Aoibhin’s HPAT Experience 2024
Aoibhin took our course and the HPAT exam in 2024 and scored in the 87th percentile. She is now studying medicine in NUIG. Here is her experience.
I started preparing for the HPAT in August of 2023. I purchased MedEntry’s Premium package and from there the work began. To start with I would just practice random questions every now and then, but I found that this wasn’t really getting me anywhere. Then I decided to put a plan in place to study effectively. Each evening after doing my homework I would spend 1 hour practicing questions from one section of the HPAT. I found this approach very beneficial. I definitely struggled most with Section 2 but I would always take note of new words and their meanings. From November onwards I did a full practice exam at the weekends under exam timing and conditions. This was quite helpful as it directed my focus on the exam approach.
In January I began John Gannon’s Ace the HPAT Course. These were interactive classes where we would get through approximately 40 questions per class. I found these classes really beneficial as not only did you get real-time explained answers, but you also got to hear how other students approached the questions which could have been different to your own approach.
In the weeks leading up to the exam I toned down my practice. We had the mocks at school for 2 weeks before the HPAT, so this helped me to keep my mind off of the exam. In the days before the exam I just looked over my notes and tested out my equipment.
Just for sitting the exam itself make sure you have all the relevant apps downloaded on your computer. Know what stationary you are permitted to have on your desk and any other requirements for the room layout. Answer every question and don’t panic if something goes wrong because you will have a proctor there to help you with any difficulties.
Best of luck!
