Aspiring medical students are aware of the importance of the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the application process. However, some students may be seeking alternatives to the UCAT.
Whether it’s due to scheduling conflicts, personal preference, or other circumstances, there are options available for medicine applicants. In this article, we will explore alternative assessments that can be considered by those aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.
There are multiple reasons to consider entrance exams aside from the UCAT, including:
- You live too far from a Pearson Vue test centre.
- You don’t think the format and structure of the UCAT will properly highlight your knowledge or capability.
- The university you wish to apply to has multiple accepted admissions tests and you want to explore your options.
We will discuss the main alternatives to the UCAT, and particularly how each entrance exam will be used by the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC).
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
What is the MCAT?
The MCAT is a longstanding admissions test required by the majority of U.S. and Canadian medical schools. It is a computerised, multiple-choice exam assessing scientific knowledge, sociology concepts, and critical analysis and reasoning.
What is the structure of the MCAT?
The MCAT is divided into four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 59 questions in 95 minutes
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 59 questions in 95 minutes
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour: 59 questions in 95 minutes
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 53 questions in 90 minutes
The test is 6 hours and 15 minutes long, or 7 hours and 30 minutes long if optional breaks are utilised.
What countries will consider me if I sit the MCAT?
The MCAT is used by most U.S. and Canadian medical schools. In the United Kingdom, the only medical school that will accept the MCAT is the University of Chester for its Graduate Entry Medicine (MBChB) course. AUC does not require non-U.S. applicants to sit the MCAT and encourages international applicants to sit the admissions tests offered in their home country.
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
What is the GAMSAT?
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a computerised exam sat by medical school applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree.
What is the structure of the GAMSAT?
There are two main components of the GAMSAT that are sat at two different cycles in the year: the Written Communication Section (taken remotely) and the multiple-choice test (in-person).
Written Communication
This section is taken remotely and is composed of two 30-minute writing tasks. Each task will provide four statements and applicants will choose one for each writing task.
The first task will provide titles relating to sociocultural issues while the second will be based around personal and social issues. Candidates will be marked on the quality of their thinking and their articulation of ideas. Good grammar is expected as a component of a good essay but will not be marked independently.
Multiple-Choice Test
The in-person multiple-choice test is split into two sections: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences, and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences.
The Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences section is composed of 62 questions and candidates will have 100 minutes to complete it (approx. 97 seconds per question).
Candidates are provided with a section of text, a table, or a visual aid and are asked questions based on the stimulus. Themes for questions include ideas surrounding society and culture, and each question will have four answers to choose from.
The Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences section is an assessment of the candidate’s scientific knowledge, of which 40% of the content will relate to chemistry, 40% biology, and 20% physics.
While the test largely relies on problem-solving, the level of difficulty of the questions equates to a first-year undergraduate level in biology and chemistry and a year 12 (age 17) level in physics.
What countries will consider me if I take the GAMSAT?
The GAMSAT is generally used across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. AUC will accept the GAMSAT for international applicants.
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
What is the NEET?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is an admissions test used primarily for medical school admissions in India.
What is the structure of the NEET?
NEET is taken one day each year. The 2024 paper was 3 hours and 20 minutes long and was taken on May 5. Key dates for the NEET exam season are posted on the National Testing Agency (NTA) website each year.
The NTA releases a pattern for the exam that students must familiarise themselves with before sitting for the test. The 2024 test was taken with pen and paper.
There are three sections to the exam: physics, chemistry, and biology. All questions must be attempted to apply for medical school. The topics covered in each section are unpredictable; however, the exam is based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks. During preparation, the most emphasis should be placed on the biology section as there can be twice as many biology questions in the exam than chemistry and physics.
What countries will consider me if I take the NEET?
The NEET is primarily for students wishing to go to medical school in India. Applicants from India wanting to study at AUC can apply with their NEET score and will be considered by AUC.
International medical school applicants can learn more about AUC and review the requirements for admission. When you’re ready, submit an AUC application for admission or upload your AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS, or OMSAS application.
