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The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)is a multiple-choice and ‘short answer’ test that has three elements:
- Section 1 - Aptitude and Skills. This section is composed of 35 questions. It looks at your ability to solve numerical problems by applying simple numerical and algebraic operations; to understand the logic of verbal arguments; and to analyse and infer from information presented in verbal, statistical and graphical form. Essentially it is a test of your verbal and numerical reasoning skills.
- Section 2 - Scientific Knowledge and Applications. This section contains 27 questions that are based on your understanding of Key Stage-4 Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. For example one of the questions in the current practice paper is based on a diagram of the blood flow between the major organs of the human body. The task is to determine the path of the blood passing from the kidneys to the liver. As the name implies this part of the BMAT is a test of knowledge.
- Section 3 - Writing task. This final section asks you to write an essay on one of three topics. The idea being that you explain a particular statement and advance the argument. An example would be to argue against the well-known saying: ‘A little learning is a dangerous thing’.
How long does it take? The time allowed is 120 minutes (60 minutes for Section 1, 30 minutes for Section 2, and 30 minutes for the Writing Task).
How are the results reported? For Section 1 and Section 2 results are reported on a 9-point BMAT scale (1 being ‘low’ and 9 ‘high’). A typical score is 5. For comparison 6 is comparatively high, and 7 is very rare.
The writing task is also scored and a copy supplied to admissions tutors. However this material is usually only used in a qualitative way as an indication of general writing skills.
Who uses it? It is used by the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and Imperial College (London) and University College London, for entrance to medicine and physiological sciences. It is also used by the Royal Veterinary College (London) and Bristol University as part of the selection process for veterinary medicine.
How do I take it? It can be taken at a variety of test centres. These can be in schools, colleges and universities. A fee is charged.
How do I prepare?
- Basic. A variety of practice material is available on the BMAT website. This includes short specimen papers and full-length practice tests for all three elements. There are also a number of suggestions regarding textbooks and written guides. Additional practice questions can be found on the University College London website.
- Advanced. The Verbal and Numerical reasoning tests available via the practice tests page of this website provide an opportunity for additional preparation – the questions are shorter than those in the BMAT, but they will help you to develop the critical thinking skills you need for Section 1.
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