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Reasoning exercises for the medical entrance examination

Please note! The competition also includes a humanities section. It is important not to neglect it. Here are a few reasoning exercises to help you assess your current level.

Time's up

Preparing for the 2026 medical entrance examination

Since 2023, the entrance examination for medicine and dentistry has become an entrance examination for both Belgian and non-resident students. Preparing for the medical entrance exam is a must. The level of requirements will be high, as this will now be a competitive examination rather than a simple entrance exam. If you want to be among the best, it makes sense to prepare thoroughly for the medical entrance exam.

First of all, what exactly are we talking about? With the latest reforms, it's a bit confusing!

The competition

The competition consists of two parts. The first part covers the four scientific subjects, two of which are given in the morning of the examination day and the other two in the afternoon. The second part also covers four subjects, two of which are given in the morning of the examination day and the other two in the afternoon.

Two parts

The first part of the exam, which covers scientific subjects, is divided into four papers. Each paper contains 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), making a total of 60 MCQs for the first part. These papers cover the following four scientific subjects:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Mathematics

The second part of the exam is also divided into four questions. Each paper consists of 15 MCQs, giving a total of 60 MCQs for this part. These questionnaires cover the following topics:

• Analytical and reasoning skills
• Ability to communicate and deal with conflict situations
• Ability to perceive ethics and take account of its consequences for individuals and society
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, compassion, fairness and respect

Practical and strategic advice that can be applied immediately

How do I prepare for the medical entrance exam?

1/ Start preparing early. The medical entrance exam is a very competitive process, so it's important to start preparing early in the year so that you have enough time to study and prepare.

2/ Take a preparatory course for the competition, without neglecting the working method. There are a number of preparatory courses for the entrance exam to medicine which help you to understand the requirements of the exam and to practise for the tests. However, does it make sense to prepare as a whole, in all subjects? Wouldn't it be better to identify the subjects that need strengthening first, and then work on them intensively and individually? While many students have deficiencies, they don't necessarily have them in all the subjects on which the medical entrance exam is based. It would therefore seem preferable to concentrate preparation on those subjects where there are objective shortcomings. Opt for the most individualised training possible. Request for assistance

3/ Master the subjects, not just the exam papers. The medical entrance exam is based on knowledge of the medical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and mathematics. It is important to master and practise these subjects on a daily basis if you are to stand any chance of success. Repeating exercises that you have already done, for example, is part of a good strategy. That's how you achieve a kind of virtuosity and confidence.

Importance of practice

4/ Practise regularly. It is important to practise regularly to get used to the types of tests on offer and to familiarise yourself with the different methodologies used to solve the problems.

5/ Use exam papers to practise.

6/ Manage your stress. The medical entrance exam is stressful, so it's important to know how to manage your stress to avoid being upset on the day of the exam.

7/ Look after your health. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep to maintain your physical and mental health.

8/ Be persistent. The medical entrance exam is a difficult process, so it's important not to get discouraged if you don't get in at the first attempt. Keep practising and preparing for the next opportunity.

Examinations from previous years to prepare for the medical entrance examination

The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles publishes all previous editions. Here are all the previous editions of the scientific section:

Test your knowledge as if you were there! (2017)
Biology (2018)
Biology (2019)
Biology (2020)
Biology (2021)
Biology (2022)
Chemistry (2018)
Chemistry (2019)
Chemistry (2020)
Chemistry(2021)
Chemistry (2022)
Mathematics (2018)
Mathematics (2019)
Mathematics (2020)
Mathematics (2021)
Mathematics (2022)
Physics (2018)
Physics (2019)
Physics (2020)
Physics (2021)
Physics (2022)

The Cogito guarantee

At Cogito, you will be supported by a team of doctors, civil engineers, chemists, physicists and trainers specialising in reasoning. For example, it is always a doctor, trained by Cogito for this purpose, who will help you map your current state of knowledge. Then a chemist will help you, if necessary, to bring your chemistry up to scratch. A civil engineer will do the same for mathematics. We scrupulously respect the principle of specialisation. Students never teach at Cogito.

In conclusion

In conclusion, the principle is (1) to take stock of the student's knowledge of the subject in question, (2) to fill in any gaps in theory, (3) to 'drill' the student in exercises that are close to the conditions of the real exam, until he/she is in a position to pass the next entrance examination. Even if it is difficult, the exam is within the reach of any student prepared with seriousness and determination. We mustn't underestimate the 'challenge', while remaining aware that it is within our grasp! How do you pass the medical entrance exam? By approaching the objective strategically, individually and rationally.

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For information: success statistics for the previous edition

These figures should not frighten you. Analysing them will help you to identify the subjects that pose the greatest difficulties for students attempting the competition. These statistics are official data from theARES:

Average and percentage of candidates obtaining at least 8/20 per subject