Why choose a good UCAT test date?
Getting the best possible scores should be the main concern whilst choosing a UCAT exam date. So, how does one ensure peak performance?
Many factors contribute to an impressive UCAT score however our focus is on preparation time only for this article. To secure a place within the top 10% of UCAT students, a preparation period spanning 6 to 8 weeks is essential.
Factoring in this period, from the time UCAT exam dates are available (around 10th July), the most logical timing for the exam lands in late August.
The exception to this rule is the unlikely scenario of early UCAT preparation, as students are usually busy with Year 12 Mock exams from April through July. This leaves only a few weeks in July and August for UCAT preparation. Hence, the tail end of August emerges as the ideal UCAT exam date.
September UCAT?
At this point, you might wonder why not extend the date further into September. The logic behind not doing this is twofold:
1. 🚧 Buffer: The concept of a buffer is integral to this strategy. It's wise to leave some room to reschedule the UCAT exam if needed, an option many are unaware of. The exam can be postponed multiple times, provided there's a 72-hour gap before your set exam date. Do remember that available dates may be limited, especially if you live in a remote location.
2. 😮💨 Competing Priorities: September often brings in school mock exams, personal statement preparations, and possibly other exams such as BMAT. Hence, extending the exam too far into September may not be ideal, given these commitments.
To contextualise this strategy, consider the case of Laiba, a former student. Laiba's initial exam was scheduled for late August (28th), but we chose to postpone her exam three times, given her preparation level, until she finally took it in the second week of September. She scored 3000+.
Keep in mind that the last date for the UCAT exam falls in the last week of September. Thus, a buffer of 3 to 4 weeks serves as a good cushion.
If you've found this post beneficial and are keen on acquiring more insights like this, sign up for a free webinar on how to score within the top 10% on the UCAT exam. Click the link here.
Do the right thing even when it is difficult.
