Post UCAT Discussion Thread 2021

[MyHeadee]

Help me understand this. You're from regional NSW studying in NSW and had scheduled your test for August the 18th in Canberra? Why didn't you book to do the test in Sydney or better still closer to where you are in regional NSW?

The centres in regional areas had testing dates in very early July with very few possible dates. At least, from the location I did mine, iirc, there were no dates in late July or in early August.

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

Believe it or not for some people in regional NSW its easier to get to Canberra than it is Sydney.

EDIT: Somewhere like Goulburn maybe

The centres in regional areas had testing dates in very early July with very few possible dates. At least, from the location I did mine, iirc, there were no dates in late July or in early August.

Do you think that they will miss out altogether?
How many test-takers here are from regional NSW and is currently locked out from travelling into Sydney?

 

[dotwingz]

No, especially because now theyve rebooked into a sydney location and so its PearsonVUEs problem, rather when they were booked into a Canberra one when it was kinda their problem... especially because I dont think there will be any restrictions for people entering sydney... getting back from sydney will be a pain though and will require a 14 day iso

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

I thought everything is controlled by the UCAT ANZ Office Monash, Pearson facilitates it.
Also travellers leaving Sydney returning to Regional NSW will likely face a fine. I heard Police were also checking passengers on the regional trains.

 

[dotwingz]

Yeah?

What I'm saying is that when OP booked it in Canberra and can't get to Canberra, that's not really PearsonVUE's responsibility. It's like your car breaking down or missing the bus... tough luck.

When they booked it in Sydney, because its not likely they will be restricting people from entering Sydney from regional NSW (much different than state borders) Pearson sort of has a responsibility to uphold the exam session.

That's why I think OP will be fine and get their test done. It's just that when they come home they will have to isolate from their family.

 

[MyHeadee]

Do you think that they will miss out altogether?
How many test-takers here are from regional NSW and is currently locked out from travelling into Sydney?

Well from a complete guestimate, i remember on the 1st July (1 of 4 dates total at my test centre I'm pretty sure), there were about 15 people coming out as I was going in, and about the same in my group as the next one, so about 50 all up on the one day. So approximating from my centre, like 200 or so. Keep in mind that this one was the 2nd or 3rd smallest test centre in Aus so the numbers are respectively quite low.

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

NSW Services restricts regional NSW residents travelling into Sydney without a reasonable excuse. It unfortunately does not cover education purposes. It did in early August but not anymore. They have tighten the restrictions. Police presence has increased in major exits. I not being a drama queen here or increasing anyone's anxiety but OP has to check with NSW Services first.
If anyone on the forum knows anything about this, please contribute or correct me if I am wrong.

 

[blugirl18]

Help me understand this. You're from regional NSW studying in NSW and had scheduled your test for August the 18th in Canberra? Why didn't you book to do the test in Sydney or better still closer to where you are in regional NSW?

Canberra was the only available centre at the time...I am halfway between Syd and Canberra and so thought it was the most convenient option. All the other testing centres (orange etc) were already booked out or unavailable.

NSW Services restricts regional NSW residents travelling into Sydney without a reasonable excuse. It unfortunately does not cover education purposes. It did in early August but not anymore. They have tighten the restrictions. Police presence has increased in major exits. I not being a drama queen here or increasing anyone's anxiety but OP has to check with NSW Services first.
If anyone on the forum knows anything about this, please contribute or correct me if I am wrong.

I have had a crazy day... I have rung ACT health, NSW Health, UCAT, Pearson, all who say that I will have to isolate and miss two weeks of school OR not know if I will be granted an exemption until 24hrs before in the case of ACT entry. So I have rebooked for August 31st in Syd (latest date available atm) and hope for changes in restrictions!!!

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

Restrictions are supposed to be lifted/soften after the 28th of August. Hopefully you can travel into Sydney without getting any grief. The best thing to do is to email Pearson VUE and UCAT ANZ Monash detailing your situation. They take about 5 days to reply so if you can do it this evening.

 

[tommy987]

This was my 3rd time sitting the test this year. I have my score from last year in brackets.

VR: 700 (630)
DM: 790 (720)
QR:870 (730)
AR: 870 (720)
Total: 3230 (2800)

Very happy with my result, hoping for a JMP interview.

 

[JeydinNewWon]

Tj

This was my 3rd time sitting the test this year. I have my score from last year in brackets.

VR: 700 (630)
DM: 790 (720)
QR:870 (730)
AR: 870 (720)
Total: 3230 (2800)

Very happy with my result, hoping for a JMP interview.

Third time's the charm as they say! That’s a massive improvement, too! I’m sure you’ll get an interview

 

[Purplefolly]

This was my 3rd time sitting the test this year. I have my score from last year in brackets.

VR: 700 (630)
DM: 790 (720)
QR:870 (730)
AR: 870 (720)
Total: 3230 (2800)

Very happy with my result, hoping for a JMP interview.

Awesome result! Congrats! Can I ask what was the difference in your prep this time around? What would you say was the key to improving your scores?

