Earliest time I can take the test?

[ferrsal]

Currently I'm a first year biomed student, hoping to do either opt or dent, so in that case I'm planning on doing the gamsat. I want to have as many attempts as I can, so when is the first time I can do the GAMSAT? I heard there is one in March and another one (Gamsat UK) in September. Could I do the gamsat at the end of this year? Also, what is the difference between GAMSAT and GAMSAT UK?

Thank in advance guys

[Tomw2]

Could I do the gamsat at the end of this year? Also, what is the difference between GAMSAT and GAMSAT UK?

Official rules are you must be in your penultimate (second-to-last) or final year of the undergraduate degree which you are using to apply for entry to be eligible to sit GAMSAT.

GAMSAT and GAMSAT UK are just different versions of the same test (ie in the same way that GAMSAT 2012 & 2013 are different versions of the same test), but either are valid for application to med/dent programs. 

You can sit both and opt to use whichever score you like, so long as it is within 2 years of completing the test.

[ferrsal]

Thanks! Makes more sense now. I guess I'll be taking it March next year...

[Tomw2]

Thanks! Makes more sense now. I guess I'll be taking it March next year...

It's a good idea to focus on your 1st year studies first and foremost and think less about GAMSAT in your first 2 semesters. Be thorough and don't skip/cram/gloss over things. The benefit of this is threefold: 1) it means good start for your GPA, 2) solid foundation in sciences and writing means less catch up later on when you study for the GAMSAT and 3) you will be well placed to make the most of your practice run GAMSAT next March.

[nic672]

Actually as your GAMSAT score is valid for 2 years, you can technically do the UK GAMSAT in September of your first year. I don't think you could give it a real proper shot as it tends to be in the middle of semester. If you did choose to do it then, I wouldn't recommend sacrificing any of your uni time on it.