Akash Gandhi

May 22, 20237 min

How To Choose Your UCAT Date: Booking and Choosing the Perfect Exam Date in 2024

Updated: Dec 22, 2023

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Your UCAT Test Date

Choosing the right UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) date can significantly impact your chances of success in the medical school admissions process or the dental school admissions process.

With so many factors to consider - from preparation time to medical work experience and other commitments - it's no wonder that many students find this decision daunting.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process and choose the best UCAT date for you as part of your UCAT registration in 2024.

Use this guide alongside our UCAT Registration Guide and UCAT preparation guide to help maximise your revision.

👉🏼 Read more: Step-by-Step UCAT Registration Guide in 2024

Understanding the UCAT Timeline and Important Dates

The UCAT is available to be taken from the 10th of July to the 28th of September 2023.

This test forms an integral part of the medical school admissions process in the UK, as universities consider your UCAT score alongside your academic grades, medicine personal statement, and other pertinent factors.

Having an understanding of this timeline is crucial to your strategic planning and preparation. Make sure to learn more about how universities use the UCAT in their admissions process to help you focus your efforts accordingly.

👉🏼 Read more: Ultimate UCAT Guide 2024

Prioritise Your Preparation Time

Adequate preparation is key to a high UCAT score. The best way to ensure you're ready for the test is to start preparing as early as possible - ideally, several months ahead of your chosen test date.

By beginning your preparation early, you'll have ample time to familiarise yourself with the test structure, get comfortable with the types of questions asked, and build up your test-taking speed and stamina.

Aim to set aside a dedicated 'revision period' of 2-3 weeks leading up to your UCAT date, during which you can focus solely on UCAT prep. You can discover effective UCAT preparation methods to aid you in your journey.

👉🏼 Read more: Top Tips for UCAT Preparation in 2024

Choose Your UCAT Date and Time Carefully

Selecting your UCAT date is more than just picking a day when you're free - it involves strategic planning and consideration of multiple factors. Here are some points to take into account:

School holidays: The best time to schedule your UCAT testing date is towards the end of your school holidays. This approach allows you to prepare intensively in the weeks leading up to the test and ensures you have time to rest and recuperate before your school term starts.
Other activities: Part-time work, volunteering, extracurricular activities, and travel plans can all impact your availability and energy levels. When planning your UCAT date, ensure you've factored in these commitments to prevent any clashes that could disrupt your preparation or performance.
School exams and assessments: Schedule your UCAT so that it doesn't coincide with or immediately follow other important academic events. The mental effort required for these activities could detract from your UCAT performance.

Also, consider which UCAT testing time would work best for you. Some students perform better in the morning, while others prefer the afternoon. Factor in considerations like travel time to the test centre and typical meal times.

You can register for your preferred UCAT test date and time at your convenience.

👉🏼 Read more: Understanding How Universities Use the UCAT

Consider Taking the UCAT in August

The best time to take your UCAT exam is at the end of August before you start school. We recommend taking the UCAT in August.

Choosing to sit the UCAT in August can be a strategic move with several advantages:

Focused preparation: The summer holidays provide an uninterrupted stretch of time where you can focus solely on UCAT prep without the added stress of schoolwork or other aspects of your medical school application.
BMAT preparation time: If you're planning to take the BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) as well, which typically occurs in early November, taking your UCAT in August leaves you with ample time to switch gears and focus on BMAT preparation.
Time for finalising your application: Even if you are not taking the BMAT, completing the UCAT in August leaves you with the rest of September to finalise other components of your medical school application, such as your medicine personal statement or dentistry personal statement. Having the UCAT out of the way earlier in the application cycle allows you to dedicate more attention and effort to these crucial elements, ensuring a strong and polished application.
Score availability and university selection: By taking the UCAT in August, you will receive your score immediately after the test. This early score release gives you more time to carefully evaluate your performance and consider suitable medical or dental schools based on your UCAT score. It enables you to make informed decisions about where to apply and can guide you in setting realistic expectations for your application.

