There are many factors that have precipitated the transition to an online GAMSAT. First, back in 2020, ACER chose to be COVID-safe and opted for an online GAMSAT to maximise social distancing. Not only that, an online GAMSAT may also be a cost-saving measure for ACER – fewer printed booklets, less need for hall hire logistics, and simpler invigilation and marking procedures.
Thirdly, digitalisation is the way of the future. The online GAMSAT format is simply a sign of the times. Many people already type faster than they write, and storing information digitally is far more secure than using paper records.
Although the exam is no longer held online, ACER still uses the online format for in-person exams. Ultimately, the fact that it is an online test should not concern you – the new platform is simply a change in format. The content of the exam remains consistent and continues ACER’s trend of fairly assigning scores based on merit.
Find out what GAMSAT preparation books are ideal to ace the GAMSAT exam!
The shift to an online GAMSAT has brought significant changes to the exam format. The computer based version is notably shorter than the paper-based test. Below is a table summarising the new GAMSAT online exam structure.
NOTE: This table is only a rough estimate and does not reflect the current exam style or total number of questions! To understand more about what’s changed, read our 'what is GAMSAT exam?' article!
Now that the GAMSAT is computer based, a key change has been made to reading time. Previously, in exam halls, you could not begin writing during this time. In the new online format, reading time is incorporated into the overall time – it is a suggestion rather than an enforced rule.
At Fraser’s GAMSAT, we recommend spending 5–6 minutes reviewing the test before answering any questions, but that’s a topic for another time!
The GAMSAT is now separated into two sittings. Section 2 is taken approximately three weeks before Sections 1 and 3, via remote proctoring. Sections 1 and 3, on the other hand, are taken at in-person test centres.
On the day of the GAMSAT, you are expected to arrive at the testing centre at 7:45 AM (local time). You will then complete 4.5 hours of testing with a 30-minute break between Section 1 and Section 2.
.avif)
At Fraser’s GAMSAT, we’ve been closely monitoring candidates’ experiences with the online format and want to share some key advice.
Firstly – sit ergonomically! The exam lasts 4.5 hours, and the sitting posture differs significantly from traditional exam settings. Avoid back and neck strain, and maintain focus by doing stretches, staying hydrated, and taking timely toilet breaks.
Secondly – revise your note-taking strategies. You no longer have a physical booklet to annotate. You are permitted two sheets of scrap paper per session, which is valuable ‘thinking real estate’ for diagrams, essay plans, and quick calculations.
Thirdly – familiarise yourself with the online system. Candidates have noted that some information appears in separate tabs, so it’s essential to proactively scroll and click to ensure no content is missed. This mirrors flipping through every page in a paper exam.
The next section discusses the ACER online GAMSAT demo in more detail.
Understanding how ACER’s platform works is just as important as knowing the number of questions or time limits. Familiarity with the test format is crucial for preparation. The platform changes the testing environment, so incorporating platform practice into your study routine is key.
ACER provides a demo version of the online GAMSAT platform once you register. At Fraser’s, we’ve also built a comparable online exam platform for our students to use for realistic preparation.
Below are screenshots of a Section 3 and a Section 1 question. Both show a side-by-side layout of the stem and the answer options, with a scroll bar on the stem side – indicating more content might be hidden initially.
You’ll also see a progress tracker and icons to navigate questions and access extra stem-related information.
A common FAQ: Can I practise with the actual online platform beforehand? The answer is yes – ACER has created an interactive demo accessible after you register.
Unfortunately, the questions in the demo are reused from ACER’s official practice materials and are not marked.
But have no fear – Fraser’s GAMSAT has recreated the ACER platform with original questions and detailed solutions on our LMS!
ACER has made it clear that scoring a 75 in the 2019 paper exam is equivalent to scoring 75 on the online version. However, one major difference is that the online exam is about an hour shorter. This change may benefit candidates who thrive in shorter, more intense testing formats.
As mentioned earlier, question difficulty remains consistent across years, according to ACER.
Read more on how to prepare for each GAMSAT section.
However, the reduced duration may require you to adjust your strategies for managing mental fatigue and maintaining focus throughout the test.
For an inspiring story on how Fraser’s own Kristian scored over 70 in three GAMSAT attempts, check out our GAMSAT podcast!
As discussed in previous posts, the online GAMSAT scores are fully equivalent to paper-based results and will be assessed the same way in medical school applications. The revised structure has been designed to maintain fairness across test sittings.
At Fraser’s GAMSAT, we always advise candidates to trust the process. Medical schools will continue to focus on GAMSAT scores, GPA, and interview performance – not the exam format.
