ATAR Notes: Forum

National Education => Admissions tests => UMAT => Topic started by: Swagadaktal on February 07, 2016, 09:20:48 pm

Title: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 07, 2016, 09:20:48 pm
yo guys am I the only one afraid of umat?
So far doing prac questions I'm getting so many wrong... and people say its relative to how other people perform but other ppl seem to be getting the questions correct :3
Does anyone know anyone who has some kind of success story where they were bad at umat then they become good :O
coz like tf is a good atar gonna do for me if i get a shitty umat
:'(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on February 07, 2016, 09:22:29 pm
yo guys am I the only one afraid of umat?

Nearly 5 years on, I'm still afraid of the UMAT. Never forget :'(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Darth_Pepe on February 07, 2016, 09:30:28 pm
yo guys am I the only one afraid of umat?
So far doing prac questions I'm getting so many wrong... and people say its relative to how other people perform but other ppl seem to be getting the questions correct :3
Does anyone know anyone who has some kind of success story where they were bad at umat then they become good :O
coz like tf is a good atar gonna do for me if i get a shitty umat
:'(

U dont need the umat for cancellors.. whats a cancellors gonna do for you.. i wonder :')
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 07, 2016, 09:32:31 pm
Nearly 5 years on, I'm still afraid of the UMAT. Never forget :'(
but erm
you're studying my dream course
I see the UMAT worked out for you...
It just really makes me shit myself thinking that I might be one of those people with high atars and low umat...
But I'm determined not to be.
But still
Pls umat be nice
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: cosine on February 07, 2016, 09:35:23 pm

It just really makes me shit myself thinking that I might be one of those people with high atars and low umat...


I guess this can apply to me, probably? Gee, thanks for not wanting to be a 'me' haha xD
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 07, 2016, 09:37:46 pm
I guess this can apply to me, probably? Gee, thanks for not wanting to be a 'me' haha xD
Aha tbh I dont think you wanted to be you
(By you I mean 'me' which means high atar low umat not you as a person im sure you're a fine human being)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on February 07, 2016, 10:19:33 pm
but erm
you're studying my dream course
I see the UMAT worked out for you...
It just really makes me shit myself thinking that I might be one of those people with high atars and low umat...
But I'm determined not to be.
But still
Pls umat be nice

First of all, loving this free-style poetry in your posts, keep at it hahahaha

Secondly, yeah I guess I am in my preferred course, but that doesn't make the UMAT any less scary :P It's a very odd test, it's generally considered to be a test that is not well studied for. Furthermore, doing well in prep doesn't often equate to doing well in the real test, and vice versa. I wouldn't be disheartened or effected by how others are doing, especially if you're doing something like MedEntry which generally has a "better" cohort than the one that sits the real test.

I guess this can apply to me, probably? Gee, thanks for not wanting to be a 'me' haha xD

Out of interest, what did you hope to achieve with this post? :) I'm sure he wasn't having a go at, or even thinking about, you at all!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: cosine on February 07, 2016, 10:37:26 pm
First of all, loving this free-style poetry in your posts, keep at it hahahaha

Secondly, yeah I guess I am in my preferred course, but that doesn't make the UMAT any less scary :P It's a very odd test, it's generally considered to be a test that is not well studied for. Furthermore, doing well in prep doesn't often equate to doing well in the real test, and vice versa. I wouldn't be disheartened or effected by how others are doing, especially if you're doing something like MedEntry which generally has a "better" cohort than the one that sits the real test.

Out of interest, what did you hope to achieve with this post? :) I'm sure he wasn't having a go at, or even thinking about, you at all!

I was standing up for my people, you know, 'those people'.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: heart on February 08, 2016, 01:18:11 am
yo guys am I the only one afraid of umat?
So far doing prac questions I'm getting so many wrong... and people say its relative to how other people perform but other ppl seem to be getting the questions correct :3
Does anyone know anyone who has some kind of success story where they were bad at umat then they become good :O
coz like tf is a good atar gonna do for me if i get a shitty umat
:'(

You can improve the Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving parts and Non-verbal Reasoning significantly. For logical reasoning the LSAT has some pretty good questions even much harder then the UMAT :). For section 3 you just go to do practice questions and then get use to the possible combinations, patterns, overlaps etc. that they can throw at you. Overall its tough test to prepare for best thing you can do is be confident on the day.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Darth_Pepe on February 08, 2016, 09:01:47 am
You can improve the Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving parts and Non-verbal Reasoning significantly. For logical reasoning the LSAT has some pretty good questions even much harder then the UMAT :). For section 3 you just go to do practice questions and then get use to the possible combinations, patterns, overlaps etc. that they can throw at you. Overall its tough test to prepare for best thing you can do is be confident on the day.

This ^ I found that the LSAT is incredibly easy to improve. I suggest to have a go at the logic games! They are very fun and its satisfying. If you are having trouble at answering them quickly go to youtube and there people will show you  concise ways of making 'formulas' to solve them.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 08, 2016, 03:55:36 pm
You can improve the Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving parts and Non-verbal Reasoning significantly. For logical reasoning the LSAT has some pretty good questions even much harder then the UMAT :). For section 3 you just go to do practice questions and then get use to the possible combinations, patterns, overlaps etc. that they can throw at you. Overall its tough test to prepare for best thing you can do is be confident on the day.
ive found that I usually get section 1 questions with 90% accuracy, and section 2 with around 75% accuracy, but my section 3 is God awful - apparently you can really improve on 3 tho
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: vilvit on February 08, 2016, 08:35:42 pm
Hi everyone! So I'm in year 12 and planning to do the UMAT this year, how many times a week should I be studying for the UMAT and is anyone else doing the UMAT this year?? Let me know in the comments below! :) :) :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Shenz0r on February 08, 2016, 09:14:55 pm
I still have much fury over the UMAT even though it's been 4 years since I sat it.

I reckon it's very difficult to predict how you will go with the UMAT even after you've sat the actual test. In the end though, it's only another exam and certainly not a be-all-end-all obstacle to medical school.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 08, 2016, 09:24:28 pm
I still have much fury over the UMAT even though it's been 4 years since I sat it.

I reckon it's very difficult to predict how you will go with the UMAT even after you've sat the actual test. In the end though, it's only another exam and certainly not a be-all-end-all obstacle to medical school.
aha yeah fam but it pretty much dictates whether you've wasted all the sacrifices you've made
--> if you don't mind me asking, did you do much preparation for the UMAT?
If so, what do you think you could have done better?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on February 08, 2016, 09:30:50 pm
aha yeah fam but it pretty much dictates whether you've wasted all the sacrifices you've made

It's only a waste if you didn't learn anything from it.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: heart on February 08, 2016, 09:44:58 pm
It's only a waste if you didn't learn anything from it.
100% . Despite my 80th percentile score not being high enough for Monash MBBS that year the preparation for the UMAT (specifically the LSAT questions) did really help me for the gamsat as I had improved my critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 08, 2016, 09:55:34 pm
100% . Despite my 80th percentile score not being high enough for Monash MBBS that year the preparation for the UMAT (specifically the LSAT questions) did really help me for the gamsat as I had improved my critical reasoning and reading comprehension.
Look, an 80% would get me into a university interstate, so although my ideal university is monash, I'm happy to go interstate..
Now I believe that I can get above 80
But the thing that haunts me is getting below an 80... I'm not down to do 3 years biomed with additional competition
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: heart on February 08, 2016, 09:59:14 pm
Look, an 80% would get me into a university interstate, so although my ideal university is monash, I'm happy to go interstate..
Now I believe that I can get above 80
But the thing that haunts me is getting below an 80... I'm not down to do 3 years biomed with additional competition
Fair enough just got to prepare the best you can and do your best on the day not much else you can do. Keeping a positive and confident mindset is also vital.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on February 08, 2016, 10:06:18 pm
but my section 3 is God awful - apparently you can really improve on 3 tho

omg same. My section 3 is a disaster zone! Really its terrible! I take forever to do one question and I still can't work out the pattern. I'm really worried about it cos my other sections are relatively okay. I'm aiming for 95 + percentile cos I think my ATAR is gonna be on the low end of the scale....
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: K888 on February 08, 2016, 10:12:40 pm
Wow I'm glad I'm not doing the UMAT. Sounds hellish. But good luck to all of you planning to do it this year!

 
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on February 09, 2016, 02:47:22 pm
Look, an 80% would get me into a university interstate, so although my ideal university is monash, I'm happy to go interstate..
Now I believe that I can get above 80
But the thing that haunts me is getting below an 80... I'm not down to do 3 years biomed with additional competition
Not to rain on your parade, but to get into unis interstate for med, your UMAT actually has to be higher than usual. E.g: for Adelaide interviews, SA people need 85+ umat, but for victorians, it was 90+. Similar case for UNSW.

ive found that I usually get section 1 questions with 90% accuracy, and section 2 with around 75% accuracy, but my section 3 is God awful - apparently you can really improve on 3 tho
Similar scenario for me last year.... My section 3 ended up being the best in the actual exam. I think I've talked to you before about tips for the UMAT, but for section 3, I just took my time to actually understand the questions and answers. I.e. Medentry gives you worked solutions, but before reading them I'd spend some time (a lot of time) trying to work out the answer for myself. In a notebook, i wrote down the question and wrote my own worked solutions. Before the UMAT exam, I revised this notebook and I did in fact use some of the techniques i learnt during preparation during the actual exam.
But tbh I don't think stressing about the UMAT will really help. During year 12 amongst all ur sacs etc, I just squashed in a little UMAT practice when I had a few spare minutes and closer to the exam date, I dedicated 3 hours a week to do the practice exams. All in all, you just need to learn the patience to concentrate for 3 straight hours and maintain a positive outlook.
Good luck with it all :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Orb on February 09, 2016, 03:00:49 pm
She was a real keen bean, this one ^

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: IndefatigableLover on February 09, 2016, 03:13:18 pm
But the thing that haunts me is getting below an 80... I'm not down to do 3 years biomed with additional competition
Don't want to dishearten you or anything but keep in mind that there's also the 50-50-50 rule to consider when applying for Monash as well and not just getting below an 80 :P

She was a real keen bean, this one ^
Nobody can stop mtse you know! Absolute gun ;D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Photon on February 09, 2016, 09:24:26 pm
Don't want to dishearten you or anything but keep in mind that there's also the 50-50-50 rule to consider when applying for Monash as well and not just getting below an 80 :P

What's the 50-50-50 rule?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on February 09, 2016, 09:29:17 pm
you have to score a minimum of 50 for each UMAT section
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: IndefatigableLover on February 09, 2016, 09:34:10 pm
For further proof, though it's the 2015 brochure, it'll highly apply to 2016 as well: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/medical/central/docs/2015-mbbs-domestic-brochure.pdf

Quote
All domestic applicants are required to sit the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences
Admission Test). http://www.umat.acer.edu.au Applicants must achieve at least a 50 in each section of the UMAT to be considered. NOTE: Onshore international students who think that their citizenship status might change during the application process should sit both the UMAT and the ISAT (http://isat.acer.edu.au/)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 09, 2016, 10:04:32 pm
Guys, just out of curiosity, those who did well in the UMAT - did you know you were going to do well?
Surely you guys were in my same position and the uncertainty absolutely kills you - what did you guys do? Did the preparation put you at ease and make you ace it?
Btw the definition of 'light studying' on this forum is completely different to real life.
People are like "oh i did light study for this subject, i only did about 20 prac exams'
and im like damn man that's a whole year's worth of work
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Splash-Tackle-Flail on February 09, 2016, 10:45:54 pm
Guys, just out of curiosity, those who did well in the UMAT - did you know you were going to do well?
Surely you guys were in my same position and the uncertainty absolutely kills you - what did you guys do? Did the preparation put you at ease and make you ace it?
Btw the definition of 'light studying' on this forum is completely different to real life.
People are like "oh i did light study for this subject, i only did about 20 prac exams'
and im like damn man that's a whole year's worth of work
Nope, after the UMAT I predicted a percentile anywhere between 20%ile and 99%ile. It's simply so different to your common test; most don't finish it, and getting 70% raw would already give you a ridiculous percentile.
Idk personally the idea of biomed didn't bother me too much, so the uncertainty wasn't tortuous. And then I guess being rural meant we didn't need killer UMATs.. The preparation did and it didn't put me at ease.. my practice scores were so much lower than VCE SACs and tests I've done before, and that took a while to get used to- but you soon find solace in the fact everyone (practically) finds the UMAT a metaphorical disease. It was also comforting hearing stories of people sitting the UMAT with no preparation, or for the wrong reasons (e.g. I heard a story of someone doing it thinking it was for law..)
20 practice UMAT exams are excessive and unnecessary imo- way better looking at solutions and technique.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on February 10, 2016, 07:25:40 pm
Hopeful UMAT taker here  ;D ;D I don't know how to study for it but I'm leaning towards doing questions just based on the UMAT. This leads me to another problem, where do I get them (want to do more than the 3 or so which are given after registering) for a reasonable price?? Sorry OP for barging into your thread but I would like some insight as well  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Splash-Tackle-Flail on February 10, 2016, 07:57:32 pm
Hi everyone! So I'm in year 12 and planning to do the UMAT this year, how many times a week should I be studying for the UMAT and is anyone else doing the UMAT this year?? Let me know in the comments below! :) :) :)

Unfortunately, there is really no magic number that will let you smash the UMAT. And this is made even more difficult by the nature of the test- it is quite hard to really study for it. Regardless, preparation is definitely recommended, and will pay off if you do it in the right way. I would recommend 30 minutes a day, but I know I wasn't that dedicated, and what's really important is how you study for it, and your understanding of the techniques to find the right answers. If lots of people are really keen I can try write a guide on tackling the UMAT (I'm definitely not the most qualified person but I got into my course so if it helps I can find the time i think).

