UCAT: Section 3 (Non-Verbal Reasoning)

Section 3 of the UCAT is all about identifying patterns within various shapes and symbols (hence, called non-verbal reasoning). For a broader overview of how this section fits into the overall UCAT format, it can help to first understand the timing and structure of the exam. There are 5 main types of questions asked in this section. These are:

 

1. Next in the Sequence

2. Missing Segment

3. Pick the Middle

4. Numerical Reasoning

5. Odd One Out

 

Let’s go over each one now.

 

Next in the Sequence

This type of question is relatively common and simply asks you to select the option which comes next in the sequence provided. It usually involves multiple components (change in colors, multiple shapes, rotations etc.) and you’ll almost always have to figure out the pattern of every component in order to get the right answer. The best way to approach these questions is to determine the pattern of one component at a time and put them all together at the end.

 

Missing Segment

These questions involve figuring out the missing segment within a 3 x 3 grid by observing the pattern between the segments surrounding it. These are a little more challenging than the ‘next in the sequence’ type of questions as the pattern can be present across rows, columns or even the diagonals of the grid. However, once you have figured out how the pattern is moving, the correct answer can often be easily identified.

 

Pick the Middle

This is usually considered to be the hardest type of question in this section. It involves arranging 5 segments in a logical order and selecting the 3rd segment in the sequence as your answer. Similar to the next in sequence, I would start by breaking the segments down into individual components before trying to arrange them in the correct order.

 

Numerical Reasoning and Odd One Out

These types of questions are rarer but still worth noting. Numerical reasoning involves a pattern amongst numbers, often based on some simple calculations (multiplying or squaring the numbers etc.). Questions asking for the odd one out involves determining which option does not follow the same pattern or rules as the other 4 options.

 

Mystery Patterns

And here we confront the uncomfortable truth when it comes to UCAT preparation. Every year, ACER always includes a few ‘experimental’ questions for each section that might be unlike anything you have ever seen. A good example is the introduction of the X type of pattern in the 2015 exam. This pattern involved 5 segments arranged in the shape of an X. The idea was to compare the central segment to the three segments found on the outside in order to determine what the 4th segment on the outside would look like. Now, there’s no reason to panic if something like this does come up. Just be assured that the skills required to solve an unusual question will be similar to the common types of questions that we have already discussed. Just remember not to get hung up on these questions and waste valuable UCAT timing. And if you just can’t figure it out, make a guess and move on.

 

Final Thoughts

I know this section can at times feel a bit unfair as it pretty much depends on you ‘clicking’ with the question and being able to recognize the pattern within a short amount of time. However, there is a way to improve your chances of ‘clicking’ with these questions. And that way is to keep doing more of them! From my experience, the best way to improve is to expose yourself to as many types of patterns as possible, including through free UCAT resources that let you practise different question styles. I would also strongly recommend writing down the types of patterns you come across so that you can minimize making the same type of mistakes during the actual UCAT exam 2026. If you keep this habit up, I’m sure you’ll notice your UCAT score improvement over time. So, don’t give up, and good luck with your UCAT Preparation!