GAMSAT - Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test

The test is divided into three sections:

Section I	Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences 75 Questions - 1 hour 40 minutes
Section II	Written Communication 2 x 30 minutes essays
Section III	Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences 110 Questions - 2 hours 50 minutes (Biology 40%, Chemistry 40% and Physics 20%)

Section I	This section comprises multiple choice questioning based on passages on a variety of topics taken from the humanities and social sciences. The section evaluates ability to think critically, comprehend and reason.
Section II	This component asks candidates to select one or more quotations from a selection of five on the same theme. It appraises ability to constructively draw together concepts and express ideas fluently in the written form.
Section III	This section contains multiple-choice questions that are focussed on passages and graphical displays or pictorial representations of data. The questions measure problem solving aptitudes with regard to scientific scenarios, to offer hypotheses, to extrapolate reasoned conclusions, and to identify connections between given variables.

In the UK the overall score is achieved using two formulae:
Overall Score = (1 x Section I + 1 x Section II + 2 x Section III) ÷ 4
Overall Score = (1 x Section I + 1 x Section II + 1 x Section III) ÷ 3

It is important to focus equally on each section as exemplary scores in any one section cannot compensate for poor achievement elsewhere. GAMSAT scores are valid for two years, but it is not possible to mix and match scores from different years.

Although backgrounds in social, behavioural, biological or physical sciences will contribute to success, it is imperative to bear in mind that the knowledge base required does not automatically equate to content covered elsewhere. The standard of Biology and Chemistry knowledge is expected roughly to equate to first year degree level, whilst the Physics equates to A level standard.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

GAMSAT requires the following to succeed

Determination/tenacity
Intellectual flexibility
Taking control of the test and developing strategic test taking approaches
Scientific knowledge
Ability to write clearly, expressively and present opposing ideas fluently.
Logic puzzling and analytical/cryptic thinking skill

There is no one golden rule that makes the test easy, nor should there be. But developing a set of skills and approaches that ensures a 'toolbox' for each aspect of the test is critical, and fundamental to our programmes.