Hopeful UMAT taker here  ;D ;D I don't know how to study for it but I'm leaning towards doing questions just based on the UMAT. This leads me to another problem, where do I get them (want to do more than the 3 or so which are given after registering) for a reasonable price?? Sorry OP for barging into your thread but I would like some insight as well  :)

There are a few places you can get UMAT material- most are up for purchase on the inter webs after doing a quick google of UMAT resources. I know there are also quite well known companies that release tests and tips, such as NIE, MedEntry, AN's section zero (not sure if this is still running after forum design reboot).

But like you said the former two companies charge an arm and a leg, your pet dog, your mother's eyebrows, and your childhood gameboy- so if they're out of the picture, I'd try section 0, or buy some resources second hand!

hope it helps!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on February 10, 2016, 09:15:51 pm
Not my game boy 😩😭...lol
30 mins a day is probably not going to be achieve able (for myself, and I'm sure others) but I could squeeze in a question here and there on weekdays  :) I would take your advice pretty seriously Splash.

I'll try medentry but, like you said probably understand the techniques.

P.s. Little brother saw your avatar and was like, "Lucario is my favourite"

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Splash-Tackle-Flail on February 10, 2016, 10:26:26 pm
Not my game boy 😩😭...lol
30 mins a day is probably not going to be achieve able (for myself, and I'm sure others) but I could squeeze in a question here and there on weekdays  :) I would take your advice pretty seriously Splash.

I'll try medentry but, like you said probably understand the techniques.

P.s. Little brother saw your avatar and was like, "Lucario is my favourite"

Yeah, I wouldn't compromise too much time spent on VCE on UMAT, and that's completely understandable. Out of all tests, i would say UMAT has the weakest correlation between preparation and performance. 

Well I guess Medentry has that history of producing high %iles from what i've heard, so it's a fairly safe (albeit pricey) choice. Just be wary that last year the Section 3 questions were very different to before, and those who learnt all the Medentry mapping techniques found they didn't end up really using them.

P.s reply: That's brilliant. It's so great that the pokemon love and hype rages on through the generations :D

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 10, 2016, 10:28:58 pm
Yeah, I wouldn't compromise too much time spent on VCE on UMAT, and that's completely understandable. Out of all tests, i would say UMAT has the weakest correlation between preparation and performance. 

Well I guess Medentry has that history of producing high %iles from what i've heard, so it's a fairly safe (albeit pricey) choice. Just be wary that last year the Section 3 questions were very different to before, and those who learnt all the Medentry mapping techniques found they didn't end up really using them.

P.s reply: That's brilliant. It's so great that the pokemon love and hype rages on through the generations :D
With the UMAT - what do you think made you special from everyone else?
Why did you get that phat 96?
Btw on an unrelated note, in which year of med do you learn how to treat bengali fevor? Is it curable/treatable? Can you at least manage the symptoms before hand?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Splash-Tackle-Flail on February 11, 2016, 10:37:51 am
With the UMAT - what do you think made you special from everyone else?
Why did you get that phat 96?
Btw on an unrelated note, in which year of med do you learn how to treat bengali fevor? Is it curable/treatable? Can you at least manage the symptoms before hand?
I don't think there's one special secret required for that "phat" percentile tbh.. and people get a really high percentile via different means, for example while my section scores were all basically the same (63-65-64), someone else's may be (80-50-55), still getting the similar percentile..as mundane as it sounds I guess we got more answers right (?)

Of course there's other things to keep in mind, such as:

I'm not sure if the fever is curable, but the "bengali fevor (is this meant to be fever or fervour lol)"? No sir, the bengali fervor rages on :P haha #engwish jokes
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on February 11, 2016, 03:19:30 pm
Well I guess Medentry has that history of producing high %iles from what i've heard, so it's a fairly safe (albeit pricey) choice. Just be wary that last year the Section 3 questions were very different to before, and those who learnt all the Medentry mapping techniques found they didn't end up really using them.
Medentry is quite expensive and yes last year the section 3 techniques were quite outdated. I had emailed them about this and apparently they have already been working on this to make it more relevant and helpful for the 2016 UMATers.

And in regards to techniques - could not agree with Splash more.
But if you wanted some extra (probably repetitive) advice, here you go:
Spoiler
I personally got a 98th percentile this year much to my surprise. During the exam, I felt like crap and I didn’t even get to finish guessing questions (I’m pretty sure I left like ten-fifteen qs blank). I thought I failed cause all my friends said it was easy and like finished all the qs etc, but it turned out alright at the end :)

So for me it turns out that I took a quality over quantity way of approaching the UMAT. Some people prefer the vice versa but you can figure that out when using the ACER practice exams (which they give you when you sign up for the UMAT) and Medentry practice exams (if you buy them).
(note: I personally used Medentry as my preparation material but there are many other companies that also provide amazing stuff: Medstart, NIE, Section Zero on AN)

Section 1
- you just have to have logic
- do practice qs, get used to reading weird graphs and experimental designs etc
- try to increase your reading speed
- be ultra careful when reading the answers, words like "must" and "always" change a lot
- make note of the idea "correlation does not equal causation"
- I liked to circle (no highlighters in the exam) important words while i read so it was easy to look back at when doing questions

Section 2
- I studied a vocab list (can email it out if anyone wants it)
- In general, go with your gut
- the “correct” answer to these qs are often determined by the answer that most people chose, you really have to understand people to do these
- use empathy not sympathy to answer these questions, ask yourself “how would I feel if I were in that position”
- act it out - I often quietly whispered out the lines if it were a dialogue to try to understand the emotions

Section 3
- theres some tricks you can learn to help you answer the question quicker . If you have Medentry, there are guides on those tricks
- I actually made a little book of errors. So every time I made a mistake on Medentry practice exams or ACER ones, I copied the q into a book and wrote my own worked solution for it. The few days before the UMAT and on the day of the UMAT, I revised this book and it also calmed my nerves.

Most importantly, the UMAT is a really long exam and you need to train yourself up to concentrate for 3 straight hours cause it can be realllllllyyy draining. The practice exams on Medentry help with this.

by the way, if you have Facebook I suggest watching out for the website “PrepGenie” they sometimes have free online lectures about the UMAT where they run through questions etc and they were really helpful

This may sound like a lot to do during Year 12, but I swear its possible.

Hope these help and good luck with everything.
If you want any other advice just ask
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on February 11, 2016, 05:18:06 pm
thanks for your advice:)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: datfatcat on February 13, 2016, 08:13:42 pm
I wouldn't spend too much time for UMAT preparation. I spent 15-16 days on doing questions during the semester break (http://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/xfa-blog-entry/studying-for-umat-effectively-by-dr-fat-cat.425/#comment-1562).

With regards to "tips", try learning how to "speed reading". Some people and companies would say UMAT isn't a speed reading exam, which is true (there are certain "skills" involved as well, like logic reasoning for example), but being able to read quicker would definitely help.

Mtse mentioned the vocab list. You may find it useful, but in my year, even if I knew the meanings of the words, I still had trouble picking the "right" answer.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on February 13, 2016, 08:21:48 pm
I wouldn't spend too much time for UMAT preparation. I spent 15-16 days on doing questions during the semester break (http://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/xfa-blog-entry/studying-for-umat-effectively-by-dr-fat-cat.425/#comment-1562).

With regards to "tips", try learning how to "speed reading". Some people and companies would say UMAT isn't a speed reading exam, which is true (there are certain "skills" involved as well, like logic reasoning for example), but being able to read quicker would definitely help.

Mtse mentioned the vocab list. You may find it useful, but in my year, even if I knew the meanings of the words, I still had trouble picking the "right" answer.
Yo fatcat the link is blocked to people without an account. Do you mind copy-pasting the text? Or taking a pic? Ilys <3
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: datfatcat on February 13, 2016, 09:21:46 pm
Sorry, didn't know you can't access it without an account.

Quote
Hi,

This is my first blog here, so bear with me if I repeat myself or make any typo mistake within this blog.

There are many UMAT courses out there and many people ask me which one is the best (or I should say the most "accurate"). In my perspective, it is very hard to give a definite answer (given that no one has done all the courses that are available out there and judge.) I know that some courses out there are misleading and out of date, while some look very similar to the actual UMAT. However, with that being said, I must point out that even if a person join the best UMAT course that is available and do all the questions, he/she may still fail the actual exam. I think it all comes down to how well you use the resources given in these prep-courses and how well your performance is on the day of the exam. The purpose of this article is to address how you may use the prep-courses in a more effective way and I hope that my methods would also work for you.

Say I just joined a course and they gave me 15 full practice exam papers, some tips and some small exercise to do. How would I approach? Well, first I would read the tips that they have given and try to put those tips in my head. Then, I would do the small exercise and try to use those skills. There are tips that would work for me and there are tips that I dislike and think that would take me ages to complete ( one example would be venn diagram vs table). After some attempts, it would come to me that I prefer tables better. At this point, I would create a logbook and drop down the skills that work best for me. I would also copy the tricky questions that I got wrong in those exercise for future reference. After doing a certain amount of exercise (usually take two to three weeks). I will take a small break from studying UMAT and go back to my high school study. (And in this moment, all I do for UMAT would be revising my logbook over and over again until I am sure that my own tips would be well in my head). Depends on how many full practice exam papers you have (in this case 15*), I will do the papers 15*+1 days before the actual UMAT exam. For the first 15 days, I would do one full paper each (around 3 hrs long - DO NOT TAKE BREAKS IN BETWEEN, YOU MUST DO THE PAPERS UNDER EXAM CONDITIONS!) It may be very tiring at first but with more days of practice, you should get used to it. On your 16th day (the day before the actual exam), revise your logbook one more time. Do not do more papers as you should be relaxed for your actual exam tomorrow. Listen to music or play sport to get your mind off the exam (just don't get very tired or get injured). Sleep early and have a good breakfast (hopefully you will be good to go).

Some of you may wonder, why should I do my X amount of practice papers X+1 days before my actual umat exam? Personally, I think this way would allow you to really keep practicing your skills and make sure those skills are in your head before the actually umat. It also allows you to get used to the idea of keeping your brain used intensively for three hours without any break. Separate your practice papers over several months may not be ideal because you may forget how to use some skills or feeling tired on the actual umat exam because you have not trained enough of your brain in the past few weeks.

I hope my first article makes any sense and feel free to give me any comment or ask questions. Best of luck with your UMAT exam (and interviews)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on February 14, 2016, 12:14:13 am
Yo fatcat the link is blocked to people without an account. Do you mind copy-pasting the text? Or taking a pic? Ilys <3

Worth making an account on MSO, heaps of tips there.

...and merged topics, best to keep all discussion in one place :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: n.a on February 15, 2016, 06:44:10 pm
Okay guys, so basically I haven't started ANY prep for UMAT. Where and how do I start? Also, please understand that it isn't terribly preferable for me to spend heaps on prep material,  which I also hear is quite pointless seeing as the UMAT is more of an 'on the day' thing. So where do I start?

Also, is it possible for me to do the UMAT after the ATAR comes out? If so, what's everyone's opinions on that?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on February 15, 2016, 06:48:24 pm
Prep is discussed in great detail already in this board, but hopefully some of the UMAT gurus who sat it more recently chip in for you.

Also, is it possible for me to do the UMAT after the ATAR comes out? If so, what's everyone's opinions on that?

You can... but it'll be in the following year. If you've started uni by then you won't be able to apply for courses such as Monash which are strictly for school-leavers (looking at the undergrad stream). I wouldn't sit it in another year, sit it in year 12.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: datfatcat on February 15, 2016, 07:41:55 pm
Okay guys, so basically I haven't started ANY prep for UMAT. Where and how do I start? Also, please understand that it isn't terribly preferable for me to spend heaps on prep material,  which I also hear is quite pointless seeing as the UMAT is more of an 'on the day' thing. So where do I start?

Also, is it possible for me to do the UMAT after the ATAR comes out? If so, what's everyone's opinions on that?
You take UMAT in year 12. I know some people did UMAT in year 12 and didn't get in, so they tried UMAT again in the following year (they deferred their course) to try get into medicine and they got in. If you take UMAT after year 12, you may not succeed. I don't think you can take UMAT again because I think ATAR is only valid for 2 years (year 12 and the year after). Even if you can take umat again, it will be two years after high school.

Just have a look at this board and MSO.  A lot of us have discussed how to "study" for UMAT. You should not take too much time preparing for your UMAT and affect your SACs/ATAR.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: grindr on March 27, 2016, 12:02:09 pm
Idk if this is the right place to ask, but what is a decent score to get on random medentry drills?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Syhu83 on March 31, 2016, 12:56:55 pm
Hello!
Just wondering if anyone still has any room for one person in their group- if so, could you please pm me or email [email protected]
Thanks!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: CalebB on April 03, 2016, 11:49:36 pm
I've been using an app called Brilliant (by Brilliant.org - It is available on Android, but I don't know about Apple) which has questions very similar to those from Section 3. It's pretty handy if you're travelling and want to pop out a few questions, so I'd recommend getting it (it's free).

