Succeeding in the 2008 UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

292 Pages·2008·0.61 MB·English

by  Matt Green

Contents
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1 Introduction to the UKCAT
Chapter 2 Succeeding in the UKCAT
Chapter 3 The Verbal Reasoning Subtest
Chapter 4 The Quantitative Reasoning Subtest
Chapter 5 The Abstract Reasoning Subtest
Chapter 6 The Decision Analysis Subtest
Chapter 7 The Non-Cognitive Analysis Subtest
Chapter 8 Entire Mock UKCAT Exam
Chapter 9 Closing Thoughts
Succeeding in the 2008 Succeeding in the 2008
UK Clinical Aptitude Test UK Clinical Aptitude Test
(UKCAT) (UKCAT)
Matt Green, BSc, MPhil Matt Green, BSc, MPhil
Jemini Jethwa, BSc, MSc Jemini Jethwa, BSc, MSc
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228833 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228833 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077
Succeeding in the 2008 Succeeding in the 2008
UK Clinical Aptitude Test UK Clinical Aptitude Test
(UKCAT) (UKCAT)
Matt Green, BSc, MPhil Matt Green, BSc, MPhil
Jemini Jethwa, BSc, MSc Jemini Jethwa, BSc, MSc
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228833 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228833 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077
© 2008 Apply2 Ltd.
Digital Edition converted and distributed in 2011
by Andrews UK Limited
www.andrewsuk.com
All rights reserved. Purchasers of this book are
instructed that they can only use this guide for
the sole purpose of their UKCAT exam and are
prohibited from redistributing this book or any
part thereof. This book cannot be reproduced in
full or in part without the express written consent
of Apply2 Ltd.
Apply2 Ltd recommend that you consult the
UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) website
and University websites for information relating
to guidance on the UKCAT exam. The views
expressed in this book are those of Apply2 Ltd
and not those of the UKCAT Consortium. Apply2
Ltd are in no way associated with UKCAT.
The contents of this book are intended as a
guide only and although every effort has been
made to ensure that the contents of this book are
correct, Apply2 Ltd cannot be held responsible
for the outcome of any loss or damage that
arises through the use of this guide. Readers are
advised to seek independent advice regarding
their UKCAT exam together with consulting the
institutions the reader intends to apply to.
Testimonials from Previous Prospective Testimonials from Previous Prospective
Medical Students Medical Students
‘I found the guide really helpful and actually being able ‘I found the guide really helpful and actually being able
to practice the questions with the mock test really helped to practice the questions with the mock test really helped
improved my confi dence’ improved my confi dence’
LS, Fife LS, Fife
‘Thanks for all your help – the guide was excellent and ‘Thanks for all your help – the guide was excellent and
would recommend it to anyone’ would recommend it to anyone’
ND, Norwich ND, Norwich
‘I was really panicking about my UKCAT but your guide ‘I was really panicking about my UKCAT but your guide
helped me prepare so that when I did the exam I was helped me prepare so that when I did the exam I was
relaxed and knew what to expect – thankyou!’ relaxed and knew what to expect – thankyou!’
PM, London PM, London
‘Brilliant – No – Excellent guide. Would highly ‘Brilliant – No – Excellent guide. Would highly
recommend it to anyone who wants to do well in their recommend it to anyone who wants to do well in their
UKCAT’ UKCAT’
CP, Nottingham CP, Nottingham
‘Sat the UKCAT last week and I have to say that if I had ‘Sat the UKCAT last week and I have to say that if I had
not worked through your guide I would not have done not worked through your guide I would not have done
nearly as well – will let you know my result when I get nearly as well – will let you know my result when I get
it’ it’
MT, Cornwall MT, Cornwall
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228855 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228855 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077
Testimonials from Previous Prospective Testimonials from Previous Prospective
Medical Students Medical Students
‘I found the guide really helpful and actually being able ‘I found the guide really helpful and actually being able
to practice the questions with the mock test really helped to practice the questions with the mock test really helped
improved my confi dence’ improved my confi dence’
LS, Fife LS, Fife
‘Thanks for all your help – the guide was excellent and ‘Thanks for all your help – the guide was excellent and
would recommend it to anyone’ would recommend it to anyone’
ND, Norwich ND, Norwich
‘I was really panicking about my UKCAT but your guide ‘I was really panicking about my UKCAT but your guide
helped me prepare so that when I did the exam I was helped me prepare so that when I did the exam I was
relaxed and knew what to expect – thankyou!’ relaxed and knew what to expect – thankyou!’
