GAMSAT SCORING AND RESULTS
GAMSAT UK Scores - Your Definitive Guide to GAMSAT Scoring and Results
Written by: Matt Amalfitano-Stroud
When sitting an admissions test, the most important factor in most cases is what score/results you achieve. It’s usually what universities look at and the GAMSAT is no exception! The GAMSAT’s scoring system is simultaneously simple and complex, so let’s take a deep dive into what your scores mean and what you should aim to achieve!
1/3
HOW IS THE GAMSAT SCORED?
First things first, let’s explore how the GAMSAT is marked, how your final score is determined and what these scores all mean.
The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a three-part exam, with each section covering different subjects and utilising different formats. However, the scoring system across all three sections is somewhat standardised.
Each part of the GAMSAT is given a final score based on a scale from 0 – 100, which are also used to calculate an overall GAMSAT score. While the initial marking and scaling for each section are different, your final score will be presented as a collection of four scores between 0 and 100 – one for each section and a final, overall score.
Let’s go section-by-section and see how each score is determined:
GAMSAT Section 1 Scoring
Section 1 (Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences) is a multiple-choice quiz that requires applicants to review a series of varied stimuli, answering several questions relating to each. This section is a test of your comprehension, analysis, deduction and critical thinking skills, all presented in many different contexts.
As this section uses multiple-choice questions, the initial marking scheme is simple – how many questions did you get right? Each question is worth one mark and there are 62 questions in total, meaning the maximum score is 62.
However, this isn’t your final score. Once your marks have been counted, your score then needs to be scaled to generate a score between 0 and 100. The scaling system isn’t set in stone and changes from year to year to match a couple of factors:
- The overall performance of the test-takers in your region.
- The compared difficulty to previous exam sittings.
This scaling is used for all three sections, although the actual results will differ between each section. However, the format of the result is always the same – a final score for that section between 0 and 100.
Exams.Ninja Tip
With how the scaling works, getting a score between 0 – 30 or 90 – 100 is pretty rare. Achieving these scores would require an applicant to get almost no question or almost every question correct, which usually won’t happen. However, if you do manage to achieve a score in the 90s, or even 70s, you should have no problem passing every GAMSAT threshold in the UK!
GAMSAT Section 2 Scoring
Section 2 of the GAMSAT (Written Communication) has the most unique format, being a writing test rather than a multiple-choice quiz. As such, the scoring system has to be different in order to accurately calculate a score.
As this is a written test, it’s not really possible to mark each applicant with a linear scoring system as you can do with Sections 1 and 3. Instead, the work of each applicant is marked by 2 – 3 human markers who judge each piece by a couple of major factors:
- Quality of Thinking/Discussion of Topic
- Quality of Language Used
These are two fairly broad categories, but there are certain things that the markers are looking for (you can find out more about this in our GAMSAT Section 2 Guide). However, despite the different marking scheme, your final result for this section will, once again, be presented on a scale of 0 – 100.
GAMSAT Section 3 Scoring
Section 3 of the GAMSAT (Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences), is the final section of the test and returns to the multiple-choice format seen in Section 1. Therefore, it has the same basic marking scheme of counting the number of correct answers and scaling the result into a standard GAMSAT Score between 0 and 100.
Section 3 features 75 multiple-choice questions that cover 3 different sciences, but the marking system still functions the same as Section 1.
Exams.Ninja Tip
The scaling system used to convert raw marks into GAMSAT Scores is called Item Response Theory (IRT). IRT is defined as a group of mathematical models that can be used to determine relationships between latent traits and their manifestations. This system has been developed to ensure each sitting of the GAMSAT has properly scaled results that provide a fair outcome to the applicants.
Final GAMSAT Score
As well as the three GAMSAT Scores assigned to the three sections of the test, you will also be given an overall GAMSAT Score that combines all of your scores into one average. The calculation for this score is as follows:
Overall Score = (1 × Section I + 1 × Section II + 2 × Section III) ÷ 4
As you can see, this formula seeks to determine an average between the three scores you achieved. However, to fairly balance the scientific and non-scientific portions of the GAMSAT, your Section 3 score is multiplied by two to make its score hold the same weight as Sections 1 and 2.
This means that Section 3 is technically the most important section of the GAMSAT, as its score is worth twice as much as the other two. However, all sections still hold great importance in the test, so be sure to prepare for all of them effectively.
GAMSAT Percentile Curve
While not an official form of scoring in the GAMSAT, ACER (the administrators of the GAMSAT) produce a graph for each testing cycle that acts as a comparison tool for the whole cohort. This is called the GAMSAT Percentile Curve, and each applicant is sent this along with their individual GAMSAT Results.
These graphs can be used to contextualise your score and determine how well you did in comparison to other applicants. You can also use it to judge how easy or difficult the test was, as a curve that is closer to the right will indicate an easier test and vice-versa.
When Do I Get My GAMSAT Results?
Throughout the year, the GAMSAT is sat twice, with multiple sittings within a 5-day period. These testing dates happen in March and September of each year, which means when you get your results will depend on when you sat the test.
