UCAT Preparation Comprehensive Program (UCAT200)

UCAT Preparation Comprehensive Program Content

The UCAT Preparation Comprehensive Program is comprised of five distinct workshops each specifically designed to develop candidate capacities in each section of the UCAT exam. The content of each workshop is detailed below.

Students enrolled in the program will receive:

• Understanding of the rationale and therefore approach to all sections of the UCAT exam
• Specific skills for each style of question seen in the various sections of the UCAT

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Workshop

The UCAT Verbal Reasoning Workshop is written specifically for candidates preparing for the UCAT. The workshop teaches students specific approaches to each of the question archetypes seen in this section of the exam. These include:

• True/False/Can’t tell questions
• Incomplete statements
• According to the passage questions
• Except questions
• Most likely questions

Each style of question is addressed in the workshop both theoretically and via representative UCAT practice questions. As well as techniques specific to the above style of questions, candidates are taught general strategies to approach their preparation and the exam.

UCAT Decision Making Workshop

The UCAT Decision Making Workshop is written specifically for candidates preparing for the UCAT. The workshop teaches students the principles of deductive reasoning. These principles are applied in the context of the item types seen in this section of the UCAT. These include:

• Logical puzzles
• Syllogisms
• Information interpretation
• Recognising assumptions
• Venn diagrams
• Probabilistic reasoning

Each style of question is addressed in the workshop both theoretically and via representative UCAT practice questions. Students are shown how to progress a problem from known information to construct conclusions not immediately evident in the stimuli. As well as techniques specific to the above style of questions, candidates are taught general strategies to approach their preparation and the exam.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Workshop

The UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Workshop is written specifically for candidates preparing for the UCAT. The workshop teaches students to accurately use numerical skills to solve problems. These principles are applied in the context of the numerical calculations seen in this section of the UCAT. These include:

• Percentages: For example, calculating the percentage change (increase/decrease) in cost prices/quantities or writing percentages as decimals/fractions
• Proportionality: Direct proportionality, and inverse proportionality
• Rates: Understanding rates and change in rate based on changes in parameters, especially flow and speed
• Averages: Estimating and finding averages (mean, median, mode) of a number of values via use of tables, charts, and diagrams

Each key calculation is addressed in the workshop both theoretically and via representative UCAT practice questions. During the workshop, candidates are taught how to perform swift mental arithmetic in order to expedite their progress through the exam, and maximise their score. As well as techniques specific to the above style of questions, candidates are taught general strategies to approach their preparation and the exam.

UCAT Abstract Reasoning Workshop

The UCAT Abstract Reasoning Workshop is written specifically for candidates preparing for the UCAT. The workshop teaches students to accurately identify patterns amongst abstract shapes. These principles are applied in the context of the different types of questions seen in this section of the UCAT. These include:

• Type 1 – Related Shapes – Candidates are presented with two sets of shapes labelled “Set A” and “Set B”. They are then given a test shape and asked to decide whether the test shape belongs to Set A, Set B, or Neither.
• Type 2 – Sequential Shapes – Candidates are presented with a series of shapes. They are then asked to select the next shape in the series.
• Type 3 – Shapes & Statements – Candidates are presented with a statement involving a group of shapes. They are then asked to determine which shape completes the statement.
• Type 4 – Shapes of Best Fit – Candidates are presented with two sets of shapes labelled “Set A” and “Set B”. They are then asked to select which of the four response options belongs to Set A or Set B.

Each style of question is addressed in the workshop both theoretically and via representative UCAT practice questions. During the workshop, candidates are shown how to quickly determine salient information, and to solve problems. As well as techniques specific to the above style of questions, candidates are taught general strategies to approach their preparation and the exam.

UCAT Situational Judgement Workshop

The UCAT Situational Judgement Workshop is written specifically for candidates preparing for the UCAT. The workshop provides candidates with an understanding of the values which underpin professional healthcare and represent the basis of assessment for this section. The values assessed include:

• Integrity
• Perspective
• Resilience
• Adaptability
• Teamwork

Each key value is addressed in the workshop both theoretically and via representative UCAT practice questions. Students are provided with an understanding of these competencies as they apply in healthcare, and students are expected to picture how they would manifest such values in their future careers. As well as the key values underpinning healthcare, candidates are taught general strategies to approach their preparation and the exam.