UHS Entrance Test 2013

[Oliveme]

Hey there.
I would like someone here with experience to help me out. I'm doing A2 Level and have completed AS level. I want to get an admission in one of the good public medical Universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Unfortunately, I have no idea how the procedure for admission works and what I should expect in the entrance test as I don't live in Pakistan.
Please tell me everything that I need to know. I've heard many A level students are rejected and end up being disapointed because they can't get admissions, is this true? And has the situation gotten any better?
What is the format for the UHS entrance test, is it all MCQ questions? And is it a good idea to give UHS entrance test or is there any other entrance test that you can give?
What are the best medical universities in Lahore (with a good environment)? And how hard is it to get into them? I'll be giving finishing the whole A levels in June 2013 and so when will the entrance test dates be announced? Should I start right after the A level exams are finished? How should I prepare for the test? Any books that you can recommend.

Thank you....

I think they have English in their entrance test...what is that about?
And are Biology, Chemistry and Physics in A level fine? or do I have to give English as well?

I know these are heaps of questions but kindly answer which ever you can with valid information.
Thank you very much again and JazakAllah.

 

[veiled_fantasy]

I'll try to answer your questions one by one.

What should Iexpect in the entrance test as I don't live in Pakistan?

The entrance test is based on the FSC books entirely. There's a syllabus given for the MCAT by UHS. You can check out this year's syllabus on their website. The content, however, will ALWAYS be from FSC, remember that. So you'll need to go over the FSC books. There's no alternative to that.

I've heard many A level students are rejected and end up being disapointed because they can't get admissions, is this true?

You have heard right, I'm afraid. Very few A Level students get into government medical universities because the entry test is based on FSC and O/A Level students can't get more than 90% in equivalence by the IBCC. Whereas, it isn't uncommon to hear of FSC students who have a score of a 1000 or more. (out of 1100)

And has the situation gotten any better?

This is only the second year since UHS introduced their combined FSC/A Level syllabus for MCAT. As yet, I have not heard of much improvement for A Level students. But I think, in a couple of years, as A Level students get more acquainted with the system and accept the fact that they'll have to rattafy FSC books, the situation could get a little better. (Provided that the University of Health Sciences sticks with this syllabus and doesn't suddenly decide to change it)

What is the format for the UHS entrance test, is it all MCQ questions?

Yep. All MCQs. The format of the test is given on their website.

What are the best medical universities in Lahore (with a good environment)?

I'm actually giving MCAT myself this year so I can't really help you with that question. However there are a lot of Pakistani medical students on this forum. And this question has been frequently asked there. So just search around. You'll find your answer soon enough. However, you should know that for government medical universities, the choice of which uni you get in depends on your merit (i.e the aggregate of your Matric/O level, FSC/A level and MCAT scores)

And how hard is it to get into them?

Pretty hard. I'm not trying to scare you but here are the facts:

On average, 30,000 people appear for the MCAT each year. Only 3000 get into government universities.

However, it is not impossible!! Hard work is the key to all!

I'll be giving finishing the whole A levels in June 2013 and so when will the entrance test dates be announced?

Don't count on the UHS to be efficient in that regard. Our MCAT this year is on the 23rd of September and UHS announced the official date on the 10th of August. But it's held in the month of September each year so you should prepare according to that.

Should I start right after the A level exams are finished?

Absolutely.

How should I prepare for the test? Any books that you can recommend.

FSC books. You need to learn them thoroughly. And there are plenty of Entry Test books available that you could buy to practise MCQs. I'm using Caravan, Jahangir and the KETS ones. However it's hard to get your hands on the KETS books unless you are a student of KIPS.

I think they have English in their entrance test...what is that about?

Again, look at the syllabus given on their website. There's an 870 words long list that you'll need you learn. There'll also be some grammar questions.

And are Biology, Chemistry and Physics in A level fine? or do I have to give English as well?

They are totally fine. You do not need to do English in A Levels. The English section of the MCAT is way different from anything they'll ever teach you at O/A Level English.

Now, a few more things.

You must have given your O Levels, obviously. Have you obtained an equivalence certificate from IBCC? If not, you need to get that made ASAP. IBCC can be very bothersome. When you're A Level result comes out, you'll need equivalence for that too. But that's for later.

