Verbal Reasoning
- Read the question first, then scan the passage for its keywords
- Judge only on the passage, never on what you already know
- “Can’t tell” means the passage does not say either way
- Guess and flag long passages, then come back
UCAT prep · Canterbury, Kent
UCAT tutor in Canterbury
Looking for a UCAT tutor in Canterbury? We help you build speed, strategy and accuracy in every subtest. Below: how the UCAT works, a strategy for each section and a plan for your prep.
Every subtestTimed mocksOne-to-one
How the UCAT works
The UCAT is a computer-based test lasting just under two hours. Three subtests, Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning, are each scored 300 to 900 and add up to a total of 900 to 2700. Situational Judgement is reported separately as Band 1 to 4.
The hard part is time. Verbal Reasoning gives you about 30 seconds a question, so strategy matters as much as ability. This year’s test ran from 13 July to 24 September 2026. Check the UCAT Consortium for next year’s dates.
UCAT subtests
- Verbal Reasoning
- 44 questions, 22 minutes
- Decision Making
- 35 questions, 37 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning
- 36 questions, 26 minutes
- Situational Judgement
- 69 questions, 26 minutes
- Total
- Just under 2 hours
A strategy for every subtest
Decision Making
- Draw quick Venn diagrams for “some” and “all” statements
- Use elimination on logic puzzles instead of solving from scratch
- In probability, watch for “at least” and “exactly”
- The strongest argument directly answers the question asked
Quantitative Reasoning
- Read the question before the table or chart
- Estimate first so you can spot a wrong calculator answer
- Use the keyboard number pad with the on-screen calculator
- Know percentage change, ratios and speed, distance and time cold
Situational Judgement
- Think like a medical student following GMC professional values
- Patient safety and honesty come first
- Act within your role and ask for help when needed
- Near misses can still earn partial marks, so always answer
A UCAT prep plan
Most students need 3 to 6 months. Start with a timed diagnostic so you know where the marks are.
- Months 1 to 2
Learn the methods
- Sit a timed diagnostic mock
- Learn one method per question type
- Untimed practice to build accuracy
- Months 2 to 3
Add time pressure
- Timed sets by subtest
- Keep an error log and review it weekly
- Focus on your weakest subtest
- Final 3 weeks
Full mocks
- A full timed mock every two or three days
- Review every wrong answer
- Practise flagging and moving on
- Test week
Rest and routine
- Light practice only
- Check your ID and test centre booking
- Sleep well the night before
Common UCAT mistakes
- Months of untimed practiceBring in the timer by week three
- Ignoring Situational JudgementSome schools reject Band 4. KMMS has required Band 3 or better
- Doing questions without reviewKeep an error log and find the pattern
- Getting stuck on one hard questionGuess, flag and move on
- Leaving the test to late SeptemberBook early so you have time for a plan B
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UCAT tutoring questions
About 3 to 6 months before your test.
It depends on the school. Some publish a threshold, some rank you on your score, and thresholds change every year. For Kent and Medway, see KMMS UCAT cut-off, or compare schools in our medical school finder.
Yes. We also run small groups.
In person in Canterbury, Kent, or online.
Yes. Tell us what you need and we book your first session free. No commitment.
UCAT prep
The UCAT rewards practice under time pressure.
Start with a free session.
We look at where you are now and what to work on first.
You get:
- a method for each subtest
- timed practice
- feedback on your mistakes
- a clear next step
Keep reading
Sources and further reading
Last checked: September 2026. Always check dates and requirements with the official source before you rely on them.