Understanding both tests, which schools require which, and why sitting both maximises your options
If you're applying to graduate entry medicine, you'll encounter two main admissions tests: the UCAT and the GAMSAT. Most GEM programmes require the UCAT, but several important programmes require the GAMSAT instead.
The strategic advice is clear: sit both exams. Here's why, and how to prepare for each.
GEM applicants who only sit one exam are hugely limiting their potential applications. By sitting both UCAT and GAMSAT, you can apply to all 24 GEM programmes and use whichever score is stronger when making your final university choices.
| Factor | UCAT | GAMSAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | University Clinical Aptitude Test | Graduate Medical School Admissions Test |
| Test length | ~2 hours | 5.5 hours (full day) |
| Sections | 3 cognitive + SJT (from 2025) | 3 sections |
| Content | Verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative | Reasoning, essays, science |
| Science knowledge | Not required | Required (Section 3) |
| Essay writing | None | Yes (Section 2) |
| When sat | July-September | March (results in May) |
| Score validity | One year | Two years |
| Cost (UK) | ~£75 | ~£302 |
| GEM programmes | ~10 programmes | 8+ programmes (+ 5-year routes) |
These standard-length courses use GAMSAT and accept graduates:
Don't overlook GAMSAT schools: There are actually more GAMSAT options than many applicants realise. If you only sit the UCAT, you're excluding yourself from excellent programmes including Nottingham, Swansea, ScotGEM, Surrey, and several 5-year routes.
The UCAT is a ~2-hour computer-based test that assesses cognitive abilities and professional behaviours. It does not require scientific knowledge.
2025 Change: From 2025, the UCAT removed Abstract Reasoning. The test now has 3 cognitive sections with a maximum score of 2700 (previously 4 sections, max 3600). This is a significant change that affects how you interpret score thresholds.
Cognitive scores range from 900 to 2700 (total of first three sections). The average score is typically around 1850-1900. Competitive scores for GEM programmes are generally 2000+, though this varies by school. SJT is scored separately in Bands 1-4; Band 4 may exclude you from some schools.
The GAMSAT is a 5.5-hour test designed specifically for graduate applicants. It includes essay writing and requires scientific knowledge at approximately first-year university level.
Each section is scored 1-100. The overall score is a weighted average: (Section 1 + Section 2 + 2 × Section 3) ÷ 4. This means Section 3 (science) is worth double.
Competitive scores are typically 60+, though requirements vary by school and year.
If you don't have a science background: GAMSAT Section 3 covers university-level biology, chemistry, and physics. If your degree is in humanities or social sciences, you'll need to dedicate significant time to learning this content. Start early.
With only four UCAS choices for medicine, you want the widest possible range of schools to choose from. Sitting both exams gives you access to all 24 GEM programmes.
You might discover you're stronger at one test than the other. If your GAMSAT is excellent but your UCAT is average, you can weight your applications toward GAMSAT schools.
Test day nerves, illness, or a bad day can affect your performance. Having both scores provides insurance.
The tests measure different things. UCAT emphasises speed and pattern recognition; GAMSAT emphasises scientific reasoning and written communication. Your strengths may align better with one than the other.
The challenge is that UCAT (July-September) and GAMSAT (March) are in the same application cycle, which can mean overlapping preparation.
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| October-February | GAMSAT preparation (especially Section 3 science content) |
| March | Sit GAMSAT |
| April-May | Rest, then begin UCAT preparation |
| May (results) | Receive GAMSAT results |
| June-August | Intensive UCAT preparation |
| July-September | Sit UCAT |
| September | Receive UCAT results, finalise UCAS choices |
| October | Submit UCAS application |
Space out your preparation: Preparing for a September UCAT AND the March GAMSAT simultaneously is stressful and often leads to burnout. Start GAMSAT preparation early (autumn), sit it in March, then switch focus to UCAT for the summer.
That said, the advice remains: sit both and use whichever score is stronger.
Future Doc's 1-on-1 programmes include comprehensive preparation for both UCAT and GAMSAT, helping you maximise your scores and build a strategic application. 50% of our students are graduate applicants.
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