BioMedical Admissions Test

How hard can it be?

For queries or any further advice e-mail yousuf.salmasi@imperial.ac.uk

Mr. Yousuf Salmasi

CONTENTS
1. Why BMAT? 2. Section 1 3. Section 2 4. Section 3 5. Understanding scores

6. Hints and Tips

What is the BMAT ?

BMAT is an exam designed to measure aptitude and knowledge, with an emphasis on your abilities and skills.
Cambridges idea Growing competition for places in medical schools

Why BMAT?
Helps differentiate between candidates equally qualified Incorporated into interview/selection process along with UCAS form

PROBLEM SOLVING

CRITICAL THINKING

BMAT LAYOUT

Aptitude & skills

Scientific Knowledge & Applications

Writing Task

1h

Section 1
To test generic skills needed for successful undergraduate study

2 main types:
- maths

Section 1

- logic (statements or diagrams)

Use simple numerical algebra Identify elements of arguments - make assumptions - identify flaws - identify strengths or weaknesses
understand and draw conclusions from information presented in: - graphs and statistics - verbal/ reading passages

Aptitude & skills

Scientific Knowledge & Applications

Writing Task

1h

Section 2
GCSE knowledge nothing more than To measure core knowledge that! four disciplines biology, Questions are demanding require chemistry , physics and thought mathematics and the ability
Out of all 3 sections this one is most to apply that knowledge tight for time Work quickly!!

in

Aptitude & skills

Scientific Knowledge & Applications

Writing Task

1h

Section 3
To assess your ability to develop ideas and communicate them clearly and effectively in writing
knowledge not required here! not one line more!!!

 Explain the implications of the proposal Address counter-arguments Propose a resolution

Section 3
What readers are looking for:
1. Meaning and implications of the answer
2. Support examples and evidence to express opinions 3. Organisation - coherent and logical paragraphs 4. Style sophistication in vocab

5. Clarity expression of ideas

6. Correctness SPAG

SCORES
Section 1 + 2:
range 1

(to one decimal point)

Most students score 4.0 - 5.5 Even the best students rarely score higher than 7 creates bell curve results.

Section 3: Range 0 15 (to nearest 3 points) Most students score 6 9 Readers will be assessing the overall quality Double marked

HINTS AND TIPS

Have the Right attitude: be positive, calm, and confident

Should I be scared???

Get the balance right

Work quickly Maximise Tip 1 Tip 2 the score Answer correctly

Read questions, If its difficult to answer, interpret quickly, move on quickly outline relevant info, ACCURACY consider alternative methods, BUT quick enough to get back to it! decide how much time needed, GUESS!

Remember
Use the process of elimination: Out of five there is a 20% chance of answering correctly even with a blind guess, cos

theres no penalty for getting it

wrong!!

Preparation:
Make sure you check these out on the website:

- specification
- specimen questions plenty to practise!

www.bmat.org.uk www.bmat.org.uk

ANY QUESTIONS???

THANK YOU!!!
References: www.bmat.org.uk Preparing for the BMAT: The Official Guide to the BioMedical Admissions Test (2005) - Heinemann Educational Secondary Division