If you want to pursue a career in medicine, you’re going to need to pass the GAMSAT. As one of the most important assessments you’ll take, preparation for the GAMSAT is absolutely essential. While there’s no doubt you’ll already have sat numerous exams, the GAMSAT is different from the standardised tests you’ve undertaken thus far.
Due to this, it’s vital to begin preparing for your assessment early. To ensure maximum success, you may want to try bespoke online coaching, practice assessments and mock papers so you’re well-prepared in time for the big day. Fortunately, you can sign up for a free trial with GradReady and get a glimpse of the help and support that’s available to students hoping to sit the GAMSAT.
In the meantime, take a look at these three must-see tips and start preparing for the test that will kick-start your medical career:
- Learn more about how you’ll be assessed
Unless you know exactly what format the GAMSAT is in and what examiners expect of you, you won’t be able to secure a passing grade. As the GAMSAT is significantly different from other assessments, it’s important to know what you’re going to be faced with.
Firstly, the GAMSAT typically takes an entire day to complete and features three sections. Generally, the assessment begins at 9 am and runs until 5 pm, although you will be given up to an hour as a lunch break. Remaining focused for this length of a time requires preparation, so be sure to practice in advance and learn how to stay on top of your game for a full-day assessment.
In addition to this, consider the practicalities of taking the GAMSAT. Although current students are able to take the assessment online, it is usually held in select test centres around the country. Depending on your location, you may want to book a hotel room locally to allay any concerns about getting to the test centre in plenty of time. Remember – thousands of students will be taking the GAMSAT alongside you, so book early to avoid disappointment!
- Hone your written communication
Depending on which undergraduate degree you completed, your written communication skills may be a little rusty. Many GAMSAT students have completed a science-based degree, which means they will have spent less time writing essay-based answers than many other undergraduates. Although you’ll certainly need scientific knowledge if you’re to do well in the GAMSAT, you’ll need to be able to convey your answers well in writing too.
As part of the assessment, candidates are usually expected to write two essays in just one hour. Typically, you are given three quotes on a common theme as a starting point, so learning to write concisely, persuasively, factually and critically is essential if you want to do well.
As you can see, core scientific knowledge is vital for scoring well in the GAMSAT, but a wider knowledge is expected too. As part of your preparation, be sure to read around topics, watch TED talks and consider the real-life implications of your scientific studies. When you are able to put these issues into context and write informatively and engagingly about them, you’ll be able to use your skills to enhance your GAMSAT performance.
- Practice your scientific reasoning
A significant proportion of the GAMSAT focuses on scientific and biological reasoning, so this is certainly something you’ll want to brush up on. Candidates aren’t reminded of any formulae in the assessment, so you’ll need to ensure you can recall everything that might be covered.
However, the assessment doesn’t simply require recall, so memorising facts, statistics and algorithms isn’t going to secure a pass. Instead, you’ll need to justify your answers and provide the reasoning behind them. Learning to do this concisely and accurately under pressure takes time and requires a certain finesse, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to sharpen these skills.
Prepare to Pass the GAMSAT Today
When it comes to the GAMSAT, it’s never too early to start preparing. With a strategic approach to your preparation, you can ensure that you’ve covered all the relevant fields and given yourself enough time to focus on areas you find particularly tricky.
Rather than spending copious amounts of time preparing for the GAMSAT, remember to structure your time appropriately. Expert guidance can be the best way to prepare for your assessment and boost your confidence ahead of the GAMSAT, so take advantage of the prep courses and materials that are available online. With the right type of preparation and a cool head, you can look forward to receiving high marks in the GAMSAT and securing your place at a university of your choice.
