UCAT (UKCAT) Abstract Reasoning Patterns & Mnemonics​

​A structured approach is essential to succeeding in the UCAT Abstract Reasoning section. As important as choosing a comprehensive Abstract Reasoning mnemonic, is choosing one that prioritises patterns in the most common order in which they appear. With only 12 seconds/question, you don’t want to be spending valuable time looking for ‘rotation’ and ‘symmetry’ before you have considered more common patterns such as ‘number’.
We have compiled a number of widely used UCAT Abstract Reasoning mnemonics, however for our personal favourite you’ll have to attend a BlackStone Tutors UCAT Course.

3 Step Approach to Abstract Reasoning & NASSSS


​Unfortunately, this one’s too good to share! However, if you are attending a BlackStone Tutors UCAT Course we’ll be sure to talk you through our tried and tested, time efficient approach to UCAT Abstract Reasoning.

BADCAT

B – Borders
A – Arrangement
D – Dimensions
C – Colour
A – Angles
T - Transitions

SSSPN

S – Shape
S – Size
S – Shading
P – Position
N – Number

SPONCS

S – Shape
P – Pattern
O – Orientation
N – Number
C – Colour
S – Sides

NSPCA

N – Number
S – Shapes
P – Position
C – Colour
A - Arrangement

CPR

C – Colour
P – Position
R – Rotation & Orientation

SCANS

S – Shape
C – Colour
A – Angle
N – Number
S – Symmetry