What are the chances of getting a good UMAT score in your first go?

I am hoping to apply for dentistry next year and so I need the right umat mark this year.

I know people who plan on doing the umat twice or three times. Would the exam be eaiser for people who have already done it?

I feel as though I should have done it last year as a 'practice'.

ANother thing that puzzles me though is that I know people who have done it twice and didn't get a good mark.

I also know people who did alright the first time round but really crap the 2nd time round.

The UMAT can definitely be quite unpredictable and people are often surprised (happily or sadly) with their mark. You're not going to be at a disadvantage by only having done it this year because most people will only do it in year 12 rather than year 11 too. Doing it twice is a pretty expensive practise (I know from experience) but if they have then money then whatever...
I know that when I did the UMAT second time around I found it heaps easier but I think that's because I did hardly any preparation first time round and had no idea whatsoever what to expect. If I had been able to eliminate that 'Oh crap, what the heck is this stupid exam?!?!?' feeling that I had for most of my first attempt, I would've been able to do much better.
I would recommend that you try and do some preparation for it though. Get the ACER practise exams, even if their difficulty isn't the same as the actual exam (this is often discussed on MSO) they are a good tool to introduce you to the types of questions, the layout of the exam and to give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses. Also have a hunt around here because there are loads of resources for people to use that are really helpful and have been provided by people who have done quite well in the past. Everyone here has their own opinion on the best way to prepare for the UMAT, if they think preparation is helpful, and by talking to us all, you'll be able to get a wide variety of advice. Pick and choose what you like, and ultimately do what works best for you.
Good luck!

If I remember right, on the ACER webiste they said that only students currently studying year 12 or higher would be eligable to sit the UMAT.

So you couldn't have sat it in year 11, and as such are not disadvantaged (when compared to other year 12 students) in the slightest.

That said, I'm sitting the UMAT for the first time this year too. Good luck!

I'm actually in my 2nd year of university. I am hoping to apply for adelaide dentistry. It said that you can apply as a yr 12 leaver if you have less than 2 years full time uni qualifications. That will be the easiest route for me. Applying in 3rd year would mean I have to sit gamsat. I already have the atar they require, so all I need is to do really well in the umat and interview.

I think the one disadvantage you have is lack of confidence? Be confidence when you go in there! Don't be intimidated by all the people wearing suits and flashy clothing for absolutely no reason at all. What I did was bring jelly babies which I nibbled while doing the test. Also go to the toilet beforehand, you don't want to be busting halfway through section III.

Remember, everything happens for a reason. =)

I thought that once you are in University, your GPA is the basis of your consideration, and no longer the ATAR?

i'm not sure exactly how they look at it

it depends on the uni.

no you are not at a disadvantage, most people sitting the exam would be first-timers I'd assume, and I personally don't think it'd make a difference either way. There will be some people who can't get the umat no matter how many times they sit it, and others who will gun it first time. It just depends. Also, what does it matter? You can't change anything, and there's no point regretting the fact that you didn't sit it last year.

In currently starting the year 12 course and want to do medicine.
What is the UMAT percentile needed to get an interview?
Is the UMAT harder than the Interview?
How many times have you guys sat it before you got an offer?

Thanks

I'd suggest you could find answers to all those questions (and more) by having a good read around the forum.

Welcome to MSO, btw