PM, London PM, London
‘Brilliant – No – Excellent guide. Would highly ‘Brilliant – No – Excellent guide. Would highly
recommend it to anyone who wants to do well in their recommend it to anyone who wants to do well in their
UKCAT’ UKCAT’
CP, Nottingham CP, Nottingham
‘Sat the UKCAT last week and I have to say that if I had ‘Sat the UKCAT last week and I have to say that if I had
not worked through your guide I would not have done not worked through your guide I would not have done
nearly as well – will let you know my result when I get nearly as well – will let you know my result when I get
it’ it’
MT, Cornwall MT, Cornwall
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228855 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 228855 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0077
About the Authors About the Authors
Matt Green, BSc (Hons), MPhil Matt Green, BSc (Hons), MPhil
After completing his BSc in Biochemistry Matt went on After completing his BSc in Biochemistry Matt went on
to complete an MPhil at the Royal Marsden Hospital to complete an MPhil at the Royal Marsden Hospital
in London. This involved working closely with medical in London. This involved working closely with medical
professionals on a number of projects developing novel professionals on a number of projects developing novel
drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. After setting drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. After setting
up a private tuition service in 2004, Matt went on to up a private tuition service in 2004, Matt went on to
found Apply2Medicine in 2005, and has been working found Apply2Medicine in 2005, and has been working
to help prospective medical and dental students secure to help prospective medical and dental students secure
their fi rst choice University place for the last four their fi rst choice University place for the last four
years. years.
Jemini Jethwa, BSc (Hons), MSc Jemini Jethwa, BSc (Hons), MSc
After completing a BSc in Human Psychology, Jemini After completing a BSc in Human Psychology, Jemini
went on to complete an MSc in Occupational Psychology went on to complete an MSc in Occupational Psychology
at the University of Nottingham. Following extensive at the University of Nottingham. Following extensive
experience of compiling psychometric and aptitude experience of compiling psychometric and aptitude
tests over the course of her Masters degree, Jemini has tests over the course of her Masters degree, Jemini has
been helping prospective medical and dentistry school been helping prospective medical and dentistry school
students revise for the UKCAT since April 2007. students revise for the UKCAT since April 2007.
vi vi
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229900 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0088 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229900 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0088
About the Authors About the Authors
Matt Green, BSc (Hons), MPhil Matt Green, BSc (Hons), MPhil
After completing his BSc in Biochemistry Matt went on After completing his BSc in Biochemistry Matt went on
to complete an MPhil at the Royal Marsden Hospital to complete an MPhil at the Royal Marsden Hospital
in London. This involved working closely with medical in London. This involved working closely with medical
professionals on a number of projects developing novel professionals on a number of projects developing novel
drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. After setting drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. After setting
up a private tuition service in 2004, Matt went on to up a private tuition service in 2004, Matt went on to
found Apply2Medicine in 2005, and has been working found Apply2Medicine in 2005, and has been working
to help prospective medical and dental students secure to help prospective medical and dental students secure
their fi rst choice University place for the last four their fi rst choice University place for the last four
years. years.
Jemini Jethwa, BSc (Hons), MSc Jemini Jethwa, BSc (Hons), MSc
After completing a BSc in Human Psychology, Jemini After completing a BSc in Human Psychology, Jemini
went on to complete an MSc in Occupational Psychology went on to complete an MSc in Occupational Psychology
at the University of Nottingham. Following extensive at the University of Nottingham. Following extensive
experience of compiling psychometric and aptitude experience of compiling psychometric and aptitude
tests over the course of her Masters degree, Jemini has tests over the course of her Masters degree, Jemini has
been helping prospective medical and dentistry school been helping prospective medical and dentistry school
students revise for the UKCAT since April 2007. students revise for the UKCAT since April 2007.
