Building a Study Plan

Effective UCAT preparation requires a structured study plan. Without one, candidates often waste time on unfocused practice, over-prepare for subtests they already perform well in, and neglect areas of weakness. This lesson provides a detailed framework for building a study plan that maximises your score improvement in the time available.

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When to Start Preparing

The 6–8 Week Recommendation

Most UCAT preparation experts recommend starting serious preparation 6–8 weeks before your test date. This is based on several factors:

• Diminishing returns — Research suggests that beyond 8 weeks, the rate of score improvement slows significantly
• Burnout risk — Preparing for too long can lead to mental fatigue, which actually decreases performance
• Balancing commitments — Most UCAT candidates are also studying for A-Levels, writing personal statements, and preparing for interviews

Preparation Timeline