Graduates First vs AssessmentDay: Which Platform Is Better for Graduate Test Prep?

Online aptitude tests are now one of the biggest hurdles in graduate recruitment. Numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, and assessment centres often decide whether you progress long before an interview.

Two practice platforms that frequently appear in recommendations are Graduates First (GF) and AssessmentDay. Both are legitimate and widely used, but they serve candidates in slightly different ways.

This article breaks down how they compare, what each does well, and which one is likely to suit you best depending on where you are in your application journey.

What Do These Platforms Aim to Do?

At their core, both platforms help you practise psychometric and aptitude tests. However, their emphasis is different.

• Graduates First (GF) focuses on simulating modern recruitment processes, including multiple assessment stages.
• AssessmentDay focuses on straightforward practice of aptitude test questions, particularly numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning.

That difference affects everything from realism to user experience.

Graduates First (GF): Designed Around Modern Day Recruitment Process

GF feels like a platform built to mirror the way large employers actually assess candidates today.

Strengths

1. Good similarity to real job tests The tests feel close to what candidates face in graduate schemes. Timing, difficulty, and question structure reflect real recruitment conditions, which helps reduce shock on test day.

2. Learning-focused explanations Explanations are detailed and strategy-driven. Instead of just giving answers, the platform teaches faster methods and common traps.

3. Broader recruitment preparation Graduates First goes beyond aptitude tests by offering:

• Situational judgement tests
• Video interview practice
• Assessment centre preparation

This makes it useful across multiple stages of the hiring process.

4. Modern, guided experience The platform is clean and structured, encouraging progress rather than random practice.

Limitations

• Free content is limited, but GF also offers very flexible practice packages.
• Less suitable if you only want quick, no-frills question practice.

AssessmentDay: Simple and Accessible Practice

AssessmentDay takes a more traditional and straightforward approach to test preparation.

Strengths

1. Easy to use and beginner-friendly The platform is simple and intuitive, making it ideal if you’re new to aptitude tests and want to practise without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Solid free resources AssessmentDay offers a good amount of free numerical and verbal reasoning practice, which makes it attractive for candidates on a tight budget.

3. Good for fundamentals It works well for building confidence in:

• Percentages and ratios
• Data interpretation
• Basic verbal reasoning

Limitations

• Questions can feel more generic than employer-specific.
• Fewer tools beyond aptitude tests.
• Less focus on simulating full recruitment processes.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Graduates First (GF) vs AssessmentDay

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Choose Graduates First (GF) if:

• You’re applying to competitive graduate schemes
• You want practice that closely mirrors real recruitment tests
• You need support beyond aptitude tests
• You prefer structured, end-to-end preparation

Choose AssessmentDay if:

• You’re new to aptitude testing
• You want free or low-commitment practice
• You’re focusing on numerical or verbal basics
• You prefer simplicity over realism

Using Both Strategically

Many candidates benefit from using both platforms at different stages:

• Start with AssessmentDay to build confidence and refresh core skills
• Move to GF to practice under realistic, employer-style conditions

This combination helps bridge the gap between understanding questions and performing well under pressure.

Final Verdict

Graduates First (GF) and AssessmentDay both serve a purpose, but they solve different problems.

AssessmentDay is best for getting started and mastering the basics. Graduates First is better for replicating real recruitment processes and improving performance under test conditions.

The right choice depends on your experience level, timeline, and how close you are to sitting real employer assessments.