For most aspiring medical students, the GAMSAT is an enormous beast - unpredictable, intense and intimidating. In episode 10 of The Pre-Admission Game podcast, our host Tom is joined by Kristian - someone who not only faced the challenge head-on, but did so 3 times, walking away with a score of 70+ each time. His story is more than a masterclass in exam preparation - it’s a blueprint for resilience, self-awareness and strategic thinking.
Lesson 1: Your Study Plan Shouldn’t Be Set in Stone
From the get-go, Kristian’s message is clear: you can’t prepare for the GAMSAT with a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. Each time he sat the exam, the format and feel of the paper shifted—sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly. And instead of clinging to the same prep methods, he adjusted his approach.
In one sitting, Kristian noted that Section I leaned more towards abstract reasoning. In another, the science section (Section III) became more application-heavy, demanding less textbook recall and more on-the-spot logic. The takeaway? He wasn’t just studying content. He was studying how the test thinks.
This is an important takeaway: too often, students build a study schedule and treat it like scripture. But the best performers stay agile. They study actively, track trends, and adjust strategies as the exam evolves. Kristian's success wasn't a result of blind repetition—it was intelligent iteration.
Lesson 2: Understanding Beats Memorising Every Time
When Kristian spoke about Section III, he emphasised something that often gets overlooked: the GAMSAT isn't a science test—it's a reasoning test. While he agrees that you need a solid foundation in chemistry, biology, and physics, that knowledge won’t help if you can’t apply it creatively under pressure.
Kristian’s preparation reflected this philosophy. Instead of memorising formulae and definitions, he focused on learning how and why things work. He used resources that reinforced critical thinking, like difficult multiple choice questions (MCQs) that challenged his assumptions and forced him to reason his way to the answer.
It’s tempting to treat GAMSAT prep like an academic checklist—tick off topics, drill questions, rinse and repeat. But Kristian reminds students that deep learning—while painfully slow at times—is what allows you to confidently handle curveballs on test day.
Lesson 3: Writing Isn’t About Being “Good at English”
Section II has long been a mystery to many candidates—how do you prepare for something so subjective? How do you ensure your ideas resonate with someone you’ll never meet? Kristian’s answer was simple but profound: you write. You write often. And you reflect.
He didn’t rely on templates or memorised arguments. Instead, he trained himself to respond authentically and persuasively to a wide range of prompts. He practiced drawing on personal anecdotes, philosophical perspectives, and social commentary. Importantly, he sought feedback—because writing in a vacuum doesn’t help you grow.
Kristian treated Section II not as a test of eloquence, but a test of thinking. Clarity, structure, originality—these were his priorities. And through disciplined practice, he learned how to craft responses that were not only coherent, but compelling.
Lesson 4: Mental Fitness is Just as Important as Academic Prep
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Kristian’s success was his mental game. He described in detail how he managed exam-day nerves, fatigue, and pacing—things that can sabotage even the most prepared candidate.
He practiced mindfulness to stay present and reduce anxiety. He developed time-management strategies to avoid burnout during the long exam. He even simulated test conditions during study to ensure his performance didn’t dip under pressure.
Kristian’s composure wasn’t accidental. It was cultivated. The GAMSAT is six hours of intense mental output. If you haven’t prepared your mindset—if you haven’t rehearsed discomfort—you’re leaving a lot to chance.
What’s Next? A Final Reflection
What’s perhaps most interesting about Kristian’s story isn’t his score - it was his process. It was honest, reflective, and driven by curiosity, not ego. He wasn’t just trying to pass the GAMSAT. He was trying to understand it—and in doing so, he became one of its rare masters.
Kristian didn’t crack the code because he’s superhuman. He cracked it because he took ownership of the process, stayed humble, and constantly learned from every attempt.
So whether you're preparing for your first GAMSAT or your fourth, learn more about the strategies that helped Kristian succeed in this episode. Not just for the tips— but for the perspective.
Watch The Video Instead?
Liked the video? Start your own GAMSAT preparation by browsing our suite of Free GAMSAT Resources and tools.
.png)