Since you're a foreign student, you can apply to the reserved seats in the government medical universities. The fees will be higher than those paid by local students, though. I'm not aware of the exact procedure for that. It's said to be tedious and long-winded and apparently involves having to give SAT 2 in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. I believe UHS mentioned something here. You'll get a lot of information in this regard from the forum I linked earlier. Medstudentz

I hope that helped! And I hope I didn't sound too discouraging because that was certainly not my intention. It's just that admittance into medical universities in Pakistan suffers from the same 'issues' that afflict our education system and it's extremely stressful for A Level students to adjust themselves to this system. I'm going through this right now. Believe me, it is not fun. =,(

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. =)

 

[Oliveme]

I'll try to answer your questions one by one.


The entrance test is based on the FSC books entirely. There's a syllabus given for the MCAT by UHS. You can check out this year's syllabus on their website. The content, however, will ALWAYS be from FSC, remember that. So you'll need to go over the FSC books. There's no alternative to that.



You have heard right, I'm afraid. Very few A Level students get into government medical universities because the entry test is based on FSC and O/A Level students can't get more than 90% in equivalence by the IBCC. Whereas, it isn't uncommon to hear of FSC students who have a score of a 1000 or more. (out of 1100)



This is only the second year since UHS introduced their combined FSC/A Level syllabus for MCAT. As yet, I have not heard of much improvement for A Level students. But I think, in a couple of years, as A Level students get more acquainted with the system and accept the fact that they'll have to rattafy FSC books, the situation could get a little better. (Provided that the University of Health Sciences sticks with this syllabus and doesn't suddenly decide to change it)



Yep. All MCQs. The format of the test is given on their website.



I'm actually giving MCAT myself this year so I can't really help you with that question. However there are a lot of Pakistani medical students on this forum. And this question has been frequently asked there. So just search around. You'll find your answer soon enough. However, you should know that for government medical universities, the choice of which uni you get in depends on your merit (i.e the aggregate of your Matric/O level, FSC/A level and MCAT scores)



Pretty hard. I'm not trying to scare you but here are the facts:

On average, 30,000 people appear for the MCAT each year. Only 3000 get into government universities.

However, it is not impossible!! Hard work is the key to all!



Don't count on the UHS to be efficient in that regard. Our MCAT this year is on the 23rd of September and UHS announced the official date on the 10th of August. But it's held in the month of September each year so you should prepare according to that.



Absolutely.



FSC books. You need to learn them thoroughly. And there are plenty of Entry Test books available that you could buy to practise MCQs. I'm using Caravan, Jahangir and the KETS ones. However it's hard to get your hands on the KETS books unless you are a student of KIPS.



Again, look at the syllabus given on their website. There's an 870 words long list that you'll need you learn. There'll also be some grammar questions.



They are totally fine. You do not need to do English in A Levels. The English section of the MCAT is way different from anything they'll ever teach you at O/A Level English.

Now, a few more things.

You must have given your O Levels, obviously. Have you obtained an equivalence certificate from IBCC? If not, you need to get that made ASAP. IBCC can be very bothersome. When you're A Level result comes out, you'll need equivalence for that too. But that's for later.

Since you're a foreign student, you can apply to the reserved seats in the government medical universities. The fees will be higher than those paid by local students, though. I'm not aware of the exact procedure for that. It's said to be tedious and long-winded and apparently involves having to give SAT 2 in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. I believe UHS mentioned something here. You'll get a lot of information in this regard from the forum I linked earlier. Medstudentz

I hope that helped! And I hope I didn't sound too discouraging because that was certainly not my intention. It's just that admittance into medical universities in Pakistan suffers from the same 'issues' that afflict our education system and it's extremely stressful for A Level students to adjust themselves to this system. I'm going through this right now. Believe me, it is not fun. =,(

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. =)

Thank you so much That was very informative and May Allah bless you for this.
I am not planning to apply as a foreign student. I think there is something like 'Overseas Pakistani Students'. I have done O level Urdu, Islamiat and Pakistan Studies so that I can apply as a overseas Pakistani student.

I haven't obtained the IBCC Certificate and I was planning to get it when I finish my A levels.
Well, it is slightly discouraging that the situation hasn't gotten any better and thinking I'd have to memorize is slightly upsetting too. but you're very right, hard work is the key.

I've heard that they have separate entrance test for FSC and separate for A levels. Is that just a rumor?

Best of luck with your entrance test and may I ask you which uni are you thinking of going to or would like to go to?

