UCAT Preparation Courses - Are They Worth The Money?
Updated: Sep 23
Preparing for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is one of the first hurdles for aspiring medical students in the UK.
There are several different revision resources online and in person to guide you through your UCAT exam preparation. One of these resources is a UCAT preparation course, which can provide valuable guidance and structure to your revision.
If you’re not sure whether to purchase a UCAT revision course, this article explores the benefits and drawbacks of UCAT courses, the different types, and which UCAT preparation course is best.
👉🏻Looking for more one-to-one UCAT Support? Book a free consultation with us today.
What Are UCAT Courses?
UCAT preparation courses in the UK are structured programmes designed to walk students through their preparation for the UCAT exam.
Each UCAT course can provide something different for students, and there are alternative types of UCAT courses available. However, the role of these courses remains the same - to train a student to a level at which they can pass and excel in their UCAT exam.
At a minimum, a UCAT course should cover everything you need to know for the exam.
The UKCAT People Course contains all the 2024 changes to the UCAT, giving you a headstart on the question type and different timings that you’ll be sitting in your exam.
👉🏻 Read more: What To Expect On Your UCAT Test Day
Can You Self-study For The UCAT Exam?
Yes, it is possible to self-study for the UCAT examination and not use a UCAT preparation course.
However, the UCAT examines a particular skill that needs to be developed through rigorous practice, reflective studying and excellent time management.
Many students find that this can be overwhelming to organise and keep on top of alongside their studying for A-level exams.
UCAT courses are run by subject experts with first-hand experience of sitting the exam. The UCAT tutors can provide you with all the resources, information and support you need to excel in your UCAT, without the stress of trying to self-teach and find resources.
Some UCAT crash courses are condensed into 1 day, making them the most time-efficient way to prepare for your exam.
👉🏻 Read more: Using Reflective Practice to Master the UCAT Exam
What Do UCAT Preparation Courses Cover?
UCAT courses walk you through the skills and techniques required to complete all five sections of the UCAT exam:
Verbal Reasoning: Developing skills to critically evaluate information presented in written form, and techniques to increase reading speed and accuracy.
Decision Making: Enhancing the ability to make quick, best-outcome decisions based on complex information and data.
Quantitative Reasoning: Improving your numerical problem-solving skills under time pressure.
Abstract Reasoning: Training to quickly and accurately identify patterns among abstract shapes and figures using algorithms.
Situational Judgement: Understanding how to answer ethical scenarios in the way required for good clinical practice.
UCAT preparation courses often highlight high-yield skills that students need to practice, along with tips and tricks to improve their speed and accuracy in the exam.
UCAT experts can share their knowledge and experience in how to break down UCAT questions and simplify your revision, saving you time and energy meanwhile ensuring that you can secure the highest exam marks.
👉🏻 Read more: How to choose the Perfect UCAT Exam Date in 2024
Who Are UCAT Courses Useful For?
UCAT courses are beneficial for any student planning on sitting the exam, from early applicants who haven’t yet begun to revise, to more experienced students who are looking to boost their UCAT score and achieve 900 in each UCAT subcategory.
The UKCAT People 1-day UCAT courses take students from 0 to 100 such that all students are brought up to an excellent standard of UCAT skills and have all the tools necessary to achieve the highest scores.
👉🏻 Read more: How to Avoid and Get Over UCAT Burnout
What Are The Advantages Of Doing A UCAT Course?
There are many benefits to sitting a UCAT course, as opposed to using other resources such as revision books and self-teaching.
Structured Learning: UCAT courses provide a well-organised study plan, ensuring that all exam areas are covered systematically.
Expert Guidance: Access to extremely experienced tutors who can offer insights, tips, and strategies tailored to the UCAT.
Worked Examples: UCAT courses provide practice questions with live worked examples, helping students build confidence and observe the structured thinking skills required to answer the questions.
Time Management: The UCAT is a notoriously time-pressured exam, and UCAT courses can provide you with techniques to manage your time during the exam, a crucial skill for scoring highly.
Condensed: UCAT courses are highly information-rich, condensed sessions which cover everything you need to know, saving you time searching through the vast quantity of poor-quality revision materials online.
👉🏻 Read more: Comprehensive Guide for Making a UCAT Revision Timetable
Are There Any Drawbacks To Sitting A UCAT Course?
UCAT Courses Can Be Expensive
Some UCAT courses can be costly, therefore not all students may find them affordable.
This is something that The UKCAT People are committed to combatting, and we understand that each student’s financial and personal pressures are different.
This is why we offer a number of fully funded bursaries to our UCAT courses, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the assistance they require.