vi vi
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229900 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0088 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229900 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0088
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all those who provided such We would like to thank all those who provided such
valuable feedback in relation to our UKCAT revision valuable feedback in relation to our UKCAT revision
exercises. exercises.
vii vii
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229911 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229911 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all those who provided such We would like to thank all those who provided such
valuable feedback in relation to our UKCAT revision valuable feedback in relation to our UKCAT revision
exercises. exercises.
vii vii
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229911 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229911 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099
Preface Preface
The aim of this guide is to help you to prepare The aim of this guide is to help you to prepare
yourself fully for your approaching UKCAT. With the yourself fully for your approaching UKCAT. With the
introduction of this test for the majority of UK Medical introduction of this test for the majority of UK Medical
and Dental Schools, applicants need to ensure that and Dental Schools, applicants need to ensure that
they are more prepared than ever to succeed in their they are more prepared than ever to succeed in their
application. application.
This guide addresses each of the fi ve sections of the This guide addresses each of the fi ve sections of the
UKCAT, providing the reasoning behind each section of UKCAT, providing the reasoning behind each section of
the test, together with example questions. the test, together with example questions.
This guide culminates in an entire mock UKCAT test This guide culminates in an entire mock UKCAT test
that you should complete under timed conditions. To that you should complete under timed conditions. To
gain the full benefi t of this guide we recommend that gain the full benefi t of this guide we recommend that
you visit our website to download a free answer sheet you visit our website to download a free answer sheet
to use when working through the example and mock to use when working through the example and mock
test questions in this guide (www.apply2medicine. test questions in this guide (www.apply2medicine.
co.uk/ukcat or www.apply2dentistry.co.uk/ukcat). co.uk/ukcat or www.apply2dentistry.co.uk/ukcat).
If you feel that you still require further practice after If you feel that you still require further practice after
working through the examples and mock test contained working through the examples and mock test contained
within this guide, you can visit the above websites to within this guide, you can visit the above websites to
subscribe to further online tests. subscribe to further online tests.
From all at Apply2.co.uk we would like to wish you From all at Apply2.co.uk we would like to wish you
the best of luck with your application to Medical or the best of luck with your application to Medical or
Dental School. Dental School.
viii viii
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229922 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229922 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099
Preface Preface
The aim of this guide is to help you to prepare The aim of this guide is to help you to prepare
yourself fully for your approaching UKCAT. With the yourself fully for your approaching UKCAT. With the
introduction of this test for the majority of UK Medical introduction of this test for the majority of UK Medical
and Dental Schools, applicants need to ensure that and Dental Schools, applicants need to ensure that
they are more prepared than ever to succeed in their they are more prepared than ever to succeed in their
application. application.
This guide addresses each of the fi ve sections of the This guide addresses each of the fi ve sections of the
UKCAT, providing the reasoning behind each section of UKCAT, providing the reasoning behind each section of
the test, together with example questions. the test, together with example questions.
This guide culminates in an entire mock UKCAT test This guide culminates in an entire mock UKCAT test
that you should complete under timed conditions. To that you should complete under timed conditions. To
gain the full benefi t of this guide we recommend that gain the full benefi t of this guide we recommend that
you visit our website to download a free answer sheet you visit our website to download a free answer sheet
to use when working through the example and mock to use when working through the example and mock
test questions in this guide (www.apply2medicine. test questions in this guide (www.apply2medicine.
co.uk/ukcat or www.apply2dentistry.co.uk/ukcat). co.uk/ukcat or www.apply2dentistry.co.uk/ukcat).
If you feel that you still require further practice after If you feel that you still require further practice after
working through the examples and mock test contained working through the examples and mock test contained
within this guide, you can visit the above websites to within this guide, you can visit the above websites to
subscribe to further online tests. subscribe to further online tests.
From all at Apply2.co.uk we would like to wish you From all at Apply2.co.uk we would like to wish you
the best of luck with your application to Medical or the best of luck with your application to Medical or
Dental School. Dental School.
viii viii
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229922 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 229922 1166//66//0088 1122::2299::0099
Chapter 1 Chapter 1
Introduction to the UKCAT Introduction to the UKCAT
What is the UKCAT? What is the UKCAT?
