Ask Brian: Do I need to do expensive grinds for the Hpat?

PROBLEM: Is it possible to do well in the Hpat test for entry into undergraduate medicine without attending expensive grinds?

ADVICE: I discussed this question with a student who improved her score from the 35th to the 83rd percentile in one year. She gave the following advice.

The first section is on logical reasoning and problem-solving. There are a number of ways of preparing for this.

Process of elimination: for every question there are four answers, one of which is correct. Before you try to work out the correct answer, look at the options given. A lot of times you can immediately eliminate two of the answers. It is then a matter of looking between your two remaining answers.

Trial and error: this involves putting the answers into the question to see if they work. A simple maths example is: 3x = 12. Rather than work out the value for x, substitute in each answer to see which one works ie 3(1) is not = 12, 3(2) is not = 12, 3(3) is not = 12, but 3(4) = 12.

Mental arithmetic: the ability to do mental arithmetic without a calculator is crucial. The maths in the Hpat isn’t difficult, but under time pressure and without a calculator it can be challenging.

Practising basic maths such as long division, fractions, percentages, and being able to move between ratios and fractions will save a lot of time in the exam.

Familiarise yourself with medical terminology: try interpreting medical graphs and reading medical journals. There are so many resources on the internet for this. It will help you to become familiar with new medical words and conditions you may not have come across.

For the second section, interpersonal understanding, the most important aspect is vocabulary. Build up your vocabulary by keeping a word journal, or use a flash-card programme such as Anki.

Practise speed reading: there are a lot of online resources to help with this.

Finally, read emotive passages to try to get into the habit of putting yourself into someone else’s shoes.

The third section is on nonverbal reasoning. This section can be improved the most, but that will only come with practice. The section involves:

Mapping objects: separating moving objects, which makes it easier to follow the pattern they have taken. For example, if a square contains a black ball and a white ball, separate the balls into two squares. One square follows the path of the white ball, while the other follows the path of the black ball.

The three-two rule: this is useful in the pick-the-middle sequences. If within five objects, three seem to have one similarity and the remaining two have another similarity, the answer will always be within the group of three, so you can immediately eliminate two answers.

Become aware of rotating angles: learn to quickly follow an arrow 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees etc.

Finally, learn the different types of movements between shapes. Are they consistent (moving one step at a time) or are they progressive (moving one step, then two steps, then three steps)?

• Email your queries to askbrian@irishtimes.com