Preparation for USAT Test: Guidelines, MCQS and Tips for Test

The Undergraduate Studies Admission Test (USAT) is a mandatory test for admission in BS program in most Pakistani universities. This test is conducted by HEC through its testing body, the Education Testing Council.

This guide provides preparation guidelines, MCQs and tips for taking USAT Test. These guidelines are divided into two major categories:

1. Understanding the Format of the Test
2. Preparation for the Test: Guidelines & Tips

Both of these areas are equally important because students cannot prepare effectively unless they first understand the structure and requirements of the examination. Therefore, we will start with understanding the format of USAT and then move to preparation guidelines and tips for taking the test.

■ Overall Structure of the USAT

• Total Marks: 100
• Total Questions: 75 MCQs + 02 Essay writing questions of 25 marks.

The USAT is divided into the following two sections:
Part I – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Time: 100 Minutes

This section has following three components:

• Verbal reasoning: 20 MCQs
• Quantitative reasoning: 25 MCQs
• Subject-specific knowledge: 30 MCQs (Based on student’s educational background e.g. biology, physics, chemistry, economics, commerce etc.)

Part II – Essay Writing Section

• Total Time: 40 Minutes

This section has following two components:

• Argument-based essay writing on one of the three given topics (15 marks)
• Narrative essay writing on one of the three given topics (15 marks)

Students may attempt the above essays either in English or Urdu.

■ Details of Common Parts of USAT Test

The following three components remains the same for all types of USAT Test.

1. Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section consists of 20 MCQs. It assesses the student’s English language and grammar ability, as follows:

2. Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section contains 25 MCQs. It evaluates mathematical and numerical reasoning ability, as follows:

3. Essay Writing Section

The second part of the USAT assess students’ essay writing abilities. Students can write essays either in English or Urdu according to their preference.

The essay section contains two parts:

A. Argument-Based Essay

• Students attempt 1 essay out of 3 given topics
• Total Marks: 15

In this essay, students present arguments, opinions, and logical reasoning on a particular topic.

B. Narrative Essay

• Students attempt 1 essay out of 3 given topics
• Total Marks: 10

This essay evaluates descriptive and narrative writing skills.

■ Types of USAT Tests and Subject-Specific Part

USAT has following seven (07) types or categories based on students’ educational background or intended field of study.
As noted, the above three components remains the same for all types of USAT tests, however, the following part may vary for each type of test based on intended subject category, as explained below:

1. USAT-E (Pre-Engineering)

The USAT-E category is designed for students who have completed intermediate education in Pre-Engineering.

2. USAT-M (Pre-Medical)

The USAT-M category is for students from the Pre-Medical background.

This category emphasizes biology because it is the major subject for medical students.

3. USAT-A (Arts and Humanities)

The USAT-A category is intended for students from Arts and Humanities backgrounds.

4. USAT-CS (Computer Science)

The USAT-CS category is designed for students seeking admission in Computer Science and Information Technology programs.

5. USAT-GS (General Science)

The USAT-GS category is for students from General Science backgrounds.

6. USAT-COM (Commerce)

The USAT-COM category is intended for commerce students.

This category evaluates students’ understanding of business, accounting, and economic concepts.

■ PREPARATION GUIDELINES

1. Preparation for Verbal Reasoning

The Verbal Reasoning section contains 20 MCQs. Students should focus on improving vocabulary, grammar, sentence understanding, and reading skills.

A. Analogy

Students should practice identifying relationships between words such as:

• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Cause and effect
• Part and whole
• Function and purpose

Example MCQ

Book : Read :: Pen : ?
A. Ink
B. Write
C. Paper
D. School

Correct Answer: B. Write

B. Synonyms and Antonyms

Students should:

• Learn daily vocabulary words
• Practice word meanings
• Read English newspapers and articles
• Make vocabulary lists

Example MCQ (Synonym)

Choose the synonym of “Rapid”.
A. Slow
B. Fast
C. Weak
D. Late
Correct Answer: B. Fast

Example MCQ (Antonym)

Choose the antonym of “Ancient”.
A. Old
B. Historic
C. Modern
D. Traditional
Correct Answer: C. Modern

C. Sentence Completion

Students should:

• Study grammar rules
• Practice tenses and sentence structure
• Improve contextual understanding
• Read passages carefully

Example MCQ

The teacher appreciated the student because he completed the task _____.
A. lazily
B. carelessly
C. successfully
D. angrily
Correct Answer: C. successfully

D. Reading Comprehension

Students should:

• Read short passages daily
• Practice identifying main ideas
• Learn to answer inferential questions
• Improve reading speed and understanding

Example Passage

“Trees are important because they provide oxygen and reduce pollution.”

Example MCQ

Why are trees important?
A. They increase pollution
B. They produce oxygen
C. They destroy nature
D. They reduce rainfall
Correct Answer: B. They produce oxygen

2. Preparation for Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section contains 25 MCQs. Students should practice basic mathematics and improve speed and accuracy.

A. Arithmetic

Important Areas

• Percentages
• Ratios
• Fractions
• Profit and loss
• Average

Example MCQ

What is 20% of 250?
A. 25
B. 40
C. 50
D. 60
Correct Answer: C. 50