May/June Online GAMSAT - What Do We Know and What Can We Expect?

Q. Who can sit the May/June online GAMSAT?

A. Only the students who had registered (or had deferred to) to sit the March 2020 GAMSAT are eligible to sit the May/June online GAMSAT.

Q. Where do I sit the online GAMSAT?

A. You will be sitting your exam not at a test centre, but at your home or a private location of your choice.

Q. How will my online GAMSAT be monitored?

A. Your online GAMSAT will be monitored by remote proctoring, through a company called ProctorU. ACER has recommended a video for students to watch to get a better idea of the process (note: this video not specific to the GAMSAT).

Q. Will the online GAMSAT be any different from the previous GAMSAT exams?

A. Yes. The number of questions and time given for Section I and III will be different from previous GAMSAT exams.

Section I

• Previously: 75 questions in 110 minutes (including 10 minutes of reading time)
• May/June online GAMSAT: 40 questions in 60 minutes (including 5 minutes of reading time)

Section III

• Previously: 110 questions in 180 minutes (including 10 minutes of reading time)
• May/June online GAMSAT: 60 questions in 120 minutes (including 6 minutes of reading time)

This means that for the online GAMSAT, you will have significantly more time per question for Section III.

Q. I do not wish to sit the online GAMSAT

A. If you do not wish to sit the online GAMSAT, you can defer your registration and sit a paper GAMSAT exam at a test centre in September 2020 or March 2021. Of course, there is no guarantee at this stage that the September 2020 GAMSAT will go ahead at a test centre, given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 context. You can also ask for a refund instead.

Q. What steps do I need to take for sitting the online GAMSAT?

A. All steps are outlined in the Official ACER GAMSAT Booklet. Here is a summary of the process:

• Complete the technical readiness check as required by ProctorU. This involves testing your equipment and internet at your chosen location well ahead of the exam.
• Select “Sit by remote proctoring” after logging into your ACER account. Registration for this closes on 9th April 2020 (7pm AEST, 10am BST). If you are an eligible candidate but do not make a selection, you will be deferred to the GAMSAT September 2020 sitting automatically.
• Create a separate ProctorU account, then receive an invitation and schedule an online GAMSAT through ProctorU. Test session booking will open on 27th April and close on 24th May 2020.
• Your admission ticket will be available from 27th May 2020. You will need to complete your identification and document details, then download and check your exam application.
• After sitting your online GAMSAT at the scheduled time, you will receive your results in early July 2020.
  

Q. Can I reschedule my online GAMSAT?

A. Yes, you can reschedule your exam up to 72 hours before the testing window opens. You should note that no changes are permitted after 24th May 2020.

Q. What devices can I use to sit my online GAMSAT?

A. You will only be allowed to use a desktop or laptop computer to sit your online GAMSAT. These will need to have a built-in camera, or have an external camera connected. ACER recommends a screen size of 15-inch or larger, but a 13-inch screen will be acceptable as the resolution is 1280 x 1024 or higher. Other digital devices such as smartphones, iPads and other types of tablets will be allowed. You will be required to have a reliable internet connection.

Q. I do not have adequate resources to sit the online GAMSAT

A. It is understandable that some students will not have access to a reliable internet connection, or a suitable desktop or laptop computer. Some students may also struggle to find a quiet and private place to sit their exams. If you find yourself in such a position, please contact ACER directly to address your concerns. 

Q. Am I allowed to use scrap papers for working?

A. Yes. You are allowed to use two sheets of paper per test session (i.e. two for Sections 1&2, and two for Section 3). You will be required to show both sides of your papers to the proctor before the test, and also show your rough workings at the end of the test. You will be required to rip and dispose of the papers while the proctor is watching.

Q. How will cheating be prevented?

A. ProctorU and ACER will be putting in all available measures to minimize cheating:

• The entire test session will be recorded by ProctorU, and this includes chat logs with proctors, webcam video recordings and desktop screen recordings. 
• As described in the answer above, all scrap papers will be scrutinized.
• A mirror (or a similar reflective device) will be required for the proctor to see what is on the monitor.
  

Q. What if I need to go to the bathroom during my online GAMSAT?

A. If you need to go to the bathroom during your test session, you will need to advise your proctor and wait for approval before going ahead. Session clock will not be paused, except when prior approval has been given. Bathroom breaks will not be allowed during the last ten minutes of each section.

Check the official ACER website for further updates. We will be posting a summary of updates on the GAMSAT, as well as any other updates relevant to medical schools admissions in our COVID-19 Live Updates page.