(I hope this is the right thread to post such things?)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: helloworld on April 05, 2016, 03:06:48 pm
Is it true that Monash is stopping MMIs and going for a trad interview style in 2017 entry?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on April 05, 2016, 04:56:54 pm
Is it true that Monash is stopping MMIs and going for a trad interview style in 2017 entry?

I was an interviewer last year, haven't heard anything from the Faculty. What/who is your source for that? :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: heart on April 09, 2016, 11:12:28 pm
Is it true that Monash is stopping MMIs and going for a trad interview style in 2017 entry?
Hopefully they don't I have done both MMI and the panel interviews. MMI is definitely much better and fairer.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: stunfiskery on April 12, 2016, 01:03:03 am
Hiya,

So I'm currently a year 11 Victorian student considering UMAT for next year.
To the best of my understanding, UMAT is used to get into undergrad medicine (I'm not interested in dentistry or any other health science/related degree), but seeing as though the MBBS undergrad direct entry program is no longer running [see link below], and I have absolutely no intention of moving interstate to study undergrad medicine, is there any purpose at all for me to be doing UMAT?

http://med.monash.edu.au/medicine/admissions/grad-entry/mbbs-pathways.html

Thanks  ;)
P.S. please let me know if I've horribly misinterpreted something
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on April 12, 2016, 09:42:53 am
Hiya,

So I'm currently a year 11 Victorian student considering UMAT for next year.
To the best of my understanding, UMAT is used to get into undergrad medicine (I'm not interested in dentistry or any other health science/related degree), but seeing as though the MBBS undergrad direct entry program is no longer running [see link below], and I have absolutely no intention of moving interstate to study undergrad medicine, is there any purpose at all for me to be doing UMAT?

http://med.monash.edu.au/medicine/admissions/grad-entry/mbbs-pathways.html

Thanks  ;)
P.S. please let me know if I've horribly misinterpreted something

You have horribly misinterpreted the situation. See http://www.med.monash.edu.au/medicine/admissions/documents/2017-domestic-brochure.pdf

There are two streams (as it is now), and the undergrad stream still needs the UMAT.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Photon on April 12, 2016, 04:04:38 pm
You have horribly misinterpreted the situation. See http://www.med.monash.edu.au/medicine/admissions/documents/2017-domestic-brochure.pdf

There are two streams (as it is now), and the undergrad stream still needs the UMAT.

In that case what's the difference between undergraduate MD and undergraduate MBBS?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on April 12, 2016, 04:31:05 pm
In that case what's the difference between undergraduate MD and undergraduate MBBS?

Pretty much nothing. MD and MBBS, wherever the uni, are essentially the same thing.

There's talk about "level of degrees" (with the MD being one "level" higher than the MBBS(hons), which is one level higher than the MBBS) etc etc but in reality, a primary medical degree is a primary medical degree and hospitals know that. So there's no difference.

I wouldn't get caught up on what a degree is called, just how to get into it :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Photon on April 13, 2016, 06:15:37 am
Pretty much nothing. MD and MBBS, wherever the uni, are essentially the same thing.

There's talk about "level of degrees" (with the MD being one "level" higher than the MBBS(hons), which is one level higher than the MBBS) etc etc but in reality, a primary medical degree is a primary medical degree and hospitals know that. So there's no difference.

I wouldn't get caught up on what a degree is called, just how to get into it :)

Oh I see. Thanks for clearing that up.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: bananabreadbelle on April 14, 2016, 04:09:42 pm
Is it true that Monash is stopping MMIs and going for a trad interview style in 2017 entry?

Hi! (Not sure if you've already seen this but just in case:) The 2017-entry Monash Medicine brochure states that the interview format of MMI will still be in place for 2017 admissions, not too sure about future years though(?).  ;D

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/medicine/admissions/documents/2017-domestic-brochure.pdf
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on April 14, 2016, 04:18:07 pm
I'm sure there will be an announcement if they change the interview. People don't hear about these things via rumours or on the day they're offered an interview, these things are announced well in advance. Keep calm folks.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on April 14, 2016, 07:02:02 pm
So are we allowed to post questions were having trouble with in this thread or is that not allowed?? Thanks
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: datfatcat on April 18, 2016, 06:17:31 pm
So are we allowed to post questions were having trouble with in this thread or is that not allowed?? Thanks

I don't think it is a good idea because the questions are most likely copyright material.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: deuce on April 20, 2016, 04:48:41 pm
yo guys am I the only one afraid of umat?
So far doing prac questions I'm getting so many wrong... and people say its relative to how other people perform but other ppl seem to be getting the questions correct :3
Does anyone know anyone who has some kind of success story where they were bad at umat then they become good :O
coz like tf is a good atar gonna do for me if i get a shitty umat
:'(

I guess I'm a case in point haha. Didn't get any interviews except JCU in the year I finished year 12, with a relatively mediocre UMAT (including a section 1 score of below 50). I took a gap year, re-sat UMAT, and my score went up by over 20. Ironically, my section 1 was by best section on my 2nd attempt, and, ironically, I thought after the exam that I went way way worse than the year before. I guess that just goes to show how unpredictable UMAT is!

Second time around I didn't really do anything except the ACER practice papers (all of them this time). Perhaps it was that, or perhaps it was the fact that I'd already done it once before. So I guess my advice is, do the ACER practice questions and, although it's hotly debated, I personally found that UMAT isn't something you can study for per se, only something that you can prepare for in terms of getting a feel of the types of questions they ask. The UMAT is scary, there's no way around, but try not to freak out too much :)
Good luck!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on April 20, 2016, 05:12:13 pm
I don't think it is a good idea because the questions are most likely copyright material.

I thought so. Thanks for clearing that up
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: grindr on April 28, 2016, 05:48:53 pm
Does anyone have the book UMAT456 or UMAT123?
What are your thoughts on the material?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on May 14, 2016, 05:55:34 pm
Out of curiosity...
anyone here doing UMAT...are you gonna do the AM session or the PM session?

just out of curiosity...i'm still trying to decide what to put down as a preference  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on May 14, 2016, 06:22:27 pm
Out of curiosity...
anyone here doing UMAT...are you gonna do the AM session or the PM session?

just out of curiosity...i'm still trying to decide what to put down as a preference  :)
I'm doing the Geelong session - does anyone know if that's AM or PM. I really prefer PM because my mind in the morning is stil a bit fried and I peak in the afternoon soo
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on May 14, 2016, 09:11:50 pm
I'm doing the Geelong session - does anyone know if that's AM or PM. I really prefer PM because my mind in the morning is stil a bit fried and I peak in the afternoon soo

same brother, it is insane. The difference between my morning umat and my afternoon umat is like 10 percentiles.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on May 14, 2016, 09:18:07 pm
i don't know if i should do morning or afternoon...im a morning person like most days I'm awake at 5:30, some days even 4ish, and my sleep in is 6:30. so i could do the morning one...but I'm kinda worried that i might feel dead that morning and not feel like doing it so early.

the problem with the afternoon one is that, knowing me...ill get up that day and do umat study. and even if i force myself not to do intensive study, i will still do some study. Because of that I'm kinda worried that by the time the actual test starts ill be mentally tired

idk what to do  :-[
any advice would be appreciated (please)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on May 14, 2016, 09:24:32 pm
i don't know if i should do morning or afternoon...im a morning person like most days I'm awake at 5:30, some days even 4ish, and my sleep in is 6:30. so i could do the morning one...but I'm kinda worried that i might feel dead that morning and not feel like doing it so early.

the problem with the afternoon one is that, knowing me...ill get up that day and do umat study. and even if i force myself not to do intensive study, i will still do some study. Because of that I'm kinda worried that by the time the actual test starts ill be mentally tired

idk what to do  :-[
any advice would be appreciated (please)
I'd do morning - you're used to it so why not :O
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on May 14, 2016, 10:11:10 pm
i don't know if i should do morning or afternoon...im a morning person like most days I'm awake at 5:30, some days even 4ish, and my sleep in is 6:30. so i could do the morning one...but I'm kinda worried that i might feel dead that morning and not feel like doing it so early.

the problem with the afternoon one is that, knowing me...ill get up that day and do umat study. and even if i force myself not to do intensive study, i will still do some study. Because of that I'm kinda worried that by the time the actual test starts ill be mentally tired

idk what to do  :-[
any advice would be appreciated (please)

If I was you, I would go afternoon. The thing is, the decision to not study is easier then trying to keep yourself awake and mentally alert for the umat in the morning. Hence, logically, it is safer to go with the afternoon. If you have trouble with that, sit down and watch a movie or meet up with some friends before the umat.
Point is,
In one scenario, you can't control your ability to stay awak
In the other scenario, you struggle with not worrying about the umat and hence you study,
IMO, the second one seems easier to get around.

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: JellyBeanz on May 14, 2016, 10:22:18 pm
I'd recommend going in the afternoon, honestly sometimes the feeling in the morning is horrible and sometimes it's great, but we never know how we will be feeling on the day. The afternoon gives you sometime to gather your thoughts and relax a bit before attempting it.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Photon on June 10, 2016, 09:37:35 pm
How is everyone going with their UMAT preparation?

I'm going to be taking the UMAT next year and I want to know which preparation course you guys chose and why. Also whether or not it was of any benefit to you?

Good luck with your preparation, I hope you guys all get the scores you're aiming for.


Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 10, 2016, 11:21:16 pm
How is everyone going with their UMAT preparation?

I'm going to be taking the UMAT next year and I want to know which preparation course you guys chose and why. Also whether or not it was of any benefit to you?

Good luck with your preparation, I hope you guys all get the scores you're aiming for.
Yo come back to me after umat results come out
if they're good ill give my advice. But right now im drowning with this umat stuff soooo ----- not sure if my advice is any good for now.
Past students would be best equipped to answer this
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Sine on June 12, 2016, 11:05:41 pm
How are people finding section two, I've usually been getting down to 2 answers and ending up just guessing from there.

Any tips?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 12, 2016, 11:23:57 pm
How are people finding section two, I've usually been getting down to 2 answers and ending up just guessing from there.

Any tips?
Yeah that about sums it up.
What i do is narrow it down to two options then go back and look at the text and find evidence from there.
For some questions which require you to guess what the person's going to do next, or how they're feeling before or after an interaction, I like to think of the thing holistically before making a choice.

And try not to overcomplicate stuff. Some questions are just so wtf?????? but most of them are not ????????? ya feel? So the more obvious choice is generally better
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on June 12, 2016, 11:29:34 pm
How are people finding section two, I've usually been getting down to 2 answers and ending up just guessing from there.

Any tips?

I actually end up doing some working out for section 2
I always boil it down to 2 answers and from there i write out a few ideas around the options. Nothing more then a few words
But i think of thinks such as time Eg Anger and Annoyed are responsive emotions vs fed up and frustrated which carry connotations of being long term.

Generally, i find it comes down to connotation and like what Swag said, evidence from the text. I try to match the subtle connotations of the answer with the subtle ideas of the text.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Sine on June 12, 2016, 11:46:15 pm
Yeah that about sums it up.
What i do is narrow it down to two options then go back and look at the text and find evidence from there.
For some questions which require you to guess what the person's going to do next, or how they're feeling before or after an interaction, I like to think of the thing holistically before making a choice.

And try not to overcomplicate stuff. Some questions are just so wtf?????? but most of them are not ????????? ya feel? So the more obvious choice is generally better
I actually end up doing some working out for section 2
I always boil it down to 2 answers and from there i write out a few ideas around the options. Nothing more then a few words
But i think of thinks such as time Eg Anger and Annoyed are responsive emotions vs fed up and frustrated which carry connotations of being long term.

Generally, i find it comes down to connotation and like what Swag said, evidence from the text. I try to match the subtle connotations of the answer with the subtle ideas of the text.


Thanks for the help :)

Has anyone done any of the "new" medentry exams?
If so what were your raw scores and percentiles (if you would like to share)? (I know medentry percentiles don't really mean anything just interested)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 12, 2016, 11:49:46 pm
out of curiosity, how much time are you guys spending on umat prep? like how often will you do it
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 13, 2016, 12:03:35 am
out of curiosity, how much time are you guys spending on umat prep? like how often will you do it
I do it whenever I want to study but i dont want to study what i need to study (like when you ceebs with an english essay right?)
Or when i dont have any sacs so it's not intense and need something to do you know? Coz having a social life is over rated.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on June 13, 2016, 12:17:05 am
Thanks for the help :)

Has anyone done any of the "new" medentry exams?
If so what were your raw scores and percentiles (if you would like to share)? (I know medentry percentiles don't really mean anything just interested)

mine fluctuate a lot
for the first one I got a 95% and i was ecstatic
second one dropped to a 68% :(
third was a 88%
fourth was a 97ish or something like that
fifth was abominable hahahahah don't even want to share

Yeah i am so scared for the umat, like the amount of variables that affect performance is scary :(
For me, if I feel good on the day, I can start the exam with a lot of energy and smash my way through easy. But some days i tire out half way through and don't even attempt to finish.
Although
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on June 13, 2016, 05:37:29 pm
out of curiosity, how much time are you guys spending on umat prep? like how often will you do it

I haven't done any UMAT practice in about 3 weeks. I did a smallish practice session (45 mins) on Fri but I ended up just relaxing until Sunday when I got back into the swing of VCE. Before all these SACs though I was doing UMAT practice everyday and noticed some improvement in all my sections.
]
I actually have exams but I can't print them, like bruh, 65+ pages ain't going to happen. I probs won't even finish all the exams I have before the day. RN though I'm pretty much looking at them on my phone and answering in a book.

