GAMSAT Section 3

The GAMSAT Exam Section 3

What Do Section 3 GAMSAT Questions Test?

GAMSAT Section 3, also known as "Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences," is designed to test your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities within the context of scientific concepts. This section primarily focuses on biology, chemistry, and physics, and it assesses your ability to apply your scientific knowledge and understanding to various scenarios.

The questions in Section 3 cover a wide range of topics and often require you to analyze and interpret data, draw logical conclusions, identify patterns, and make predictions. The test is designed to evaluate your scientific reasoning skills rather than your ability to memorize facts or recall specific scientific details.

To succeed in GAMSAT Section 3, it is essential to have a solid foundation in the basic concepts of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Keep in mind that the GAMSAT is designed for students from various academic backgrounds, so the questions are generally focused on first-year university-level science concepts.

Section 3 Syllabus

There is no official syllabus for Gamsat section 3 but if click HERE you can see one we’ve put together based on ACER’s statements about the test and analysis of past papers.

Tips To Score Highly In Section 3

Strengthen your foundational knowledge: Review and ensure you have a strong grasp of the basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics. First-year university-level science textbooks or online resources can be helpful for this purpose.

Focus on problem-solving: GAMSAT Section 3 tests your ability to apply scientific knowledge to solve problems. Practice solving a variety of questions that require critical thinking, data analysis, and interpretation.

Develop your critical thinking skills: Work on improving your ability to analyze complex information, draw logical conclusions, and think through problems systematically. This will help you tackle challenging questions more effectively.

Familiarize yourself with the test format: Understand the structure and types of questions in GAMSAT Section 3. This will help you manage your time better and feel more confident on test day.

Practice with past GAMSAT papers: Use past papers or practice tests to get a feel for the types of questions and the level of difficulty in Section 3. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and get accustomed to the testing environment.

Create a study plan: Develop a structured study plan, allocating time to review content, practice questions, and revise areas where you're struggling. Stick to your plan and monitor your progress.

Use online resources: There are many free and paid resources available online, such as video tutorials, study guides, and discussion forums. Use these resources to supplement your learning and get additional help when needed.

Work on your time management: Section 3 is time-limited, so practice solving questions under timed conditions. Develop strategies to help you work efficiently, such as quickly scanning questions to identify the main idea or eliminating incorrect answer choices.

Join a study group or take a prep course: Collaborating with other GAMSAT candidates can provide motivation, support, and opportunities to share strategies. A prep course can provide you with structured guidance and additional resources to help you prepare effectively.

Review your progress: Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses by reviewing your performance on practice tests. Use this feedback to adjust your study plan, focus on areas where you need improvement, and reinforce your understanding of the material.

By incorporating these tips into your preparation, you can improve your chances of scoring highly in GAMSAT Section 3. Remember that consistent practice and dedication are key to success on the test.

Common Mistakes People Make When Preparing For Section 3

Focusing only on content memorization

GAMSAT Section 3 is designed to assess your ability to apply scientific knowledge, not just recall facts. To succeed, you need to develop problem-solving skills and learn how to analyze complex scenarios. Instead of solely memorizing content, practice applying your knowledge to various types of questions. Work through practice problems, engage in critical thinking exercises, and consider how scientific concepts can be applied in real-world situations

Neglecting weaker subject areas

Achieving a balanced understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics is essential for GAMSAT Section 3. Identify your weaker areas and allocate more study time to them. Use diverse resources, such as textbooks, online tutorials, and practice questions, to strengthen your understanding. Periodically assess your progress and adjust your study plan as needed to ensure you're making improvements in your weaker subjects.

Poor time management

Time management is crucial during GAMSAT Section 3. To improve your speed and efficiency, develop a systematic approach to answering questions. Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps, and practice eliminating incorrect answer choices quickly. Regularly practice under timed conditions to become more comfortable with the time constraints and learn to pace yourself effectively.

Not using practice exams effectively

Practice exams are valuable tools for identifying areas for improvement and measuring your progress. However, merely taking practice exams without thoroughly reviewing your performance can limit their effectiveness. Analyze your mistakes, identify patterns in the types of questions you find challenging, and adjust your study plan to address these weaknesses. Additionally, use practice exams to refine your test-taking strategies and develop your time management skills.

Overlooking the importance of critical thinking

GAMSAT Section 3 requires the ability to analyze complex information, make logical inferences, and solve problems creatively. Develop your critical thinking skills by engaging in activities such as reading scientific articles, debating complex issues with peers, or solving puzzles that require logical reasoning. Strengthen your ability to identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions based on the information provided. By improving your critical thinking skills, you'll be better equipped to tackle the challenging questions in GAMSAT Section 3.

By focusing on these key aspects of GAMSAT Section 3 preparation, you can optimize your study efforts, develop the necessary skills, and enhance your overall performance on the exam.

Why do people say that ACER practice tests do not resemble the real test?

The claim that ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) practice tests do not resemble the real GAMSAT exam is often based on personal experiences and opinions. However, it is important to keep in mind that ACER produces the GAMSAT exam, and their practice tests are intended to provide candidates with an accurate representation of the actual test format and content. While there might be some differences between the practice tests and the actual exam, ACER's materials are still among the most reliable resources available for GAMSAT preparation.

Some reasons why people might claim that ACER practice tests do not resemble the real test could include:

1. Variability in exam content: The GAMSAT exam content can vary between test administrations, meaning that the specific questions, passages, and topics encountered on the actual test may differ from those in the practice materials. Some candidates might feel that the practice tests do not fully capture the breadth of material or level of difficulty they encountered on the real exam.

2. Differences in test conditions: When taking practice tests, candidates may not simulate the real test conditions, such as strict time limits, testing environment, or the pressure associated with the actual exam. This could lead to a perception that the practice tests do not accurately represent the real GAMSAT experience.

3. Subjective opinions and experiences: Candidates' opinions on the similarity between practice tests and the actual exam may be influenced by their own experiences, preparation level, and personal expectations. Some individuals might find the practice tests to be a good representation of the real exam, while others may not.

Despite these factors, ACER practice tests remain valuable resources for GAMSAT preparation. They offer a glimpse into the exam's format, question types, and difficulty level, which can help candidates familiarize themselves with the test and develop effective strategies. It is crucial to supplement ACER practice tests with other preparation materials and strategies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the skills and knowledge required for the GAMSAT exam.

Free Resources For Section 3

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers comprehensive video lessons and practice questions on various topics in biology, chemistry, and physics. Although not specifically designed for GAMSAT, the content is highly relevant and can help strengthen your foundational knowledge.