UKCAT - Useful test or a load of rubbish?

[yazolicious]

Hi! Ive done the UKCAT test twice and to be honest absoloutely hate the test. Its very IQ based style and just do not get how it can be used as an indicator to show if your suitable for medicine?! Reading some of the posts there are quite a few who achieved high scores for each section. But like myself I did preety average and tend not to do so well in IQ based question so does that make me not suitable to become a medic? I just think its very unfair how so many unis use this test despite how many students go through so much to get there A grades for a levels and they use this crappy test to decide who should be invited at interview. Im really disheartened by this test and the whole medical admission system. I really feel that the undergrad course really dont appreciate a level scores i mean i understand alot of candidates get A grades but this test does not justify anything. I personally don't see much point of it and feel very upset by it.

[pmp]

Don't be disheartened! The majority of people who put their results on here have done well. I did average and I wasn't going to put my scores on with all those high ones!

Med schools take alot of things into consideration. In my case I'm sure it was my personal statement and my vast amount of work experience.

While good A levels show you're probably bright they certainly don't indicate you have what it takes to be a suitable doc. But neither does the UKCAT test. It's the whole package some areas of an application may be weaker than other parts.

My A levels were simply shocking. UKCAT average, But the rest was pretty decent. I'm sure if your UKCAT is average other parts will shine through. From what you wrote it sound like you really want it and I'm sure that will come through in other parts of your application

[hoonosewot88]

The obvious counterargument to saying that the UKCAT doesn't test a persons ability to be a good doctor is to say the A levels don't either. They are essentially a test of memory in certain subjects (biology), writing ability in others (english) etc. They are useful for showing who is prepared to put the work in though. A determined person could get an A in biology even if they weren't particularly bright by studying furiously.
But whilst they certainly deserve credit for that would they be suitable as doctors? Where you need to be able to think on your feet, learn constantly and deduce things which aren't immediately obvious?
I'm not saying the UKCAT is a test which does all of this but im saying it makes up a part of the whole picture. A levels, degrees etc show understanding, determination and work ethic. UKCAT shows basic intelligence and deduction skills. The interview shows whether you have the appropriate people skills. The referees statement should reveal whether your a massive liar/actor. The personal statement should say it all of the above concisely, showing what you would contribute to the uni, as well as showing a bit of personality.