COVID Changes to the GAMSAT: What You Need to Know

The GAMSAT has changed quite a bit since 2020 because of COVID, and it can be confusing when you're trying to prepare. Here's what changed and what it means for your study.

The GAMSAT before 2020

Before COVID, you sat the whole exam in one day, in person, on paper:

• Section 1: 75 questions in 100 minutes, so about 1.3 minutes per question
• Section 2: 2 essays in 60 minutes, so 30 minutes per essay
• Section 3: 110 questions in 170 minutes, so about 1.5 minutes per question

The GAMSAT now

Since 2020, the format looks like this:

• You sit Sections 1 and 3 on the same day, on a computer, either at a test centre or online with a remote supervisor if you live a long way from one. Section 2 is on a separate day.
• Section 1: 62 questions in 100 minutes, so about 1.6 minutes per question
• Section 2: 2 essays in 65 minutes, so 32.5 minutes per essay
• Section 3: 75 questions in 150 minutes, so 2 minutes per question

What this means for your prep

• Fewer graph and image questions in Section 1. The ACER practice papers were written for the paper exam. These questions are harder to do on a computer, so they come up less often now. If you struggle with them, don't stress too much, because you're unlikely to see many.
• A bit more time per question. Section 1 now gives you about 1.6 minutes per question instead of 1.3. Everyone gets the extra time, and because your score is a percentile ranking, it doesn't change results much.
• How to use the ACER practice papers. You can either:
  • do all 75 questions and allow yourself 1.6 minutes per question, or
  • do 62 questions as one practice exam and use the leftover questions as a second, shorter one.

As always, if you have questions or just want a chat, email me at hello@gamsattutorials.org.