Tips to Prepare for the GAMSAT

The GAMSAT has a well-deserved reputation as being a difficult test. Preparation for the test typically takes months, and the test itself can be an intense experience. However, the GAMSAT is necessary for anyone who wants to attend a medicine graduate entry program. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the GAMSAT.

High Stakes

About 20% of GAMSAT participants score well enough to be called for an interview with a medical school. Failure to land an interview means you need to wait an entire year before retaking the test in hopes of getting a better score. These low odds and high stakes can be stress-inducing, but with careful planning and a targeted approach, you can ensure you are prepared and ready to take on the GAMSAT.

Get to Know the GAMSAT

It’s generally recommended to spend several hours per day for 2 – 4 months to prepare for the GAMSAT. To make the best use of your time, understand more about the test. The GAMSAT consists of three sections that each cover different areas of study and feature different formats. Take the time to understand what each section pertains to and what skills are required.

By understanding what to expect, you can create a study plan to reinforce your strengths and build up areas where you need help. Developing a better understanding of the test will enable you to form a plan to prepare for the test. Your study plan should also involve time for self-reflection—set goals and schedule time to review and evaluate your progress.

Find the Right GAMSAT Resources

There are a wealth of available resources geared to helping people prepare for the GAMSAT. Just sorting through all of the resources can be time-consuming, and knowing what resources are worth your time can be challenging. Many resources and study guides are also expensive. When the cost of the resources is added to the price of taking the test, the entire experience can become rather expensive. Finding reliable and helpful GAMSAT resources is possible and can help you prepare for the exam.

Past tests are another great GAMSAT resource. Example questions will help you become more familiar and comfortable with the format of the test, as well as the type of questions and topics you can expect to encounter.

Implement Your Study Plan

Once you have a plan of attack, you can get down to studying. Review relevant material and take practice tests to prepare. It is important to check-in and evaluate your progress. Review the questions you get correct and the questions you do not get right and document your findings. You may think you will remember, but all of the reading and studying can make it hard to recall, so tracking your progress ensures you have a reliable resource to review.

Evolve Your Plan

Analyze your results to determine your progress. You want to evaluate your level of success and decide whether you have reached your goals, learned new material, and appropriately managed your time. It is necessary to compare the skills you have gained against how long it took to master the material. You want to determine if the time and effort are paying off and appropriate progress is being made.

Take this information to refine your study plan. Maybe you need to dedicate more time to specific areas, or perhaps you need to refine your approach in other ways. Reviewing how you are learning and what you are learning enables you to evolve your study plan to fit your specific journey.

Test Run

Schedule a practice test in the weeks leading up to the GAMSAT. Organize this mock test to be as close as possible to the real thing. Use actual test questions and run through the exam the way it will be administered on the big day. The GAMSAT will test your knowledge, but it will also test your endurance, so learning how to pace yourself and become comfortable with the format can be beneficial.

Make Time for Yourself

The GAMSAT is an important milestone, and it requires a lot of preparation. However, stressing out over the test can undo all of your hard work. While it is essential to take the necessary time to prepare, it is also important to take time for yourself. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Also, make sure to do things you enjoy, whether watching your favorite show, participating in a hobby, or catching up with friends and family. Finding a balance between preparing for the test and maintaining your mental health can help you better use the time you spend studying and increase your odds of doing well.

Preparing for the GAMSAT is a big undertaking. With careful planning, structure, and the right resources, you can ensure you are ready and increase your odds of doing well and getting into the graduate program of your choice.