 

[dzr103]

Results:
VR: 740
DM: 740
QR: 830
AR: 830
Score: 3140
SJ: 612
I'm happy with my score, especially as a high school leaver who is going through the stressful times of Yr 12. I know this is cliche but the only advice I can give to those who struggled is to Keep Practising! Anyways, do you guys think I should be concerned about my SJ score?

 

[numberablaze]

Hi everyone I did my UCAT today i'm not sure how to feel. these were my scores:

VR: 580
DM: 660
QR: 710
AR: 870

Total: 2820

I do not know if I can get into any med school with this score. (Off topic content removed: dedicated what are my chances thread will open in due course as per previous indications from moderators). I am willing to move interstate so any University in Australia is good.

 

[JeydinNewWon]

Results:
VR: 740
DM: 740
QR: 830
AR: 830
Score: 3140
SJ: 612
I'm happy with my score, especially as a high school leaver who is going through the stressful times of Yr 12. I know this is cliche but the only advice I can give to those who struggled is to Keep Practising! Anyways, do you guys think I should be concerned about my SJ score?

Congrats on that UCAT score! You should be very proud especially through all this lockdown stuff (assuming you're from NSW), but even if you aren't, that's still amazing considering Year 12 is quite intense.

SJ isn't really used by most unis, so don't worry about it too much.

 

[LeSpicyGinger]

Hi everyone I did my UCAT today i'm not sure how to feel. these were my scores:

VR: 580
DM: 660
QR: 710
AR: 870

Total: 2820

I do not know if I can get into any med school with this score. Can anyone tell me which universities accept this for a non rural/standard entry school leaver. I am willing to move interstate so any University in Australia is good.

What are your chances threads will open later when the percentiles are actually released. Otherwise, I would recommend looking at the (2020 Updated) Med schools Selection Criteria Y12s & Non-standards thread for any potential ones based off last year's conversions. Griffith and JCU are good starts

 

[Yzzie]

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone could please help me. I am a student in regional NSW outside of the current Sydney hotspots, and had scheduled my UCAT for August 18th in Canberra. However, Canberra has closed their border to my LGA due to COVID sewerage detection back in July. The only way I will be permitted to enter is by being granted an exemption to enter the ACT. Otherwise, I will have to move my test to Sydney and then self-isolate for 14 days (which is definitely not ideal given I am completing Y12 and this is a crucial time for finishing all our content in our courses.)

Has anyone had any experience being granted an exemption to enter the ACT? Or do you have any advice or recommendations for what I should do???

Thank you so much, I am really nervous that I won't be able to sit my UCAT as I have aimed to enter medical school for several years now and would hate all my hard work to be for nothing!!

Hi blugirl18, funnily enough, I'm actually in the exact same situation as you!! I am currently living in regional NSW and had my test booked for Sydney on the 9th of August! After lots of calls and emails back and forth with Pearson, I am sitting the exam online. My best advice is to email [email protected]. Explain you are unable to travel to a lockdown area and if possible to sit the OnVUE exam.

I will be honest with you it's the UCAT UK version, you don't get working out paper (only an online whiteboard that you draw with your mouse) so it will be very different from sitting the regular exam, but it's much better than having to isolate because you have to go into Sydney/ACT!

If you have any questions just shoot me a message

 

[rockyroad531]

This was my 2nd time sitting the test after having done so in 2019 (didn't do it in 2020). I have my score from 2019 in brackets.

VR: 650 (540)
DM: 770 (650)
QR: 710 (710)
AR: 690 (620)
Total: 2820 (2520)

Happy with the improvement given that I winged it in 2019 and studied for approx 3 weeks this year. But as a non-standard applicant (2nd year uni student) I don't think it'll be enough for med / dentistry

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

Hi blugirl18, funnily enough, I'm actually in the exact same situation as you!! I am currently living in regional NSW and had my test booked for Sydney on the 9th of August! After lots of calls and emails back and forth with Pearson, I am sitting the exam online. My best advice is to email [email protected]. Explain you are unable to travel to a lockdown area and if possible to sit the OnVUE exam.

I will be honest with you it's the UCAT UK version, you don't get working out paper (only an online whiteboard that you draw with your mouse) so it will be very different from sitting the regular exam, but it's much better than having to isolate because you have to go into Sydney/ACT!

If you have any questions just shoot me a message

Hi Yzzie, I am wondering if Pearson gave you a date to sit for the UCAT online or you are given a choice of dates. I presume it is proctored or was an invigilator present ? And can your UCAT UK result be used to apply for entry into the Med schools in Australia. I know these could be silly questions but just thought I ask.

 

[Yzzie]

Hi Yzzie, I am wondering if Pearson gave you a date to sit for the UCAT online or you are given a choice of dates. I presume it is proctored or was an invigilator present ? And can your UCAT UK result be used to apply for entry into the Med schools in Australia. I know these could be silly questions but just thought I ask.

Hi Eleanor, all great questions! So I was able to book the exam on the UCAT UK website anytime until the 31st of August, although there were limited times because you're correct it is proctored via video chat and recorded. I am yet to do the exam so will give an update of what it was like online etc, I only found out a few days ago that I'm able to do it online.
The email said my scores will be sent to UCAT ANZ and then made available to me as a conversion, and yeah they will be used to (hopefully) apply for med schools in Australia.