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is an aptitude The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is an aptitude
test used as part of the selection process by a group of test used as part of the selection process by a group of
UK university Medical and Dental schools. The test UK university Medical and Dental schools. The test
has been devised in order to help universities further has been devised in order to help universities further
distinguish from the many applicants who apply for distinguish from the many applicants who apply for
Medical or Dental programmes. Medical or Dental programmes.
Candidates who apply to study Medicine or Dentistry Candidates who apply to study Medicine or Dentistry
will not only have to have excelled academically, will not only have to have excelled academically,
they will also need to posses the relevant mental they will also need to posses the relevant mental
abilities, attitudes, views, perceptions and professional abilities, attitudes, views, perceptions and professional
behaviours which are required to be effective Doctors behaviours which are required to be effective Doctors
or Dentists. or Dentists.
The UKCAT provides universities with better The UKCAT provides universities with better
information to enable them to select candidates of information to enable them to select candidates of
the highest calibre to progress successfully within the the highest calibre to progress successfully within the
fi eld of Medicine or Dentistry. The UKCAT enables the fi eld of Medicine or Dentistry. The UKCAT enables the
elimination of unsuitable candidates at an early stage in elimination of unsuitable candidates at an early stage in
the selection process, by testing for a number of skills the selection process, by testing for a number of skills
and competencies, for example a candidate’s ability to and competencies, for example a candidate’s ability to
make decisions based on limited information. make decisions based on limited information.
The UKCAT, which is computer rather than paper The UKCAT, which is computer rather than paper
based, is co-ordinated by the UKCAT consortium based, is co-ordinated by the UKCAT consortium
1 1
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 11 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3322 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 11 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3322
Chapter 1 Chapter 1
Introduction to the UKCAT Introduction to the UKCAT
What is the UKCAT? What is the UKCAT?
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is an aptitude The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is an aptitude
test used as part of the selection process by a group of test used as part of the selection process by a group of
UK university Medical and Dental schools. The test UK university Medical and Dental schools. The test
has been devised in order to help universities further has been devised in order to help universities further
distinguish from the many applicants who apply for distinguish from the many applicants who apply for
Medical or Dental programmes. Medical or Dental programmes.
Candidates who apply to study Medicine or Dentistry Candidates who apply to study Medicine or Dentistry
will not only have to have excelled academically, will not only have to have excelled academically,
they will also need to posses the relevant mental they will also need to posses the relevant mental
abilities, attitudes, views, perceptions and professional abilities, attitudes, views, perceptions and professional
behaviours which are required to be effective Doctors behaviours which are required to be effective Doctors
or Dentists. or Dentists.
The UKCAT provides universities with better The UKCAT provides universities with better
information to enable them to select candidates of information to enable them to select candidates of
the highest calibre to progress successfully within the the highest calibre to progress successfully within the
fi eld of Medicine or Dentistry. The UKCAT enables the fi eld of Medicine or Dentistry. The UKCAT enables the
elimination of unsuitable candidates at an early stage in elimination of unsuitable candidates at an early stage in
the selection process, by testing for a number of skills the selection process, by testing for a number of skills
and competencies, for example a candidate’s ability to and competencies, for example a candidate’s ability to
make decisions based on limited information. make decisions based on limited information.
The UKCAT, which is computer rather than paper The UKCAT, which is computer rather than paper
based, is co-ordinated by the UKCAT consortium based, is co-ordinated by the UKCAT consortium
1 1
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 11 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3322 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 11 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3322
Apply2Medicine.co.uk Apply2Dentistry.co.uk Apply2Medicine.co.uk Apply2Dentistry.co.uk
in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in
computer based testing. The test is an ‘on screen test’ computer based testing. The test is an ‘on screen test’
and is delivered using a computer. The computer will and is delivered using a computer. The computer will
time the test accordingly. Using this method of ‘on time the test accordingly. Using this method of ‘on
screen tests’ is most convenient, as it allows the fast screen tests’ is most convenient, as it allows the fast
transfer of information to universities around the world. transfer of information to universities around the world.
