Also look for patterns using ascending, descending or constant numbers of shapes or sides etc.
Questions may also utilise ratios where there is a ratio correlation between the number of 2 types of shape or sides of shapes of different colours.
Be aware that for many sets there may be 2 or more rules. Initially this may be frustrating as it feels more time consuming to identify two patterns. However, you are more likely to identify at least one of the patterns, often meaning that you get ¾ of the answers correct. Remember rules can be repeated and in order for a rule to be correct, it has to be applicable to both sets.
Using a process of elimination may reduce the number of stages in the pattern identification. Rule out any figures which are incorrect. Also be aware of distractors – you do not want to fixate on one theme or potential pattern if it is purely there to distract.
Although you may be trying to take a rapid approach it is still worth scanning through all the answer options, even if you immediately spot the correct answer. Answer options may only vary discretely by the colour or positioning of one shape. Make sure you are aware of how each answer option varies.
For question types 1 and 4 where the stimulus contains 12 different figures it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to begin. Start by looking at the simplest box in each set.
Although you want to make sure you have time to attempt all the questions, racing through every question putting a guess will waste valuable seconds. Be aware and flexible with your timings. It is useful to return to questions with a fresh perspective. However, you may not remember which previous patterns you have excluded, meaning you have to begin your cognitive processes from scratch. Utilise the flagging question tool to highlight which questions you want to return to, meaning you will not have to click through the whole test subsection. A useful approach is to decide how many questions you want to have attempted when half of the time has elapsed, this strategy means that you can take a flexible approach where you may spot patterns more quickly in some questions than others.
It is natural that as you progress through the UCAT exam you begin to fatigue and your question answering rate may decrease. Initially it is useful to practice untimed questions to familiarise yourself with patterns, and strategic revision may involve discretely revising for each subsection. As you progress with your preparation, practice doing whole mock tests to improve your concentration abilities over 2 hours.