The first and most important step is to consider the BMAT like any other A-Level or GCSE examination, and ignore any mention of the BMAT as 'an examination that cannot be prepared for.' The more you practice; the better you score: simple.
Section 1 (Aptitude and Skills) - 35 MCQ, 60 Minutes Question Types: Problem Solving, Data Handling & Critical Thinking
A) Resources - Make use of the abundance of free practice resources available for Section 1. In addition to the Official BMAT Past Papers, Oxford TSA Past Papers provide additional practice for Problem Solving questions whilst OCR Critical Thinking Unit 2 is a very useful practice resource for Critical Thinking Questions.
B) Recognise Pitfalls - In contrast to most A-Level examinations, BMAT Section 1 is full of tricks and trips, intended to misguide students. Fortunately, there are only so-many tricks that the BMAT are able to use. Hence, each time you come across one of these, add it to your 'personal list', to avoid making the same mistake in future practice.
A) Official Resource Guide - With this being the official resource guide, there really is no better resource for Section 2 preparation. Most students find it best to quickly review the whole guide and highlight any topics which they have not covered at GCSE level for further learning. Bear in mind that whilst Section 2 is supposed to be 'GCSE Level'; the examination can assess topics which you may not have covered until AS and sometimes even A2 due to variation in exam board specifications.
B) Timing - Half the challenge of Section 2 is the limited time; hence, it essential to practice this section under strict timed conditions. Fast mental maths, confident use of fractions and a good background Biology knowledge, will ensure that you have additional time for those challenging Physics and Chemistry calculations.
C) Resources - Once you have completed all official and BMAT specific resources, GCSE Bitesize is of some use, whilst you may wish to also consider practicing GCSE Maths Calculator papers, without a calculator in order to further improve your mental maths.
Section 3 (Written Task) - 1 Essay (Choice of 4), 30 Minutes Question Types: Topical Medical Issues, Medical Ethics, Medical Philosophy, Veterinary Medicine
A) Address all parts of the question - Each question normally has three or four parts. Regardless of how good your essay is, if you do not address all parts of the question, your essay will be capped at 3/3.5 as per the Section 3 Official Marking Criteria.
B) Plan - With 30 minutes, and one A4 sheet provided, this section is the least time restricted. Essays which score highest are those which are well structured and address all parts of the question, bringing in additional topical examples and knowledge.
Good luck everyone! It is nice to see some of the aspiring medics during the open days! If you have any burning questions about the application process, the course, the life at med school, please please fire away!
I am not too sure about applying to imperial cause the UCAS deadline is before the actual BMAT date & imperial have a cut off score which is the first thing they look at so when you get your results and you perhaps don't meet cut off score you will instantly know that you have wasted a choice
I am not too sure about applying to imperial cause the UCAS deadline is before the actual BMAT date & imperial have a cut off score which is the first thing they look at so when you get your results and you perhaps don't meet cut off score you will instantly know that you have wasted a choice
I am not too sure about applying to imperial cause the UCAS deadline is before the actual BMAT date & imperial have a cut off score which is the first thing they look at so when you get your results and you perhaps don't meet cut off score you will instantly know that you have wasted a choice