A low USAT score does not close any door permanently. Most students improve by 10 to 20 marks in the retake with the right plan. Here is how to do it.
First: find your weak section
USAT has 3 main scored sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and subject MCQs (which depend on your group — Biology for USAT-M, Physics and Maths for USAT-E, etc.). When your result comes, look at which section pulled your total down. That is where you start.
How to improve each section
Verbal Reasoning
- Learn 10 new words every day. Our vocabulary list for USAT and HAT has high-frequency words to start with.
- Read 1 English newspaper article daily. Dawn or The News. After reading, write the main point in one sentence.
- Practice reading comprehension questions with a timer. Speed is as important as understanding.
- See our USAT verbal reasoning tips for question types and strategies.
Quantitative Reasoning
- List the maths topics you find hard: percentages, ratios, algebra, geometry, statistics.
- Spend 30 minutes per day on those weak topics only for the first 2 weeks. Do not practice what you already know.
- After 2 weeks, move to full timed practice. See our USAT quantitative reasoning guide.
Subject MCQs (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc.)
- For USAT-M (pre-medical): focus on cell biology, genetics, human physiology and ecology. These topics come up most.
- For USAT-E (pre-engineering): focus on mechanics, electricity, and algebra. These have the most marks.
- Use your FSc textbooks for quick revision. USAT subject MCQs are mostly at FSc level.
- Do 20 subject MCQs every day and review every wrong answer.
Essay (USAT Part 2)
- Practice writing 1 short essay every 2 days.
- Time yourself: 15 minutes per essay. Introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion.
- Read our USAT essay writing guide for topics and a simple structure.
A 6-week plan for the December retake
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 (8–14 Nov) | Find weak sections. Do 20 questions per section without a timer. Note every mistake. |
| Week 2 (15–21 Nov) | Target your weakest 2 sections. 45 min per section per day with a timer. |
| Week 3 (22–28 Nov) | Subject MCQs revision. 30 MCQs per day from your subject area. Essay practice 3 times a week. |
| Week 4 (29 Nov–5 Dec) | Mixed full papers under timed conditions. Review every wrong answer the same day. |
| Week 5 (6–11 Dec) | 2 full USAT practice papers per day. Track which section still takes the longest. |
| 2 days before | Light review only. Sleep well. Prepare your documents the night before. |
Mistakes that keep scores low on retakes
- Studying the same way. If it did not work last time, change the method. More notes is not the answer.
- Not using a timer. USAT is a speed test. Practice without a timer trains the wrong skill.
- Leaving questions blank. USAT has no negative marking. Always guess if you are not sure. A blank answer is always wrong.
- Skipping essay practice. The essay is a free marks opportunity if you have a simple structure ready.
When to register for the December retake
Registration for the December 2026 USAT opens on 8 November 2026. Register on the first day. The portal slows down near the deadline. Go to etc.hec.gov.pk, apply for USAT, select your group (USAT-M, USAT-E etc.), choose a city, pay the fee and submit.
Common questions
Can I retake USAT if I am not happy with my score?
Yes. There is no limit on USAT retakes. The next USAT is on 13 December 2026. Registration opens 8 November 2026.
How long does it take to improve a USAT score?
Most students see a 10 to 15 mark improvement with 4 to 6 weeks of focused, timed practice. The key is working on your weakest section first.
Which USAT section is easiest to improve quickly?
Quantitative reasoning improves fastest with daily practice. Verbal and essay take longer but vocabulary practice helps a lot.
Does my new USAT score replace the old one?
No. Each result is separate. Universities usually look at your highest or most recent score. Ask your target university which one they use.
When does December 2026 USAT registration open?
Registration opens 8 November 2026 and closes 22 November 2026. The test is on 13 December 2026.