Is anyone else doing this or are you fortunate enough to have them in hardcopy? With the test approaching though I will start doing a full 3 hour session (probs during the holidays but the GAT was good practice, I will try to minimise my water consumption from now on) so I can expose any weakness and correct them before the day :)

Edit: And I feel like having the actual paper in front of me allows me to scribble and get more in touch with the question. But that's just me  :D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 13, 2016, 08:02:55 pm

Edit: And I feel like having the actual paper in front of me allows me to scribble and get more in touch with the question. But that's just me  :D
human you are not alone- this is sooo me haha  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on June 14, 2016, 06:31:38 pm
human you are not alone- this is sooo me haha  :)

I'm a bit happy that I'm not the only person. I feel like it unlocks my true potential  :D ;D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 14, 2016, 06:59:44 pm
human you are not alone- this is sooo me haha  :)
Human I feel the same.
lmao that use of human i love it
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 14, 2016, 07:02:18 pm
lmao that use of human i love it
yeah i do it a lot, i call everyone human  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on June 14, 2016, 08:38:58 pm
yeah i do it a lot, i call everyone human  :)
Guy 1: "When did the term human become so popular on the AN?"
Guy 2: "Well, thread legend has it that mq123 coined the term when when refering to AN member Blacksanta62"   (1)
Guy 1: "But why human, why didn't she use another term?"
Guy 2: "Thread legend also says that she referred to everyone like that. Just her thing, I guess"
Guy 1: "Interesting"                                                                                                                                                      (5)


:D :)

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 14, 2016, 08:40:51 pm
Guy 1: "When did the term human become so popular on the AN?"
Guy 2: "Well, thread legend has it that mq123 coined the term when when refering to AN member Blacksanta62"   (1)
Guy 1: "But why human, why didn't he use another term?"
Guy 2: "Thread legend also says that he referred to everyone like that. Just his thing, I guess"
Guy 1: "Interesting"                                                                                                                                                      (5)


:D :)


haha..oh and it's *she
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 14, 2016, 08:50:30 pm
haha..oh and it's *she
*human
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 14, 2016, 08:52:53 pm
*human
nah nobody calls me human (besides when people see my leavers jacket for the first time, since it's on the back of my jacket (you know the bit where ppl put their nicknames....i call everyone else human)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on June 14, 2016, 09:34:06 pm
Do they ever ask why? Not that its a bad thing, lol, but I would ask why I'm being called a human, and then laugh when I remember I am a human

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on June 14, 2016, 09:58:51 pm
Do they ever ask why? Not that its a bad thing, lol, but I would ask why I'm being called a human, and then laugh when I remember I am a human


they do ask, but I generally just laugh and shrug- I don't really have some specific reason for it, I just do it I guess hehe  :)
but they used to ask ages ago (like a year or so), now everyone's just accepted it  :)
 the teacher's sometimes just come up to me and just say stuff like 'i'm glad you're a human', or 'was there any doubt?' or 'are you trying to convince everyone of it'....though it's just something everyone laugh's off. I don't call the teacher's human, though...that's kinda weird and maybe disrespectful since they're teachers.   :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 14, 2016, 10:36:02 pm
they do ask, but I generally just laugh and shrug- I don't really have some specific reason for it, I just do it I guess hehe  :)
but they used to ask ages ago (like a year or so), now everyone's just accepted it  :)
 the teacher's sometimes just come up to me and just say stuff like 'i'm glad you're a human', or 'was there any doubt?' or 'are you trying to convince everyone of it'....though it's just something everyone laugh's off. I don't call the teacher's human, though...that's kinda weird and maybe disrespectful since they're teachers.   :)
LMAOOOO
"Human why did you take this mark off?"
"Human I demand you remark my sac"
Mid- Sac "Erm.. Human. Is that a typo?"
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Sine on June 20, 2016, 10:29:15 pm
Just did a Medentry UMAT exam ended up with alright Section 1 & 2 results but my section 3 score is definitely lagging behind. As far as I know section 3 is the one section that you can actually improve with practice. What are good methods to improve my section 3 score?(more practice? read through medentry guides?)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on June 20, 2016, 10:45:33 pm
Hey everyone,
sorry for intruding (and for my extended absence from Atarnotes :( )
Med has been hectic so far, semester 1 has finally finished and I get an awesome 6 week holiday :P
Just wanted to let you all know of a free UMAT lecture that is running next week, link: http://bit.ly/1tvJ2fF   (just in case for those without Facebook, here's the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-umat-tutorial-killer-tips-for-section-1-2-and-3-questions-repeat-stream-tickets-26141329420 )
I will most likely be there as a guest speaker and giving an overview of the med life, getting into med and how to conquer all the sh*t you have to go through before you get in. Aside from that, another lecturer (who helped me get into med in the first place) will run the rest of the lecture and provide more detailed tips and tricks for the umat.
Please sign up asap (the first lecture has already booked out) and I hope to meet some of you :)

Update: I will definitely be there on Thursday and will be more than happy to answer any questions after the lecture as well
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on June 29, 2016, 06:49:17 pm
Quick query: in section 1 are you guys reading the passage (even if it's very long) and then reading/answering question(s) that may follow or reading what the question wants, then identifying the location of the possible answer in the stimulus?

I've been using the first approach, having to skim/re-check with the passage while answering the question(s) and feel pretty good with it, despite section 1 not being my strongest area. But others suggest the other method. I've tried it but it doesn't sit well with me.

Your take??
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 29, 2016, 07:35:21 pm
Quick query: in section 1 are you guys reading the passage (even if it's very long) and then reading/answering question(s) that may follow or reading what the question wants, then identifying the location of the possible answer in the stimulus?

I've been using the first approach, having to skim/re-check with the passage while answering the question(s) and feel pretty good with it, despite section 1 not being my strongest area. But others suggest the other method. I've tried it but it doesn't sit well with me.

Your take??
I do the first method. The second method I've found with me is that say out of 5 questions, it would save me time on the first 2 or 3 questions but completing all 4 or 5 questions I'd spend mroe time reading through the thing than I would've if i just read the whole passage at the start and came back to that specific section.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on June 30, 2016, 04:44:50 pm
any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 01, 2016, 07:23:02 pm
any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different
I don't have many for problem solving so hopefully someone else can chip in
-Try to abbreviate the information your given on the side of the page e.g. "The average age doubled after 1850 to 82" - B 1850 => age = 41. This reads Before 1850 the age was 41. Shortening the information in a way you understand allows you to tackle the question and look at your summary of it when stuck/need to review rather than the whole passage.
-Draw pictures when given worded problem solving questions i.e. when no diagram/image is given with the question. This will enable you to see what the question is really asking on paper and not leave you relying on your brain. I've attached a question where I had to draw three cups, 2 bigger than the other. Seeing it visually allowed me to scribble and work out which cup was full and which overflowed or stayed half empty etc.

Hope I helped
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 01, 2016, 10:49:10 pm
any tips on section 1 (problem solving specifically)? Im okay with data interpretation etc but I'm terrible with problem solving. Can I improve or will the problem solving questions on the actual UMAT always be different
There's some great tips here: http://www.icanmed.com.au
Scroll down to the "class curriculum" section and under "section 1 - logical reasoning" there are several tutorials you can preview for free including some golden rules for section 1 and an explanations for some types of questions. :)
Hope that helps (and if you have any specific questions regarding the UMAT etc you can PM me happy to help)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on July 02, 2016, 10:51:32 am
-Draw pictures when given worded problem solving questions i.e. when no diagram/image is given with the question. This will enable you to see what the question is really asking on paper and not leave you relying on your brain. I've attached a question where I had to draw three cups, 2 bigger than the other. Seeing it visually allowed me to scribble and work out which cup was full and which overflowed or stayed half empty etc.
There's some great tips here: http://www.icanmed.com.au
Scroll down to the "class curriculum" section and under "section 1 - logical reasoning" there are several tutorials you can preview for free including some golden rules for section 1 and an explanations for some types of questions. :)

thank you so much!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 05, 2016, 01:55:29 am
have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 05, 2016, 12:32:12 pm
have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?

I haven't even used medentry so could you please explain what happens at the workshops please? Thank you :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 05, 2016, 12:33:12 pm
have you guys been to your med-entry workshops (if you are doing them)?
I have mine tomorrow, and I was just wondering how they were?
pretty useless tbh. I did it at the start (ages ago) so it was an introduction to it. Doing it this late is a waste of time imo, the stuff the guy tells you is fairly basic  and I don't think it's the best use of your time. (still go to it, but just dont have high expectations) - the 2nd day with the mock interview is great though, you learn a lot there. However, at this stage they should be teaching you how to get to the interview rather than what to do in the interview you know?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: necromancer14369 on July 05, 2016, 01:00:28 pm
To be honest, from the little time there is left and considering the cost of the workshops, I'd recommend (in the very least if you're still uncertain about the sections and basic strategies etc.) reading the guides on the LMS if you have already bought a package from MedEntry rather than the workshops.
I'd say that the workshops did help slightly but that was because I took it at the start of the year.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 05, 2016, 08:20:06 pm
number one thing- it was soo tiring haha
between 4-4:30 my brain was like 'nope, not doing this anymore' haha. but then it got better thankfully

I thought it was alright, I've only day one though, day two is tomorrow. Not looking forward to the mock exam tbh
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 05, 2016, 08:23:36 pm
number one thing- it was soo tiring haha
between 4-4:30 my brain was like 'nope, not doing this anymore' haha. but then it got better thankfully

I thought it was alright, I've only day one though, day two is tomorrow. Not looking forward to the mock exam tbh
LOL. The interview training was fun. 3 hours of testing tho is gonna be even more fun :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 05, 2016, 11:08:19 pm
Medentry workshops have interview training before interview offers? Cart before horse.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 05, 2016, 11:22:08 pm
pii, how do you have neg 1 votes if no one has voted?? Minor glitch or naaah, don't worry??
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 06, 2016, 12:23:54 am
Medentry workshops have interview training before interview offers? Cart before horse.
Yeah it does. I was like wtf? How has no one told me that a whole day would be spent on interview training (+ mock exam) - not sure what the thought process is there. I guess it's more advertising coz a lot of the successful people would have attended the workshop soo ..
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 06, 2016, 12:29:33 am
is the mock exam hard?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 06, 2016, 12:59:27 am
is the mock exam hard?
I did it early on - without ever touching medentry or any umat prep and I got demolished. So I don't remember if it's objectively hard or I was just really new to it. I've enhanced significantly since
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 06, 2016, 01:38:13 am
is the mock exam hard?

Same difficulty as a normal medentry paper
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 06, 2016, 08:48:53 am
Yeah it does. I was like wtf? How has no one told me that a whole day would be spent on interview training (+ mock exam) - not sure what the thought process is there. I guess it's more advertising coz a lot of the successful people would have attended the workshop soo ..

Very odd, I certainly didn't have it as part of my workshop in 2011. I didn't do the platinum package or w/e though, just the normal package. Back then, they charged another truck-load of money for a separate interview workshop later in the year haha
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 06, 2016, 08:55:05 pm
Day two update:
We did a umat prac paper that they said was gonna be slightly more difficult than what would be expected for the actual umat (don't know if that is true or just a confidence booster haha)
in terms of results I got:
for section 1:100th percentile
for section 2: 100th percentile
then for section 3 it dropped dramatically and it was in the 80th percentile :(
but I'm happy with the first two.
but then these are just relative to the people who did med-entry. so IDK how well non med entry people will do...

then for the rest of the day they did interview prep.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 06, 2016, 09:06:23 pm
Day two update:
We did a umat prac paper that they said was gonna be slightly more difficult than what would be expected for the actual umat (don't know if that is true or just a confidence booster haha)
in terms of results I got:
for section 1:100th percentile
for section 2: 100th percentile
then for section 3 it dropped dramatically and it was in the 80th percentile :(
but I'm happy with the first two.
but then these are just relative to the people who did med-entry. so IDK how well non med entry people will do...

then for the rest of the day they did interview prep.
pwoah nice job!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Sine on July 07, 2016, 07:10:41 pm
Any past UMAT students care to share their medentry raw scores/percentiles compared to what their actual percentile.

Is it true that 100/134 ~ 100%ile
Roughly what mark could obtain 95%ile+
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: yuuj on July 08, 2016, 03:58:31 pm
Hi guys :)
I'm sitting the exam this year and I've (belatedly) started doing medentry exams this past month, and I've been getting really bad scores (they fluctuate a lot as well - from like 50th percentile to like 80th percentile and then for one I got like 20th ?!?!??!  :'( :'( ).
Is it possible to get a 90th percentile on the actual exam or is medentry a somewhat accurate representation of the score I'll be getting?
Thanks :)

( UMAT IS IN 19 DAYS OMG )
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 08, 2016, 09:40:25 pm
Tbh no one really understands how UMAT scores are actually calculated, but I am happy to share some of my scores and you can take what you want from it.
Also just wanted to say it really isn't too late to start "revising" for UMAT, I only started about a month before the exam...

