BMAT
BMAT
Changes in Admissions Tests (2025 Entry)
The BMAT test will be discontinued starting in 2024 (for applicants applying to start University in 2025). Multiple BMAT universities have already confirmed moving to the UCAT test, while others are to be updated - check their websites regularly for the latest updates.
What is BMAT?
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is an aptitude test used as part of the admissions process for Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Dentistry in some universities in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, Hungary, Croatia and the Netherlands.
The test takes 120 minutes and consists of three major parts:
- Aptitude test with critical thinking and problem-solving questions.
- Knowledge test in biology, chemistry and physics
- Essay writing
How long is BMAT and what is the test format? How is the BMAT scored?
BMAT is a two-hour admissions test that assesses a combination of aptitude and knowledge, and no calculator nor dictionary is allowed. The BMAT tests a broad range of skills across three sections:
| Section | Questions (Timing) | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 tests your skills in problem-solving, understanding arguments, and data analysis and inference | 32 Questions (1 hour) | 1-9 |
| Section 2 tests your ability to apply scientific knowledge typically covered in school science and mathematics by the age of 16 | 27 Questions (30 min) | 1-9 |
| Section 3 tests your ability to select, develop and organise ideas, and to communicate them in writing concisely and effectively. You’ll write an essay on one of three questions that you choose | 1 essay (30 min) | 1-5 A-E |
- Sections 1 and 2 are scored on a scale of 1 (low) to 9 (high).
- Questions in Sections 1 and 2 are worth 1 mark each. Total raw marks for each section are converted to BMAT's scale. The raw marks to score conversion varies each year.
- Section 3 is scored on two scales: one for quality of content (on a scale of 0–5), and one for quality of written English (on the scale A, C, E).
The BMAT results help admissions officers identify candidates who possess reasoning and communication skills required to succeed in the rigorous courses applied. While each medical school uses the BMAT score differently, in general a high score on the BMAT will determine if you have interview at the medical schools and significantly increase your chance of an offer. It is therefore worth spending time familiarizing yourself with the test format, practising with past papers, as well as learning test-taking strategies.
Our BMAT course is designed to provide a concise but thorough guide and training for students who will be taking the BMAT in 2021.
How do universities use BMAT scores?
Different universities use the BMAT score in different ways to decide who proceed to the interview stage.
Some universities may set a BMAT cut-off score as a result of ranked candidate BMAT scores versus number of expected interview sessions. As a result, the absolute BMAT cut-off changes each year. However, the BMAT cut-off scores from previous admissions cycles may be used as a guide.
You should take the time to research how the medical or dental schools that you want to apply to make use of your good BMAT score and apply by playing it to what you believe your strengths are.
For example, if you think that you are good at writing essays, you could apply to a university that places a lot of emphasis on the Section 3 score. This is something that’s important to remember. A strong BMAT score only increases your chance of securing an offer if you use it in the right way.
What is a “good” BMAT score?
Different universities use the BMAT score in different ways to decide who proceed to the interview stage.
There is no pass/fail threshold for BMAT.
For sections 1 and 2, average BMAT candidates will score around 5.0, roughly half marks. The best candidates will score around 6.0, and a few exceptional candidates will score higher than 7.0.
How long should I spend on preparing for the BMAT?
Unlike UCAT, BMAT is knowledge based (section 2 is mostly knowledge based) and requires candidates to problem-solve, analyse and organise ideas (sections 1 and 3). It requires more preparation time.
1½ to 2 months is the ideal period before the exam over which you should revise; more time is needed if you feel you are unsure about Physics (or other sciences topic). It must be emphasised that ‘cramming’ for the BMAT is not recommended.
Cana offers BMAT crash courses and BMAT-physics-specific crash courses. Please contact us for more information.
5 Top tips for BMAT success
Which universities require the BMAT?
UK Medicine
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School
- Lancaster University
- Keele University (overseas applicants only)
- University of Manchester (for some groups of overseas applicants only; check the University's website for full details)
Also
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Oxford
- Dentistry, University of Leeds
*Please check the BMAT website and university websites for the latest updates.
How do I register for BMAT and when is BMAT?
The BMAT test takes place several times each year. You can only sit the test once in each application cycle.
Generally for the October BMAT test, the booking registration period is in September, and the test date is in mid-late October. You can check the BMAT website for the latest information.
For BMAT you need to be registered as a candidate by an authorised test centre and take the test at the test centre. For most UK candidates, this is their own school or college; for overseas candidates, there are authorised overseas test centres.
For Hong Kong test centres, there is a high demand to take the BMAT test. We would advise you to register and book your test as soon as the registration opens to secure your test place before the centres are fully booked.
BMAT or UCAT?
Most medical schools require either BMAT or another aptitude test, UCAT. If you are uncertain whether to take BMAT or UCAT, explore which schools you are most interested in first.
We also recommend that you take an assessment of both tests and see which one matches your strong suit. Contact us and we will send you mock tests for a taste of both.
How to score high in BMAT?
We offer private individual lessons for BMAT candidates in the summer. The lessons coach students on the effective techniques needed to respond to different types of questions and address the student’s specific academic needs concerning the BMAT. The lessons are taught by experienced BMAT instructors who have taken the test and/or have gotten accepted into top UK medical schools.
For more information about our BMAT lessons, leave us a message here or contact us at (852)2302-6500 or cana@canaelite.com.
You may also be interested in:
UK University Admission Consultation
UCAT
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