Post UCAT Discussion Thread 2021

[Eleanor Rigby]

This is the number that has been posted on this forum lately:
1800-023-095
(5:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. AEST)

 

[HelpmePls]

Yeah, I called them and was able to reschedule

 

[humptyboy]

Hello, this is my first post everrrrrr woooo - was a bit shy initially but mustered enough confidence to put something up on here, so enjoy lol

Spoiler: Score

Date: 31/7 (Parramatta)
VR - 870
DM - 810
QR - 880
AR - 870
Total - 3430

Thoughts/advice: (a lot has already been said on this forum so I won't bore you by saying the same old)

In general, I think compared to most of the stuff I've seen, my preparation was drastically different. Honestly I think perhaps why some people might not be improving is because they follow some approach that a few ppl who got 3000+ took and expect it'll work for them with the same rate of success. A lot of people might not consider this, but it's my view that understanding yourself and how your brain works is the first step to tackling anything as demanding as the UCAT.

Personally, I found it hard to sit down and grind practice Qs all day. I also think doing this alone is an ineffective method of 'mastering the UCAT' because you're training your brain just to 'get good' at some style of question written by one or two people but this is not representative of the Qs on the actual day!! (I suspect this may be the reason why some unfortunately score lower than their mock averages) - besides, eventually you're gonna hit a brick wall in speed/accuracy and can't improve beyond a certain score, without first tackling your underlying thought process.

If you understand what each sub-section of the test is targeting (you can find this on the official UCAT website), you can tailor your preparation around that in all your daily activities 24/7 (some applications of this I've listed below). 3 out of 4 of the sections end with 'reasoning' for a reason - it's a skill/mindset which I don't believe can be improved quickly by just doing lots of practice.

VR - I know a lot of people find this difficult but for me it came quite naturally thanks to different habits that I've developed over the years which helped with speed reading & comprehension - I've always been a bit of a wikipedia nerd, I also watch interesting debates on politics & religion on YT in my spare time, I also think reading a few chapters of the Bible every night had a huge impact on comprehension/interpretation - the more you read the better.

DM - for me, syllogisms & interpretation Qs were always a bit of a 50/50 for some 'grey' statements (YES/NO options), most of the time I just went with my gut and moved on. I've always loved logical puzzles - doing KenKen and Binary Brainsnack in newspapers from a young age helped boost that part of my brain.

QR - bit annoyed I didn't get 900, for some reason that was a goal of mine cause I love maths but apparently this was the easiest section to score big on.

AR - I kid you not, doing random IQ tests online formed a decent chunk of my preparation for this, surprisingly I found those patterns are quite close to the real ones, in contrast to a lot of the 3rd-party patterns that are ridiculously difficult compared to the real thing.

Finally, it might be a good idea to max out on all your mocks in the week leading up and do one on the actual day to get your brain fired up beforehand. In the same way how you might practice writing essays with a battery on your pen, you might want to actually consider doing 2-3 mocks each day leading up to the exam to build up that mental endurance/focus, so doing just 1 test will seem shorter & easier.

 

[kaylene]

Hello, this is my first post everrrrrr woooo - was a bit shy initially but mustered enough confidence to put something up on here, so enjoy lol

Spoiler: Score

Date: 31/7 (Parramatta)
VR - 870
DM - 810
QR - 880
AR - 870
Total - 3430

Thoughts/advice: (a lot has already been said on this forum so I won't bore you by saying the same old)

In general, I think compared to most of the stuff I've seen, my preparation was drastically different. Honestly I think perhaps why some people might not be improving is because they follow some approach that a few ppl who got 3000+ took and expect it'll work for them with the same rate of success. A lot of people might not consider this, but it's my view that understanding yourself and how your brain works is the first step to tackling anything as demanding as the UCAT.

Personally, I found it hard to sit down and grind practice Qs all day. I also think doing this alone is an ineffective method of 'mastering the UCAT' because you're training your brain just to 'get good' at some style of question written by one or two people but this is not representative of the Qs on the actual day!! (I suspect this may be the reason why some unfortunately score lower than their mock averages) - besides, eventually you're gonna hit a brick wall in speed/accuracy and can't improve beyond a certain score, without first tackling your underlying thought process.