👉🏼 Read more: Understanding How Universities Use the UCAT

👉🏼 Read more: Avoiding UCAT Burnout

Consider Leaving Some Buffer Time After The UCAT

While you want to avoid leaving your UCAT preparation until the last minute, it's also worth considering the advantages of not booking the earliest possible test date.

If you give yourself extra time, you'll have a buffer period to accommodate any unexpected obstacles or challenges that might arise during your UCAT preparation. Every year we hear of technical issues that blight the UCAT test experience of many students; having time after to resit it will be advantageous if this happens to you.

You also have the opportunity to learn from other students' experiences who have already taken the test in the current testing window.

Remember, however, not to push your test date too late, as this could lead to unnecessary stress and might not give you enough time to reflect on and learn from your UCAT experience before diving into other aspects of your medical school application process.

Be Proactive About Booking

Test slots fill up quickly - particularly for popular times and dates. As such, it's essential to book your UCAT date as soon as you've made your decision. This way, you'll have the best chance of securing your preferred test date and time.

We always recommend booking on June 20th 2023 when UCAT registration opens in 2024.

Conclusion

Choosing your UCAT date involves carefully considering your circumstances, preparation strategy, and other commitments. Keep these factors in mind and make an informed decision that best sets you up for success.

Remember, the key is to plan ahead and start your UCAT preparation early - this way, you can approach your UCAT test day with confidence.

Best of luck in your UCAT journey!

Frequently Asked Questions about UCAT Test Dates

How far in advance should I start preparing for the UCAT?

It is recommended to start preparing for the UCAT several months before the test. By beginning your preparation early, you can thoroughly cover all the required material, practice extensively, and build confidence in your abilities. Aim to have 2-3 weeks free before your UCAT date to focus solely on your test preparation.

👉🏼 Contact our team if you need any help with the UCAT👉🏼 Contact our team if you need any help with the UCAT

When is the best time to take the UCAT for optimal preparation?

The ideal time to take the UCAT is when you have ample time to prepare and minimal distractions. Many students find taking the test in August advantageous as it allows them to dedicate their summer holidays solely to UCAT preparation. It also provides an opportunity to focus on other aspects of the application, such as BMAT, if applicable.

Can I reschedule my UCAT test date if needed?

Yes, you can reschedule your UCAT test date if necessary. You can easily make changes to your test date via your Pearson VUE web account until September 22nd. However, after this date, you will need to contact Pearson VUE customer services to request a rescheduling.

How do I choose the best UCAT test date that suits my schedule?

To select the optimal UCAT test date, consider various factors such as school holidays, part-time work, volunteering commitments, extracurricular activities, travel plans, and school exams or assessments. Avoid scheduling the UCAT too close to other significant commitments or exams. It's important to ensure you have enough time for adequate preparation and minimise stress.

👉🏼 Read more: UCAT Scores and Scoring System

Should I take the UCAT early or later in the testing period?

While taking the UCAT early in the testing period, such as in August, can offer advantages like more preparation time during the summer holidays and the ability to select suitable medical or dental schools based on your UCAT score, it ultimately depends on personal preference and circumstances. Choose a test date that provides sufficient preparation time and doesn't conflict with other commitments.

👉🏼 Read more: Guide to UCAT Verbal Reasoning

👉🏼 Read more: Conquering UCAT Abstract Reasoning

👉🏼 Read more: Tips for UCAT Decision Making

👉🏼 Read more: UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Guide

Is there a specific deadline for taking the UCAT?

The UCAT testing period typically ends in late September, with the last test date set for September 28th for the 2023 testing cycle. However, it is advisable to leave a buffer period of 2-3 weeks before the end of the testing period to account for any unforeseen circumstances or the need to reschedule.

Can I retake the UCAT within the same testing cycle to improve my score?

No, you can only take the UCAT once per testing cycle. If you are not satisfied with your score and wish to improve it, you will need to wait for the next testing cycle to retake the exam.

👉🏼 Read more: Understanding UCAT Deciles

What resources are available to help me prepare for the UCAT?

There are several resources available to aid in UCAT preparation, including online forums, textbooks, tutoring services, and dedicated UCAT practice questions. Utilising these resources can enhance your understanding of the test format and content, improve your skills, and boost your overall performance.