1st Practice Exam (at Medentry Workshop = percentiles are in comparison to Medentry students)
S1: 36/48 --> 95%ile
S2: 23/44 --> 65
S3: 18/42 --> 70
Overall: 77/134 --> expected %ile of "95-100"

Medentry Exams (all done within 3 hours, and sorry I never recorded the percentiles but from memory they were always really low (50-70ish)...not the most accurate...)
Exam 1: 98/134
Exam 2: 95/134
Exam 3: 100/134
Exam 4: 103/134
Exam 5: 110/134

ACER Practice Exam 1 (I completed this within 2 hours... they're on the easy side)
S1: 46/48
S2: 43/44
S3: 40/42
Overall: 129/134

Real UMAT 2015
S1: 65
S2: 62
S3: 68
Overall: 196 (I know it doesn't add up... apparently there are decimals which we don't see) --> 98th percentile (this was a fluke I was very lucky that day...)

Good luck for the UMAT guys ;D
Also if you want more practice:
Spoiler
iCanMed is hosting a 3 hour workshop for only $60 on the 17 and 24th July (different exam at each) that includes a mock exam and then they'll go through all the questions with you and provide tips etc
Fb link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1060784387320078/
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/icanmed-umat-3-hour-test-reviews-day-1-2-17th-24th-july-tickets-26478786764
and plus you'll get to meet me lol :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 08, 2016, 10:02:23 pm
yo mtse - if you did so well on practice exams why do you think your actual score was a fluke :P?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 08, 2016, 10:29:58 pm
Hey mtse, would you recommend doing full exams in 3 hours? I've been doing sections (some of the exams I have are still split up) under timed conditions and it is a lot harder than doing it without time as a factor to worry about. If so, how may would allow me to get use to the stressful conditions?

Thank you :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 08, 2016, 11:31:32 pm
yo mtse - if you did so well on practice exams why do you think your actual score was a fluke :P?
The practice exams went decently but I remember coming out of the real exam and thinking that I had no chance of getting into med. I don't think I was in the best mindset for the exam so I struggled (ended up not finishing the paper like I left questions completely blank) and so it wasn't the most pleasant experience hahahah and I didn't expect a good score :P

Hey mtse, would you recommend doing full exams in 3 hours? I've been doing sections (some of the exams I have are still split up) under timed conditions and it is a lot harder than doing it without time as a factor to worry about. If so, how may would allow me to get use to the stressful conditions?

Thank you :)
Hey hey... doing the questions under timed conditions is muchhhhh harder than doing the questions on their own. I recommend doing at least 2-3 full exam under timed conditions - you not only need to get used to the stress of being timed, but also build up the stamina to be able to focus and think clearly/quickly for the full 180 minutes. For me last year, this was my main let down (as described above) I really didn't prepare myself for how draining the exam would be and ended up running out of time.
Hope that helped :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 08, 2016, 11:50:36 pm
The practice exams went decently but I remember coming out of the real exam and thinking that I had no chance of getting into med. I don't think I was in the best mindset for the exam so I struggled (ended up not finishing the paper like I left questions completely blank) and so it wasn't the most pleasant experience hahahah and I didn't expect a good score :P
Hey hey... doing the questions under timed conditions is muchhhhh harder than doing the questions on their own. I recommend doing at least 2-3 full exam under timed conditions - you not only need to get used to the stress of being timed, but also build up the stamina to be able to focus and think clearly/quickly for the full 180 minutes. For me last year, this was my main let down (as described above) I really didn't prepare myself for how draining the exam would be and ended up running out of time.
Hope that helped :)
^ Yeah timed conditions - you'll do significantly worse but it'll help you significantly more. The questions themselves anyone can do it if they had unlimited time but its time which really gets you.

I think the logic is that in medicine you'll often be left in times where you don't have unlimited time and need to think clearly? That's the only possible rationality i can apply to this test.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 09, 2016, 05:17:47 pm
Any past UMAT students care to share their medentry raw scores/percentiles compared to what their actual percentile.
Is it true that 100/134 ~ 100%ile
Roughly what mark could obtain 95%ile+

I can't compare ME practice at home scores/percentiles to actual, but the workshop predicted percentiles for me were quite accurate.
Predicted 90-100%ile for S1 & S3, 70-80%ile for S2. Actual 100, 98, 70.

For actual, max possible raw score is ~300 => on average 2.24 marks per question. However to allow for the possibility the 134 Qs are not equal in marks & we are more likely to miss the higher ones, let's use an average of 2 marks each.

Last year's 100%ile range from 210 to 240 raw score, so approx 105 to 120 questions out of 134.
95%ile was 190-192, around 95-96 questions.

Scroll down on this link to see the 2015 percentile curves
http://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/threads/2016-17-med-schools-selection-criteria-for-y12s.31845/
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: kimyj7 on July 11, 2016, 11:27:45 pm
Hey, I'm new here, I don't know if I'm posting it in right thread sorry. But what do you guys think of NIE prep course, (my school keeps promoting it). So I want to know what are your thoughts if you've bought their course because there doesn't seem to be any recent post about here on AN. Would be much appreciated  :D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 12, 2016, 05:54:28 pm
So whose cramming for umat now? haha  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 12, 2016, 06:13:49 pm
Hey, I'm new here, I don't know if I'm posting it in right thread sorry. But what do you guys think of NIE prep course, (my school keeps promoting it). So I want to know what are your thoughts if you've bought their course because there doesn't seem to be any recent post about here on AN. Would be much appreciated  :D
My school has some of their posters up (been there since late last year) but I ended up practicing alone and not using any courses at all. I have however done one of their free exams and their of okay quality (probs not as hard as medentry). Because of that I can't comment on the course itself, maybe someone else can :)

So whose cramming for umat now? haha  ;)  ;D
Methods SAC I have to finish tomorrow and a biology SAC on Friday, they've kind of taken priority so UMAT practice has taken another hit. Finding 3 hours to do a practice exam in is quite hard ;)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: klippo on July 12, 2016, 06:54:03 pm
Hey guys,

So I've literally just started doing UMAT prep..... I've only done 1 exam (the ACER one, which is meant to be easy...) and got 110/134 without a time limit. Basically, I feel as though I'm pretty screwed...
I never planned on doing any of those prep courses, because I don't really want to pour $800 down the drain... Although, I am starting to question whether I'm going to be able to do well at all...

Do you guys think I still have a chance if I just start pumping out practise exams in the time we have left? but the thing is, I've only got the acer exams, 1 medentry exam plus some miscellaneous free online stuff... So I don't even know if I'm preparing with the best material out there... Any suggestions? And anyone know where I can buy some papers?

Thanks in advance!!

Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 12, 2016, 07:05:00 pm
Hey guys,

So I've literally just started doing UMAT practise..... I've only done 1 exam (the ACER one, which is meant to be easy...) and got 110/134 without a time limit. Basically, I feel as though I'm pretty screwed...
I never planned on doing any of those prep courses, because I don't really want to pour $800 down the drain... Although, I am starting to question whether I'm going to be able to do well at all...

Do you guys I still have a chance if I just start pumping out practise exams in the time we have left? but the thing is, I've only got the acer exams, 1 medentry exam plus some miscellaneous free online stuff... So I don't even know if I'm preparing with the best material out there... Any suggestions? And anyone know where I can buy some papers?

Thanks in advance!!

my 2 cents...
110/134 is seriously good- good job on you for that! however, one of the hardest things I have found with umat exams is actually finishing the exam in the given time...so I would definitely try and stick to a timed situation. I think you definitely have a chance...especially since some people do really well at umat with no study, little study, and a lot of study...just depends on the person. Med entry has some papers that you can buy...otherwise, you could look on gumtree, sometimes people have guides? Or a couple of libraries have guides on verbal/nonverbal reasoning that you could read...
I hope this helps! and good luck
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 12, 2016, 09:52:20 pm
Hey guys,

So I've literally just started doing UMAT prep..... I've only done 1 exam (the ACER one, which is meant to be easy...) and got 110/134 without a time limit. Basically, I feel as though I'm pretty screwed...
I never planned on doing any of those prep courses, because I don't really want to pour $800 down the drain... Although, I am starting to question whether I'm going to be able to do well at all...

Do you guys think I still have a chance if I just start pumping out practise exams in the time we have left? but the thing is, I've only got the acer exams, 1 medentry exam plus some miscellaneous free online stuff... So I don't even know if I'm preparing with the best material out there... Any suggestions? And anyone know where I can buy some papers?

Thanks in advance!!

110/134 shows us that you know your stuff and have the ability to do well.... now just time yourself. Like to be honest, the number one thing that makes the umat hard is timing, nothing really else.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 12, 2016, 09:56:23 pm
110/134 shows us that you know your stuff and have the ability to do well.... now just time yourself. Like to be honest, the number one thing that makes the umat hard is timing, nothing really else.
Yeah - give people time and they can solve the whole thing. Under time suddenly everything becomes 1000x harder.

But yeah shows you can solve it! Just try speed up :)
Do not despair it's meant to be an aptitude test
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: klippo on July 12, 2016, 10:36:54 pm
Thanks so much for your replies guys!! I think I've just been having a minor breakdown for the past 2 days about umat... This has helped lower my anxiety levels though  :)

I'll try do a couple under time restraints and see how they go. Good luck to everyone with prep as well!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 12, 2016, 10:41:36 pm
Thanks so much for your replies guys!! I think I've just been having a minor breakdown for the past 2 days about umat... This has helped lower my anxiety levels though  :)
yeah fam a lot of us on the same page here.
Tbh I like to keep my stress constant instead of concentrated so I don't really have breakdowns, just constant stress over extended periods of time. Not sure which one is healthier lmao but no breakdowns for a very long time so I think my method is pre good hehe :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: shayankhan on July 12, 2016, 10:51:13 pm
Ive done the medentry course which was pretty expensive (about $800) but I found it pretty useful tbh ! It kinda guides you how to go about your prep for the umat. We had a few past students come in and talk about the umat and they all said the medentry papers are a lot harder than the actual umat so if you can get even the tiniest grasp on the medentry papers, you'll be doing ok in the umat
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 12, 2016, 11:29:35 pm
Juts wanna say
14 DAYS LEFT,
and the thing is I reckon that is still a fair amount of time. If you use it mainly for umat lol, but yeah for everyone freaking out. This is an aptitude test, you technically are not even supposed to prepare lol ( I am sure a fair amount of ppl are just gonna wing it ), so don't be too anxious. You have enough time!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 12, 2016, 11:34:22 pm
Juts wanna say
14 DAYS LEFT,
and the thing is I reckon that is still a fair amount of time. If you use it mainly for umat lol, but yeah for everyone freaking out. This is an aptitude test, you technically are not even supposed to prepare lol ( I am sure a fair amount of ppl are just gonna wing it ), so don't be too anxious. You have enough time!
Um 26 minutes till 12 o clock so It's 15 days left whatchu tryna do taking away a day of mine
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 12, 2016, 11:45:07 pm
Juts wanna say
14 DAYS LEFT,
and the thing is I reckon that is still a fair amount of time. If you use it mainly for umat lol, but yeah for everyone freaking out. This is an aptitude test, you technically are not even supposed to prepare lol ( I am sure a fair amount of ppl are just gonna wing it ), so don't be too anxious. You have enough time!
haha..its only 9:43 on this side of the country...that's almost enough time to do a whole umat paper today  ;)- not that I'm gonna...i'd get like 2% if i make my brain work the way umat demands at this time!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 13, 2016, 06:16:11 pm
Anyone else get their admission ticket? I have to be at Caulfield racecourse by 7:50 since the test starts at 8 am. Most likely going to have to get there a bit earlier
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 13, 2016, 06:20:13 pm
Anyone else get their admission ticket? I have to be at Caulfield racecourse by 7:50 since the test starts at 8 am. Most likely going to have to get there a bit earlier
damn arrival time is 1;30
you're gonna be finished when im suffering :O
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 13, 2016, 06:37:42 pm
That's a nice arrival time, I would sleep in a bit :) But once it's over I can relax... phewwwww
Does the test start at 8 or do you think they want to have a majority of people seated inside and start by 8:30 or something??
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: sweetcheeks on July 13, 2016, 07:30:18 pm
My ticket says arrival time 8:15. When would the actually start time be?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 14, 2016, 12:40:17 am
My ticket says arrival time 8:15. When would the actually start time be?

Morning session's start time is usually 9am.
Wouldn't be 8:30 since they need more than 15 minutes to ID check several hundred students
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: ehatton2016 on July 14, 2016, 12:30:36 pm
So, I am about to sit the UMAT (friday in 2 weeks) and have trials the following monday, should I wing UMAT or study.

AND, how do all the factors for entry weigh up, for example, if you get like a 97 ATAR or something above 95 but smash the UMAT, will you still get an interview?

Thanks guys!!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 14, 2016, 01:29:16 pm
So, I am about to sit the UMAT (friday in 2 weeks) and have trials the following monday, should I wing UMAT or study.

AND, how do all the factors for entry weigh up, for example, if you get like a 97 ATAR or something above 95 but smash the UMAT, will you still get an interview?