For security reasons you are unable to use your own For security reasons you are unable to use your own
personal computer and will need to use a computer at a personal computer and will need to use a computer at a
designated test centre. designated test centre.
The test is delivered in locations across the globe The test is delivered in locations across the globe
through various Pearson high street centres. All through various Pearson high street centres. All
applicants are encouraged to carefully read through applicants are encouraged to carefully read through
the UKCAT website for specifi c guidance regarding the UKCAT website for specifi c guidance regarding
registering for and sitting the test: www.ukcat.ac.uk registering for and sitting the test: www.ukcat.ac.uk
Content of the UKCAT Content of the UKCAT
The UKCAT is a test of aptitude and is designed to The UKCAT is a test of aptitude and is designed to
measure general ability levels. The UKCAT does measure general ability levels. The UKCAT does
not test ‘strict’ academic or scientifi c knowledge. It not test ‘strict’ academic or scientifi c knowledge. It
simply assesses a certain range of mental abilities and simply assesses a certain range of mental abilities and
behavioral attributes identifi ed as being useful for behavioral attributes identifi ed as being useful for
healthcare professionals. Therefore it is simply easier healthcare professionals. Therefore it is simply easier
to consider the UKCAT as a general ability IQ test or to consider the UKCAT as a general ability IQ test or
mental ability test. mental ability test.
The UKCAT is divided into 5 subtests: The UKCAT is divided into 5 subtests:
1. Verbal Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s 1. Verbal Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s
ability to think logically about written ability to think logically about written
information and to induce and deduce relevant information and to induce and deduce relevant
conclusions conclusions
2. Quantitative Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s 2. Quantitative Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s
ability to unravel numerical tasks ability to unravel numerical tasks
2 2
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 22 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3377 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 22 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3377
Apply2Medicine.co.uk Apply2Dentistry.co.uk Apply2Medicine.co.uk Apply2Dentistry.co.uk
in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in
computer based testing. The test is an ‘on screen test’ computer based testing. The test is an ‘on screen test’
and is delivered using a computer. The computer will and is delivered using a computer. The computer will
time the test accordingly. Using this method of ‘on time the test accordingly. Using this method of ‘on
screen tests’ is most convenient, as it allows the fast screen tests’ is most convenient, as it allows the fast
transfer of information to universities around the world. transfer of information to universities around the world.
For security reasons you are unable to use your own For security reasons you are unable to use your own
personal computer and will need to use a computer at a personal computer and will need to use a computer at a
designated test centre. designated test centre.
The test is delivered in locations across the globe The test is delivered in locations across the globe
through various Pearson high street centres. All through various Pearson high street centres. All
applicants are encouraged to carefully read through applicants are encouraged to carefully read through
the UKCAT website for specifi c guidance regarding the UKCAT website for specifi c guidance regarding
registering for and sitting the test: www.ukcat.ac.uk registering for and sitting the test: www.ukcat.ac.uk
Content of the UKCAT Content of the UKCAT
The UKCAT is a test of aptitude and is designed to The UKCAT is a test of aptitude and is designed to
measure general ability levels. The UKCAT does measure general ability levels. The UKCAT does
not test ‘strict’ academic or scientifi c knowledge. It not test ‘strict’ academic or scientifi c knowledge. It
simply assesses a certain range of mental abilities and simply assesses a certain range of mental abilities and
behavioral attributes identifi ed as being useful for behavioral attributes identifi ed as being useful for
healthcare professionals. Therefore it is simply easier healthcare professionals. Therefore it is simply easier
to consider the UKCAT as a general ability IQ test or to consider the UKCAT as a general ability IQ test or
mental ability test. mental ability test.
The UKCAT is divided into 5 subtests: The UKCAT is divided into 5 subtests:
1. Verbal Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s 1. Verbal Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s
ability to think logically about written ability to think logically about written
information and to induce and deduce relevant information and to induce and deduce relevant
conclusions conclusions
2. Quantitative Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s 2. Quantitative Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s
ability to unravel numerical tasks ability to unravel numerical tasks
2 2
RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 22 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3377 RREEPPRRIINNTT__AAppppllyy22MMeeddiicciinnee..iinndddd 22 1166//66//0088 1122::2277::3377