The BMAT is a preparatory science, maths and logic exam taken by applicants to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LKC and BSMS (graduate) medical schools. It is notoriously difficult.
My own experience of the test was an unshakeably average one. The test is split into 3 sections: Aptitude & Skills, Scientific Knowledge and Applications, and Writing Task. Urgh, just thinking back to sitting the BMAT is making me feel nervous haha! Right. Let's start with some basic tips, based on experience. I don't know what point at your application cycle you are in, but here are some of the most important things to bear in mind when preparing for the BMAT:
1. START EARLY. I clicked every formatting button just then to make sure that really sinks in. ;) Honestly, when a friend of mine in the year above me came out of her BMAT the year before I applied, the first thing she said to me was "START STUDYING NOW!". And I honestly wish I had, haha.
The problem is that if you don't start early, you find you don't have time when you're finishing your ASes and getting ready for your UKCAT, and then when the UKCAT's over suddenly you're into your A2 courses and you might have resits and suddenly it's really hard to keep up with studying for the BMAT, and there is a hell of a lot of content to cover. That's exactly what happened to me. The BMAT is designed for an above-average student who's getting all A's to get an average mark. I got an average mark, somewhat lower than average in some sections. But there are a couple of reasons for that, so I'll keep going with the list.
The problem is that if you don't start early, you find you don't have time when you're finishing your ASes and getting ready for your UKCAT, and then when the UKCAT's over suddenly you're into your A2 courses and you might have resits and suddenly it's really hard to keep up with studying for the BMAT, and there is a hell of a lot of content to cover. That's exactly what happened to me. The BMAT is designed for an above-average student who's getting all A's to get an average mark. I got an average mark, somewhat lower than average in some sections. But there are a couple of reasons for that, so I'll keep going with the list.
2. If there's anything in the test that you're not studying for A2, focus on that. The BMAT Writing Task and Aptitude and Skills can't exactly be traditionally 'revised' for, but revision, not just question practice, is ESSENTIAL for the Science section. The Science section includes 'GCSE-level' (bollocks) questions on Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Now, I was fine with the first three, as I did those along with English Literature as my four A2s. Physics however, was another story, especially since I found out from popular medicine forums that the Physics content is particularly difficult, and usually higher than A-Level standard. This intimidated me and I didn't go into it in anywhere near enough detail. I kind of just put it off, thinking 'Oh, it'll be fine! I did it for GCSE!', until I realised that I'd done a year of AS and I didn't remember GCSE at all, haha!
3. Practice, practice, practice. Now this might seem a little obvious, but I can't stress the importance of practice. Practice in the bath, practice at school, practice in the car, practice until you're dreaming about practicing haha. Buy a BMAT question practice book, and practice them with your friends, as they might have an alternative perspective on some of the questions that could help you learn. Also, the essay-writing component of the test is the part that catches some students with less-than-stellar writing skills out, so practicing typical essay questions is essential.
4. Don't panic but kind of panic but don't panic. What I mean by this is that you NEED to take the test seriously. I didn't. And by that I don't mean that I didn't study hard, because I did. What I mean is that if you're taking the BMAT you are applying to some of the best universities in the world. They take your BMAT grade VERY seriously. If your interview goes badly, they will turn to your BMAT score to decide whether to let you in. If your interview goes well but your BMAT score is less than stellar, that may jeopardise your chances of a place. It is incredibly important. HOWEVER, it's also important that, as indicated in the heading, you don't panic. You must approach the test calmly, as it's one of those exams where if you let nervousness cloud your judgement, you might miss out on those crucial marks.
3. Practice, practice, practice. Now this might seem a little obvious, but I can't stress the importance of practice. Practice in the bath, practice at school, practice in the car, practice until you're dreaming about practicing haha. Buy a BMAT question practice book, and practice them with your friends, as they might have an alternative perspective on some of the questions that could help you learn. Also, the essay-writing component of the test is the part that catches some students with less-than-stellar writing skills out, so practicing typical essay questions is essential.
4. Don't panic but kind of panic but don't panic. What I mean by this is that you NEED to take the test seriously. I didn't. And by that I don't mean that I didn't study hard, because I did. What I mean is that if you're taking the BMAT you are applying to some of the best universities in the world. They take your BMAT grade VERY seriously. If your interview goes badly, they will turn to your BMAT score to decide whether to let you in. If your interview goes well but your BMAT score is less than stellar, that may jeopardise your chances of a place. It is incredibly important. HOWEVER, it's also important that, as indicated in the heading, you don't panic. You must approach the test calmly, as it's one of those exams where if you let nervousness cloud your judgement, you might miss out on those crucial marks.
I'm trying to prepare for my UKCAT and BMAT. But I'm really stuck on how I should go about revising for the BMAT and where to start. I've bought the 400Q book but I don't know what else to use. Can you help me out please?
ReplyDeleteHey there, I will try my very best! Unfortunately it's been a year since I sat it and a lot has happened since then, but what I can say with hindsight is that if I were you I'd treat it like an A-Level exam - it needs that level of commitment and study if you're serious about getting into Oxbridge/UCL etc. The book is good, if I were you I'd rely mainly on that alongside studying your notes from GCSE Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths (and A2 notes if you're doing them) to get yourself to the level you were at when you sat your GCSEs. Try and do the practice exams they provide on the website - you need to familiarise yourself with the format as you would do for any exam - put yourself in the mindset that it is an exam as important for your future as your A-Levels - it's what I should have done! The book gives you a lot of pointers and opportunities for further study, I would read the book through first and make notes on the help sections - over the summer, try and get through all of the essay questions in the book under timed conditions, then if you finish, make your own. Nothing can substitute for proper practice under timed conditions, and to be honest if you manage to complete every question in the book (I most certainly didn't) you are most of the way there. If you get a question wrong, go back to that topic in your notes (Or if it's Aptitude, look at the answer and analyse the question backwards to try and understand how the answer was reached). Also, practice your mental maths - I think one of the most important things is to become proficient at working accurately in a short amount of time - time is short in the exam and those questions are not easy, you need all of the time you can get. Last of all, at the end of the day they design the exam to be as challenging as possible to identify the very best students - everybody will find it difficult, no matter how much they study, so just give yourself the best chance by ensuring you are clued up to GCSE level and slightly beyond by using your notes and study guides - perhaps study with current GCSE students to refresh you? To be honest everyone is different, and medical school is all about finding self- study methods that work for you! Again, feel free to contact me with more specific questions if you wish, and do make use of the Student Room as well if you don't already - I know from experience that sometimes it can be a nightmare having to listen to some users, as some people can brag a little about all the stuff they've done, but there are so many people just like you on there that can be a wealth of info - share ideas and see if you can bounce practice questions off each other. I hope this has helped a little - the very very best of luck to you!
DeleteThanks for the enriching post. Appreciate your tips!
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