Preparing for the UCAT requires more than simply working through a question bank - although we still recommend these anyway! It’s a test of timing, resilience, and pattern recognition, and the most successful candidates will use structured, evidence-based strategies. With Abstract Reasoning now removed, the UCAT in 2025 focuses on four subtests: Verbal Reasoning (44 questions in 22 minutes), Decision Making (35 questions in 36 minutes), Quantitative Reasoning (36 questions in 26 minutes), and Situational Judgement (69 questions in 26 minutes).
That means you have, on average, just 30 seconds per Verbal Reasoning question, about 61 seconds for each Decision Making question, 43 seconds for Quantitative Reasoning, and 22-23 seconds for Situational Judgement. While we’ve discussed this in way more detail in our dedicated guide to UCAT timings, the pressure of these timings makes it essential to have a clear, methodical revision plan in place.
Below are 10 techniques to help you maximise your performance on test day.
1. Start with a diagnostic phase
Before diving into revision, you need to establish a baseline - in other words, what are you currently working with? Sitting a short, timed practice test early in your preparation will reveal your natural strengths and weaknesses. You might discover that you struggle with time management in Verbal Reasoning, or with interpreting data-heavy passages in Quantitative Reasoning. Identifying these areas early on in your revision allows you to target your efforts rather than spreading them thinly across all subtests.
2. Get to know the test structure
Familiarity breeds confidence when it comes to the UCAT. You must know not only how many questions each section contains, but also how long you can afford to spend on each question. This knowledge allows you to adopt realistic pacing strategies. For instance, you cannot afford to read every word of a Verbal Reasoning passage; instead, you must develop techniques to skim for key information. By becoming as familiar as possible with the structure, you reduce the cognitive load on test day and free up your working memory for problem solving.
3. Be aware of timing from the start
The UCAT is designed to put you under pressure, so from the outset you should familiarise yourself with how little time you will actually have in the exam. This doesn’t mean you must always practise at full exam speed right away. Instead, keep the time-per-question limits in mind - for example, approximately 30 seconds in Verbal Reasoning, 43 seconds in Quantitative Reasoning, and so on - so that you’re never practising in a way that ignores the reality of the test. Even in your first sessions, use a timer or countdown to stay conscious of pacing, but allow yourself the flexibility to go over when you need to in order to learn properly.
4. Have section-specific strategies
Each subtest rewards different approaches; one-size-fits-all certainly won’t help you here. Below is a quickfire guide to what (generally) works for each section:
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In Verbal Reasoning, scanning the passage for keywords in the question stem is more efficient than reading in full.
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In Decision Making, drawing simple diagrams for logic puzzles can save valuable seconds.
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For Quantitative Reasoning, memorising mental arithmetic shortcuts, such as percentage changes or ratio conversions, prevents over-reliance on the on-screen calculator.
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For Situational Judgement, applying the professional attributes expected of a medical student helps anchor your answers in ethical reasoning.
5. Accuracy first, then speed
Accuracy is the foundation of UCAT success. At the start of your preparation, work through sets of questions with more generous time allowances so you can learn the underlying logic without panicking about the clock. Once you’re consistently getting questions right, gradually tighten the timing until you can perform at the speed the exam demands. This stepwise approach ensures you avoid repeating mistakes while still conditioning yourself to handle the pace. By the time you reach your final few weeks of revision, your practice should closely mirror live exam conditions.
6. Analyse your practice sessions
Progress does not come from simply getting the correct answers, but from understanding why you got them wrong. After each practice set, don’t just look at your correct answers, but have a thought process in place for the ones you answered incorrectly. Ask yourself: Did I misread the question? Did I waste time on unnecessary calculations? Did I fall for a distractor option? Keeping a log of these reflections allows you to track recurring errors and correct them systematically.
7. Use high-quality practice materials
Not all UCAT resources are created equal. Some question banks and mock tests are designed to mimic the real exam more closely than others, and it’s important to prioritise those that reflect the current format and style of the test. Early in your preparation, you can afford to experiment with a wide range of materials to build familiarity with question types. But as test day approaches, narrow your focus to the most realistic platforms. Reserve a handful of full-length mocks for the final stage of your preparation so that you can replicate exam conditions as closely as possible. This way, you get the best of both worlds: breadth of practice at the start, and exam-level precision at the end.
Speaking of resources… Did you know that Pastest’s UCAT revision resource is one of the best on the market? Our comprehensive question bank features over 7,000 carefully crafted questions and 10 full mock tests.
8. Simulate test conditions
The UCAT is taken on a computer in a test centre under strict timing. To replicate this experience, you should regularly sit full-length, timed mocks in a quiet environment with no interruptions. Avoid using pen-and-paper methods for question types that will require on-screen working. This not only conditions you to the exam pressure but also builds stamina, as the test lasts just under two hours without breaks.
9. Have a consistent study routine
It may have worked for you before, but cramming is rarely an effective study technique for the UCAT. Instead, you should plan a study schedule that spreads practice across several weeks. Daily exposure - even for short bursts of time - helps reinforce the fast-paced reasoning skills you’ll need on test day. Many candidates benefit from alternating between timed drills in one section and in-depth review of mistakes in another. A steady, consistent routine ensures that you improve incrementally while avoiding burnout.
10. Work on your test-day mindset
Success in the UCAT is not solely about knowledge and technique; it’s also about resilience and keeping calm under pressure. Learn to make peace with the fact that you will not answer every question correctly - the key is to recognise when to move on. For example, if a Quantitative Reasoning calculation is consuming too much time, flag it and continue. Developing this mindset prevents panic, preserves focus, and ultimately boosts your overall score.
There’s no denying that UCAT - by its very design - is a challenge. But with clear and structured preparation, it becomes far more manageable. By spotting your weaknesses early, practising under realistic conditions, and following efficient strategies for each section, you can approach the UCAT with confidence. Remember that improvement comes from deliberate practice and critical reflection, not simply from doing more questions. With these 10 techniques, you will be well placed to make the most of your revision and perform at your best on test day.