Abstract Reasoning

Abstract reasoning is a skill we all have to differing degrees, in its most base form abstract reasoning is essentially the ability to hypothesise, to find patterns or understandings beyond the words that are presented on a screen or paper.

A common example of abstract reasoning is when we, or someone we know, overthinks about a situation, creating a conclusion that may have a bearing based on the facts at hand, but hasn’t actually happened. This can be the negative aspect of abstract reasoning for some people.

Positive abstract reasoning allows someone to find creative solutions to problems, or allows them to express themselves in a more unique way. Common examples of abstract thinking include:

• Describing something by using a metaphor
• Speaking on a subject figuratively
• A creative solution to a problem
• Noticing relationships and patterns between what you observe
• Thinking from a point of view beyond your own

So how can this form of thinking help in the medical field?

• Noticing patterns in a paitent’s symptoms will help you identify and treat them quickly
• Being able to see your patient’s point of view will be able to help you empathise and treat them in accordance to their needs and temperament.
• Being able to translate your abstract thinking into conversation may be able to help your colleagues or patients with whatever subject you discuss.

In regards to your UCAT test, abstract thinking is applying your ability to recognise patterns in what appear to be a random arrangement of shapes. As opposed to a written question you need to decipher.

This may seem daunting at first but once you understand the methodology then it becomes simple. Either way, we can help you understand this more clearly.

So how can The Future Medic help you with your abstract reasoning?

UCAT & Abstract Reasoning

So how exactly will The Future Medic help you?

As part of our UCAT preparation we offer online courses designed for you to take at a time that suits you, alongside this we offer personalised 1 to 1 sessions with our highly qualified tutors with years of experience in the medical field as well as tutoring for UCAT tests and much more.

We are proud to share the fact that we have an average mean score for UCAT tests at 743, whilst the average UCAT results (of those not taking our courses) is 607. This only highlights how we can help you achieve more than the average through our courses.

Regardless if you have failed your UCAT once before, we are happy to help you excel and retake your test with more knowledge and confidence than before.

We ensure that we cover the required subjects within your UCAT, in regard to verbal reasoning, we will share with you the does and dont’s, process of abstract reasoning along with practical examples that show you how to implement this skill effectively.

So book today to help develop your skills, understanding and essential skills needed to be a thriving medical professional.

Other services we offer

Medical school interviews

Is it not your UCAT test that you’re worried about? Maybe you struggle in interview situations, we can also help you thrive in interviews, we cover every aspect you need to be aware of during a medical school interview, including:

Communication Skills:

• Body language
• Rate & Tone
• Mirroring Posture
• Clarity of Articulation
• Minimising Jargon/Waffle
• How to use words you don’t understand
• Breaking bad news
• Communicating your thought process
• Active Listening

Lateral thinking / Problem solving:

This section deals with questions that seem unrelated, may cause you to fluster and lose your focus or train of thought. These are a common reason why students fail their interviews.

NHS & Hot Topics:

It is crucial for a medical applicant to have an understanding of the NHS and its structure. You may not know what you want to specialise in, but you should be aware of how GPs link to specialties, and understand the links between the public and private sector.

Medical Ethics:

In this section we tackle the hardest part of the interview – Medical Ethics. We help you integrate terminology such as the medical pillars and GMC Guidelines into your answers as well as showing you how to approach common ethical scenarios such as confidentiality, organ donation and abortion.

To see our full list of interview subjects we cover, click here.

Personal statement help

Our team of doctors have read thousands of medicine personal statements as part of the medical school admissions process, and know exactly what is required to make your personal statement special and unique. We’ve got some amazing support options for you to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement. These are:

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

With this service, you can start with having written nothing, and by the end, have created the perfect medicine personal statement for you.

What you get:

• Unlimited Hours of Coaching
• Unlimited Reviews
• The best service available
• One-To-One sessions
• Intensive Personal Statement Tutoring

We help you write your medicine personal statement from scratch if needed. We help you structure it in the best possible way, focusing on each section in detail with unlimited redrafts and unlimited reviews until it is perfect.

We will also tutor you on aspects of the statement you will be asked about in interview.

Personal Statement coaching

Book a one-to-one session with our expert tutors. Get specific coaching on the five domains of your PS as well as guidance on:

• Structure
• Language
• Syntax
• Authenticity

We can also go through with you what questions you are likely to be asked at interview about your PS.

Last minute checkup

This is a review of your medicine personal statement by one of our admissions’ panel doctors. The constructive criticism and advice you will receive will focus on the 5 domains:

• Language
• Expression
• Professionalism
• Thematic Tone
• First Impressions
• Any Red Flags

Book your personal statement guidance today!

The Future Medic – Here to help

Our team at The Future Medic understand the responsibility to provide our country with the next generation of bright minds who will innovate, revolutionise and excel in the study of medicine.

That is why we have made it our mission to supply you with all the knowledge, skills and resources you could possibly need to enter this competitive yet rewarding field of expertise. We hope to have highlighted the need to have excellent and refined abstract reasoning which can be supplemented by our courses.

So what are you waiting for? To access the very best in medical school interview tutoring, head to our website now. Alternatively you can contact us directly, got a few more questions? Our blogpage may be able to help.