UMAT:
The exam is entirely multiple choice. Each Section is separately timed and there are no rest breaks between Sections.
Section 1: Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving
Number of questions: 48
Time in minutes: 70
Focus of Tuition:
> Build familiarity with popular literary works and the interpretation of language/statements.
> Troubleshoot worded logic and reasoning passages which amalgamate multiple streams of ideas.
> Develop a cohesive set of interpretation methods to efficiently deconstruct embedded logic
Section 2: Understanding People
Number of questions: 44
Time in minutes: 55
Focus of Tuition:
> Improve the diplomacy and tactifulness of responses to empathy-related questions.
> Ensure that responses correspond with the underlying codes adopted by the AMA.
> Adopt expectations management and conflict/dispute resolution techniques in patient interactions.
Section 3: Non-verbal Reasoning
Number of questions: 42
Time in minutes: 55
Focus of Tuition:
> Develop insight into intrinsic rates of change and 'moments'.
> Effective and efficacious application of the 3/2 method in picking the middle.
> Using the concept of vectors to deduce direction and magnitude of spatial transitions.
This gives the candidate a general idea as to how much time they have to devote to each question. The manner of responses is designed such that a combination of process of elimination and logical induction/deduction is required to arrive at the most optimal solution. Our sessions are structured in a manner that teaches the candidate a diverse set of shorthands and shortcuts which can be applied to minimise the time and effort otherwise required to debug each type of question.
The following items are taken into consideration for candidates applying towards an undergraduate degree in medicine:
* ATAR Score (generally greater than 98.00 is quintessential if not higher)
* UMAT Score (At least the 90th percentile if not higher is preferred by most tertiary institutions)
* Interview (used to gauge personal qualities other than intellect eg. ethics, morals, belief systems, communication skills et al.)
* Extra-Curricular participation (volunteerism, pioneering, demonstration of initiative and leadership)
N.B: With regards to the UMAT score, some universities weigh this component more than others. For example, Flinders in townsville (QLD) does not take the UMAT into account at all and the all private Bond University under-weighs the UMAT relative to most other institutions that offer undergraduate medicine. As these requirements change over time and across different institutions, it is essential that candidates visit their respective websites on a regular basis in order to remain informed of their standing obligations with respect to their applications.
GAMSAT:
Section I Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences (100 mins)
75 questions which cover a diverse array of topics derived from history, sociology and the arts and humanities. This tests skills in the interpretation and understanding of ideas in social and cultural contexts. Different texts are used as stimulus, including passages of personal, imaginative and argumentative writing. Familiarity with classical works of art is not required though advantageous.
Section II Written Communication (60 mins)
Two essay pieces based on a combination of prescribed topic sentences to assess written communication. Written style is a combination of expository and persuasive with emphasis on the former. Consideration is given to both quantity and quality. Although examiners stress on the latter, typical essay length is 800 words (1600 for both pieces).
Section III Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences (170 mins)
Covers undergraduate biology, chemistry and physics. Although chemistry and physics is foundation level only, biology will carry more extensive coverage: cells and micro-organisms, flora and fauna, viruses, ecology, evolution.
The GAMSAT (conducted by ACER) is held annually in late March for Australian graduates holding a permissible bachelor's degree. It is not a knowledge based test; rather, the focus is on the student's ability to apply reason and logic to reach a definitive conclusion for a given set of stimuli. Needless to say, the GAMSAT is an incredibly challenging set of exams that is designed to cull the body of applicants so as to minimise the number of successful candidates down to the utmost cream of the crop. Marking criteria is rigid and failure to meet the benchmark requirement in any one of the sections will result in automatic failure.
The nature of our preparatory material and tutelage is designed to enable students to gain confidence with their approach towards analysing and deducing conclusions from written material given the context of both the question and the stimulus. In relation to essay writing skills, we focus on depth and breadth of original thought. Although easier said than done, we pride ourselves in teaching potential candidates the techniques which lead towards (1) quality of thought and content and (2) succinctness of organisation and expression. Key skills taught include: differentiating between fact and opinion, evidence-based argument, identifying logical fallacies, eloquence of written expression, use of sophisticated persuasive techniques and concept nodes.
The third portion of the GAMSAT past papers which deals with the biological and physical sciences are very hard to study due to the wide range of topics involved. Exams taken as early as 2005 are available for discussion and debugging. Most of the topics involving biology are usually taken from a certain area which could either be cell biology, genetics, zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology or botany. Since the items included in the actual exam is limited, the examiner would only take questions from three to four subject areas. We will discuss and demonstrate the range of topics which have been included in the past papers to develop familiarity.
