How to Succeed in the GAMSAT: A Student’s Guide

The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) is an intensive, high-level admissions exam used by many graduate-entry medicine programmes in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Unlike undergraduate tests, the GAMSAT assesses your ability to apply reasoning and problem-solving skills across humanities, social sciences, and scientific disciplines.

Success in the GAMSAT requires critical thinking, resilience, and strategic preparation. Here’s how to approach it with confidence.

Understanding the GAMSAT Format

The GAMSAT is a lengthy and mentally demanding exam, divided into three sections:

Section I – Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences

• 62 multiple-choice questions
• 100 minutes
• Tests interpretation of written passages, poetry, cartoons, and socio-cultural material
• Focus on reasoning, not factual recall

Section II – Written Communication

• Two essay tasks
• 60 minutes (5 mins reading + 2 x 30 mins writing)
• Task A: Socio-political theme | Task B: Personal or abstract theme
• Assesses clarity, structure, originality, and relevance

Section III – Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences

• 75 multiple-choice questions
• 150 minutes
• Heavily science-based: Biology (~40%), Chemistry (~40%), Physics (~20%)
• Requires A-level standard knowledge (especially in Chemistry and Biology)

Create a Long-Term Study Plan

• Start early – 3 to 6 months in advance is ideal
• Divide preparation into phases: content review, strategy building, and exam practice
• Allocate regular time to all three sections, even if you come from a science or humanities background
• Use a calendar or planner to stay on track

General Preparation Tips

• The GAMSAT is not about memorisation – it’s about problem-solving and interpretation
• Practise reading complex material daily: essays, journals, poetry, opinion pieces
• For science, focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising facts
• Build mental stamina by simulating long testing sessions

Recommended Resources

• Official ACER Practice Materials (the only ones that closely match the real exam)
• Books like “Gold Standard GAMSAT” and “Des O’Neill GAMSAT”
• Practice question banks (e.g., GradReady, Fraser’s GAMSAT, or Griffiths GAMSAT Review)
• Use reputable science revision sites for content review (e.g. Revision Science).

Section-by-Section Strategy

Section I: Humanities & Social Sciences

• Practise reading actively – underline key arguments, tone, and assumptions
• Focus on inference, interpretation, and emotional nuance
• Expose yourself to unfamiliar texts: philosophy, satire, history, ethics
• Avoid speed-reading – comprehension is key

Section II: Essay Writing

• Plan essays in 5 minutes: structure is everything
• Use the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link)
• For Task A: build an argument; for Task B: be reflective and personal
• Write clearly, avoid clichés, and stick to the word count
• Practise writing under timed conditions and seek feedback from tutors or mentors

Section III: Sciences

• Review A-level content for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Understand the why behind concepts, not just how to calculate
• Use visual aids (e.g. diagrams, mind maps) for complex processes
• Practise applying scientific principles in unfamiliar contexts
• Work through data-heavy passages and multi-step reasoning problems

Master Time Management

• Do regular timed practice sessions and full-length mock exams
• For each section, learn when to move on from a tricky question
• Build endurance – the exam lasts nearly 6 hours, including breaks

Reflect and Improve

• Keep a mistake journal to identify patterns in your errors
• Analyse why a certain response was correct – what logic was used?
• Constantly refine your strategies and adjust your focus areas
• Don’t just practise – practise with purpose

Look After Your Wellbeing

• GAMSAT prep can be overwhelming – pace yourself
• Take regular breaks, stay active, and get enough sleep
• Avoid cramming – spaced learning is more effective
• Maintain perspective: the GAMSAT is one part of your application

Test Day Tips

• Know what to bring: valid ID, pencils, erasers, and a clear water bottle
• Arrive early and be mentally prepared for a long day
• Take breaks between sections to reset your focus
• Don’t let a tough section derail your mindset – move forward

Final Thoughts

The GAMSAT is designed to stretch you – and with the right preparation, that’s where growth happens. Whether you’re from a science or humanities background, you can succeed. It’s not about being perfect, but about showing that you can think critically, communicate clearly, and apply knowledge under pressure – exactly what medicine demands.

Stay curious, stay consistent, and trust the process!