Hello, future doctors and health professionals! If you’re gearing up for the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from key dates and test sections to insider tips on marking. Let’s dive in!

What is the GAMSAT?

The GAMSAT is a standardised exam designed to assess your capacity to undertake high-level intellectual studies in medical and health professional programs. It’s a crucial step for those aiming to enter graduate-entry courses in medicine, dentistry, and other allied health programs in Australia, the UK, and Ireland.

Key Dates for GAMSAT 2025

Mark your calendars! Here are the important dates you need to know for the 2025 GAMSAT sittings:

March 2025 Sitting:

• Registrations Open: November 2024
• Standard Registrations Close: Monday, 20 January 2025 (9 pm AEDT, 10 am GMT)
• Late Registrations Close: Thursday, 30 January 2025 (9 pm AEDT, 10 am GMT)
• Test Date: March 2025 (specific date to be announced)
• Results Released: Approximately late May 2025

September 2025 Sitting:

• Registrations Open: May 2025
• Standard Registrations Close: Tuesday, 1 July 2025 (10 pm AEST, 1 pm BST)
• Late Registrations Close: Monday, 14 July 2025 (10 pm AEST, 1 pm BST)
• Test Date: September 2025 (specific date to be announced)
• Results Released: Approximately mid-November 2025

Note: Always refer to the official GAMSAT website for the most up-to-date information.

GAMSAT Test Structure

The GAMSAT is divided into three sections, each designed to assess different skills:

1. Section I: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences

   • Format: Multiple-choice questions (62 questions)
   • Duration: 100 minutes
   • Focus: Tests your ability to interpret and understand ideas in social and cultural contexts.

2. Section II: Written Communication

   • Format: Two essay tasks
   • Duration: 65 minutes
   • Focus: Assesses your ability to produce and develop ideas in writing.

3. Section III: Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences

   • Format: Multiple-choice questions (75 questions)
   • Duration: 150 minutes
   • Focus: Evaluates your scientific reasoning skills, covering biology, chemistry, and physics.

The Written Communication section is held two weeks before Section I and Section III, which are completed in the same sitting. This podcast episode outlines what to expect on the big day!

Insider Tips on GAMSAT Marking

Understanding how the GAMSAT is marked can give you a strategic advantage:

• Scaled Scores: Each section is scored individually on a scale of 0 to 100. These are not raw scores but scaled to account for varying difficulty levels across test versions.

• Weighting: For most graduate-entry medical programs, Sections I and II are weighted equally at 25% each, while Section III carries a weight of 50%. However, some programs may have different weighting criteria, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements of each institution you’re applying to.

• Preparation is Key: Since the GAMSAT assesses reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorisation, focus on developing a deep understanding of the underlying principles in each section. Practice with sample questions and take timed practice tests to build stamina and identify areas for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to sit the GAMSAT?

A: The GAMSAT is open to any candidate who has completed a bachelor’s degree or is in the penultimate (second-last) or final year of their degree. There are no restrictions on the field of study.

Q2: How often can I sit the GAMSAT?

A: You can sit the GAMSAT as many times as you wish. The test is offered twice a year, in March and September.

Q3: How long are GAMSAT scores valid?

A: GAMSAT scores are typically valid for four years. For example, a score from March 2025 would be valid for applications in 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Q4: What is a competitive GAMSAT score?

A: Competitive scores vary by institution and program. Generally, a score above 70 is considered strong, but it’s essential to research the specific requirements of each program you’re interested in.

Q5: Can I use a calculator during the test?

A: No, calculators are not permitted during the GAMSAT. You’ll need to perform all calculations manually.

Q6: How should I prepare for the GAMSAT?

A: For Section 1 (Reasoning in Humanities & Social Sciences), we emphasise extensive reading of complex texts such as literary fiction, opinion pieces, and philosophical essays to improve comprehension and critical analysis. Practising timed multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations is also crucial, particularly focusing on understanding tone, inference, and argument structure.

Section 2 (Written Communication) requires structured essay writing practice, where students should develop a repertoire of high-quality examples from history, literature, politics, and personal experiences to support their arguments effectively. We stress the importance of brainstorming themes, structuring coherent arguments, and refining grammar and style under timed conditions. Importantly, we encourage feedback-driven improvement by peer-reviewing essays.

Section 3 (Reasoning in Biological & Physical Sciences) demands a strong grasp of fundamental scientific concepts from first-year university-level biology, chemistry, and physics, with a focus on problem-solving rather than rote memorisation. We advocate for targeted learning, applying concepts through high-quality practice questions and full-length mock exams.