Learn more about the ISAT

3 February 2016

What is the ISAT?

Just like the MCAT or the DAT, the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) is designed to assess a student’s abilities and intellectual skills, to see whether or not the student has the capability to succeed in his or her chosen program e.g., medicine or dentistry.

Australian medical schools in Australia
Considering medical school in Australia? You may need to sit the ISAT!

The ISAT is a three-hour computer-based multiple-choice test administered through Prometric Inc. centres around the world. It is independently produced by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). ACER has an excellent international reputation and track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate medical and health-related programs.

Which OzTREKK Australian universities require this test?

Monash University Undergraduate Medicine
University of Queensland Undergraduate Dentistry

What is on the test?

The ISAT is presented in units. First, “stimulus material” is provided, followed by a multiple-choice answer section. After reading the stimulus material, you are asked to choose the correct answer based on what you have read. The test assesses

  • critical reasoning (CR)  – comprehending, analyzing, evaluating and extending ideas; these questions use materials from the humanities and social sciences.
  • quantitative reasoning (QR) – drawing conclusions, making decisions and solving problems; these questions use material from mathematics and the sciences.

ISAT does not test subject-specific knowledge. The test is presented in units, with stimulus material followed by questions. There are 100 questions with 4 or 5 answers from which the candidate is asked to choose the most appropriate response. There is only one correct answer, with no marks deducted for incorrect answers.

Registration

Registration is available online through Prometric. In order to register, you will need a valid email address, preferably not hosted by Hotmail or Yahoo as it is reported that some email messages are not being accepted or are flagged as spam. The email address you provide will be used for all communication from the ISAT Office and Prometric, including information on how to access your ISAT results. Make sure that your email address is correct, and be sure to add isat@acer.edu.au to your address book to ensure emails from the ISAT Office are not regarded as junk email. You will also require a credit card, as there is a US$315 fee.

Test dates

Guess what? There are no set test dates for ISAT sittings since they use a computer-based testing system. This offers the flexibility to allow candidates to select dates, times, and locations that suit them best. As of April 2, 2013, there must be a minimum of 12 calendar months between sittings of ISAT.

Results

After you have completed the ISAT and leave the Prometric test centre, you will be given a printed “Notice of Completion.” ISAT results are released regularly and you should expect to receive your results within one week of sitting your test. It is asked that you do not contact the ISAT office to inquire about your results until 1 week after your test sitting. Be sure to check your email spam folder! A Statement of Results will be generated and you should print it for your records. The ISAT Office does not issue physical certified hard copy of your results.
Visit http://isat.acer.edu.au/ for more information!
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If you are planning to apply to one of the above Australian universities, be sure to contact OzTREKK to find out more about application deadlines and program information. Call 1-866-698-7355 (toll free in Canada), or email info@oztrekk.com to find out how you can study in Australia!

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