For those who are applying for the various undergraduate programmes across hundreds of medical schools in the UK, it is highly likely that they’ll have to undergo the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) before they submit their applications. And one of the most prominent questions that many UCAT aspirants ask before they begin their study preparations is whether to execute a self-study programme on their own or take a UCAT prep course to get professional training, at a cost.
Of course, both these routes have their distinct advantages and disadvantages, and this article will highlight the pros and cons of each style so that students can choose a study mode that fits them perfectly.
Studying On Your Own
A lot of students prefer the self-study route for a myriad of reasons, but what many fail to understand is that UCAT is not like revising high-school mathematics and biology. It examines a particular set of skills that can only be honed through rigorous practice, time management and having a solid understanding about the core fundamentals. For many aspirants, it can be difficult to achieve all of these just by self-studying and some can even find it overwhelming.
This does not mean that self-study is impossible. With the right strategy and ample time for an ideal preparation phase, many can still score well for the UCAT all on their own. Take a look at some of the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages of self-studying.
Advantages of Self-Studying
- Pacing: The self-study route is the best option for the UCAT aspirants who want a fixed learning path that is defined on their own terms. This means that for an individual learner, their self-study schedule will be more flexible and more aligned with their own preferences and time. Formal classes can be a bit of a drawback for this reason, as learners find that either they cannot keep in pace with their teachers or that they are already ahead of the lectures.
- Resilience: For those who are self-studying, the motivation and discipline comes from their inner minds and they don’t have to rely on an outside authority to keep them on track. Students gain confidence by tackling tough subjects all on their own and they have enough motivation to still push their limits without being overwhelming.
Disadvantages of Self-Studying
- Lack of A Structured Learning Path: Students will do well with a fixed learning plan that covers a syllabus or tackles a subject well. In the self-studying route, it is hard to come up with such a plan alone and in the absence of such a rigid structure, the learning journey can come apart before it has even started.
- High Degree of Uncertainty: As there is no formal learning environment or a feedback structure for students to take advice from, the nature of self-study in itself becomes riddled with uncertainty and doubts, with students wondering whether they’re on the right track as they progress through each subject.
- Loneliness: The learning journey is a tough one and without a strong support group, it is hard to maintain the motivation as there are no like-minded individuals on the same path. This can hamper a student’s learning capacity as the thirst for knowledge withers away with time.
The self-study route is recommended for those who have the motivation to see it through, are not easily distracted or have all the relevant resources at the ready for any queries or confusion. For someone who is not sure of the curriculum or if it is their first time taking the UCAT, it is recommended to sign up for a UCAT Prep Course from a renowned learning institution or agency.
Taking A UCAT Prep Course
UCAT prep courses are one of the most popular learning methods that many UCAT aspirants go for. Not only are they run by subject experts who are well-aware of the curriculum and the exam settings, but it also gives the students all the necessary resources and information right at the start. Compared to the self-study route, it is undoubtedly true that the UCAT prep courses give learners a crucial head start in their learning process for the exam.
Pros of Taking A Prep Course
- Structured Learning: One of the biggest benefits of taking a UCAT prep course is, of course, having access to a structured learning environment. For many students who lack the motivation or the inspiration to fix themselves to a rigid study schedule, this is a boon for them. Not only does a UCAT prep course offer an organised study plan that covers every aspect of the curriculum, students will also get mentors or other authority figures from whom they can bounce off their vulnerabilities and get the right feedback to strengthen their skills.
- Expertly Curated Resources: Since many experienced tutors weigh in when it comes to making a UCAT prep course, students will get access to some of the best resources, tips and insights on the UCAT and its preparation including worked-out examples and questionnaires, allowing students to be more precise and clear in their studying and thinking, and allow them to have the right set of resources and facilities to enhance their learning experience.
- Time-Saving: Another remarkable benefit to taking a UCAT prep course is the time-saving aspect, as everything that is required by a student is handed to them by the instructors or the course experts. No need to spend countless hours on the internet rummaging through every website looking for the right resources or materials for a particular subject or a topic.
Cons of Taking A Prep Course
- Costly: The cost of enrolling for a UCAT prep course is a major factor that makes students hesitant to join one. Although the cost itself is never exorbitant, institutions will still need to put a strong price as they need to cover the costs of the educators, the materials and other aspects of the course, a cost that many young aspirants will find hard to manage.
- Course Effectiveness: Another major issue with the UCAT prep course is that its effectiveness will depend upon the agency or the institution that conducts these prep courses. Shady or ill-reputed institutions will offer over-the-top promises and subpar curriculum, and students must do their due diligence to stay away from such groups. Additionally, students can also rely on reviews and personal experiences of those who have already performed well on their UCAT.
It goes without saying that the final results will indeed depend upon a multitude of other factors and not just on the type of studying that students undertake. And whether students are going for the self-study route or a prep course, it is vital that they make use of every opportunity available to bolster their learning process. Our experts at RAAKMEDICS will give such students access to the top UCAT materials and resources that they’ll need to crack the UCAT, and it is available for those who are studying independently or if they are part of a UCAT prep course. Good luck!
