GAMSAT Exam – Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Guide
Sep 30, 2025
The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a selection test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for medical schools offering graduate-entry programmes open to graduates of any discipline.
It is used to select candidates applying to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science at Australian, British, and Irish universities with graduate entry programmes where candidates must have already completed a recognised Bachelor degree.
You will need to sit GAMSAT UK if you intend to apply for 2009 entry to one of the following 4-year graduate-entry medical/dental schools:
- University of London (St George’s)
- University of Nottingham
- University of Wales Swansea
- Peninsula Dental School
- Keele University
The GAMSAT is usually taken by students in their final year of university studies in order to apply for a place on a medical degree course commencing the following year.
The test was originally produced in 1995 by four Australian medical schools and was brought into use by British universities in 1999.
The GAMSAT includes the following sections:
Prepare for Any Aptitude Test with JobTestPrep
GAMSAT Section I – Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences
This comprises 75 Questions that must be answered in 1 hour 40 minutes. Questions in this section demand verbal critical reasoning. conceptual thinking skills.
GAMSAT Section 2 – Written Communication
This comprises two essays based on series of quotes and must be completed in 1 hour. Written Communication is assessed on two criteria.
These criteria address the quality of the thinking about a topic and the control of language demonstrated in its development.
This is more a test of verbal reasoning than test of English as assessment focuses on the way in which ideas are integrated into a thoughtful response to the task.
GAMSAT Section 3 – Science
This comprises 110 Questions that must be answered in 2 hours 50 minutes.
Areas covered include biology, physics and organic chemistry.
The official GAMSAT UK website describes the [test](https://www.testhq.com/) in the following terms:
‘The purpose of GAMSAT is to assess your ability to understand and analyse written and graphically presented material. GAMSAT measures skills and knowledge acquired over a long period of time, as well as the ability to reason, make logical deductions and form judgments. For non-science graduates some specific preparation in the form of a course of reading on relevant basic sciences to first year university level is highly recommended. Some candidates may wish to enrol in a short science course to ensure adequate preparation.’
It also offers the following advice:
‘Work steadily through the [test](https://www.testhq.com/). It is not advisable to spend too much time on any one question. If you think you know the answer to a question, mark it, even if you are not certain. Go on to the next question and come back later if you have time. No credit is given if more than one answer is marked. No marks are deducted for wrong answer. All questions have the same value, therefore by attempting as many questions as possible you stand the best chance of maximising your score. Questions are in multiple choice format; it will be advantageous for you to develop your own strategies for answering this type of question.’
The GAMSAT is held once a year in March or April in Australia and around the middle of September in the UK.
A score is calculated based on performance in all 3 sections with double weighting towards section 3.
You may also be interested in reading background information on psychometric tests and aptitude tests.
Prepare for Any Aptitude Test with JobTestPrep
Example GAMSAT Questions
Section I – Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences
Question 1 (Critical reasoning):
Passage excerpt:
"Technology has always shaped human society, but the pace of change in the last century has raised questions about whether society is adapting too quickly for its own wellbeing."
What is the main argument in the passage?
a) Technology is no longer shaping society.
b) Rapid technological change may be harmful.
c) Society benefits equally from all new technologies.
d) Change in society is independent of technology.
The correct answer is: b) Rapid technological change may be harmful
The passage suggests that technology shapes society but implies concern about the pace of change and its potential negative effects.
Question 2 (Conceptual reasoning):
Which of the following best illustrates the author’s concern?
a) The adoption of the internet improved global communication.
b) Artificial intelligence may outpace human ability to regulate it.
c) Medical advances have reduced infant mortality rates.
d) The development of agriculture supported stable communities.
The correct answer is: b) Artificial intelligence may outpace human ability to regulate it
This example directly reflects the author’s idea that society might struggle to adapt quickly enough to technological change.
Section II – Written Communication
Candidates are presented with prompts (usually quotes) and must write two essays. Here are sample prompts:
Task A (Argumentative essay):
"Progress is impossible without change." – George Bernard Shaw
Write an essay discussing whether change is always necessary for progress. Provide examples to support your position.
Task B (Reflective essay):
"Health is a crown that the healthy wear, but only the sick can see."
Write a personal or reflective essay exploring what this statement means in the context of modern life.
Assessment focus:
Essays are judged on:
-
Quality of thinking – clarity of argument, depth of reflection, and originality.
-
Control of language – coherence, organisation, and effective written expression.
