |
Not required: tests generic or transferable skills |
Knowledge of Biology, Physics, Chemistry required |
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Constructs tested |
Verbal reasoning Decision making Quantitative reasoning Abstract reasoning Situational Judgement |
Reasoning in humanities and social sciences Written communication Reasoning in biological and physical sciences |
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Essay writing |
Not required |
May suit those with strengths in writing |
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Abstract reasoning |
May suit those with a strength in this area |
Not tested |
As you can see from this table, sitting UCAT is generally less expensive, less difficult, and gives you the greatest chance of entering your dream course. You will also start practising as a doctor at least two years earlier.