For those sitting the test in March, you should expect to see your results in Late May, while those sitting in September will get their results in Mid November. Applicants will receive their results via email, which will contain your 3 Section Scores and Overall Score. Your university choices will also be sent your scores via UCAS after applications are sent out on October 16th.
The table below contains all of the important dates you will need to know for sitting the GAMSAT:
| Applicant Deadlines 2023 | March GAMSAT | September GAMSAT |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 2022 | May 2023 |
| Registration Closes | 30th January 2023 (10AM, UK) | 11th July 2023 (1PM, UK) |
| Late Registrations Window | 10th February 2023 (10AM, UK) | 21st July 2023 (1PM, UK) |
| GAMSAT Testing Dates | 18th – 22th March 2023 | 8th – 12th September 2023 |
| GAMSAT Results Released | Late May 2023 | Mid-November 2023 |
Boost your score and get your offer with GAMSAT.Ninja!
GAMSAT.Ninja features all of the tools needed to improve your score and perform amazingly in the test. With expert tutorials, 1,000+ practice questions and 6 mock exams, you’ll be able to perfect your GAMSAT technique! Create your free account now to start your prep straight away!
2/3
WHAT IS A GOOD GAMSAT SCORE?
You know how the GAMSAT is scored now, but what score should you actually be aiming for to study graduate medicine in the UK? Let’s find out!
When it comes to determining a “good” GAMSAT Score, there are a couple of avenues you can consider. The most obvious route is to study the average scores of test takers for each sitting, meaning any score above a certain point (typically above 60% – 70% of applicants) is good. So let’s explore this first:
Average GAMSAT Scores
Determining the average scores of GAMSAT test-takers is, thankfully, pretty easy. As mentioned before, ACER provides Percentile Curves that record all achieved scores for each round of GAMSAT testing and create the following graph. Below is the GAMSAT Percentile Curve for March 2023.
From this, we can see that pretty much 100% of applicants scored between 42 and 78 in this cycle of the GAMSAT, with the 50% mark falling right around 58.
Previous years have shown similar results, with the average score typically landing between 55 and 58. So with our average determined, we can then determine what a good score is.
Looking at the graph, we can see a nearly 10% difference between scores 58, our average, and 60, meaning around 40% of applicants achieved a score of 60 or above. It’s fair to consider this the lowest “good” GAMSAT scoring, seeing as it would place you above a good chunk of the cohort.
Obviously, the higher your score gets, the better it could be considered. Achieving a score of 70 would see you ranking in the top 10% – 15% of applicants, which would be enough to comfortably see you shortlisted for interviews (provided the rest of your application is of a good standard).
Of course, aiming for a score that high is recommended, but it’s important to not underestimate just how hard that is to do. The GAMSAT isn’t an easy test, so don’t be disappointed if your score is closer to average – you’re far from the only person in this same boat!
Another key consideration with your GAMSAT score relates to the universities you’ve applied for – their GAMSAT cut-off scores:
GAMSAT UK Cut-off Scores
Most universities in the UK that use the GAMSAT operate GAMSAT thresholds, or cut-off scores. This means that they will not consider the applications of anyone who falls below a certain score on their test. These can be pretty lenient or extremely tough to hit, so you need to ensure you know the cut-off scores for your options to give you a baseline for what you must achieve.
Below are the cut-off scores for the 12 UK medical schools that use the GAMSAT:
| University | Cut Off Score |
|---|---|
| Cardiff University | NA |
| University of East Anglia | NA |
| University of Exeter | 63 (2023) |
| Keele University | 55 (Overall), 58 (Section 3), 50 (Sections 1 and 2) |
| University of Liverpool | 50 |
| University of Nottingham | 55 (Section 2), 55 (Section 1 or 3) |
| University of St. Andrews & Dundee | 50 (No section below 44) |
| University of St. George | 56 (2023) |
| University of Sunderland | EITHER: 55 (Overall), 58 (Section 3) OR 58 (Overall). 55 (Section 3) |
| Swansea University | 50 (Overall), 50 (Section 3) |
| Ulster University | 50 (Each section) |
| University of Worcester | NA |
As you can see, some of these medical schools are stricter than others when it comes to minimum scores. However, no matter what the cut-off score is, you should always aim to score well above it to give yourself the competitive edge needed to get your interview.
Exams.Ninja Tip
Some medical schools will change or scale their cut-off scores each year depending on various factors. Always double-check the official course page to ensure you know the correct GAMSAT threshold for your application year.
What is a Good GAMSAT Score?
So, what is a definitely good GAMSAT Score? From the data we’ve seen, any applicant should aim to achieve a minimum score of 60 in order to be competitive in most medical schools. Going higher than this will only help, but 60 is the baseline for a good GAMSAT Score.
Become a GAMSAT master and get the score you need to earn your offer!
When you register with GAMSAT.Ninja, you’ll access tonnes of resources for every section of the test. Everything is designed to boost your score to ensure you’re in the top percentile of applicants! Sign up today to try the platform for free!
3/3
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU GET YOUR RESULTS
Once you’ve gotten your results, there’s still plenty of work to do. Here’s what you’ll need to consider/prepare once you know how you did in the GAMSAT.
