GAMSAT Tutors – The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is used by universities across Australia, Ireland and the UK to discern the most suitable candidates for medical and health degree course entry. The GAMSAT can be sat either in March or September and is designed to evaluate the skills that candidates have been able to attain, retain and apply to their studies and growing knowledge, based around the context of the sciences. These skills include thinking critically, writing concisely and solving problems, which are all identified as key skills to successful study and practice within the medical and health sectors. It is useful to note that candidates that do not possess a science specific field of study background are still able to sit the GAMSAT and be successful in the admission process. Despite this, it is undeniably useful to have knowledge and skills across physical and biological sciences. Our GAMSAT tutors can help you prepare for the GAMSAT Medical School entrance exam.
What does the GAMSAT assess?
The GAMSAT is used to assess candidates across their ability to comprehend and analyse contextual resources, solving problems, thinking logically and applying reason to conclusions written in concise English. Candidates are required to organise their thoughts, taking time to read passages of information to then apply mathematical knowledge and reasoning to in their answers. Problem-solving is an overarching theme of the GAMSAT, meaning it is useful to focus on this theme when preparing for the test. The GAMSAT consists of 5.25 hours of testing, including 21 minutes for reading. The test is divided into three sections, and though there is no break between sections 1 and 2, there is a 2-hour break between Sections 2 and 3.
Section 1: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences – Consists of 62 questions, with 8 minutes of reading time and 92 minutes for writing, this section has a total of 100 minutes of testing. These questions are multiple-choice.
Section 2: Written Communication – Consists of 2 questions, with 5 minutes of reading time and 60 minutes of writing time, this section has a total of 65 minutes of testing.
2-Hour Break
Section 3: Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences – Consists of 75 questions, with 8 minutes for reading and 142 minutes for writing, this section has a total of 150 minutes of testing. These questions are multiple-choice.
What score should I be aiming to achieve?
The GAMSAT delivers results via email to inform candidates that their results are available to access through their online account. It is advised to save and print a copy of your results statement to keep for your own records as they are only available online for 2 years in total and no hard copies of results are distributed to candidates. Candidates receive separate scores for each of the three sections of the GAMSAT, alongside an overall GAMSAT score, which is based on an average of the three section scores. These 4 scores are recorded on a scale ranging from 0 to 100, but do not reflect percentage grades. The overall GAMSAT score is calculated using a specific formula:
Overall Score = (1 x Section I + 1 x Section II + 2 x Section III) ÷ 4
The average GAMSAT score sits around 56-58, with a good GAMSAT score sitting between 61-64, placing candidates I the 75th percentile. An exceptional GAMSAT score is viewed as being 72 or higher, seen as highly competitive.
Universities that require the GAMSAT for successful candidate application:
+ Cardiff University
+ University of Exeter
+ University of Liverpool
+ University of Nottingham
+ Plymouth University
+ St George’s University of London
+ Swansea University
How do I prepare for the GAMSAT?
Reviewing and practicing using online practice papers can be beneficial as they enable one to effectively manage time keeping, whilst also adjusting to the wording of questions and the varying levels of difficulty. Self-assessment of your general areas where you could develop your knowledge further will enable you to be self-aware in your studies, supplementing what you need to practice more and strengthening your pre-existing strengths. Reviewing the GAMSAT resources and content windows will enable you to narrow down your revision to a refined and purposeful selection of materials. It is important to remember that the content in the GAMSAT will contain biological and physical science knowledge that you may or may not have previous knowledge of, so measuring your strengths and preparing accordingly is advisable. The GAMSAT requires writing and the communication of comprehension of data and various resources, meaning practicing your writing and reasoning skills is a useful feat. Ultimately, the more time you spend practicing, the more confident and prepared you are likely to feel when taking your GAMSAT, a feeling which should be reflected in your score outcome. Online and in-person tutoring can enable you to receive one on one, specially tailored support, enabling you to feel supported in your endeavours and to receive individualised resources and sessions that can develop your knowledge and expand your strengths.
GAMSAT Tutors & Tuition London
Mayfair Consultants offer private tuition for clients preparing to take the GAMSAT exam, and those seeking to learn more about their aptitude for Medicine. If you are preparing for this test, or for an interview to read Medicine, our tutors can guide you through the whole process and help address potential weaknesses in your performance. We also offer private tuition for younger students with a budding interest in Medicine – including those taking Science AS- and A-Levels. Many of our tutors have direct experience of the medical sector and /or hold advanced qualifications in the field, making them best-placed to meet clients’ needs. The following medical courses and institutions require the GAMSAT as part of their application and selection procedure for Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine and Medical courses. If you’d like arrange private lessons or have any questions about our medicine tuition services please call us on Tel: +44 (0) 207 665 6606 or you can send us an email via our contact form.
GAMSAT Tutors & Students Resources & links:
https://gamsat.acer.org GAMSAT Test administrator website
https://gamsat.acer.org/prepare/preparation-strategy Test Preparation
https://gamsat.acer.org/prepare/preparation-materials Past Papers and Course Materials
http://www.medschools.ac.uk/Students/howtoapply/Pages/BMAT-and-UKCAT.aspx Medical Schools Council GAMSAT Pages
https://www.themedicportal.com The Medical Portal
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/career/studying-medicine/becoming-a-doctor/application-process BMA Medicine Application and Test Advice
https://www.rsm.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/careers-in-medicine.aspx Careers in Medicine
http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/25740.asp GMC Medical School Selection Information
https://he.palgrave.com/studentstudyskills/page/critical-and-analytical-thinking-skills/ Palsgrave Critical Thinking Skills