HPAT success story
Freya took our Ace the HPAT Course in 2021 and scored in the 87th percentile. This was the first year that the HPAT exam was held online rather than in-person. She is now studying medicine in Trinity College Dublin and has shared some advice below for students taking the HPAT.
In 2021 I did the Ace the HPAT programme in preparation for my second HPAT attempt. I found the group work as part of the classes really aided my learning, and allowed me to see a multitude of perspectives on a question. Hearing other students break down how they got to their answers really expanded how I thought about each question. Similarly, having the opportunity to explain how I got to my answer to the group made me develop a deeper understanding of how I tackled each question.
When I was studying for the HPAT, I aimed to spend about 15 minutes per day Monday to Friday doing HPAT drills/practice questions. In addition to this, I would spend 15-30 minutes a week revising my emotional language for section 2. I would try to build on my emotional language week on week through reading for pleasure, or listening to podcasts. I would try to fit this into my commute to/from school, so that when I was home I could focus on homework and 2 or so hours of study in the evening. I would take Saturday off from HPAT, and focus on my Leaving Cert subjects. Sundays would be a full day of HPAT, where I would go over any questions I found tricky during the week. I would try do an exam paper under exam conditions every other Sunday, and correct it the next Sunday.
Ace the HPAT offered a personal approach to studying for the HPAT- unlike other companies, John was always available to offer advice and feedback, either during classes or via email. I felt this made the HPAT less intimidating, and made me feel much less alone in my study.
