If you’re a healthcare professional juggling full-time work and GAMSAT prep, you already know the struggle is real. Between long shifts, patient care, and the ever-growing pile of responsibilities, finding time (and energy!) to study can feel impossible. But don’t worry—it is possible! With the right strategy, a bit of creativity, and a whole lot of coffee, you can conquer the GAMSAT without losing your sanity.

1. Get Real About Your Study Schedule 📅 

Your shifts might be unpredictable, but your study plan doesn’t have to be. Take a week to assess your work schedule and carve out realistic study blocks. Aim for consistency rather than marathon sessions. Even just 1–2 hours per day can be more effective than cramming on your days off. If you have a rotating roster, plan week-by-week instead of sticking to a rigid schedule. Flexibility is key!

2. Use Your Commute Wisely 🚂

If you’re taking public transport to work, that’s prime study time! Listen to GAMSAT podcasts, review Anki flashcards, or go over practice questions. Even if you drive, you can make use of audio resources to keep concepts fresh in your mind. Turn your commute into a mobile study session and maximise those wasted minutes!

3. Make the Most of Downtime at Work 💼 

While healthcare is a demanding field, there are often small pockets of downtime. Got a quiet moment on your lunch break? Revise key GAMSAT concepts. Waiting for a meeting to start? Solve a quick problem. Carry a small notebook with physics equations, organic chemistry mechanisms, or essay prompts so you can revise on the go.

4. Focus on High-Yield Study Methods 📚

You don’t have time to waste! Stick to active learning techniques:

• Practice, practice, practice – Do as many Section III questions as possible under timed conditions. However, ensure you’ve understood most of the prerequisite knowledge required first.

• Essay Drills – Set a timer and write a practice essay in 30 minutes. Don’t aim for perfection – just get your ideas down.

• Interleaving & Spaced Repetition – Mix up your subjects and review at spaced intervals to enhance retention.

• Simulated Exams – As the exam date approaches, take full-length GAMSAT practice tests on your days off to build stamina and identify weak areas.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder with Study Apps 📱

Leverage technology to make your study efficient:

• Anki (flashcards with spaced repetition)

• Notion/Evernote (for organising notes)

• GAMSAT-specific question banks (questions in the ThankFlip resource bank etc.)

• ChatGPT & AI tools (good for breaking down tough concepts but should not be used in isolation)

6. Don’t Burn Out – Look After Yourself! 🧘

Between long shifts and study sessions, burnout is a real risk. At ThankFlip, we highlight the importance of mindset when prepping for the GAMSAT. Protect your mental and physical health by:

• Prioritising Sleep – Poor sleep equals poor memory retention. Aim for at least 6–7 hours per night.

• Eating Well – Fuel your brain with healthy meals instead of relying on energy drinks and fast food.

• Exercise – Even a 20-minute walk can do wonders for your focus and stress levels.

• Taking Breaks – Use the Pomodoro technique (25 min study, 5 min break) to keep your brain fresh.

7. Lean on Your Support System 👪

Let your family, friends, and colleagues know about your GAMSAT goals. They’ll be more understanding if you need to skip social events or swap shifts. If you know other healthcare professionals preparing for the exam, form a study group for motivation and accountability!

8. Keep the Big Picture in Mind 🖼️

GAMSAT prep is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days will be tough, and that’s okay. Remember why you’re doing this. Whether it’s to become a doctor, advance your career, or fulfil a lifelong dream. Stay patient, trust the process, and celebrate small wins along the way.