Thanks guys!!

I wouldn't wing it,
just do a bit of prep, like your scores will increase dramatically after a few prac exams.
In terms of getting into med its ( 30/30/30 for atar umat and interview )
in terms of getting an interview --> if you get a good atar for med ( like 99+) and and ok umat you will get an interview, the same is true for the reverse. These are predictions based on what I have heard.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 14, 2016, 03:45:00 pm
So, I am about to sit the UMAT (friday in 2 weeks) and have trials the following monday, should I wing UMAT or study.

AND, how do all the factors for entry weigh up, for example, if you get like a 97 ATAR or something above 95 but smash the UMAT, will you still get an interview?

Thanks guys!!
This really depends on what uni you would like to get into: ( i only have info on the uni's I applied to)
Monash
- 30/30/30 - i.e. they weigh the ATAR, UMAT and interview equally
- this is why usually an outstanding ATAR or UMAT can get you and interview when your UMAT/ATAR respectively isn't that great
- however it must also be noted that they have the 50-50-50 rule for the UMAT - i.e. you need at least 50 percentile in each section of the UMAT to be even considered for the interview - people who wing the UMAT generally cannot achieve this (i have no solid stats but anecdotally this is true)

Adelaide (for first round interviews)
- for interstate students, they weigh the UMAT very heavily prior to getting an interview - for me last year, they actually invited me to an interview before my ATAR was even released
- after interview, they then use just the ATAR and interview scores to determine whether you get into the course

UNSW
- like Monash, they weigh the umat, atar and interview equally - so theoretically either an outstanding UMAT or ATAR (while the other is somewhat decent) should get you an interview
- for me last year, I was given a ">50% chance" (like they actually email interstate students the percentage possibility of them getting into the course) with a 99+ ATAR and 95+ UMAT. (I ultimately did not attend the interview)
- just fyi (vaguely remembering from their website) UNSW undergrad med is so competitive that the median ATAR gets pushed up to 99.60 despite the cut-off being around 96.00

Aside from that:
I suggest to not "wing" the UMAT, but do not neglect study for your Trials either. Perhaps separating your VCE/HSC studying with some UMAT practice would be the best way to go about it due to the limited time left.
Most people here would probably agree that the best practice you can do now is to do timed exams, because it not only allows you to understand the style of questions from each section, but to also get a feel for the pressure/stress/exhaustion that you experience when you have to concentrate for 3 hours straight.

Any questions feel free to PM me :) and Good Luck!!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 14, 2016, 05:51:13 pm
for example, if you get like a 97 ATAR or something above 95 but smash the UMAT, will you still get an interview?

Getting an interview is a balancing between your ATAR and UMAT, low in one requires the other extremely high. Using UNSW's previous years as a guide 99.95 needs just 70%ile UMAT while 99.0 needs 90%ile, 97.0 : 99%ile , 96.0 : 100%ile.

Also note although made into the interview round none of those 96-97.0 with 99-100%ile got a UNSW place this year, the lowest successful ATAR was 97.3 . Maybe less tough at the other unis but not by much.

With 95-97 ATAR you have better chances at UWS, JMP where it is a hurdle, you are not disadvantaged against those with higher ATARs.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: ehatton2016 on July 14, 2016, 07:00:53 pm
This really depends on what uni you would like to get into: ( i only have info on the uni's I applied to)
Monash
- 30/30/30 - i.e. they weigh the ATAR, UMAT and interview equally
- this is why usually an outstanding ATAR or UMAT can get you and interview when your UMAT/ATAR respectively isn't that great
- however it must also be noted that they have the 50-50-50 rule for the UMAT - i.e. you need at least 50 percentile in each section of the UMAT to be even considered for the interview - people who wing the UMAT generally cannot achieve this (i have no solid stats but anecdotally this is true)

Adelaide (for first round interviews)
- for interstate students, they weigh the UMAT very heavily prior to getting an interview - for me last year, they actually invited me to an interview before my ATAR was even released
- after interview, they then use just the ATAR and interview scores to determine whether you get into the course

UNSW
- like Monash, they weigh the umat, atar and interview equally - so theoretically either an outstanding UMAT or ATAR (while the other is somewhat decent) should get you an interview
- for me last year, I was given a ">50% chance" (like they actually email interstate students the percentage possibility of them getting into the course) with a 99+ ATAR and 95+ UMAT. (I ultimately did not attend the interview)
- just fyi (vaguely remembering from their website) UNSW undergrad med is so competitive that the median ATAR gets pushed up to 99.60 despite the cut-off being around 96.00

Aside from that:
I suggest to not "wing" the UMAT, but do not neglect study for your Trials either. Perhaps separating your VCE/HSC studying with some UMAT practice would be the best way to go about it due to the limited time left.
Most people here would probably agree that the best practice you can do now is to do timed exams, because it not only allows you to understand the style of questions from each section, but to also get a feel for the pressure/stress/exhaustion that you experience when you have to concentrate for 3 hours straight.

Any questions feel free to PM me :) and Good Luck!!



Thank you soooooo much!! I have done some practice, so I guess winging it is sort of a stretch (I realised I hate those people who are like, "I didn't study, probably going to lose my rank" then get 99). That plan seems so much more manageable, considering the exam is 3 hours, which is disgusting and the questions are even more disgusting. Kind of unfair that they say it is a 96, which for most applicants is achievable but realistically it won't be good enough as it is equally weighted.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 16, 2016, 03:11:03 pm
Kind of unfair that they say it is a 96, which for most applicants is achievable but realistically it won't be good enough as it is equally weighted.

A few 96s do get in sometimes. Last year lowest successful at UNSW was 96.3

To help you understand the process, among those invited to interviews only the top one-third overall get a place. Since it counts equally on the three parts, with a near-bottom in ATAR you would need a top score in both UMAT and interview to rank in the top third.

This also explains why sometimes one with 99 ATAR and 99%ile UMAT (both good but not quite top), an average interview is not enough to get a place.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 17, 2016, 04:14:35 pm
Hey guys, I've been doing UMAT prep but I haven't done any medentry papers at all, do you think that this is a disadvantage?
Thank you  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 04:21:20 pm
Hey guys, I've been doing UMAT prep but I haven't done any medentry papers at all, do you think that this is a disadvantage?
Thank you  :)
You won't be at a disadvantage yet, since there is still time (not a lot), but still time. In my opinion, I think you should at least do one. I don't know what your UMAT prep was, if you were doing exam papers I think you should be fine. However, I think one of the hard parts about UMAT is doing those kind of questions in one go, in  a 3-hour block, so I think you should probably do some papers. :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 17, 2016, 04:34:36 pm
I've been doing practice papers but I did my first 3 hour exam yesterday. I didn't finish the paper but it was a great form of learning.  Just not sure if medentry is beneficial
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 04:40:55 pm
I've been doing practice papers but I did my first 3 hour exam yesterday. I didn't finish the paper but it was a great form of learning.  Just not sure if medentry is beneficial
I feel like it was, though my scores jump a lot. I don't think it's a huge deal if you finish the paper or not, I got like 61% on the med entry exam at the workshop which translated to a UMAT percentile predicted between 95-100. I didn't finish or even get all the ones that I answered right. But, I think Med entry is really beneficial, and you would probably rather over-practice/study than under study :)
As long as you go through the exam after and look at why you got things right or wrong. Or another idea is to just watch tutorials and learn question approach methods. This will probably be more beneficial than doing a 3-hour paper and spending another 2 hours going through it. Since there isn't too long left till the exam, I would probably recommend how to do the questions :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 17, 2016, 04:56:35 pm
Yep. I learnt how to do the techniques and stuff 2-3 months ago. Since then I've really gotten better and I've been using a wide variety of tests including an LSAT exam. I'll probs do 3-4 exams under timed conditions so I can really get use to it. It does take a lot of energy out of you and I got a lot more easily frustrated while doing section 1 yesterday. Looking at the clock then trying to work out which answer is correct... hard :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 17, 2016, 10:05:33 pm
can i get some advice?
I am doing well on medentry umat exams --> 90% percentiles usually
but the acer ones i am not doing as well :/
AND I DON'T KNOW WHY,
like the questions are easier yet for some reason i am doing worse. I think I might be better at hard questions because it forces me to think more but easier ones make me overconfident and i make stupid mistakes.
I got 93/134 (ACER EXAM 3)  which isn't terribly bad but like I really need to break the 100 mark barrier if I wanna have a good umat score.
any advice? how do you guys stop making stupid mistakes?
also anyone know what 93/134 would translate tooo? like atleast a 70 percentile? 
people said exam 3 of acer was the harder of the few but i aint sure :/
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 17, 2016, 10:28:09 pm
can i get some advice?
I am doing well on medentry umat exams --> 90% percentiles usually
but the acer ones i am not doing as well :/
AND I DON'T KNOW WHY,
like the questions are easier yet for some reason i am doing worse. I think I might be better at hard questions because it forces me to think more but easier ones make me overconfident and i make stupid mistakes.
I got 93/134 (ACER EXAM 3)  which isn't terribly bad but like I really need to break the 100 mark barrier if I wanna have a good umat score.
any advice? how do you guys stop making stupid mistakes?
also anyone know what 93/134 would translate tooo? like atleast a 70 percentile? 
people said exam 3 of acer was the harder of the few but i aint sure :/
Um MTSE said before that a 90+ mark will yield you a 90+ percentile (or more I think) so if you performed like that on the day you're fine man!
I'm going to do ACER exam 3 a bit later this week so I'll respond more then in terms of difficulty - how are you going in other acer exams? feel free to pm me if you wanna share it there - coz ive done those exams so i can speak to you with reference you know?

I think an important distinction to make is the difference between ACER and MedEntry - the questions vary slightly. Medentry is a business afterall - so it's designed to reward the student who uses it frequently. I.E do more drills and you'll do better in MedEntry questions - but not necessarily in ACER questions you know?
SO I'd recommend spending time looking through acer type questions (they're very similar to medentry but there's also a discernible difference that you need to recognise) -- but you shouldn't be freaking out you're gonna be amazing and we are both gon be doctors together and be bffs in monash med <3
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 10:30:58 pm
Um MTSE said before that a 90+ mark will yield you a 90+ percentile (or more I think) so if you performed like that on the day you're fine man!
I'm going to do ACER exam 3 a bit later this week so I'll respond more then in terms of difficulty - how are you going in other acer exams? feel free to pm me if you wanna share it there - coz ive done those exams so i can speak to you with reference you know?

I think an important distinction to make is the difference between ACER and MedEntry - the questions vary slightly. Medentry is a business afterall - so it's designed to reward the student who uses it frequently. I.E do more drills and you'll do better in MedEntry questions - but not necessarily in ACER questions you know?
SO I'd recommend spending time looking through acer type questions (they're very similar to medentry but there's also a discernible difference that you need to recognise) -- but you shouldn't be freaking out you're gonna be amazing and we are both gon be doctors together and be bffs in monash med <3
Can I please be your bff too?  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 17, 2016, 10:31:51 pm
Can I please be your bff too?  :)
omg ofc you can human ;)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 17, 2016, 10:35:50 pm
Um MTSE said before that a 90+ mark will yield you a 90+ percentile (or more I think) so if you performed like that on the day you're fine man!
I'm going to do ACER exam 3 a bit later this week so I'll respond more then in terms of difficulty - how are you going in other acer exams? feel free to pm me if you wanna share it there - coz ive done those exams so i can speak to you with reference you know?

I think an important distinction to make is the difference between ACER and MedEntry - the questions vary slightly. Medentry is a business afterall - so it's designed to reward the student who uses it frequently. I.E do more drills and you'll do better in MedEntry questions - but not necessarily in ACER questions you know?
SO I'd recommend spending time looking through acer type questions (they're very similar to medentry but there's also a discernible difference that you need to recognise) -- but you shouldn't be freaking out you're gonna be amazing and we are both gon be doctors together and be bffs in monash med <3

thanks man,
needed to read that after feeling shit after acer,
hmmm did she say that? well then that is good as then! I don't think that is applicable to this exam though since acer ones are easier then normal umat and i think 90+ for normal umat will give you a 90 percentile.
But yeah i get what you are saying, I might need to review the acer one a bit more clearly. Too bad exam 3 doesn't have worked solutions.
Hahahah but cheers fam!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 10:36:24 pm
omg ofc you can human ;)
YES! thankyou human! we could all be a trio  ;)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 11:08:16 pm
is it just me or does the answer and method of the questions seem really simple when you go through the exam
afterward? However, for some reason, I just can't get it when doing the exam?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 17, 2016, 11:15:01 pm
is it just me or does the answer and method of the questions seem really simple when you go through the exam
afterward? However, for some reason, I just can't get it when doing the exam?
LOL YES. Especially with section 2. I'm like sweating tossing up between 2 options when I'm doing it and then you look at answer and you're like "how the fk did I think that was the answer, it's clearly that"
other times im like "yea get fked" but most of the times its the former
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 17, 2016, 11:18:23 pm
LOL YES. Especially with section 2. I'm like sweating tossing up between 2 options when I'm doing it and then you look at answer and you're like "how the fk did I think that was the answer, it's clearly that"
other times im like "yea get fked" but most of the times its the former
section 3 is like my bane. I look at it for a while and can't generate anything. but then when I review it, it's just 'it moved once, then two spaces, then three spaces'. Then I hug my pillow for comfort
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 18, 2016, 12:15:08 am
also anyone know what 93/134 would translate tooo? like atleast a 70 percentile?

