Firstly, well done on getting this far! By now, you have done enough UCAT preparation and completed your UCAT Registration, but what about the environment on test day? This was a question I had before my UCAT that, if answered, could have made the experience slightly less stressful.
The atmosphere throughout the UCAT can influence how well you perform, regardless of the amount of preparation for the 5 sections - so it is crucial to have an understanding of what the UCAT will feel like.
Below, I’ve shared some helpful tips for your UCAT test day - remember, you can never be too prepared!
Feeling like you need more preparation? Check out the helpful UCAT guides below, or click here to book a free consultation with a UCAT expert!
1) How to Plan Your Journey to the UCAT Test Centre: Essential Tips
Hopefully, by now, you know how you will get to your UCAT test centre - but if not, now is an excellent time to look it up!
The UCAT is administered by Pearson VUE at their testing centres around the UK. Make sure you know the location of your testing centre and plan to arrive at least 15 (but ideally 30) minutes before your scheduled test time.
If you are taking public transport, remember to plan. Check if there are delays or planned procedures on train/bus lines, and always remember to leave early - again, better early than late!
Arrive at your test centre 15 minutes before your slot to be checked in, so factor this into our travel time.
Haven’t registered yet? Wondering when is best to take the UCAT? Click here for advice on when and how to book your UCAT test!
👉🏼 Read more: Ultimate UCAT Guide 2023
2. Early Check-in at Pearson Vue: What You Need for UCAT Test Centre Arrival
On arrival at the test centre, you must remember to have a form of photo ID with you. This can be:
A driver’s licence (full or provisional)
Your passport (accepted at any test centre)*
EU identity cards (in EU countries)
Government-issued identity cards from a non-EU country (in the country of issue)
*Would highly recommend it just because it is accepted at all test centres! And for peace of mind on the day.
Once you walk into the test centre, your photo ID will be checked, and a staff member will take a digital photo of you.
While waiting for your slot, you will need to read the Official UCAT Test Centre exam rules and sign, agreeing to adhere to them.
All your belongings, such as your phone and jacket will need to be put away in a designated locker, the key of which you will take into the test.
During this time, it is normal to feel quite nervous, but remember that you have done enough - remain calm and confident!
Remember: food and drink, including water, are not permitted in the test area - so must also be left in the locker. It’s important to have some food before the test, as it can be quite draining and preserving your energy throughout is important!
Drinking water is also essential to good performance, but remember not to drink too much. Taking bathroom breaks is permitted, but the clock doesn’t stop, so is not recommended.
👉🏼 Read more: Top Tips for UCAT Preparation in 2023
3. Navigating Pearson Vue: How to Get Comfortable Before Your UCAT Exam
A member of staff will provide you with a whiteboard and a whiteboard pen for your test, which you should be familiar with from your practice UCAT sessions.
Make sure that the whiteboard pen is working - any problems, you should immediately notify a staff member.
Here is how you can use the UCAT whiteboard:
UCAT Quantitative Reasoning: Jot down numbers for complex problems
UCAT Abstract Reasoning: Note shortcuts to remember patterns
UCAT Decision Making: Sketch diagrams and write down math steps
Need another notebook? Just raise your hand to ask. Make sure your pen works before starting, so you don't have to stop later to get it fixed.
If you run out of space on the whiteboard, raise your hand and ask for another.
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings. When sitting on my UCAT, I found that there was limited space on the table for my whiteboard, so I moved my computer and keyboard slightly to make this easier for myself.
This is your test, and making the station more comfortable puts you in the best position to score highly.
👉🏼 Read more: Guide to UCAT Verbal Reasoning
👉🏼 Read more: 13 Key UCAT Verbal Reasoning Tips
👉🏼 Read more: Understanding How Universities Use the UCAT
👉🏼 Read more: UCAT Score Calculator 2023
4. Starting Your UCAT Exam: Tips for a Smooth Commencement
The test does not commence until you click start, so take a few minutes to get adjusted, take a deep breath and begin your first section.
Being in a new environment is daunting, but remember that everyone is in the same position, and by reading this article you're preparing yourself even more!
It is important to know that other candidates around you will be starting and ending the test at different times too, so there can be some disruption as they leave their desks or enter the testing room.
The exam is divided into five sections: UCAT Verbal Reasoning, UCAT Decision-Making, Quantitative Reasoning, UCAT Abstract Reasoning, UCAT Situational Judgement Test
The noise can be reduced by asking for some earplugs from a staff member, with some test centres providing them already.
5. What Happens After the UCAT Exam: Immediate Steps and Receiving Your Results
Enjoy the feeling of walking out of the test room - you’ve done it!
Once you collect your belongings from your locker, a staff member will print out your UCAT results and you will receive your UCAT score there and then. This can feel quite abrupt, but try to remain calm - you have done the tricky bit!
Remember that your UCAT score is only a part of your application, and completing it is a step in the right direction, so congratulate yourself no matter the result.
Wondering what happens after finishing the UCAT? Check out our UCAT score calculator to find out what your score means to each UCAT university in the UK!
👉🏼 Read more: Understanding How Universities Use the UCAT
👉🏼 Read more: Understanding UCAT Deciles
6. How to Handle Issues on UCAT Test Day: Immediate Solutions
If you encounter any problems on the test day, you must let a staff member know on the same day. If you raise an issue about the test after it has been completed, the request is not normally considered - so remember to act on it immediately.
