Getting into medicine or dentistry in Australia is a competitive journey, and one of the first hurdles is mastering the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Since 2019, the UCAT has been used by most Australian medical schools to identify candidates who demonstrate strong reasoning, problem-solving and professional judgement skills.
Most UCAT test-takers are Year 11 or 12 students preparing for undergraduate medical entry. Because the UCAT is unlike school exams, the preparation resources you choose are critical. A good UCAT preparation course should not only cover question banks but also teach strategy, time management and cognitive skill development.
This article will guide you through how to evaluate UCAT courses and avoid common traps so you can select the resources that will genuinely improve your child’s chances on UCAT test day.
Not all UCAT prep courses are created equal. Here are the essential inclusions you should look for when considering a UCAT preparation course:
1. UCAT Practice Questions and Mock Exams
A UCAT question bank is a useful starting point, but it should not be your only preparation method. Many free or outdated resources don’t reflect the current UCAT format.
At Fraser’s, our UCAT practice exams are updated to reflect the latest changes. This ensures students get exposure to realistic timing, question styles, and scoring.
2. UCAT Learning Modules that Teach Strategy
A strong UCAT course goes beyond drilling past questions. Look for UCAT learning modules that build key skills such as:
- Time management under pressure
- Critical analysis and logical reasoning
- Resilience and focus in exam conditions
This active learning approach makes preparation far more effective than passive question practice.
3. UCAT Mentorship and Personal Guidance
The UCAT can be overwhelming to navigate alone. A unique feature of Fraser’s UCAT courses is the assignment of a personal mentor for every UCAT student.
Mentors track progress, provide personalised feedback, and help students overcome specific weaknesses. This ongoing support ensures students remain on track and confident throughout their UCAT journey.
4. UCAT Problem-Based Learning (PBLs)
Medicine itself is taught through problem-based learning, and UCAT preparation should mirror this approach. At Fraser’s, students collaborate in problem-based learning sessions where they share strategies, tackle difficult UCAT questions as a group, and learn to think critically under pressure.
Each mock exam is followed by a personalised performance report, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, giving students a clear roadmap to improve before their next attempt.
The UCAT is not a static exam. Each year, the test is reviewed, with subtle adjustments to question styles, timings, and scoring. For example, from 2025 onwards the Abstract Reasoning subtest was removed, leaving three cognitive sections and the Situational Judgement Test.
Relying on outdated strategies or practice resources can leave students underprepared. Common pitfalls include:
- Using old timing models, which no longer match the updated exam window.
- Practising irrelevant question types ,such as retired abstract reasoning sets.
- Overemphasising rote learning, instead of building reasoning skills that UCAT questions now demand.
- Ignoring test-day updates, like digital format changes or navigation instructions.
Since the UCAT can only be sat once a year, it is vital that your child makes their sitting count.
That’s why it’s essential to choose UCAT preparation materials developed by experienced tutors who have personally sat the UCAT and understand the pressures firsthand, continually update strategies to reflect the latest test changes and teach each adaptable problem-solving methods rather than one-size-fits-all tricks.
With this approach, students are not just practising past questions, they’re learning how to think like the UCAT, no matter how the exam evolves.
A credible UCAT course should be led by tutors who have successfully tackled the exam and now study or practise medicine. Their expertise ensures that the strategies taught are realistic and effective.
At Fraser’s, our UCAT tutors:
- Bring lived experience as current medical students
- Facilitate PBL sessions to encourage collaborative problem-solving
- Share insights into both exam technique and life as a medical student
This dual role of academic mentor and role model helps students develop exam confidence while also preparing for the challenges of medical training
Students often juggle demanding school subjects, extracurricular activities, and the pressure of medical school applications all at once. Without proper balance, this can quickly lead to fatigue or burnout.
At Fraser’s, we emphasise that wellbeing is just as important as academic skill. Our tutors incorporate practical strategies into UCAT preparation, helping students:
- Manage their time effectively using structured study planners and the UCAT study roadmap to avoid last-minute cramming.
- Build stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and short, focused study sessions instead of endless hours of practice.
- Stay motivated through community by working with peers in group problem-based learning sessions, which reduce isolation and build confidence.
- Balance priorities by ensuring UCAT preparation enhances, rather than detracts from, ATAR performance.
While free UCAT resources are widely available, many are inaccurate or outdated. Relying on them can actually harm your preparation by training to expect the wrong question styles.
Some common red flags include:
- A Verbal Reasoning set without a passage to analyse
- A Decision Making task with no logical arguments or data to evaluate
- Practice papers that use incorrect timing structures or question counts
These resources might feel helpful at first glance, but they do not prepare you for the real UCAT experience. Worse, they can create false confidence that disappears on test day.
Instead, invest your time in trusted UCAT question banks and tools developed by UCAT experts who understand the latest exam format. At Fraser’s, our free tools and resources are fact-checked, regularly updated, and built to mirror the live UCAT exam environment.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking a one-on-one consultation with a UCAT specialist. This gives you personalised advice, ensures you’re using reliable materials, and helps you avoid the costly mistake of preparing with the wrong resources.
Frequently Asked Questions - UCAT Preparation Courses
1. Are UCAT preparation courses worth it in 2026?
Yes. While some students self-study using free UCAT resources, many find that a structured UCAT preparation course provides essential strategy training, mock exam practice, and expert mentorship. This guidance can make the difference between an average and a competitive score.
2. What should I look for in a UCAT preparation course?
The best UCAT courses include:
- Updated UCAT question banks and realistic mock exams
- Mentorship from experienced UCAT tutors
- Problem-based learning sessions to build collaboration and critical thinking
- Training in exam strategies like time management and decision-making under pressure
3. When should I start UCAT preparation?
Most students begin formal UCAT preparation 6-12 months before their test sitting, but building skills like critical reading, logical reasoning, and numerical problem-solving can begin earlier. A UCAT study timeline can help you plan effectively.
4. Do UCAT Preparation Courses Work Alongside my High School Studies?
Absolutely. UCAT preparation courses are designed to complement your high school studies, not replace them. Since the UCAT is skill-based rather than content-based, strategies you learn such as time management, critical reasoning and decision-making can often strengthen your overall academic performance.
Fraser's Medical can help create personalised preparation timelines that work around your Year 12 commitments. This approach allows you to gradually build UCAT skills while maintaining strong ATAR performance.