A few rules of thumb to remember by based on 2015 results
- 90%ile <= 180 Overall score
- 95%ile <= 190
- 98%ile <= 196-200 (out of ~300)

The questions are worth on average ~2 marks each, if Acer prac 3 is like actual 93/134 should give you between 90-95%ile.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 18, 2016, 04:05:01 pm
Don't you love it when you drive to a library (20 mins away) to do a UMAT exam in peace, cos it's noisy at home, only to discover that they have Med-entry blocked due to security reasons? lol to me  :-\
But why I wonder? what risk could umat study pose?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 18, 2016, 05:24:00 pm
what risk could umat study pose?

MedEntry? A financial risk of about $1000 :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 21, 2016, 06:52:36 pm
Hey guys, so I have read Medentry reviews from psyxwar and the like but they're from a while ago. Has Medentry improved their style of section 1 & 2 questions? I know that company papers will never be exactly like acers real UMAT but I just want to hear some reviews on the sections from last year and this year (if you've used them for prep :D)
Thanks
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 21, 2016, 08:43:26 pm
Hey guys, so I have read Medentry reviews from psyxwar and the like but they're from a while ago. Has Medentry improved their style of section 1 & 2 questions? I know that company papers will never be exactly like acers real UMAT but I just want to hear some reviews on the sections from last year and this year (if you've used them for prep :D)
Thanks
Actually after last year's UMAT (after numerous complaints) Medentry has updated their papers/materials for this year.
In my opinion, 70% of section 2 questions and 60% of Section 1 questions on Medentry reflected the standards and styles found in the real UMAT exam, while prior to the update, only <30% of Section 3 questions were similar to the real UMAT.
I can't say anything about the questions available now (most are still the same - they've just added newer questions into the "new 2016 practice exams"). From what I've seen they've only really improved section 3.

The other important thing to note is that I've only sat one UMAT exam (thank god...) and my memory of it vs what may actually come up this year (and in the future) may differ quite a lot.

For those completing the UMAT in the future, I do suggest perhaps looking at companies other than Medentry and Medstart, and actually asking how the company obtains/creates their questions. Many rely on word of mouth which means the content available is not necessarily accurate, while I have heard that some companies have in fact obtained to access past ACER papers (I don't know how/when etc) and developed their course based on those, which in my opinion would be much more worth your time and money (especially because they don't cost freaking >$1000  >:( )
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: TwinNerd on July 21, 2016, 08:50:19 pm
any tips in regards to dealing with stress on the day of the umat exam.... there's a lot riding on my umat percentile:(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 21, 2016, 08:58:32 pm
any tips in regards to dealing with stress on the day of the umat exam.... there's a lot riding on my umat percentile:(

How have you dealt with stress in every other exam in your life? It shouldn't change. I wouldn't be trying new methods of relieving stress now, imagine if you started stressing over if those anti-stress mechanisms were working, would be a vicious cycle of disaster haha
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 21, 2016, 09:22:30 pm
any tips in regards to dealing with stress on the day of the umat exam.... there's a lot riding on my umat percentile:(
pi has a really good point :)
some little tips that shouldn't (i hope), be drastic changes in your routine:
- when you are really stressed while studying, for that moment I would advise just stop studying. There is absolutely no way you will effectively learn things when you can't stop thinking about how much it is weighted and what influence it makes on your grade/entry into medicine
- Have a shower. Even if you have had one that day/morning. Showers do wonders (for me anyway); they are relaxing and just amazing in general
- Music. Maybe listen to music for a bit. Now I don't mean put your iPod on for 2 hours and completely forget about studying. Just take a 10-minute break
- Go for a 10-minute walk: It clear's your head and provides fresh air. Especially around a park (green area helps: I mean like plant based green area. Not green buildings  :D )
- Get out of your room or wherever you are studying. Just escape from that environment for a few minutes. Maybe do a lap of your house, go talk to a sibling, wander around the kitchen and nibble at things.

I do a lot of these myself. I'm going to repeat this: they should be around 10 mins in duration. Just enough to calm yourself down. It won't help if they are extended over 2-3 hours (then you are just wasting time)
Hope I have been of some assistance  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mmeelinh on July 21, 2016, 09:54:09 pm
Can anyone explain the percentile thing to me? Ive kinda been alone my entire UMAT journey and all I know is the raw percentages i'm getting in practice tests :(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 21, 2016, 10:13:31 pm
<snip>

Good general tips, but virtually none of them can be applied to the sole duration of the UMAT exam (as per OP's suggestion) :P

Can anyone explain the percentile thing to me? Ive kinda been alone my entire UMAT journey and all I know is the raw percentages i'm getting in practice tests :(

The rank your scores (for each section and for the total of them all added up) and assign you a percentile. It's not really worth worrying about, but generally you'd want 90+ (or to be safer, 95+) to stand a chance at most unis.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mmeelinh on July 21, 2016, 10:19:44 pm
to stand a chance at most unis.

o damn there goes my dreams  :'( :'(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 21, 2016, 10:22:11 pm
o damn there goes my dreams  :'( :'(

Who says? It's not done until it's done. And even if it is, doesn't mean you're not fit for medicine in Australia.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 22, 2016, 10:19:28 pm
Last weekend  before umat!
How is everyone feeling?  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Khosh98 on July 22, 2016, 11:02:45 pm
Hey, could anyone that did the umat last year inform about the changes to section 3. I heard that section 3 changed drastically and about half the questions were new. Would really appreciate if someone could highlight the new patterns they utilised.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mmeelinh on July 22, 2016, 11:51:45 pm
Last weekend  before umat!
How is everyone feeling?  :)

nervous! ive been practicing diligently for months and my score has not improved :(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 23, 2016, 12:18:23 am
o damn there goes my dreams  :'( :'(

In case you misunderstood, pi meant you need to get 90+ percentile not 90% of the questions correct.

For each section you get a raw score out of ~100. A section score of 65 is highly respectable.

The three section scores added together is your Overall score: 180 ranks ~90th %ile, 190 ~95th %ile.
So don't lose heart you just need around 65-70 percent of the questions correct.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mmeelinh on July 23, 2016, 12:56:13 am
In case you misunderstood, pi meant you need to get 90+ percentile not 90% of the questions correct.

For each section you get a raw score out of ~100. A section score of 65 is highly respectable.

The three section scores added together is your Overall score: 180 ranks ~90th %ile, 190 ~95th %ile.
So don't lose heart you just need around 65-70 percent of the questions correct.


ohhh yeah okay that makes more sense now :) 70 percent is achievable :D does that mean that each question is not worth only one mark? and furthermore, it would also depend on how other people perform right?

Does anyone have an idea of how many people attend the Sydney exam?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 23, 2016, 01:53:01 am
does that mean that each question is not worth only one mark?
and furthermore, it would also depend on how other people perform right?

The percentile numbers above are from my year 2015, good enough for guidelines as they don't change significantly year to year.

You can get max 100 marks per section so total 300 for 134 questions, 2.2 each on average but it's evident the questions are not all equal in marks. Since you are more likely to miss the higher ones better to use an estimate of 2 marks each.

I read somewhere around 18,000 students take Umat Aus-wide, maybe 7-8,000 in Sydney/NSW.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 23, 2016, 09:33:20 am
Fairly sure you can get above 100 for a section, I have friends that did.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: A1P on July 23, 2016, 03:25:47 pm
Fairly sure you can get above 100 for a section, I have friends that did.

That was true but not recently Pi. Pre-2012 Umat was valid for two years, I think Acer scaled a year's results against the previous to make the cohorts comparable resulting in some scores scaled to >100. No need for that now Umat is valid for a single year.

I checked a few section score curves in MSO, the pre-2012 scales go up to 105-107 while both 2014 & 2015 max at 100.
2010 : http://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/attachments/percentile10s1-jpg.161/
2015 : http://medstudentsonline.com.au/forum/threads/2016-17-med-schools-selection-criteria-for-y12s.31845/#post-297500
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 23, 2016, 06:16:44 pm
I'm doing so horrible at pretty much every practice test. The only two I did well on were the medentry one (predicted of 95-100) and a matrix one (90+). Coincidently, those were the only two I did on paper...I wonder if that makes a difference?
This close to the umat do you think it's more worthwhile doing exams and going through them, or just spending time learning more principles?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 23, 2016, 06:36:27 pm
I'm doing so horrible at pretty much every practice test. The only two I did well on were the medentry one (predicted of 95-100) and a matrix one (90+). Coincidently, those were the only two I did on paper...I wonder if that makes a difference?
This close to the umat do you think it's more worthwhile doing exams and going through them, or just spending time learning more principles?

i reckon exams + review
Yeah maybe do your exams on paper, I found my scores increased by a good 10 percentile :) from the medentry ones
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 23, 2016, 06:40:44 pm
i reckon exams + review
Yeah maybe do your exams on paper, I found my scores increased by a good 10 percentile :) from the medentry ones
Thanks...I'm getting so worried now, and I know I shouldn't cos that will probably make it worse...but I am. :(
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 23, 2016, 06:45:28 pm
Thanks...I'm getting so worried now, and I know I shouldn't cos that will probably make it worse...but I am. :(

I think it will help you to know,
I have heard of people who got 40th-60th normally and then pulling of 90th on the day
The thing is, this is an aptitude test, preparation is great but like it isn't usually what makes you do well, it is your mental state on the day!
Just breathe relax, and go in AT YOUR OPTIMUM :) 
And either way, your umat provides only ONE pathway into med, there are plenty of ways into med if you are determined :) No pressure really, it is just an exam!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: blacksanta62 on July 23, 2016, 07:11:01 pm
I've actually stopped prepping for the UMAT. I'm just going to relax a bit and review my vocab for section 2. Everything else will fall into place on the day  :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 23, 2016, 07:48:47 pm
Thanks guys...your amazing :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: HakunaMattata on July 23, 2016, 11:22:27 pm
I feel so ambivalent!! 3 days guys, how's everyone coping? I'm skipping school on Monday and Tuesday because I'm a lazy bum and also I just want to use these days to relax and fit in some umat q's here and there  ;D ;D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 23, 2016, 11:49:19 pm
I feel so ambivalent!! 3 days guys, how's everyone coping? I'm skipping school on Monday and Tuesday because I'm a lazy bum and also I just want to use these days to relax and fit in some umat q's here and there  ;D ;D
So am I!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Sine on July 24, 2016, 12:31:31 am
 :P

Going to school on monday,
tuesday I have a single period of spec (out of 6 periods) so i'm just gonna stay home but I still have to go later for a English sac after school.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 24, 2016, 03:17:39 pm
:P

Going to school on monday,
tuesday I have a single period of spec (out of 6 periods) so i'm just gonna stay home but I still have to go later for a English sac after school.
I have a test the day after umat, so I'm gonna need to give time to that one too...
has anyone tried the matrix papers? I feel like they are a lot easier to the med entry ones...
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: sweetcheeks on July 24, 2016, 03:42:57 pm
Not really sure how I'm going to with the exam. Got Tuesday off school (school event that day woo!).

However I do have two SAC's the day after, one being English.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 24, 2016, 05:31:21 pm
I have a test the day after umat, so I'm gonna need to give time to that one too...
has anyone tried the matrix papers? I feel like they are a lot easier to the med entry ones...
matrix? are they a new company?
so many umat companies not sure how to tell the difference between genuine companies and marketing schemes playing on the fear and anxieties of students
the only one i trust atm is ME (to an extent) and the one mtse is a part of coz she wouldnt vouch for something that she didnt believe in..
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Photon on July 24, 2016, 05:33:37 pm
I hope you guys do well on the UMAT and get the score you want! Best of luck! :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 24, 2016, 05:36:59 pm
It's a Sydney company (actually very well known). A lot of their students get in the 90+ percentile range. It was actually someone on AN who e-mailed me their stuff :)
But I've only done one of their papers...the rest have all been med-entry ones :)
there is an actual (on average) change of around 30 percentiles upwards when I do it on paper, compared to on a computer
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on July 25, 2016, 05:49:21 pm
HEY GUYS URGENT HELP,
lol so I can't find the email where they tell us the conditions of the water bottle we bring in,
I DEPEND ON WATER, like this might seem trivial to some but if i don't have water to keep myself active and awake through the umat then i am literally dead.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE CONDITIONS ARE? like I assume clear? does it have to be colourless like for the GAT?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 25, 2016, 05:53:14 pm
HEY GUYS URGENT HELP,
lol so I can't find the email where they tell us the conditions of the water bottle we bring in,
I DEPEND ON WATER, like this might seem trivial to some but if i don't have water to keep myself active and awake through the umat then i am literally dead.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE CONDITIONS ARE? like I assume clear? does it have to be colourless like for the GAT?

completely clear
here is the comment about water they sent in the email (for evidences sake haha):
Water is permitted in a clear plastic bottle
....so no glass bottles i'm assumeing? haha
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 25, 2016, 05:57:04 pm
^Best to remove any stickers the bottle has too. Thus, buy a cheap plastic bottle from 7/11 and tear the label off and dispose the bottle when done at the venue. Good rule of thumb for any exam you'll sit in the future.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on July 26, 2016, 02:56:52 pm
SO who is pumped for tomorrow?
The day has arived...in almost 24 hours some of us will be starting, and some will have finished :)
GOOD LUCK for tomorrow humans!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 26, 2016, 08:19:36 pm
My dear 2016 UMATer's

GOOD LUCK FOR THE UMAT!!!
I wish the best for all of you and I really truly can't wait to see you all attending Monash Med (cause its the best, of course :P ) next year.

