GAMSAT vs MCAT

Is the GAMSAT Changing?

No, the GAMSAT has not evolved like the MCAT has.  The MCAT used to be longer (more questions, more time) versus the GAMSAT but that has changed since 2007.  The MCAT also used to be a pencil, pen and paper test but also since 2007, it has become a Computer Based Test (CBT).  The value of understanding the differences and similarities between the two exams is as follows: (1) in general, preparation materials for the MCAT are very developed and with greater choices in terms of teaching methods (books, DVDs, MP3s, online interactive learning, sample questions, many extra practice tests, etc); (2) many international students choose to sit both tests in order to increase their chances of admittance to medical school.

In terms of content, the 2 tests are quite similar and challenging, though most students will say that the MCAT is more difficult.

To be specific, the sections of the MCAT that are similar to Sections 1 and 3 of the GAMSAT are more difficult because the science is more specific and the verbal questions are somewhat more subtle.  However, Section 2 of the GAMSAT has far more leeway than the similar MCAT section (the Writing Sample).  Some students find this "ambiguity" or lack of clear guidelines a more challenging feature of the GAMSAT so this section feels "harder."

Table 1: Comparing the two standardized tests for medical school admissions.
  GAMSAT MCAT (before 2007) MCAT (2007-2014)
Testing method Paper Paper Computer
Total test time 5 ½ hours 8 hours 5 ½ hours
Name of Verbal Section Section 1 Verbal Reasoning Verbal Reasoning
# Questions; Time 75 questions; 100 min. 65 questions; 85 min. 40 questions; 60 min.
Writing Section Section 2 Writing Sample Writing Sample
# Questions; Time 2 questions; 60 min. 2 questions; 60 min. 2 questions; 60 min.
Physical and Biological Sciences* Section 3 1) Physical Sciences
2) Biological Sciences		 1) Physical Sciences
2) Biological Sciences
# Questions; Time 110 questions; 170 min. 154 questions (total); 200 min. (total) 104 questions (total); 140 min. (total)
Breaks • no breaks in
  the morning

• 1 hour for lunch 		• 5 min. between   sections

• 1 hour for lunch 		• 5 min. between   sections

• Lunch optional
  (max. 1 hour)
Countries Australia, Ireland, UK US, Canada US, Canada
Test Frequency Once annually per country Twice annually per country More than 20 test dates annually
Official Practice Materials 3 booklets 10 booklets 1 manual, 8 CBTs (practice tests #3 to #10)
* Physical Sciences includes physics and general or inorganic chemistry. Biological Sciences includes biology and organic chemistry.  The AAMC is expected to announce major changes to the MCAT which would not come into effect before 2014.

GAMSAT Test Dates

Test dates in Australia and Ireland will be in March, 2011. The test date in the UK will be in September, 2011.

Should there be any changes to the exam dates or any other modifications, get the up to date information here: GAMSAT UK, GAMSAT Ireland and GAMSAT Australia.

GAMSAT Preparation

Don't be surprised to see a quote like the following one in Section 2!

"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success."
Alexander Graham Bell

Firstly, be clear, you must get all the ACER practice tests and questions (generally they print the same 3 booklets every year and they usually just change the cover!).  Secondly, you need comprehensive reliable review materials to prepare with confidence.  And finally, you need additional practice problems to consolidate your understanding and then to do extra practice exams so that you can improve over time.

To really get a handle on your best preparation options, you should see the video of Dr. Ferdinand's lecture on campus in Sydney, Australia, filmed in 2010.  It helps you to study more efficiently for all 3 sections.  You can get information about it by clicking on GAMSAT or GAMSAT books. You will also find hundreds of practice questions/tests and sample questions which simulate the real exam and ensure a complete exam preparation.

Dr. Ferdinand giving a seminar in Sydney, Australia, covering techniques to improve exam taking skills for all 3 test sections. This live seminar is available as a separate DVD or included as a bonus DVD in the Complete GAMSAT Preparation Home Study Package, 2011 Edition.

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