If you understand what each sub-section of the test is targeting (you can find this on the official UCAT website), you can tailor your preparation around that in all your daily activities 24/7 (some applications of this I've listed below). 3 out of 4 of the sections end with 'reasoning' for a reason - it's a skill/mindset which I don't believe can be improved quickly by just doing lots of practice.

VR - I know a lot of people find this difficult but for me it came quite naturally thanks to different habits that I've developed over the years which helped with speed reading & comprehension - I've always been a bit of a wikipedia nerd, I also watch interesting debates on politics & religion on YT in my spare time, I also think reading a few chapters of the Bible every night had a huge impact on comprehension/interpretation - the more you read the better.

DM - for me, syllogisms & interpretation Qs were always a bit of a 50/50 for some 'grey' statements (YES/NO options), most of the time I just went with my gut and moved on. I've always loved logical puzzles - doing KenKen and Binary Brainsnack in newspapers from a young age helped boost that part of my brain.

QR - bit annoyed I didn't get 900, for some reason that was a goal of mine cause I love maths but apparently this was the easiest section to score big on.

AR - I kid you not, doing random IQ tests online formed a decent chunk of my preparation for this, surprisingly I found those patterns are quite close to the real ones, in contrast to a lot of the 3rd-party patterns that are ridiculously difficult compared to the real thing.

Finally, it might be a good idea to max out on all your mocks in the week leading up and do one on the actual day to get your brain fired up beforehand. In the same way how you might practice writing essays with a battery on your pen, you might want to actually consider doing 2-3 mocks each day leading up to the exam to build up that mental endurance/focus, so doing just 1 test will seem shorter & easier.

Congrats! That's such an amazing score, you should be really proud of the work you put in!

 

[A1]

VR - 870
DM - 810
QR - 880
AR - 870

Geezz... looks like your decision making is relatively poor

Other than that, such great scores... congrats.

 

[Blobblab]

Any tips for someone scoring poorly in DM even if it was their best when they started? specially Y/N questions and strongest argument ones how close are they to the official ones and is it good to make a diagram first for y/n or just keep everything in head and then do it? how are the maths yes and nos?

My biggest tip is to have a 'plan of action'. For me it was completing basic syllogisms and syllogisms with data, then the short logic puzzles, then the arguments, then venn diagrams and probability.

I would always skip narrative syllogisms and long tri-variable/positional logic puzzles as they can use a lot of time. I would also skip Venn diagrams that seemed like they would take ages to do. Just find what you're best at and do those first and then do the things you're bad at once you flag and come back to them at the end.

Remember, while practicing, work on the things you're bad at (for me it was logic puzzles and probability along with narrative syllogisms).

 

[FormerLawyer]

Apologies in advance but I need to get this off my chest.

I improved on my overall score from last year by 50 points but I dropped 120 points in VR. Not counting VR, I improved all other sections by 190 points. Had I had the same VR score, I would be in the 90th % for 2020 and pretty much guaranteed an interview at UoN.

In 2020 I got 720 in VR which according to the statistics was an amazing score, but for 2021 UCAT I got 600.

I'm like gobsmacked. VR is usually one of my best sections and I absolutely bombed it today. I don't know what to think. Time just went so fast, I had to guess the last couple and even missed the last 2 to put an answer in.

I'm proud I improved all my other three sections, but I am so disappointed with my VR drop. All this changing schedules because of lockdowns really messed up with my study and like I dunno. Damn it. I'm so down because of this.

 

[mzt103200]

Testing Centre: Pearson Sydney (Bridge St) (07/08/2021)

VR: 630
DM: 700
QR: 830
AR: 720

SJT: 568

Total: 2880

Of course, I'm disappointed, but I'll just have to make do with what I have, and try to increase my chance of receiving an interview offer (I'm just talking about instate unis here), and that is, get a 99.95 ATAR (which is entirely possible, because last year, an 87th percentile received an offer with EAS boosting them to 99.95, and a 76th percentile with EAS also received an invite, though I don't know if that was boosted to 99.95 (to UNSW, that is, WSU is more than likely off limits for me because of my uh tRAgic VR)).

