Ep 9: What To Expect on the Exam Day

Tom Forfa (00:00) Hello, welcome to the Nurses Doing GAMSAT podcast, brought to you by ThankFlip GAMSAT, where we help healthcare professionals like you take on the GAMSAT and get into medical school. My name is Dr Tom Forfa, and at ThankFlip, we’ve helped countless nurses, paramedics, and allied healthcare professionals successfully make the leap into medicine via the GAMSAT exam.

Balancing shift work, study, and life isn’t easy—we know that. You’re not alone. This podcast is here to give you real talk, practical strategies, and inspirational stories from those who’ve done it before. So, let’s get into today’s session.

Today, we’re talking about the practicalities of what you can expect on exam day—what happens, how it runs, where you’ll sit it, what you need to bring, and how to be fully prepared. This is crucial because if you know what to expect, you can prepare yourself emotionally, mentally, and logistically. Plus, I’ll share some key resources to help you.

Now, before I forget, all the resources I mention will be linked in our show notes. You can find them at thankflipgamsat.com/episode9.

GAMSAT Format Updates & What This Means for You (03:15)

A heads-up—ASA, the organisation that runs the GAMSAT, tends to change the exam format every few years. Since COVID, they’ve been experimenting with different structures, and in 2025, they’re continuing with the split GAMSAT format. So, while this episode will stay relevant for years to come, some details may change. If they do, don’t panic—adjustments will likely be minor.

How the GAMSAT Exam Is Structured in 2025 (05:30)

Let’s break it down:

• Section 2 (Written Communication) – You’ll complete this at home on your own computer at the start of March (or August for the September sitting).

• Sections 1 & 3 (Humanities & Science Reasoning) – These will be completed in a test centre roughly three weeks after Section 2.

This is different from the old format where everything was done on the same day. Why does this matter? Because now you need to plan differently—you get time to focus on the written section first, but you also have to manage the gap before tackling Sections 1 and 3.

Section 2: What to Expect on Exam Day (07:45)

• Remote Proctoring: You’ll log in to a secure system at a set time. Your camera and mic must be on, and you’ll be required to show your room setup to ensure no unauthorised assistance.

• Tech Issues Are Common: Expect possible delays—issues like logging in problems, internet crashes, or proctors not showing up. Tip: Run a tech check before exam day!

• No Spellcheck: Unlike normal word processors, the GAMSAT platform doesn’t have spellcheck, so be mindful of typos.

• Allowed Materials: You’re permitted to have two pieces of paper and a pen/pencil, or alternatively, an A4 whiteboard and markers for planning your essays.

• Exam Timing: You get 65 minutes total—60 minutes of writing time plus a 5-minute reading period (but you can start writing immediately).

Sections 1 & 3: In-Person Test Centre Experience (12:10)

• You’ll receive the exact location a few weeks before the test—usually an office building or university computer lab.

• Smaller rooms than pre-COVID exams – instead of 2,000 people in a convention centre, expect 20–50 people per room.

• Check-in Process: Arrive early, bring your ID and admission ticket.

• Expect Delays: Sometimes login issues occur, but invigilators will help troubleshoot.

• Permitted Items:

  • Two sheets of paper and a pencil (or A4 whiteboard and markers).

  • Analogue or simple digital watch (no smartwatches!).

  • Essentials like ID, ticket, and any required medical items.

• What You Can’t Bring:

  • No phones, bags, or wallets—these must be stored away.

  • No food (except for medical reasons).

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them (18:30)

• Time Mismanagement: Many people get stuck on one difficult question and lose time. Tip: If you’re stuck, move on and come back later.

• Running Out of Energy: Section 3 is long—bring water and pack a proper lunch to keep your energy up.

• Temperature Control Issues: Rooms can be too hot or too cold, so dress in layers.

• Overthinking Section 1: Don’t spend too much time analysing one passage—pace yourself.

Final Exam Day Tips & Mindset Advice (24:50)

• Be mentally prepared for tech issues – they happen! Stay calm and follow invigilators’ instructions.

• Use the demo platform before the exam – get familiar with how you’ll be typing your essay.

• Practice with a timer – simulate the real conditions as much as possible.

• Plan your transport in advance – know where you’re going, check parking, and allow extra time for unexpected delays.

• Stay positive & trust your preparation – you’ve done the work, now back yourself!

Wrap-Up & Where to Get More Help (30:00)

• Everything we discussed, plus extra checklists and study resources, is available in the show notes at thankflipgamsat.com/episode9.

• Join our Facebook group, Nurses Doing GAMSAT, for support & discussion!

• If this helped you, share it with a friend who’s sitting the GAMSAT!

That’s it for today—go smash your exam prep! 🎉