How to ace the GAMSAT: Tips from a top scorer
The students that I mentor tell me that these tips are exceptional, and I stand to agree.
As a Medical Student who worked hard to score in the 99th percentile in the GAMSAT, I feel the responsibility to share my expertise with students who dream to become Medical Professionals. My advice is geared towards bridging the gap between average and phenomenal performance. The students that I mentor tell me that these tips are exceptional, and I stand to agree.
Why the GAMSAT matters
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) measures your critical thinking, analytical skills, and knowledge of science and humanities. It is a challenging test, but fear not! With the right approach and guidance, you can ace the GAMSAT and enjoy the relaxation of achieving a mark that enables you to fulfil your dream of Medical School.
Here are my tops tips for success, that I share with my community of students.
Tip #1: Understand the Structure and Content of the Exam
Before you start studying, it's essential to understand the structure and content of the GAMSAT. The exam consists of three sections: Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3.
Section 1 tests your verbal reasoning and comprehension skills, Section 2 assesses your written communication skills, and Section 3 evaluates your knowledge of science, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Each section has a unique set of challenges, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions you can expect.
Tip #2: Practice, Practice, Practice
The old saying "practice makes perfect" is especially true when it comes to the GAMSAT. Once you've familiarized yourself with the exam format, you need to start practicing as much as possible.
Here are some section specific tips to help guide your study:
For Section 1, read widely across a range of disciplines and become familiar with the different writing styles and genres.
For Section 2, don't feel confined to a particular essay structure or format. Instead, aim to present well-considered and socially aware perspectives in response to the prompt. Practice writing untimed and focus on expressing concrete ideas rather than just improving vocabulary. It's also essential to get detailed, consistent feedback on your writing, so consider working with a private tutor who has a strong understanding of GAMSAT writing and can help you improve your structure, expression, and thesis development.
For section 3, focus on gaining basic science literacy and refining your maths skills. Chemistry is an essential subject to understand, as most chem questions rely on reasoning, but also require a nuanced understanding of chemical terminology and concepts.
Tip #3: Focus on Your Weaknesses
Identifying your weaknesses is crucial for success in the GAMSAT. Once you know where you need improvement, you can focus your efforts on those areas.
For example, if you struggle with organic chemistry questions in Section 3, you can dedicate more time to studying chemistry and practicing organic chemistry questions. It's essential to have a balanced approach to studying, but focusing on your weaknesses will give you the most significant gains in score improvement.
Tip #4: Time Management is Key
Practice pacing yourself during practice tests to get a feel for how much time you should spend on each question. You should also prioritize questions and sections based on your strengths.
Tip #5: Seek Mentors
The GAMSAT can be a daunting exam, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Seek guidance and support from mentors, tutors, and peers.
As a mentor, I offer personalized guidance, study strategies, and access to exclusive resources that cover the entire GAMSAT process. Due to my busy schedule with semester exams and GP placement, my coaching program has limited availability. If you're a dedicated student and would like me to help you achieve your GAMSAT goals, reach out via email at connectwithanki@gmail.com.
Best of luck in your GAMSAT journey!
Anki