Unlocking Efficiency: Essential UCAT Calculator Shortcuts
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Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Thomas Nicolson (Currently studying Doctor of Medicine - MD at the University of Queensland)
One of the test tools at your disposal during the UCAT is an on-screen calculator. But, how can you use it to its full potential without squandering precious time?
Mastering UCAT calculator shortcuts can make all the difference in maximising your exam score, but it is something you need to prepare for in the lead-up.
With this in mind, we'll guide you through the essential shortcuts, techniques and best practices to help you make the most of this powerful tool. Ready to unlock efficiency? Let's dive in!
What is the UCAT calculator?
The UCAT calculator is a useful, on-screen tool made available for students to use during 2 subtests of the exam — Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning.
Having knowledge about how best to make use of the separate window feature can be advantageous during these tests as incorrect use can slow you down. It might not sound like a big deal but given how tight timings are in the UCAT, every moment counts.
With this in mind, it's important that you familiarise yourself with it and know exactly how it works before exam day.
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How to access the UCAT calculator
You might be wondering why we've dedicated a whole article to helping you use a calculator — and we understand, it seems trivial.
But, we can't emphasise how important it is that you become acquainted with this tool, and in turn, the number pad on the keyboard which controls the calculator, as this can help speed up problem solving.
So, to start, how do you access the calculator? The quickest way to do this is with the keyboard shortcut Alt + C. This shortcut will open the calculator in any part of the test, including your testing screen. And, don't forget that Num Lock activates the number keypad.
Try to make this shortcut second nature so that you can take full advantage of this valuable resource on exam day.
What are the essential UCAT calculator shortcuts to know?
Getting a handle on the UCAT calculator shortcuts can help you increase speed in the DM and QR sections. Here are the most important shortcuts to commit to memory.
Quick memory functions
The UCAT calculator offers powerful memory functions to enable speedy calculations.
- P is memory plus (M+): Each time this is pressed, it will add whatever is in the answer to memory. For example, if memory is empty and the answer is 300, then M+ will make M equal 300. But, if you do another calculation and the answer is 50 and you click M+, then M will equal 350.
- M is memory minus (M-): This subtracts the answer from memory total.
- C is MRC (memory recall): This instantly recalls what is in memory but be careful when using as it wipes whatever is on the screen.
It's important to note that there's no way to clear the memory — it is retained when the calculator is closed and can only be replaced by a new number.
Backspace and clearing entries
The UCAT calculator features a backspace key, which works much like the ON/C button in erasing all previously entered digits with just one click.
Remember that this function does not allow you to delete individual numbers — it clears them all at once, but can help quickly fix typos without needing to start over entirely.
Fast percentage calculations
The UCAT calculator offers a percentage button that can be incredibly useful for quick calculations during the exam and it can be used to calculate percentages instead of pressing equals.
For example, 4/5 spits out 0.8 but 4/5% spits out 80%.
Other shortcuts
A handful of other shortcuts to remember include:
- Alt + N = Next question (this flicks you to the next question)
- Alt + P = Previous question (this moves you back a question)
- Alt + F = Flag a question (this marks a question that you might want to return to)
- Alt + S = This allows you to go to the review screen so you can see all of the questions in this section
- Alt + V = This allows you to see only the questions you previously flagged
- Alt + I = This allows you to only see the questions you haven't yet answered
Number pad mastery
To be able to quickly and efficiently use the number pad for typing and data entry, try practising the following steps: Employ your dominant hand’s index finger for numbers while using your thumb on Enter.
Practising with a keypad on a computer is recommended as it increases accuracy over time. Leveraging basic numerical keys like 0-9, plus (+), minus (-), multiply (*) sign or divide (/) symbol along with decimal point (.) will allow one to sail through UCAT calculations easily.
Doing drills regularly by employing an on screen calculator should help maximise comfort levels during the exam.
Mental maths vs. UCAT Calculator
It might be tempting to use the calculator repeatedly during the DM and QR subtests but, as we've mentioned, it can slow you down and in some cases, mental arithmetic is the better option. This is why it's important to know when to use the UCAT calculator and when to employ mental maths.
We recommend that you try and use the calculator as little as possible. In saying that, if your mental maths is weak, the calculator will be faster.