Issues are only investigated if they are:
A technical problem relating to the computer
Disruption by another candidate, or noise in the test centre*
Issues relating to the content of the sections
Interruptions such as a fire alarm
*Noise such as typing, people entering and leaving the room, or staff members helping other candidates are not accepted as a disturbance.
If you feel as though your issue during the test was not sufficiently dealt with, you can obtain an incident case number on the same day. Using this number, the issue can be investigated by Pearson VUE by filling out an incident investigation request form, available on the Official UCAT website. It is advisable to fill out this form as soon as possible after the test date - usually within 5 days.
👉🏼 Read more: Avoiding UCAT Burnout
👉🏼 Read more: UCAT Scores and Scoring System
Top Mistakes to Avoid on UCAT Test Day: A Comprehensive Guide
To help you prepare for test day, here are a few common mistakes that people make and how to avoid them:
Forgetting to bring a valid government-issued ID: You won't be allowed to take the UCAT without valid identification, so make sure you bring a passport or driver's license with you to the testing centre.
Arriving late to the testing centre: Make sure you know the location of your testing centre and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test.
Bringing prohibited items into the testing room: You're not allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room, so make sure you put away all phones, bags, and other belongings before you enter.
Not following the instructions of the invigilator: The invigilator will give you instructions throughout the test, so make sure you listen carefully and follow them. If you don't, you may be disqualified from the UCAT.
Not Warming Up for Verbal Reasoning on UCAT Test Day - Jumping into the Verbal Reasoning section without a prior warm-up can be challenging. Your brain may take some time to adjust to the quick reading and comprehension tasks. To hit the ground running, we recommend dedicating about 20 minutes to Verbal Reasoning practice before heading to the test centre. This pre-exam warm-up ensures that you're mentally prepared and accustomed to the reading pace, helping you perform better right from the start.
👉🏼 Read more: Step-by-Step UCAT Registration Guide in 2023
Optimal Nutrition for UCAT Test Day: What to Eat and Drink
Getting ready for the UCAT? Your food choices matter. Go for foods that give you steady energy, known as low-GI foods. These are good for both your UCAT study time and the test day itself.
Stick to a mix of proteins and complex carbs. Think chicken, beans, whole-grain rice, or oatmeal. Try to eat these foods at the same test time a few weeks before to see how you feel.
Avoid too much caffeine and sugar, especially if you're not used to them. They can make you anxious and mess up your energy levels. These aren't suitable substitutes for sleep and balanced meals.
Remember, you can't eat or drink in the UCAT test room. So, eat a good meal and drink enough water before you go. But don't drink too much water; you don't want to waste time on bathroom breaks.
If you have special needs, you might get extra time or breaks. Check the UCAT Access Arrangements and UCATSEN for more info.
By following these simple UCAT test day tips, you'll be better prepared to do your best on the exam.
Managing UCAT Anxiety & Nerves: A Focused Approach
Anxiety can be a significant roadblock on your UCAT journey, and it's not just about "being nervous."
It can manifest in very specific ways, such as shaky hands that make it difficult to jot down quick notes on your whiteboard, or a racing mind that makes you second-guess every answer you select.
One targeted approach to manage UCAT-specific anxiety is to simulate the exact conditions of the test a few times before the actual day.
For instance, this could be doing a mock at the same time as your exam in the days preceding the mock.
If you know that the ticking timer on the screen triggers your anxiety, practice with it prominently displayed. If the thought of the Verbal Reasoning section makes your heart race, start your practice sessions with that section to desensitise yourself.
On the day of the test, arrive early to acclimate to the test environment. Take deep, measured breaths before hitting the 'Start' button, focusing on exhaling completely to activate your body's relaxation response.
This isn't generic advice; it's a tactical plan to desensitize yourself to the specific stressors of the UCAT.
UCAT Test Day FAQs: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. What should I bring to the UCAT test centre?
You should bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. No food, drink, or personal items are allowed in the test room. These must be stored in a designated locker at the test centre.
2. How early should I arrive at the UCAT test centre?
It's recommended to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. This allows you enough time to check in and get settled before the test begins.
3. Can I bring food or drink into the UCAT test room?
No, food and drink are not permitted in the test room. Ensure you eat a balanced meal and hydrate adequately before arriving at the test centre.
4. What is the format of the UCAT exam?
The UCAT exam is divided into five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgment.
5. How can I prepare for the Verbal Reasoning section on the day of the UCAT?
To prepare for Verbal Reasoning, it's advisable to do about 20 minutes of practice before heading to the test centre. This helps you get used to the reading pace and comprehension tasks.
6. What should I do if I encounter a problem during the UCAT test?
If you face any issues during the test, such as technical glitches or disturbances, inform a staff member immediately. Issues raised after the test is completed are generally not considered.
7. Are there any special accommodations for test-takers with disabilities?
Yes, if you have a disability, learning difficulty, or long-term medical condition, you may be eligible for special accommodations like extra time or rest breaks. Check the UCAT Access Arrangements and UCATSEN for more information.
8. How soon will I receive my UCAT results?
You will receive your UCAT results immediately after completing the test. A staff member will print out your UCAT score at the test centre.
⭐️ Check out our other UCAT articles:
👉🏼 UCAT Deciles
👉🏼 UCAT ANZ
👉🏼 UCAT Courses
