The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s designed to assess your ability to think critically, interpret complex information, and apply reasoning skills under pressure. But cracking the GAMSAT isn’t just about being smart – it’s about strategy.
We’ve scoured forums, interviewed high scorers, and analysed evidence-based techniques to bring you the ultimate guide to boosting your score. Whether you’re aiming to push past 70, break into the elusive 80s, or just conquer the exam with confidence, these insights will help you get there.
Section I: Mastering Humanities and Social Sciences
What High Scorers Say:
“I stopped passively reading articles and started actively engaging with them. I’d question the author’s intent, tone, and hidden biases. This helped me breeze through the tricky inference-based questions.” – Zara, GAMSAT Score: 80
Evidence-Based Techniques:
Active Reading: Studies show that engaging with a text (highlighting, questioning, and summarising) improves comprehension and retention.
Diverse Material: Read The Guardian, The Conversation, and The New Yorker to expose yourself to different writing styles.
Practice Time Constraints: Try reading opinion pieces and answering questions within a strict time limit to mimic exam pressure.
Section II: Conquering the Essay Section (Written Communication)
What High Scorers Say:
“I used a template but made sure my content was original. I also practiced writing under timed conditions every day, focusing on quality over quantity.” – James, GAMSAT Score: 78
Evidence-Based Techniques:
Structure Wins: The best essays have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure is gold.
Quality Over Quantity: Markers appreciate depth of analysis over lengthy, meandering essays.
Timed Practice: Research suggests that timed writing improves fluency and reduces anxiety under pressure.
Use Quotes Wisely: Start an essay with a thought-provoking quote and explore both sides of an argument.
Section III: Mastering Science Reasoning
What High Scorers Say:
“Understanding concepts deeply rather than memorising equations was key. I’d explain physics and chemistry concepts to a 10-year-old to ensure I truly grasped them.” – Daniel, GAMSAT Score: 82
Evidence-Based Techniques:
Teach It to a Child: Research shows that explaining complex topics in simple terms enhances understanding (the Feynman Technique).
MCQ Strategy: If stuck, eliminate two wrong answers immediately to improve odds.
Graphs & Tables: Practice interpreting unfamiliar data quickly – 90% of the GAMSAT science section involves this skill.
General Strategies That Work
1. Mindset and Stress Management
High scorers emphasise the importance of stress resilience. Meditation, exercise, and structured breaks improve cognitive function.
Use Pomodoro Technique (25 min study + 5 min break) to maximise retention.
2. Full-Length Practice Tests
Replicating real exam conditions trains your brain for endurance.
Post-exam review is crucial: “I spent more time analysing my mistakes than taking the test itself” – Alex, GAMSAT Score: 85
3. Resource Selection
Use high-quality resources including the ThankFlip GAMSAT Bootcamp material and Acer Practice Tests
Free resources like Khan Academy (science concepts) and New York Times Opinion Section (for humanities)
Final Thoughts: Be Smart About Your Prep
The difference between an average and a top scorer isn’t raw intelligence – it’s strategy, consistency, and self-awareness. Test different approaches, track your progress, and most importantly, don’t burn out.