The best times to use the UCAT calculator is with bigger numbers that could take a while to do in your head, for example, with 5 or more digits. Another example is when dealing with irregular numbers, like 3 or 4 digit numbers that don't end in 5 or 0.
A good strategy is to give yourself 4 calculator tokens throughout a practice section and try to restrict yourself to only using the calculator 4 times, taking away a token each time. This forces you to think carefully about how you are using it and not rely on it too much.
Overcoming calculator limitations
The nature of a basic on-screen calculator means that it can't do exponents. And, you can only type one operation at a time, so make sure you don't lose your place in longer or more complex calculations.
Using the UCAT calculator without a dedicated square or power button can also be tricky. Our advice for calculating powers without a power button is the number times itself. For example, 3^2 is just 3x3 — it's unlikely you'll get any super challenging powers.
Avoiding common errors
To ensure accuracy in the UCAT exam, one should be mindful of potential calculator errors while under pressure and use strategies such as double-checking calculations.
Also, the most common error is generally just a lack of practice using the keyboard shortcuts required for the calculator. If you fall into this camp, you'll likely need to use the mouse which can slow you down.
How to practice using the UCAT calculator
To perfect your UCAT exam preparation and tackle the calculator challenges on test day, consistent practice with the UCAT calculator, and learning its keyboard shortcuts, is key.
It seems like a simple thing but it can have a huge impact on the overall outcome of your UCAT score. Here are a few ways to practice your keyboard shortcut skills.
Use an external keyboard
We recommend opting for an external keyboard rather than a laptop during your practice sessions as this is what you'll have in your actual test. Plus, the number pad makes using the calculator much faster.
You also want to build accurate muscle memory so you'll need to mimic the test setting as accurately as possible, which is where the external keyboard comes into play.
Use UCAT question banks
Familiarity with calculator techniques and shortcuts for the UCAT exam is achievable through practising with UCAT question banks.
MedView Spark is a great resource for this — our learning platform has over 4,500 practice questions as well as practice exams you can work through to become exam-ready.
Plus, our interface is designed to mimic the UCAT experience, right down to the keyboard shortcuts and calculator, so there are no surprises and it'll help you feel comfortable for the real deal.
Use these resources to help you both prepare for the content of the exam and become familiar with using the simple on-screen calculator that is used during the UCAT.
Summary
While this process can be extremely complicated, understanding the UCAT score you need for admission to the medical school of your choice is crucial when planning for your future.
But, you don't have to do it alone. If you'd like extra support from industry professionals or to catch more UCAT updates, sign up for our monthly newsletter. Stay ON THE PULSE by being the first to catch UCAT and medical school admissions news.
STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION!
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for the UCAT calculator?
Quickly access the UCAT Calculator — a necessity for the Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning subtests — by pressing Alt + C.
Do keyboard shortcuts work on UCAT?
Yes! There are a bunch of keyboard shortcuts that you should employ during the exam. Examples include Alt + N, for going to the next question and Alt + P, which takes you back a page and Alt + F for flagging a question. Utilising such keystrokes ensures an efficient navigation through the exam!
What is M+ on UCAT calculator?
The UCAT calculator is equipped with a memory feature, enabling users to save numbers and swiftly recall them when needed — making it easier to complete more complex calculations.
The M+ function enables one to store their data in the program’s memory so they can access it quickly during their test session.
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The UCAT
The UCAT, or the University Clinical Aptitude Test is the medical school admission test required for many universities in Australia and New Zealand. The UCAT is designed to assess applicants for the aptitude, attitudes and beliefs required of a doctor. In order to defeat the UCAT - we should understand what it is. First off, it’s a two hour computer based exam. There are 5 separately timed subtests - Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. In this blog we break down each of the sections and offer guidance on how to prepare for this important exam.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning is meant to assess your ability to read something and draw appropriate conclusions. You can see why this would be important to a doctor - you’re part of a multidisciplinary team and will have to communicate effectively. In addition, doctors have to keep current with new research and draw reasonable conclusions from published findings. Decision making involves 11 text excerpts with 4 questions each, meaning this section has 44 questions in 21 minutes - that means an average of 29 seconds per question. That doesn’t even take reading the stem into account!
