COVID-19 and the 2020 UCAT | Update (25/03/2020)

Are you concerned about your plans for UCAT amid the current COVID-19 crisis? Don’t worry, in this article we’re going to clear things up as to how Matrix is going to help you ace your UCAT amid the current stresses with online theory videos and support. We’ll detail the current situation for COVID-19 and the 2020 UCAT and what we will do to support your learning.

COVID-19 and the 2020 UCAT | Update (25/03/2020)

As of today, the 2020 UCAT is still going ahead. We have been informed by the UCAT ANZ consortium that they do, at this stage, expect the tests to go ahead.

They have added an update to their website which can be found, here. They advise that this page will be updated regularly. They state that,

Candidates should register as usual by the booking deadlines and will be informed of any changes closer to the time of testing.

The booking deadlines still apply, they are:

UCAT ANZ have said that the timelines for testing may change as the situation evolves. They recommend that students continue to prepare for their HSC and UCAT as they normally would.

What does this mean for me?

First, you need to make sure that you book your slot with Pearson VUE through the UCAT ANZ portal as you normally would. Currently, Pearson VUE testing centres are only closing through to April 15 in Australia.

Second, it means that you should keep preparing for the UCAT and continue studying hard for your HSC. Currently, UAC and NESA intend to have students complete the 2020 HSC on schedule. If you want more information about what is happening with the 2020 HSC and how Matrix will support you, read this article.

But how do I keep learning?

As many schools are closing and others are asking students to stay home, many student’s studies have been interrupted. It is important that you get yourself organised and establish an at-home study routine as quickly as possible.

To help you prepare for this, Matrix is moving all UCAT learning online.

This means that Matrix lessons will be recorded and the videos available on the Matrix Learning Management System. Matrix students will still have access to our affiliates UCAT Masterclass Premium program.

What will Matrix UCAT online look like?

There will be a few changes to the Matrix UCAT course. It will still be the same exceptional course taught by subject matter experts, only online. So, how will it work?

All Matrix UCAT students:

• Will be mailed a hardcopy of the Matrix UCAT theory book
• Have access to the Matrix UCAT theory videos
• Lessons recorded by experts in each specific subtest
• An online discussion area
• Live Q&A Video Tutorial

In short, Matrix will still deliver the high-quality UCAT tutoring that we are known for, only now it can be taken from the safety of your home or while you are in isolation or lockdown.

Your UCAT learning shouldn’t stop just because everything else is.

What do I need to do now?

Right now, you need to keep calm and focus on a routine so you can continue studying.

You need to make sure that you have a regular study schedule, especially if you are no longer studying at school. We have a guide to help you plan your off-campus studies that can be found here.

If you struggle with learning independently, staying organised, and avoiding distractions, you should read our success secrets written by high achieving Matrix Alumni. Some particularly popular and useful articles are:

• Eric’s Hacks: Ace Your HSC with Weekly Rhythms and a Reflection Book
• Amanda’s Hacks: Using Checklists for Year 11 Success
• Nia’s Hacks: How I Plan for Success From Day 1!
• Bhavya’s Hacks: Organisation Tips to Balance Life and Ace Your HSC
• Nathan’s Hacks: How to Defeat Distraction to Focus 100% on Your HSC
• Ashley’s Hacks: HSC Motivation, Maintaining it to Ace Your HSC
• Yvann’s Hacks: Surviving Year 12 | The Gamer’s Guide to the HSC

If you are looking for peer support and UCAT and HSC tips and discussion, we also have the following Facebook groups for Matrix students:

• Matrix 2020 HSC Discussion Group
• Matrix Online Discussion Group

Do you need online UCAT support from UCAT Experts?

The Matrix UCAT Online course will provide the same exceptional theory content and lessons you’d expect in class to your home. Learn more.