Assuming I get a .95, even if I don't receive an invite from UNSW, at least I'll have a chance at Usyd!

From someone I've asked on MSO, UNSW doesn't have a separate pool for EAS applicants (though I've emailed them to check), so I think 99.95 + around 76-89% percentile could make the cutoff. Nothing will change if I worry about what I've already done, but focussing on what I can do could definitely help, so I encourage everyone who's UCAT score isn't what they wanted to cheer up , and look at what you can actively do to increase your chances!

Notes on prep: Idk i was averaging around 3050 on [some prep place] so not really sure why I didn't do as well, though my heart was like kaboom kaboom the entire exam so maybe nerves?

Notes on the testing centre: The centre was great, no complaints. There were 10 pages of double sided laminated sheets, so plenty to use, though the pens were a bit dodgy. I had to write with the pen at an angle of around 80-90 degrees, cos otherwise it wouldn't work for me.
I arrived at 1pm though my test was at 2pm, so they let me start earlier. Another thing was that I was using the abcd keys to select my answers, but when I used the calculator, those keys didn't work and I had to click on the answer with my mouse.

 

[2xq]

but when I used the calculator, those keys didn't work and I had to click on the answer with my mouse.

Probably cause you didn't click once on the calculator just before using it. Nonetheless, at least you made it through to the other side!

 

[asan_chan]

Apologies in advance but I need to get this off my chest.

I improved on my overall score from last year by 50 points but I dropped 120 points in VR. Not counting VR, I improved all other sections by 190 points. Had I had the same VR score, I would be in the 90th % for 2020 and pretty much guaranteed an interview at UoN.

In 2020 I got 720 in VR which according to the statistics was an amazing score, but for 2021 UCAT I got 600.

I'm like gobsmacked. VR is usually one of my best sections and I absolutely bombed it today. I don't know what to think. Time just went so fast, I had to guess the last couple and even missed the last 2 to put an answer in.

I'm proud I improved all my other three sections, but I am so disappointed with my VR drop. All this changing schedules because of lockdowns really messed up with my study and like I dunno. Damn it. I'm so down because of this.

You should still be proud regardless, that you improved 3/4 sections. Regarding UoN I believe the cut off was around 2960-2980 last year so dont beat yourself up thinking if you had got 90% it may have changed. That may sound cruel but the gist is that its over now and you can only look at the positives. You did great, be proud and keep trying I know if you can get 700 + for VR and improved on the other three if you do it one more time guaranteed 3000 for you

 

[Purplefolly]

Apologies in advance but I need to get this off my chest.

I improved on my overall score from last year by 50 points but I dropped 120 points in VR. Not counting VR, I improved all other sections by 190 points. Had I had the same VR score, I would be in the 90th % for 2020 and pretty much guaranteed an interview at UoN.

In 2020 I got 720 in VR which according to the statistics was an amazing score, but for 2021 UCAT I got 600.

I'm like gobsmacked. VR is usually one of my best sections and I absolutely bombed it today. I don't know what to think. Time just went so fast, I had to guess the last couple and even missed the last 2 to put an answer in.

I'm proud I improved all my other three sections, but I am so disappointed with my VR drop. All this changing schedules because of lockdowns really messed up with my study and like I dunno. Damn it. I'm so down because of this.

I really feel for you. There is an element of luck in the set of questions you get on the day and an element of managing nerves on the day which makes the UCAT score unpredictable for many of us. You are clearly very capable and committed. The improvement in all other sections shows, should you choose to go again, you've got more in the tank. Enjoy some time off doing things you enjoy, re-group and think about how it might look for you going at it again. For each of us, we could do everything 'right' and still not get in.. There is an arbitrariness about it all. Stay strong mate.