Decision Making
Decision Making is essentially data interpretation from graphs, tables, text and charts. You don’t need to have background knowledge on any subject, because part of what they’re testing is your ability to understand new information. Can you think of a time a doctor might have to do the same? This section has 29 questions in 31 minutes - an average of 64 seconds per question. Compare the timing of section to verbal reasoning, it’s more than double. Consider the length of time per question as an indication of how much the test writers want you to analyse.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning is a straightforward mathematics section - there are nine scenarios each with four questions. You’ll have access to an on screen calculator - which is functional but pretty clunky! You’ll have to strike a balance between using mental maths to be quick, and keeping your wits about you, and staying accurate. This section has 36 questions in 24 minutes - an average of 40 seconds per question. It’s not a lot of time to question your maths abilities!
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning is used to evaluate your ability to locate patterns and understand logic, separate from your language abilities. If you’ve seen the guides online with pictures asking you to find a pattern - that’s abstract reasoning. This section is sometimes hard for students to grasp, because it’s such a different set of skills. It’s also probably the biggest struggle with time management. This section has 55 questions in 13 minutes - that’s only 14 seconds per question. Don’t even think about going into this section unprepared!
Situational Judgement
Situational Judgement assesses your judgement and character in different situations - the situations are usually clinical or education based. Either situations you’ve likely been in, or a situation you could be involved in future. Then you’ll have to evaluate the appropriateness, importance or consequences of the situation. It’s one way for universities to evaluate the characteristics that are important for future doctors! Situational Judgement has 69 questions in 26 minutes - an average of 25 seconds per question.
With so much to do - how can I set myself up for success?
Prepare
This sounds like a no brainer, but preparation is the most important thing you can do if you want to succeed on the UCAT. Going over questions is one thing but the most effective thing you can do is to practice under exam conditions. That means doing computer based exams - so when you get to test day, you know what to expect. Luckily MedView has a bank of questions.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Time is a precious resource when you’re preparing for medical school admissions - you have to continue doing well in your studies, prepare yourself for an interview, and master a new exam. There’s not infinite time - so you have to learn how to study smarter, not just harder. So many students waste their time by continuing to drill skills that they’ve already mastered. It’s important to identify the weak points that need more TLC.
Learn Skills
Each type of question requires a specific psychometric approach to understand and answer so quickly. Skills and strategies to identify the problem and solve the challenging question are essential for success. MedView has a range of 1:1 tutoring, group workshops, practice exams and questions alongside our spiral learning curriculum to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in time conditions. Our UCAT students are 5x more likely to receive an interview offer.
Sitting full-length practice exams under simulated conditions is the most effective preparation for developing UCAT skills. As this will familiarise yourself with the extreme time pressures, as well as allowing you to practise concentrating on psychometric skills for two hours. It is also important to practice using the computer-based platform that will be used when you sit UCAT as well.
Seek Help
Find friends that have taken the test before and ask for their experience. Better yet, schedule a free Academic Assessment with MedView today! When you start your journey as a MedView student, you are allocated an Education Coordinator who has experience helping hundreds of students get into med school. They’ll help you stay on track with your goals, offer you support, and help you succeed on your path to medical school.
Next Steps
The UCAT is an important exam that is key to medical school admission for undergraduates. We recommend starting your UCAT preparation early and integrating it into your study load to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. If you’d like to learn more about the UCAT or how to get into Medical School, check out our free eBooks and blogs!
- What is the UCAT?
- How Universities use your UCAT Results
- A Quick Guide to Australia Medicine eBook
- A Quick Guide to New Zealand Medicine eBook
- How to Prepare for the UCAT
- What UCAT scores will get me into med?
MedView offers a range of UCAT preparation courses as well as personalised 1:1 tutoring with our expert team. If you would like to know more about the UCAT and how MedView can help, get in touch today.
What can you do before the year starts?
Before the year starts, it is vital that you understand that the journey to becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process. Medicine is a life-long commitment whose pathway extends beyond the 6 years of study. It includes a progression from a house officer to a registrar, and application onto training schemes if you opt for the surgical pathway.
The vast majority of people who apply for medicine, do not have a clear picture of what they want to do in the future. This uncertainty is not something to worry about now – you have plenty of time to figure out exactly what you want to do. There is something in medicine for everyone. If you are still uncertain about the medical pathway beyond the 6 years of study, I would recommend doing further research.