Depending on when you sat the GAMSAT, you’ll either be getting your results in May or November. This means that you may know your results before or after your UCAS application has been sent off. In fact, March test-takers will have a bit of an advantage as they’ll know their scores before UCAS applications even open, meaning they’ll be able to decide if their score is good enough before making decisions. Should they feel their score isn’t good enough, they’ll have the option to resit in September.
However, beyond this, there isn’t really much you can do once you’ve received your final scores. Your most recent scores are sent to the required university options automatically, allowing them to use these results in their shortlisting and decision-making processes.
One unique aspect of the GAMSAT is that your scores are valid for up to two years. This means that you could delay your application until the following year and your previous GAMSAT scores would still be valid. This is helpful for a number of reasons, especially for those who may have unexpected events that prevent them from attending medical school for a year.
Once you’re GAMSAT Scores are submitted to your university options, you will then need to wait to receive an interview invitation. Med school interviews in the UK typically take place from December to February, with some running even later than that.
Invitations may be sent with as little as two weeks’ notice before your interview date, so it’s vital that you’re prepping for your interview well before you receive your invite. In most cases we would suggest starting in October or November, taking it on in small increments. However, starting even earlier than this will also be helpful.
Exams.Ninja Tip
For 2024 Entry, medicine interviews are still mixed between in-person and remote, so be sure to double-check how interviews are being held at your chosen universities (details should be clearly outlined on both the course page and in your invite). If they’re in-person, ensure you have a means to travel to the location.
Once your interviews are done, the only thing left to do is wait and continue preparing for any final exams you may have. Dates for decision announcements from medical schools are pretty spread out, but you should receive all of your responses by June at the latest. Once you’ve got your responses, there are two ways that things could go:
Successful Applicants:
Hopefully, you’ve received at least one offer! If so, you’ll need to head to your UCAS account to decide how you want to respond. You’ll have the choice of either confirming your offer, as a firm acceptance or an insurance acceptance, or declining your offer.
Of course, if you still wish to attend medical school this year, you’ll need to firmly accept at least one of these offers. However, you do have the option to decline all offers if you don’t wish to attend any of the universities that offered you a place. You may wish to wait and hear from all of your options before making a decision. In this case, you will have until either June 6th or July 24th to confirm your choices, depending on when your last option responds to you (these dates are for 2024 Entry).
Once all of that is done, you will now need to meet any required grades or other requirements for the course. Once that’s done, you’ll be ready to start your graduate medicine course!
Unsuccessful Applicants:
Sometimes, you won’t quite make it and you won’t receive your offer. It’s a situation that many applicants find themselves in each year, but it’s not the end of the world. There are multiple options that you could take if your application has been rejected:
- Enter Clearing: Many universities offer clearing, which is accessed through UCAS. Clearing typically opens after the UCAS response deadline (July 5th in 2023). Clearing gives you a second chance to gain an offer at a UK medical school, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re keen to get started this year.
- Take A Gap Year: For some, the best option may be to simply wait for the next admissions cycle and try again. Whether you go for medicine again or try a different subject, you will have a good amount of time to rebuild and improve your application to boost your chances of getting admitted. If you are planning to reapply for graduate medicine, you may wish to resit the GAMSAT to improve your score. Using a preparation tool like GAMSAT.Ninja can help you move far beyond what you achieved last time to significantly improve your chances of gaining your offer.
- Move On To A Career: If you’re applying for graduate medicine, then you most likely have a degree underway or completed already. If you don’t get your place to continue your education, you may wish to work with what you have and begin your career in your chosen field. While your prospects may not be quite as high as with a graduate degree, you will still be in an advantageous position in the job market for many fields.
- Send An Enquiry: Though rare, there may be cases in which your application was unfairly dismissed, be it through negligence, discrimination or other factors. If you believe you have substantial evidence to support claims that your application was mishandled, you will have the option to file a complaint or enquiry to the university admissions department. These cases should always be handled with respect so as to determine the truth behind the situation.
That concludes our guide to the scoring behind the GAMSAT and your results. We hope that the information you’ve learned here will help motivate you to achieve the best GAMSAT score possible and hit the top percentiles of applicants! If you want to learn more about the GAMSAT as a whole, we recommend checking out our Definitive GAMSAT Starter Guide, which covers all three sections of the test. If you’re ready to start your GAMSAT prep, register with GAMSAT.Ninja to take your prep to the next level!
Exams.Ninja is here to take your GAMSAT Preparation to the next level!
You’ll find everything you need for effective prep on the GAMSAT.Ninja Preparation Platform. Get instant access to over 1,000 practice questions and more when you sign up:
Training Temple – Access our full collection of text and video tutorials, covering every tip and trick you need. to know to beat the GAMSAT.
Practice Dojo – Work through over 1,000 practice questions, covering all three sections and offering you worked solutions to learn from your errors.
Exam Arena – Take on 6 full mock exams in the toughest challenge available! Practice your exam technique within realistic time restrictions and worked solutions
Prepare with the best today, sign up for GAMSAT.Ninja!