 

[veiled_fantasy]

Thank you so much That was very informative and May Allah bless you for this.
I am not planning to apply as a foreign student. I think there is something like 'Overseas Pakistani Students'. I have done O level Urdu, Islamiat and Pakistan Studies so that I can apply as a overseas Pakistani student.

I haven't obtained the IBCC Certificate and I was planning to get it when I finish my A levels.
Well, it is slightly discouraging that the situation hasn't gotten any better and thinking I'd have to memorize is slightly upsetting too. but you're very right, hard work is the key.

I've heard that they have separate entrance test for FSC and separate for A levels. Is that just a rumor?

Best of luck with your entrance test and may I ask you which uni are you thinking of going to or would like to go to?

There was one year when there were separate tests for FSC and A Level students but that didn't work out apparently. UHS conducts combined tests now and it will probably stay this way.

Thank you! I'm thinking of applying to Fatima Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Services and Punjab Medical College, InshAllah. But again, that depends on what merit I get. I'll have to adjust my university preferences according to my overall merit.

Good luck to you too!

 

[Oliveme]

There was one year when there were separate tests for FSC and A Level students but that didn't work out apparently. UHS conducts combined tests now and it will probably stay this way.

Thank you! I'm thinking of applying to Fatima Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Services and Punjab Medical College, InshAllah. But again, that depends on what merit I get. I'll have to adjust my university preferences according to my overall merit.

Good luck to you too!

Thank you (Although I still have the A2 obstacle to overcome). Well, I hope you get into the Univericity you desire.
Are you taking any courses or are you preparing for the test on your own?

 

[veiled_fantasy]

Thank you (Although I still have the A2 obstacle to overcome). Well, I hope you get into the Univericity you desire.
Are you taking any courses or are you preparing for the test on your own?

You'll do great in A2 InshAllah!

I'm doing self study at the moment. I don't think any academies can help us with our rattafication problem. We have to do that on our own. But I am intending to join a test session of STAR academy, InshAllah, just to practice a couple of full length tests.

 

[areebaization]

You'll do great in A2 InshAllah!

I'm doing self study at the moment. I don't think any academies can help us with our rattafication problem. We have to do that on our own. But I am intending to join a test session of STAR academy, InshAllah, just to practice a couple of full length tests.

AOA,
Do you have any idea about the MCAT in universities in Karachi? Or is the syllabus similar to the one given on the site mentioned above?

 

[veiled_fantasy]

AOA,
Do you have any idea about the MCAT in universities in Karachi? Or is the syllabus similar to the one given on the site mentioned above?

I think Sindh has it's own system. I don't know much more than that, I'm afraid.

 

[VelaneDeBeaute]

veiled_fantasy I'd like it very much if you shed some light on the IBCC equivalence certificate thing. Should i get my O'Levels equivalence straight away, provided that i've been through my AS and doing A2 these days?
Thankyou!

 

[veiled_fantasy]

veiled_fantasy I'd like it very much if you shed some light on the IBCC equivalence certificate thing. Should i get my O'Levels equivalence straight away, provided that i've been through my AS and doing A2 these days?
Thankyou!

Yes! Get your equivalence certificate as soon as possible! It can be such a hassle. But this month IBCC is going to be very busy since a lot of students are applying for their equivalence certificates. You should apply for it after the end of September.

 

[VelaneDeBeaute]

Yes! Get your equivalence certificate as soon as possible! It can be such a hassle. But this month IBCC is going to be very busy since a lot of students are applying for their equivalence certificates. You should apply for it after the end of September.

Thankyou!

 

[Pincessharim]

is the merit lower for entrance into BDS? i want to gt into government university for dentistry. any information will be helpful, and isthere an age limit to wen i cn apply? i had t0 delay my A levelz for a yr so i will be 20 wn i finish my A2... dis wont be a problem will it? is it easier to t into dentistry then mbbs? plz replyy...

 

[veiled_fantasy]

is the merit lower for entrance into BDS? i want to gt into government university for dentistry. any information will be helpful, and isthere an age limit to wen i cn apply? i had t0 delay my A levelz for a yr so i will be 20 wn i finish my A2... dis wont be a problem will it? is it easier to t into dentistry then mbbs? plz replyy...

I don't believe there are any age limits. And yes, the merit for BDS is lower than that for MBBS and so it's generally easier to get into.

