The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is an intensive exam targeted at undergraduate students who wish to apply for a postgraduate medical degree in Australia. Formerly conducted in-person over 9 hours (including breaks), it is now an online assessment completed in two sittings. The total test time is a little over 5 hours.
What does the GAMSAT entail?
GAMSAT is an exam that assesses competence in three main areas.
Section 1: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences
Section 1 primarily tests a candidate’s understanding of social dynamics and emotional intelligence. This section, notoriously one of the most disliked sections amongst GAMSAT-takers, relies heavily on a candidate’s ability to decipher written texts of various formats. These include poems, book excerpts, cartoons, literary passages, and news articles, amongst others. Commonly tested skills include the ability to identify subtext, tone, implications, or humour presented in a text.
Section 2: Written Communication
Section 2 involves generating two pieces of writing in response to a particular prompt. Often, the stem may be in the form of several quotes which all have a common theme. This section is rather operator-dependent; there are no set rules as to what length or type of response a candidate can generate. The response can be an essay, a short story, a narrative, a fictional passage, a poem… The format of the response is up to you! You can be as creative and innovative as you wish.
Section 3: Reasoning in the Biological and Physical Sciences
Section 3 is a test of rational thinking in the fields of chemistry, biology, and physics.
How should I prepare for the GAMSAT?
The point that I emphasise whenever I am asked about GAMSAT preparation is that preparing for the GAMSAT is not like preparing for school- and university-style exams that many students are used to.
GAMSAT is not a knowledge test. Whilst you do need a baseline level of scientific understanding to comprehend the questions (Section 3), an undergraduate science/biomedicine curriculum sufficiently covers this requirement. The most pertinent fact to understand about GAMSAT is that it is a test of reasoning. There is no “set” curriculum which you can cram for GAMSAT, and there is really no way to predict exactly which topics will form the basis for each question stem.
Therefore, my first piece of advice in GAMSAT preparation is to understand that GAMSAT cannot be crammed. The skills that will translate to high GAMSAT performance often take time to develop, and each individual person will have unique strengths and weaknesses at baseline. Identifying your personal portfolio of strengths and weaknesses is the best first step in beginning your preparation.
How far in advance should I prepare for the GAMSAT?
This really depends! As the GAMSAT is a test of reasoning, there is no set amount of preparation time I advise for all candidates. Different people will have different levels of performance at baseline, and they will also require different lengths of time to hone those skills. I do think at least a few months of preparation before the test is required if you truly want to familiarise yourself with the exam style. It is also about the quality of your preparation, rather than how long you prepare for!
Final Comments
The GAMSAT can be a daunting and unfamiliar assessment at first glance. It is long, multi-faceted, and the stakes are high. However, like any other challenge, it can be mastered with the right strategies. Take the time to acquaint yourself with the format, and give yourself enough room to practice the skills required to excel. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support early on, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. GAMSAT is a test of patience and endurance above all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resources are best for GAMSAT preparation?
There are numerous resources available for GAMSAT preparation, including official ACER materials, GAMSAT prep books, online courses, and practice exams. A GAMSAT tutor can also provide personalised guidance and strategies.
How important is the GAMSAT for medical school admission?
The GAMSAT is a critical component of the medical school admission process in Australia. A high GAMSAT score can significantly enhance your chances of getting into a postgraduate medical program.
Can I retake the GAMSAT if I am not satisfied with my score?
Yes, you can retake the GAMSAT as many times as you need. Many students take the test more than once to improve their scores and their chances of admission.
This blog was written by Violet S, a Melbourne Uni medical student and tutor for GAMSAT, VCE Biology, Chemistry & Psychology on Learnmate. Violet has over 6+ years experience tutoring VCE students and, having already completed a Biomedicine degree, is now a medical school student at the University of Melbourne.
You can view Violet's profile, including her rave reviews and, subject to her availability, request Violet as your tutor here.