UCAT Courses Vary In Quality
The usefulness of a UCAT course varies based on the provider, and some courses do not deliver the expected value given their cost.
When choosing a UCAT course, when determining the quality of the teaching, it’s important to consider:
Who is running the course?
Will you be taught by students or qualified doctors with decades of experience?
Is the course up-to-date with the latest changes to the UCAT?
Is it well-reviewed?
TheUKCATPeople pride themselves on being the most trustworthy UCAT course on the market.
Sessions are taught by expert qualified doctors, with over 10 years of experience in UCAT tutoring.
Our course is optimised for the changes made to the UCAT in 2024 and has hundreds of 5-star reviews and student testimonies.
This is why we also offer a plethora of free resources to help you revise for your exam.
👉🏻 Read more: Our FREE UCAT Resources
Which Is The Best UCAT Course Is The Best?
The best UCAT course for you is one which fully meets your needs, is trustworthy and cost-efficient. We believe that this is what makes TheUKCATPeople the best UCAT course.
There are hundreds of UCAT courses available online from reputable providers, such as:
TheUKCATPeople UCAT Courses
The Medic Portal UCAT Preparation Course
6Med UCAT Prep Course
MedEntry
MedicMind UCAT Online Course
What makes TheUKCATPeople the best UCAT Course, is our exceptional track record.
TheUKCATPeople offers the UK's original UCAT course which has run for decades, with a long-standing commitment to excellence in UCAT preparation.
Our course is regularly updated and is optimised for the changes made to the UCAT in 2024.
Our UCAT courses have received hundreds of 5-star reviews, reflecting the high satisfaction and success rates of our students.
Our courses are taught by qualified doctors and dentists with over a decade of experience in teaching the UCAT. This ensures that our teaching sessions are of the highest quality and taught by experts only.
To make our courses more accessible, we conduct them live on Zoom, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the world.
The UKCAT People are dedicated to ensuring you achieve top UCAT scores and get into your medical school of choice.
What are my other options for UCAT Help?
Many students choose to enrol in 1-1 UCAT Tutoring Courses, which can help in more depth than the online courses. All of our teaching happens online, is 1-1 with our handpicked tutors.
This helps to maximise chances of success.
UCAT Course Frequently Asked Questions
What Are UCAT Preparation Courses and How Do UCAT Courses Work?
UCAT preparation courses are structured programs designed to help students prepare for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) by providing comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and expert-led instructional sessions. UCAT courses work by offering targeted learning and practice to enhance your skills and confidence.
Are UCAT Preparation Courses Worth the Money?
While UCAT preparation courses can be expensive, they offer structured learning, expert guidance, and proven strategies to enhance your performance, making them a valuable investment for many students.
Can I Self-study for the UCAT Exam Without a Course?
Yes, it is possible to self-study for the UCAT exam using online resources, books, and practice tests. However, many students find structured courses helpful for systematic learning and support.
What Do UCAT Preparation Courses Cover and How Do UCAT Courses Work?
UCAT courses typically cover all five sections of the UCAT exam: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement, along with tips for time management and test-taking strategies. UCAT courses work by breaking down these sections and providing practical strategies to excel.
Which UCAT Preparation Courses Is the Best for Me?
The best UCAT course depends on your needs. The UKCAT People’s course is highly recommended due to its personalised approach, experienced tutors, and comprehensive curriculum, reflected in hundreds of 5-star reviews.
How Can UCAT Courses Help With Time Management?
If you're preparing to sit the UCAT, crash courses provide specific techniques and practice exercises to help students manage their time effectively during the exam, a crucial skill for completing the test efficiently.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Taking a UCAT Course?
The main drawbacks are cost and the variable quality of courses. Some courses might not meet expectations, so it’s essential to choose a well-reviewed and reputable provider like The UKCAT People.
What Types of UCAT Courses Are Available to Prepare for the UCAT?
UCAT courses come in various formats, including online live courses, in-person workshops, and one-day crash courses, each designed to fit different learning styles and schedules.
How Do UCAT Courses Improve Exam Scores?
UCAT courses improve exam scores by offering targeted practice, expert feedback, and teaching effective strategies for tackling different types of questions, thus boosting confidence and performance.
Who Should Consider Taking a UCAT Preparation Course?
UCAT courses are beneficial for all students planning to sit the exam, from beginners who need comprehensive guidance to experienced test-takers looking to refine their skills and achieve higher scores. The UKCAT People 1-day UCAT courses are designed to take students from 0 to 100, ensuring they are well-prepared to achieve top scores.
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