 

[ZohaibAsad]

Hey there.
I would like someone here with experience to help me out. I'm doing A2 Level and have completed AS level. I want to get an admission in one of the good public medical Universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Unfortunately, I have no idea how the procedure for admission works and what I should expect in the entrance test as I don't live in Pakistan.
Please tell me everything that I need to know. I've heard many A level students are rejected and end up being disapointed because they can't get admissions, is this true? And has the situation gotten any better?
What is the format for the UHS entrance test, is it all MCQ questions? And is it a good idea to give UHS entrance test or is there any other entrance test that you can give?
What are the best medical universities in Lahore (with a good environment)? And how hard is it to get into them? I'll be giving finishing the whole A levels in June 2013 and so when will the entrance test dates be announced? Should I start right after the A level exams are finished? How should I prepare for the test? Any books that you can recommend.

Thank you....

I think they have English in their entrance test...what is that about?
And are Biology, Chemistry and Physics in A level fine? or do I have to give English as well?

I know these are heaps of questions but kindly answer which ever you can with valid information.
Thank you very much again and JazakAllah.

1- You have to go through FSc books. There is a lot of common ground between A level and FSc content so you won't have a lot of hard time to pick up concepts from the FSc syllabus, but you have to go through their books. It's not a big deal, you should be used to of reading extensively if you are aiming at medicine anyways.

2- A level students do get into government colleges, for King Edwards you need however around 1000/1100 to have a shot if you were a straight A student in O/A levels. For other government colleges you can have a shot with lower than that. Here's a look at the KE class for 2011-2012 http://punjabstudy.com/Merit List/uhs-2011/Kemu-MBBS-admission-2011.html
(there are A level people in that list, you should be able to identify them with 765 marks O level equivalence and 935/950 A level equivalence and the fact that they scored more than 950 on the MCAT for sure.

3- Apart from government there are private institutes too where you can get in pretty easily if you are an A student from O/A levels.

4- Follow the UHS MCAT syllabus, practise from the MCAT books in the market, the more your practise the better you get at MCQs.

5- English section is a piece of cake if your English is great already which for someone with an O/A level background should be.

6- Go through the UHS website to read every rule and policy on the syllabus. Apparently you have to list down your order of preference to get admission to a certain medical college and you can't change that once you have applied.

 

[Oliveme]

1- You have to go through FSc books. There is a lot of common ground between A level and FSc content so you won't have a lot of hard time to pick up concepts from the FSc syllabus, but you have to go through their books. It's not a big deal, you should be used to of reading extensively if you are aiming at medicine anyways.

2- A level students do get into government colleges, for King Edwards you need however around 1000/1100 to have a shot if you were a straight A student in O/A levels. For other government colleges you can have a shot with lower than that. Here's a look at the KE class for 2011-2012 http://punjabstudy.com/Merit List/uhs-2011/Kemu-MBBS-admission-2011.html
(there are A level people in that list, you should be able to identify them with 765 marks O level equivalence and 935/950 A level equivalence and the fact that they scored more than 950 on the MCAT for sure.

3- Apart from government there are private institutes too where you can get in pretty easily if you are an A student from O/A levels.

4- Follow the UHS MCAT syllabus, practise from the MCAT books in the market, the more your practise the better you get at MCQs.

5- English section is a piece of cake if your English is great already which for someone with an O/A level background should be.

6- Go through the UHS website to read every rule and policy on the syllabus. Apparently you have to list down your order of preference to get admission to a certain medical college and you can't change that once you have applied.

thank you very much

 

[tentionfree]

This month IBCC is going to be very busy since a lot of students are applying for their equivalence certificates. You should apply for it after the end of September.....>>>>​

 

[OakMoon!]

UHS syllabus of 2013: http://www.uhs.edu.pk/mcat/etsyllabus2013.pdf

 

[Oliveme]

UHS syllabus of 2013: http://www.uhs.edu.pk/mcat/etsyllabus2013.pdf

Thank you OakMoon!
It seems like it's pretty much the same as last year's, right?

 

[OakMoon!]

Thank you OakMoon!
It seems like it's pretty much the same as last year's, right?

Yes, it is the exact replica. Even the sample questions are same as the ones in the 2012 syllabus.

 

[Choco<3]

Yes, it is the exact replica. Even the sample questions are same as the ones in the 2012 syllabus.

Can anyone suggest me a book for MCAT Practice..? Any book which has exact (more or less similar )questions given on MCAT exam..