The abstract reasoning section of the UCAT exam tests your ability to assess patterns and trends amongst abstract shapes. Students get very anxious about this section. However, there are a certain number of patterns that come up again and again. It is possible to learn these patterns and this lets you answer questions more quickly and accurately.

This is another section where the examiners will try and distract and trip you up but again it is possible to learn how to look out for these.

Why do they test abstract reasoning?

• As a doctor you will have to elicit a set of symptoms and obtain investigation results.

• Some information that you will obtain is more reliable, more relevant and clearer than others.

• Doctors have to sift through all this information and work out what is useful to make decisions (such as a diagnosis and management plan).

• This often involves trying to find patterns in investigation results to work out hypotheses, as well as look at images and look for changes.

• Doctors have to sift through distracting and irrelevant material, change track if needed and work out what is going on.

Why do students get low marks in abstract reasoning?

• This is the fastest paced section of the UCAT exam

• You have 13 minutes to covers 55 questions (at the time of writing)

• Many students will take too long looking for patterns and run out of time. Students will not have practiced answering questions under exam conditions.

• Students will take too long on one particular set – remember harder questions don’t give you more marks

• Many students will not finish the section – this fact is an advantage for students that are aware of the ways the examiners test you as they can answer more rapidly and with greater accuracy.

• Techniques to recognise visual patterns are not often taught in schools and don’t form part of any curriculum. The last time a student may have attempted this type of question may be at primary school with the 11+ exam (albeit at a much lower level).

• The examiners will put in questions designed to trap you into wasting time. They will put in irrelevant shapes and items that are of no use to answering the question (or lead you towards the wrong answer)

How can I improve my scores in UCAT abstract reasoning?

• Students will rarely notice pattern straight away and there is usually more than one. However, it is possible to learn how to look for them in an organised way

• You will improve with practice and you must practice regularly.

• You will find patterns quicker and maintain strategy as you practice more and more questions

• Don’t be disheartened if you struggle to answer some of the questions. You will not be able to solve every pattern.

• Start by working at your own pace initially – then start working with the clock.

• Good luck in your upcoming exam and check out our other blogs on medical school admission and for more UCAT exam tips.

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The images below are from our UCAT course question bank. Can you spot the pattern?