Another thing you can do over the summer break is to identify your motivation to become a doctor. If it’s for the money, you may not be in the correct profession - it will be at least 10-12 years until you start earning the big bucks that all doctors are known for! If you have an inherent nature to help people and seek to make our society healthier, then you are on the right track.
Once your head is in the right place, enjoy your summer! The year will belong, and you will have to make social sacrifices to make your studies a priority. Make the most of the time you have by seeing friends and family, as you will inevitably see less of them throughout the year. You are likely to experience burnout sometime during the year, so optimising your rest now is important.
The single most effective way to distance yourself from your competitors is to start early and hard. After you have rested throughout December and into the new year, it is time to get started and get ahead. The Flying Start Course offered by MedView was my ticket to success. It is a highly intensive programme starting in late January that covers the first 6 weeks of content for the three core papers in the first semester. The advantages of this course are numerous:
- The most valuable aspect of Flying Start is the content covered. As the first semester contains 3 out of the 4 core papers, it is so important to get a good start. An early lapse within the first few weeks can completely derail your entire year. Being exposed to similar content ahead of time builds your confidence and gives you the opportunity to begin learning before others.
- There is a radically different teaching style from high school to university. Flying Start emulates the style you are accustomed to, while simultaneously teaching university material. This eases your transition and places students into a more comfortable and familiar environment.
- You can meet other motivated people. You may have heard the horror stories of people sabotaging each other, taking their notes and hiding their bags. While these are mostly exaggerated, there will still be those who resort to other measures to gain an advantage. The people doing Flying Start will be motivated just like you, and eager to get ahead. Working together and building these strong relationships before the year starts means that you have a better support group in place. I have met several bright individuals who were passionate and together, we were able to navigate the difficult year and succeed as a group!
MedView believes in a holistic approach to medical school admissions, meaning we surround the student with a team of experts to help develop their candidacy and skills in all three major pillars in their journey to medical school, and now it’s even more accessible with the MedView Hub App!
Over the last decade there’s been a mass adoption of smartphones and a shift in the way people behave online and communicate. Australians are spending more time online, often using multiple screens, and consuming vast amounts of content each day. And it’s only going up!
Recent figures show that almost eight out of ten Australians use social media, and 87% of them use their mobile phones to access it. Fifty-nine percent of Australians access social media everyday or most days, and over a third of people check social media more than five times per day.
We often go online to chat with friends and family, share photos, or be entertained by cat videos. But the very same platforms we use to socialise can also be used to gather knowledge that we can apply in our offline lives. One of the areas where users can reap the benefits is online communities. MedView prides themselves on finding the best tutor, strategist or consultant for each student whether they be in Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom and having an online community platform allows even more core benefits for our students in a shorter amount of time. Now students can access over 320 tutors, strategists and consultants and get answers to their Synapse questions, interact in exclusive workshops, and most importantly make friends. The meaningful relationships with other members of the community increases knowledge and collective wisdom.
The MedView Hub App is our own online community platform for students, parents, tutors, and alumni to create a network of opportunities to participate in smart, focused conversation on specific medical school admissions topics (unlike the Instagram and Facebook chatter).
Over the last decade there’s been a mass adoption of smartphones and a shift in the way people behave online and communicate. Australians are spending more time online, often using multiple screens, and consuming vast amounts of content each day. And it’s only going up!
Recent figures show that almost eight out of ten Australians use social media, and 87% of them use their mobile phones to access it. Fifty-nine percent of Australians access social media everyday or most days, and over a third of people check social media more than five times per day.
We often go online to chat with friends and family, share photos, or be entertained by cat videos. But the very same platforms we use to socialise can also be used to gather knowledge that we can apply in our offline lives. One of the areas where users can reap the benefits is online communities. MedView prides themselves on finding the best tutor, strategist or consultant for each student whether they be in Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom and having an online community platform allows even more core benefits for our students in a shorter amount of time. Now students can access over 320 tutors, strategists and consultants and get answers to their Synapse questions, interact in exclusive workshops, and most importantly make friends. The meaningful relationships with other members of the community increases knowledge and collective wisdom.
The MedView Hub App is our own online community platform for students, parents, tutors, and alumni to create a network of opportunities to participate in smart, focused conversation on specific medical school admissions topics (unlike the Instagram and Facebook chatter).
Find out more and begin your journey to medical school by speaking with a MedView Academic Advisor for free today!
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