Section III – Science
Question 1 (Biology):
Which of the following processes occurs during transcription in eukaryotes?
a) DNA is replicated.
b) RNA is synthesised from a DNA template.
c) Proteins are assembled from amino acids.
d) tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome.
The correct answer is: b) RNA is synthesised from a DNA template
Transcription involves making an RNA copy of a gene’s DNA sequence, which is then processed before translation.
Question 2 (Physics/Chemistry):
A 0.2 mol sample of an ideal gas is kept at 300 K in a container of 5.0 L.
What is the pressure? (R = 0.082 L·atm·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹)
a) 0.98 atm
b) 1.23 atm
c) 2.46 atm
d) 4.92 atm
The correct answer is: c) 2.46 atm
Using the ideal gas law: PV = nRT → P = (nRT)/V = (0.2 × 0.082 × 300)/5 = 4.92/2 = 2.46 atm.
Prepare for Any Aptitude Test with JobTestPrep
How to Prepare for the GAMSAT
The GAMSAT is a demanding exam that assesses both reasoning ability and applied knowledge across humanities, written communication, and the sciences. Preparation should focus on developing critical thinking as much as recalling content.
1. Understand the Structure
The exam has three sections:
-
Section I (Humanities and Social Sciences): Tests critical reading and reasoning.
-
Section II (Written Communication): Assesses your ability to construct arguments and reflect on abstract ideas through essays.
-
Section III (Science): Evaluates biology, chemistry, and physics knowledge.
Knowing the weighting (with Section III double-weighted) helps you plan study time.
2. Build Critical Reading Skills
For Section I, practise analysing passages from literature, philosophy, social sciences, and news media. Focus on identifying main arguments, assumptions, and implications. Timed practice is important, as this section demands both speed and accuracy.
3. Practise Essay Writing
For Section II, develop the ability to plan and write essays quickly. Practise writing both argumentative and reflective essays in 30 minutes each. Work on clarity, logical structure, and engaging with prompts in a thoughtful way. Reading opinion pieces, essays, and reflective writing can help broaden your approach.
4. Review Science Knowledge
For Section III, review core undergraduate-level science subjects:
-
Biology: genetics, physiology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology.
-
Chemistry: general and organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and lab processes.
-
Physics: mechanics, electricity, optics, waves, and thermodynamics.
You don’t need to memorise every fact, but you must understand key concepts and be able to apply them to problem-solving.
5. Use Practice Questions and Past Papers
Work through official ACER practice papers and other high-quality resources. This will help you recognise question styles and improve pacing. Make note of recurring themes or problem types.
6. Develop Exam Strategies
-
Don’t spend too long on any one question; move on and return later if you can.
-
Use process of elimination to narrow down choices.
-
Manage your time carefully, especially in Section III where the workload is heavy.
7. Prepare for the Long Exam Day
The GAMSAT is over 5 hours long. Build your stamina by taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. On the day, bring snacks, stay hydrated, and manage your focus between sections.
Prepare for Any Aptitude Test with JobTestPrep
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to take the GAMSAT?
The GAMSAT is required for graduate-entry programmes in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science at universities in Australia, the UK, and Ireland. Candidates must already hold, or be in the final year of, a recognised bachelor’s degree.
How often is the GAMSAT held?
The exam is offered once a year in March or April in Australia and in September in the UK and Ireland. Test centres are located across these regions, but places can fill quickly, so early registration is recommended.
How is the GAMSAT scored?
Scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 100. Each of the three sections is scored separately, with Section III (Science) given double weight when calculating the overall score. Universities typically publish minimum score requirements for applications.
What is considered a good GAMSAT score?
A competitive score varies depending on the school. Generally, scores above 65 are considered strong, though some highly selective medical schools may look for scores closer to 70 or higher.
Can I retake the GAMSAT?
Yes. There is no formal limit to the number of times you can sit the GAMSAT, but you will need to register and pay for each attempt. Many candidates take the test more than once to improve their score before applying.
Prepare for Any Aptitude Test with JobTestPrep
Final Thoughts
The GAMSAT is one of the most challenging admissions tests, not because it requires rote memorisation, but because it assesses how well you can think critically, apply knowledge and communicate ideas under pressure. Success depends on strong preparation across both the humanities and sciences, as well as the ability to write clearly and persuasively.
For many candidates, the key is balance: building a broad scientific foundation while also practising reasoning and essay writing skills. With consistent preparation, timed practice and effective exam strategies, you can approach the test with confidence. A strong GAMSAT score can significantly improve your chances of being accepted into a graduate-entry medical, dental, or veterinary programme.
