Overwhelmed!!!

[Kisses_x]

Hi, im planning on sitting the GAMSAT in sept, so just beginning to start finding out more about key topics, useful prep, etc and I just fell overwhelmed by it!

Im currently a 21 yr old student nurse and my first choice for a place at med school would be nottingham GEM. I have A levels in psychology (C) general studies (B) biology (D) and religious studies (C) - though the grades were more to do with lack of trying than lack of ability!

Does everyone feel like this or is it just me? Any pointers? Tips to keep me sane?

Anything would be muchly appreciated!!

[Martigan]

Kisses.

a) You have plenty of time.
b) GAMSAT is about reasoning, and doesn’t require amazingly detailed science knowledge.

What’s your approach?

Personally, I used the Griffiths guide to direct my topic focus. A couple of good a-level text books (Collins Advanced Science were my weapon of choice). Plus the ACER Sample/Practice Papers.

I just worked my way through them in my lunch break, over the months from April to September.

Its easily do able, and the GAMSAT is not the fearsome beast it’s made out to be.

Also check out HeavenlyJohnson's Revise Gamsat.

One think you need to consider is how YOU learn. Everyone is slightly different, so the optimal approach for them will be different.

I’m dyslexic, so find solid walls of text even harder than others to absorb (not that anyone finds it easy). That’s why the Collins books worked for me, as they were quite “Dorling Kindersley” In there layout. I.e. use of colours, break out boxes, side bars with practice questions pertinent to the test. It fitted well with me.

Yet I know others who liked the wall of condensed black text which is the Des O’Neils GAMSAT notes.

Exam technique is unfortunately key for GAMSAT and UKCAT. But what I think was the final key to me making an OK score in the GAMSAT was just staying calm on the day. I accepted the fact that there would be some science questions I just wouldn’t be able to follow, and instead of letting them panic me, I just skipped over them and went on to the next one. Then at the end I looked at them a gain, and either had a go, or guessed.

You can do this, just use the time sensibly, and do a little every day and it will all be fine.

Marty

[Dr. Cool]

Martigan pretty much hit the nail on the head.

While learning organic chem backwards will certainly help. You're still in with a chance if all you understand is: like repels like, opposites attract.

Also, if you do the sample papers, and get abysmal scores percentage wise. Don't fret too much. I did one the night before the exam, I don't even want to say my percentage, yet I still somehow *scraped* by score wise (albiet with a bolster from the essay section)...

[Kisses_x]

Hi, thanks for your replies!

I think your right about little and often! There just seems so much to learn.

You mention the Griffiths guide, do you mean the e-book? what other prep did you both use? Im going to get the practice papers off the ucas bookstore (is this what everyone means when they refer to acer? Iv been reading old posts and im a little confused!)

Thanks for your advice x

[Martigan]

The Griffiths guide is this.

Yes the ACER papers can be got off the UCAS site, but they don't appear to change (The past 3 years appear to be the same), so you might save a little by getting second hand copies off someone here.

[goldhawkgonk]

Everyone else has given great advice and I'd only add that it's useful to build your concentration span as much as you can- it's very hard to keep focus for 6 hours, I really struggled concentrating in the science part I was so exhausted! Also the essay section is the most predictable for the three and that's the place to scoop the 'easy' marks. Good luck!

[Kisses_x]

Hi, thanks Martigan - I will have a look around.

goldhawkgonk, im actually most nervous about the essay section! What makes you say its easiest? this is the bit that really scares me!! Must admit, im not looking forward to the long stint either!

[driver rider]

hi,

this is a good post. I'm just starting to get my head around the whole Gamsat maze and was really was starting to wonder if i would be ready in time for September. I just want to ask that what specifically is important regarding exam technique gamsat test? Is it to do with pacing yourself or the manner in which you answer the questions? Also is the medprep study guide a good place to start with preparing for this exam?

[goldhawkgonk]

Driverider and Kisses - I'd advise you both to start off by buying the Griffiths Guide rightaway. Check out Martigan's link. This will explain a good deal more about how Gamsat works and what you need to do to pass it, which will structure your revision and preparation. I'd argue that technique isn't just important, it's everything!

Kisses - altho I'm a humanities grad, I believe the essay section is the easiest as it's so predictable. In Section III, they can throw any nuance of Organic chemistry at you and you simply can't do anything but prepare, but the essay questions follow the same structure every year and there's a basic formula or structure to creating a good answer. You just need to regurgitate that formula on each of the two essays with some original analysis/some thoughtful ideas and you are virtually guaranteed a solid mark. It's the most predictable because it's the easiest to practice too - once you've mastered the system at home it's easy to trot out two decent essays in the exam hall. Griffiths guide is excellent at explaining the sort of method you need, and also checkout HeavenlyJohnson's site. Good luck!

[driver rider]

thank you for the helpful post i shall be having a look at the aforementioned study guide sharpish!!!