 

[asan_chan]

I really feel for you. There is an element of luck in the set of questions you get on the day and an element of managing nerves on the day which makes the UCAT score unpredictable for many of us. You are clearly very capable and committed. The improvement in all other sections shows, should you choose to go again, you've got more in the tank. Enjoy some time off doing things you enjoy, re-group and think about how it might look for you going at it again. For each of us, we could do everything 'right' and still not get in.. There is an arbitrariness about it all. Stay strong mate.

exactly ive known people who got 97% and 99 ATAR and didnt get past the interviews, im sure if you chose to do it next year youll succeed

 

[minecraft4ever]

Testing Centre: PEARSON PROFESSIONAL CENTERS-PARRAMATTA NSW (08/08/2021) (If you saw the guy in the t-shirt with just a huge monkey face that was me)

VR: 700
DM: 760
QR: 800
AR: 860

SJT: 626

Total: 3120

A bit disappointed I didn't get higher on VR which is the section that WSU likes. Otherwise I scored about the same as I did last year. My problem is the interviews which I previously failed

EDIT: WSU formula result is 743.2

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

Apologies in advance but I need to get this off my chest.

I improved on my overall score from last year by 50 points but I dropped 120 points in VR. Not counting VR, I improved all other sections by 190 points. Had I had the same VR score, I would be in the 90th % for 2020 and pretty much guaranteed an interview at UoN.

In 2020 I got 720 in VR which according to the statistics was an amazing score, but for 2021 UCAT I got 600.

I'm like gobsmacked. VR is usually one of my best sections and I absolutely bombed it today. I don't know what to think. Time just went so fast, I had to guess the last couple and even missed the last 2 to put an answer in.

I'm proud I improved all my other three sections, but I am so disappointed with my VR drop. All this changing schedules because of lockdowns really messed up with my study and like I dunno. Damn it. I'm so down because of this.

Hey 'FormerLawyer', Wow! I'm speechless after reading your post at midnight which has since been deleted and coming from a place of honesty then I appreciate your genuinity.
So the system isn't perfect. But can it be improved? I believe that there are processes underway that is making the system fairer.
And as for your VR score, you were probably very cautious when you did it and we all know that it is a race against time. The older you get the more cautious you become.

 

[Purplefolly]

Testing Centre: PEARSON PROFESSIONAL CENTERS-PARRAMATTA NSW (08/08/2021) (If you saw the guy in the t-shirt with just a huge monkey face that was me)

VR: 700
DM: 760
QR: 800
AR: 860

SJT: 626

Total: 3120

A bit disappointed I didn't get higher on VR which is the section that WSU likes. Otherwise I scored about the same as I did last year. My problem is the interviews which I previously failed

An awesome result! Congrats! And I hear what you are saying - in the same boat with VR as WSU is by far my first preference - a case of "so close and yet so far"... Good luck and all the best with the interviews this time around.

 

[; - ;]

Testing Centre: PEARSON PARRAMATTA NSW (08/08/2021)

Scores (Last year)
VR: 720 (700)
DM: 770 (770)
QR: 730 (750)
AR: 770 (610)

SJT: 595 ) (590)

Total: 2990 (2830)
really hoping people didn't pop too much this year ;;
i only did 5 mocks this year for prep despite telling myself I'd try harder so I'm ok with the score but I wish i'd done better on vr - 750+ and dm - 800+ because they were my best sections on my small sample size of mocks lol. I'm amazed at my ar score - got real lucky because i was only getting about 600/650 on the mocks. really praying 90th percentile doesnt change/ is lowered

 

[gudgie]

Testing Centre: Pearson Parra 08.08.2021

Scores
VR: 600
DM: 660
QR: 830
AR: 830

Total: 2920

Somewhat disappointed because I averaged 700-750 in mocks for VR and practised really hard for the section.
I'm a non-standard entry (content removed, what are my chances thread will open after official UCAT percentile release)

 

[borenkar]

I hear the UCAT dates have been extended into September. Does anyone know when is the likely date for percentiles to be out.

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

Btw, UCAT ANZ do release preliminary stats before the official ones. They are pretty good.

 

[Scrivo_72]

Btw, UCAT ANZ do release preliminary stats before the official ones. They are pretty good.

When did the preliminary stats come out last year?