About ISAT Exam
The ISAT is a test that universities in Australia, Malaysia, and Ireland use to help select applicants for medical and related courses. It tests students’ ability to apply critical and quantitative reasoning skills, as well as logical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for university-level study. This comprehensive assessment, developed and administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), holds recognition from some of the best medical universities in Australia, such as the University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the International Medical University. It is one of the main admission requirements for MBBS/MD in Australia and a few other countries, along with academic performance and interviews. Admissions to the best medical universities in Australia can get quite competitive, with most of the applicants having excellent academic records, strong references, and impressive extracurricular activities. A test like ISAT helps in selecting from this highly qualified pool through a common assessment tool for each applicant, regardless of their background.
In this article, we look at the ISAT exam in detail, including information on test eligibility, syllabus, pattern, fees, registration, and preparation tips. We will also provide advice on how to prepare for the ISAT and where to find free resources to help you succeed.
Overview of ISAT
| Conducted by | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) |
| Purpose | Admission to certain medical universities in Australia, Ireland, and Malaysia |
| Duration of Test | 3 hours |
| Exam Fees | 427 AUD |
| Eligibility | Open to all those with a recognized high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree |
| Exam Dates | Conducted in four test windows across the year |
ISAT Exam Structure
The ISAT is a 3-hour online multiple-choice test that can be taken at testing centers around the world. The test is available in pre-determined test cycles, which vary depending on the university and program you are applying for. You can find the important dates and deadlines for each cycle on the ISAT website.
The test consists of 100 questions, divided into two sections: Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section has 50 questions, which are interwoven throughout the test. There is only one correct answer for each question, and no marks are deducted for incorrect answers. Critical Reasoning questions test your ability to comprehend and analyze information, understand and apply ideas, draw appropriate conclusions, and evaluate arguments. Quantitative Reasoning questions test your ability to use numerical and mathematical skills to solve problems, interpret data, and reason logically.
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Studies in Australia
List of Universities That Accept ISAT
The following universities and courses ask for ISAT scores:
- Monash University, Melbourne: Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (Honors)
- Monash University, Malaysian campus: Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (Honors)
- University of Limerick: MSc Occupational Therapy, MSc Speech and Language Therapy
- University of New South Wales: Bachelor of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Tasmania: Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Western Australia: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- University of Western Sydney: Undergraduate Medicine
- Estonian University of Life Sciences: Veterinary Medicine
Some of these universities may also accept or require other admission tests for their medical courses.
Suggested Reading: Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Australia
Application Process and Deadlines
To register for the ISAT, you need to follow these steps:
- Create an ACER ISAT account on the ACER website. You will need to provide your personal details, contact information, and preferred test date and location. Upon registration, you will receive an ISAT ID.
- Pay the registration fee of 427 AUD by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) online. You will receive a confirmation email with your payment receipt and candidate number.
- Register for a ProctorU account and receive an invitation from ISAT for a ProctorU session.
- Book a remote session with ProctorU. You will receive an email with your admission ticket and test instructions.
- Prepare for the test by reviewing the ISAT Information Booklet, which contains the test structure, content, sample questions, and scoring method. You can also access some practice materials on the ACER website.
Here are the deadlines for registration for the 2024:
Test window 1: 2 January 2024 (9 pm AEDT)
Test window 2: 15 April 2024 (9 pm AEST)
Test window 3: 15 July 2024 (9 pm AEST)
Test window 4: 14 October 2024 (9 pm AEDT)
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ISAT Test Windows
The test is available throughout the year, but there are four test windows that candidates can choose from. Each test window lasts for nine days, except for the first one which lasts for eight days. Candidates who fail the test can re-sit it on the last two days of each test window.
The test windows for ISAT 2024 are as follows:
- Test window 1: 15–23 January 2024 (24–25 January for re-sits)
- Test window 2: 29 April–8 May 2024 (9–10 May for re-sits)
- window 3: 29 July–7 August 2024 (8–9 August for re-sits)
- Test window 4: 28 October–6 November 2024 (7–8 November for re-sits)
Candidates should check the application deadlines of the universities they are applying to and book the test well in advance. The ISAT results are valid for two years and can be used for multiple applications.
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How to Prepare for the ISAT?
To prepare for the ISAT, you need to familiarize yourself with the test format, practice your critical reading and quantitative skills, and take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
Here are some resources and tips that can help you:
- Visit the official ISAT website by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) to access free sample questions, test structure details, and official practice materials.
- Seek out comprehensive study guides and practice books specifically designed for ISAT preparation. These resources often contain sample questions, explanations, and valuable tips to help you hone your skills.
- Acquire a set of practice tests to simulate real test conditions. Practice tests allow you to familiarize yourself with the exam structure and improve your time management skills.
- Review your mistakes thoroughly after each practice test. Understanding why you got a question wrong is as important as getting it right. Learn from your errors and improve your weak areas.
- Stay calm and confident on the test day. Read the questions carefully, eliminate wrong answers, and trust your abilities.
Suggested Reading: Study Medicine in Australia
On the Test Day
ISAT test takers, take the exam on their remote computers through the ACER Test APP. All applicants must allow enough time for pre-test procedures. They should also produce the required items for the exam.
Items needed for remote exam session:
- A computer or laptop (Tablets and mobile phones are not supported).
- Stable internet connection.
- A small erasable whiteboard and pen, OR 2 pieces of A4-sized scratch paper, a pencil, eraser & sharpener.
- Mirror or other reflective device.
- Identity Card.
Identity Card: On the day of the test, applicants are required to present one form of current, government-issued, photo ID. The names on the ID document must be displayed the same way they are displayed on the ISAT registration and the ID. The identification must also contain a photograph which is a recognizable likeness of the applicant as they are at the time of sitting the test.
Acceptable forms of primary ID include:
- a current National Identity Card from your country of citizenship
- a current photo-bearing driver’s license (learner’s permit, probationary or full license)
- a current passport
ISAT Scores and University Admission
The ISAT is scored on a scale of 100 to 200, with a mean of 150 and a standard deviation of 15. The score is based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The results of the ISAT exam can be viewed in the official ACER portal, two weeks after your test date.
After the results are out, you can have the scores sent to the universities of your choice. The ISAT score is used by some universities in Australia and Malaysia to select international students for their medical, dental, and health science programs. Usually, universities rank students based on their ISAT scores to determine who is invited to the interview stage of the admissions process. After the interview is complete, a combination of the student’s interview performance, high school results, and ISAT score is used to determine whether he/she gets an offer. Different universities have different ISAT score requirements and cut-offs, so candidates should check the specific criteria of the schools they are applying to. For example, UNSW Medicine requires a minimum ISAT score of 165, while Monash University accepts ISAT scores from the previous two years. It’s also important to note that the ISAT score is valid for two years and can be used for multiple applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ISAT is a crucial test for international students who aspire to study medicine or dentistry in Australia. It assesses the critical and quantitative reasoning skills that are essential for academic success at the tertiary level. Therefore, it is important to understand the format, content, and scoring of the ISAT, and to prepare well for it. However, the ISAT is not the only factor that determines your admission. You also need to meet the academic requirements, submit your applications through the appropriate channels, and attend an interview if invited. There are also other entrance exams accepted by different universities. Thus, you should research the specific requirements and deadlines of the schools you are interested in, and plan the application process accordingly. We understand how hectic it can be to research and apply to all the different universities. That’s why our admission experts at OneApply, are here to guide you through the entire admission process. Book your free video call appointment now!
