BioMedical Admissions Test How hard can it be?

Mr. Yousuf Salmasi

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

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.

Why BMAT?

Growing competition

for places in medical

schools

Cambridge’s idea

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

1 h ½ h ½ h

Section 1

“To test generic skills needed

for successful undergraduate

study”

2 main types:

- maths

- 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

Section 1

Aptitude

& skills

Scientific

Knowledge &

Applications

Writing

Task

1 h ½ h ½ h

Section 2

“To measure core knowledge in

four disciplines – biology,

chemistry, physics and

mathematics – and the ability

to apply that knowledge”

• GCSE knowledge – nothing more than

that!

• Questions are demanding – require

thought

• Out of all 3 sections – this one is most

tight for time

• Work quickly!!

Aptitude

& skills

Scientific

Knowledge &

Applications

Writing

Task

1 h ½ h ½ h

Section 3

“To assess your ability to

develop ideas and

communicate them clearly and

effectively in writing”

…not one line more!!! knowledge not required here!

• Explain the implications of

the proposal

• Address counter-arguments

• Propose a resolution

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

Section 3

SCORES

• Section 1 + 2:

range 1 – 9 (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???

Work

quickly

Maximise the score

Answer

correctly

Get the balance right

ACCURACY

Tip 1

Read questions,

interpret quickly,

outline relevant info,

consider alternative methods,

decide how much time needed,

GUESS!

Tip 2

If it‟s difficult to answer,

move on quickly…

…BUT quick enough to get back to it!

Remember… Use the process of elimination:

Out of five…

there is a 20% chance of

answering correctly even with

a blind guess,

„cos there‟s no penalty

for getting it

wrong!!

Preparation:

www.bmat.org.uk

Make sure you check these out on the website:

- specification

- specimen questions – plenty to practise!

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