Get some good sleep tonight, good food tomorrow morning and just a small reminder: don't get flustered because if you're struggling with a question, I can guarantee you at least 1000 other students are also struggling with it too. The 3 hours will be over before you know it.

Aside from that, if you guys need someone to talk to, rant to or just debrief after the UMAT, feel free to PM me and I'd be more than happy to listen.
(Also note imo discussing questions and answers after the exam will not be a smart thing to do, it's only going to make you feel like crap and no one really knows what the correct answer is anyway)

mtse :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on July 26, 2016, 10:16:34 pm
^Well said, taking my annual "good luck post" job from me! A worthier successor though :)

(Also note imo discussing questions and answers after the exam will not be a smart thing to do, it's only going to make you feel like crap and no one really knows what the correct answer is anyway)

I agree, post-mortem dissections of exams rarely do anyone any good. To add to this, be mindful of people who haven't sat the exam yet. Not just from Melb, but also those from different time zones who may have an hour or so to pour over AN, BoS and MSO. Any advantage is an unfair advantage, and you're just hurting yourself.

Otherwise get some shut eye and...
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/vampirediaries/images/7/7f/May-the-Odds-Be-Ever-In-Your-Favor.gif/revision/latest?cb=20131209214518)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on July 26, 2016, 11:17:12 pm
^Well said, taking my annual "good luck post" job from me! A worthier successor though :)
Got a compliment from Pi. Life goal achieved. 8)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: HakunaMattata on July 27, 2016, 03:01:26 pm
UMAT done and dusted! YAYYY  ;D
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: WLalex on July 27, 2016, 03:19:41 pm
UMAT done and dusted! YAYYY  ;D

Same! How did you find it?
Glad its over so we can focus on trials/HSC now :)

I honestly have no idea how I went...didn't quite finish though
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: HakunaMattata on July 27, 2016, 04:10:08 pm
Same! How did you find it?
Glad its over so we can focus on trials/HSC now :)

I honestly have no idea how I went...didn't quite finish though

I feel like I did alright! I didn't finish either, the questions were a tad bit more difficult than expected tho, but overall it was okay. I walked out hearing many candidates say "I guessed heaps!" so that was a bit comforting haha
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: ChickenCh0wM1en on July 27, 2016, 11:39:49 pm
Just for those who felt bad out of walking from the exam, try to put it behind you. Wait til results are out and you may be pleasantly suprised.

Even if things don't go the way they want for the UMAT, if going for medicine is something you really want, there are many other options and pathways that can be taken (Post-grad pathway, taking a gap year and resitting, starting uni and resitting the UMAT).

Hang in there guys :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mandapanda123 on July 28, 2016, 12:05:49 am
Hi everyone!

Don't feel bad about the test if you felt that it was hard
I did the UMAT quite a number of years ago when I was in year 12 with the hope of doing Dentistry... and I didn't do too great at all. I didn't let it bring me down and moved forward with my studies and completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne and now I'm back!!
For those who struggled like I did the first time round (I guessed a lot of options back then), don't let it knock you back! There are plenty of other pathways to enter into Med or Dental school; with the determination, all of you can get in. I promise you things get easier with life experience.
Good luck for results and good luck for year 12!!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on September 13, 2016, 12:03:24 pm
Hey everyone,
Sorry for reviving the UMAT thread and possibly “triggering” all of those anxiously waiting for their scores,
but I thought I’d let you all know of a FREE set of workshops that are running later this year on the 27 November.

iCanMed is running a 2 hour UMAT workshop (more for the 2017ers) and then a 2 hour Med Interview Workshop
Link - https://www.facebook.com/events/296058744100103/
(and for those without Facebook - here’s the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-umat-and-interview-workshop-med-school-entry-essentials-tickets-27671707823?aff=es2 )

The reason I’m shamelessly promoting these guys is cause:
1. its FREE
2. it’s actually worth your time.

In short:
For the UMAT, they’re planning to run through new questions from the most recent exams as well as crash course you on the major types of questions that would possibly show up (like the have actual stats on how many of each type of question has come up on exams before) so you can basically do any question that ACER decides to throw at you.

Whereas for the interview - well attending this workshop last year myself, I can say for sure that these 2 hours will be spent clearly explaining the components of the interview (for the different unis), what the unis actually want from you, and how to give the best answers without having to memorise a set of cheesy, generic answers that every interviewer has heard 10000 times. On top of that, they have examples of questions and scenarios from the most recent medical interviews which is always super helpful if you know what I mean ;)

Sorry for the long read :P but hopefully you guys will find this helpful!! :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: massive on September 13, 2016, 01:55:50 pm
Hey everyone,
Sorry for reviving the UMAT thread and possibly “triggering” all of those anxiously waiting for their scores,
but I thought I’d let you all know of a FREE set of workshops that are running later this year on the 27 November.

iCanMed is running a 2 hour UMAT workshop (more for the 2017ers) and then a 2 hour Med Interview Workshop
Link - https://www.facebook.com/events/296058744100103/
(and for those without Facebook - here’s the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-umat-and-interview-workshop-med-school-entry-essentials-tickets-27671707823?aff=es2 )

The reason I’m shamelessly promoting these guys is cause:
1. its FREE
2. it’s actually worth your time.

In short:
For the UMAT, they’re planning to run through new questions from the most recent exams as well as crash course you on the major types of questions that would possibly show up (like the have actual stats on how many of each type of question has come up on exams before) so you can basically do any question that ACER decides to throw at you.

Whereas for the interview - well attending this workshop last year myself, I can say for sure that these 2 hours will be spent clearly explaining the components of the interview (for the different unis), what the unis actually want from you, and how to give the best answers without having to memorise a set of cheesy, generic answers that every interviewer has heard 10000 times. On top of that, they have examples of questions and scenarios from the most recent medical interviews which is always super helpful if you know what I mean ;)

Sorry for the long read :P but hopefully you guys will find this helpful!! :)

WOW this sounds amazing, is there anything like this for Sydney??
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on September 13, 2016, 07:32:21 pm
WOW this sounds amazing, is there anything like this for Sydney??
Hey hey unfortunately at the current stage there isn't anything for Sydney (that I know of) :(
however iCanMed has been planning to perhaps release some of their content (live-stream workshops etc) onto Facebook over the next few months, so if you're keen, here's a few links:
More info about the company itself: http://www.icanmed.com.au
And their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/575088652675579/?ref=bookmarks
I promise this isn't a meme/hate-filled page like some other Facebook discussion spaces
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: massive on September 14, 2016, 02:04:32 pm
Guys idk if this is the right place to post but wth imma go ahead anyway.
1) what do you do if you don't make it into medicine with umat and all this year. do you just do any degree next year and then do umat again in 2017. Or do you apply for medical science and then come top 3 (i heard that's what your meant to do)
2) how are predicted atars concocted, do you have to fill a form to give to your school ?
3) are all forms like uac and medical application for UNSW online or are there any hard copy stuff?

THANKS.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: karenc. on September 16, 2016, 05:05:18 pm
Hello,

Do you think I have a chance of getting into med/dent in Australia with a predicted atar of 97 and 42 percentile for umat?

Thanks
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: bubbles908 on September 16, 2016, 05:15:03 pm
Hello,

Do you think I have a chance of getting into med/dent in Australia with a predicted atar of 97 and 42 percentile for umat?

Thanks

Hey there,
 From what I know it depends on if you qualify for any rural / Indigenous Australian status, and which Uni you are applying for, for instance James Cook does not take UMAT into consideration. The interview also plays a considerable weighting for offers.



Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on September 16, 2016, 05:22:59 pm
Hello,

Do you think I have a chance of getting into med/dent in Australia with a predicted atar of 97 and 42 percentile for umat?

Thanks

Can't speak for dent, but your only hope for med is really JCU. Written applications are due later this month, so make sure you're on top of it! :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: EmileeSmith on September 16, 2016, 05:35:55 pm
when are the written applications due?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Maz on September 16, 2016, 05:37:28 pm
when are the written applications due?
30th September
I linked the application form:
https://www.jcu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/272769/2017_Application-Form-Top4.pdf
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: karenc. on September 16, 2016, 05:38:26 pm
Can't speak for dent, but your only hope for med is really JCU. Written applications are due later this month, so make sure you're on top of it! :)

Hi Pi,
I applied to JCU. What about Bond med?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on September 16, 2016, 05:40:34 pm
Hey guys
according to my tutor, Monash is getting rid of 50-50-50 rule?
They just look for a score 65+? Is that true?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on September 16, 2016, 05:48:58 pm
Hey guys
according to my tutor, Monash is getting rid of 50-50-50 rule?
They just look for a score 65+? Is that true?
They've been saying they'd get rid of it for years and yet they still adhere to the 50-50-50 rule... so honestly no one knows....

(woooo 100 posts lol)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on September 16, 2016, 05:51:43 pm
Hi Pi,
I applied to JCU. What about Bond med?

I don't know much about Bond's entrance requirements, but apply for it if you can afford it :)

Hey guys
according to my tutor, Monash is getting rid of 50-50-50 rule?
They just look for a score 65+? Is that true?


Wouldn't bank on rumours!
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: karenc. on September 16, 2016, 06:04:30 pm
I don't know much about Bond's entrance requirements, but apply for it if you can afford it :)

Wouldn't bank on rumours!

What about Monash? Is my umat score too low?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on September 16, 2016, 06:09:50 pm
What about Monash? Is my umat score too low?

Much too low unfortunately :/
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: karenc. on September 16, 2016, 06:14:10 pm
Much too low unfortunately :/
oh ok. Should i do medical science degree then if i don't get in?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: pi on September 16, 2016, 10:12:36 pm
Out of curiosity, what kind of ATAR do you generally need for a place in JCU med?

Varies, 97+ from people I know who got in.

oh ok. Should i do medical science degree then if i don't get in?

Really up to you! Important to think about plans if you don't get into graduate med, can you get a job with a medical science degree?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on September 16, 2016, 10:19:28 pm
Sorry guys I am a bit confused,
Do all Unis have the 50-50-50 rule or just monash?
I got 89, but 48 in S1.
So Monash is out but Adelaide? UNSW? ect?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mia58 on September 16, 2016, 10:49:34 pm
Any chance at an interview with UMAT 88%ile (52, 57, 68), GPA 7.0 and ATAR 99.5?
Thanks :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mtse on September 17, 2016, 12:44:13 am
Any chance at an interview with UMAT 88%ile (52, 57, 68), GPA 7.0 and ATAR 99.5?
Thanks :)
This really depends on where you are applying....it looks like you have a relatively good chance but really need more details :/
the fact that you have a GPA, I assume you are a uni student? If that's the case, then no chance for an interview at Monash university as they only take direct school-leavers in their undergraduate course. Other unis interstate I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: HughMungus on September 17, 2016, 06:39:55 pm
Out of curiosity, what kind of ATAR do you generally need for a place in JCU med?

JCU has a lower cutoff of OP 6 which equates to around a 90 ATAR but most of the people that get in have at least an OP3 (95 ATAR). I know a person who got in with an OP6 and a person who was rejected with an OP1 (99+) so your mileage may vary. :P
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: mia58 on September 17, 2016, 07:30:31 pm
This really depends on where you are applying....it looks like you have a relatively good chance but really need more details :/
the fact that you have a GPA, I assume you are a uni student? If that's the case, then no chance for an interview at Monash university as they only take direct school-leavers in their undergraduate course. Other unis interstate I'm not so sure.
Yes that's right! Do you think there's any chance of me getting an interview at UNSW (or basically anywhere in NSW/QLD that accepts undergrad uni students)? I'm non-rural if that helps :)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: iprocrastinate on September 17, 2016, 07:41:18 pm
Hey guys, just wondering if I will be considered at Monash with a 172 umat given that I achieve a 97+ atar and qualify for seas?
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: The Usual Student on September 17, 2016, 07:49:31 pm
Hey guys, just wondering if I will be considered at Monash with a 172 umat given that I achieve a 97+ atar and qualify for seas?

what is a 172 translate to ? percentile wise
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: iprocrastinate on September 17, 2016, 07:52:48 pm
what is a 172 translate to ? percentile wise

82 percentile
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: HughMungus on September 17, 2016, 08:02:37 pm
Hey guys, just wondering if I will be considered at Monash with a 172 umat given that I achieve a 97+ atar and qualify for seas?

Should be fine. But again 97 is a tad low for my liking
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: Topi on September 17, 2016, 08:54:14 pm
Just a tip guys, Adelaide greatly prefers South Australian students, weighting them more in both UMAT and ATAR scores. Would try to apply elsewhere unless a rediculous percentile and ATAR was achieved hahaha (but then why apply interstate?)
Title: Re: UMAT Discussion Thread 2016
Post by: guest123 on September 19, 2016, 02:13:17 pm
What are my chances for monash med with umat 96 (71,53,66) and atar 97+?