Preparing to Write the UCAT ANZ: Student Tips

Are you preparing to write the UCAT ANZ?

If you’re considering applying to dental school, sitting the University Clinical Aptitude Test ANZ (UCAT ANZ) can broaden your dental program options in Australia.

To help you prepare to write the UCAT ANZ, we surveyed OzTREKK students who wrote the exam and received offers to Australian dental schools in 2024.

Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had done differently when preparing to write the UCAT.

 

Most Helpful Resources

Most students found the official UCAT ANZ website preparation materials, such as practice questions and mock tests, extremely helpful.

“UCAT Website timed practice tests and simulation questions. The time restrictions imposed were very similar to those of the true test, which helped me understand what to expect on test day and allowed me to feel prepared.”

Many students also recommended commercial prep organizations such as Medify and MedEntry for practicing under exam conditions.

“Medify gave lots of practice questions and practice tests, and also gave explanations to see how I can improve.”

YouTube videos, books, and tutor sessions also helped students to strategize and research various methods for solving questions and improving their time management for each subtest.

After preparing for the test using the above resources, 48% of respondents said they felt prepared to sit the exam. Of those who felt prepared, 75% primarily used the official UCAT ANZ website while 25% used Medify and/or MedEntry.

The remaining respondents (52%) said they felt mildly prepared (does anyone ever feel fully prepared for an admissions test?).

 

Study Time & Preparation

While students confirmed a wide range of study hours, the average preparation time was two months.

Some students managed a short, intense study schedule with the shortest being two weeks; however, those students wished they had started studying sooner.

One student studied for six months using Medify and while they felt their exam results were okay, they wished that they had completed more time-pressured practice tests as part of their preparation.

 

Challenges & Unexpected Hurdles

Time Management
Time management was one of the biggest struggles students faced. The UCAT ANZ is a fast-paced exam, and many students found it difficult to complete all questions in the allotted time.

“Training yourself for speed reading and keyword searching would be the best thing you can do to prepare for this.”

A few students who primarily used Medify to prepare for their exam noted that the Verbal Reasoning subtest was more difficult than the prep questions and that passages were extremely long on the exam.

Technical Difficulties
Some students noted technical difficulties that they did not anticipate, such as a delay or lag in the interface, calculator, and whiteboard pen. The students stressed the importance of practicing using the official UCAT ANZ website material to become familiar with the exam test tools and functionality.

Nerves
Students also mentioned that nerves impacted their performance on test day and wished they had the opportunity to discuss question styles and strategies with someone who was also preparing for or had already written the UCAT.

“Start reviewing earlier and talking to people who have completed the exam to understand their emotions and how they tackled studying and sitting the test.”

 

How Students Felt About Their UCAT ANZ Test Results

😊 56% of respondents were happy with their test results, and 71% of those respondents primarily used official UCAT website resources, followed by Medify, MedEntry, and YouTube/books for preparation.

😐 40% of respondents felt that their test results were okay, and 80% of those respondents primarily used official UCAT website resources, followed by Medify and YouTube/books for preparation.

😒 One respondent who only used official UCAT website resources to prepare was not happy with their test result.

 

UCAT Study Tips

Start Studying Early
Give yourself at least 2 – 3 months of preparation time. Looking back, many respondents wished that they had started studying earlier.

Use Official Resources
Prioritize UCAT’s official website preparation materials for the most accurate practice.

Prepare with Timed Practice Tests
Simulate real exam conditions with timed practice tests and questions to help improve speed and interface familiarity.

Talk to Someone with Experience
Talk to someone who has written the UCAT to get tips and tricks on how to study and what to expect.

*

Preparing for the UCAT is a challenging but manageable process. By using high-quality resources, practicing under timed conditions, and giving yourself plenty of time to prepare, you can optimize your study approach and increase your chances of success.

Good luck with your UCAT preparation!

*

The following universities require the UCAT ANZ as part of their admissions requirements:

Griffith University
Program: Bachelor of Dental Health Science & Master of Dentistry
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Intake: February
Duration: 5 years (3 years + 2 years)
Application deadline: Generally mid-September

Start your application to Griffith Dental School

The University of Queensland
Program: Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Intake: February
Duration: 5 years

Start your application to UQ Dental School

*

Let us know if you have any questions about admissions tests like the UCAT ANZ or about applying to dental schools in Australia? Please email us at dentistry@oztrekk.com or book a chat. Let’s talk about your dent school options!