For those applying to study medicine, the BMAT exam can be very important. While most institutions require the BMAT, an increasingly large number of people opt for universities that need the BMAT such as Oxbridge, Imperial and UCL. So here are 6 tips that I found really useful both times I sat it.
1. Know What To Expect
A great place to start with admissions tests (or any exam, really) is to understand the ins and outs of the actual test. The BMAT is a 2- hour exam, made up of 3 sections. First comes a 60-minute Thinking Skills assessment, made up of 32 questions testing logical inference and problem-solving.
Section 2 tests your scientific knowledge, with 27 multiple choice questions on GCSE Biology, Chemistry & Physics over a 30 minute period. Lastly, Section 3 asks you to write a mini-essay based on a statement, quote or question that you get to choose from a small selection. Again, this section is 30 minutes long (unless you get extra time).
The 2020 exams saw the removal of data analysis questions and the shortening of Section 1 from 35 questions to 32, so it is worth staying up to date with any changes that may occur, on the Cambridge Admissions Testing website. Likewise, the 2020 exams were sat on a computer for the first time and it is worth checking the format so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises on the day of the exam!
2. Start On Time
It’s really important to give yourself enough time to be confident on exam day, so I would recommend starting your revision roughly 4-6 weeks before the test date. It’s worth noting that BMAT revision is likely to coincide with term time and all the inevitable studying you’ll have to, so I would err on the side of caution and give myself enough time to let life get in the way a little.
A rough estimate for how much time you want to be spending on revision is 40 hours. This is a general guideline from studies into candidates who sit the exam. Typically those who spend about 40-50 hours get the most out of their revision and perform the best.
This works out to about an hour’s revision a day for 6 weeks (a really manageable amount). However, averages don’t apply to everyone and it’s up to you to decide how much time you need. Furthermore, the quantity of revision isn’t as important as quality. So I hope no one reading this will go away hoping to tick off 40 hours of procrastination!
3. Use The Resources Provided
The Cambridge Admissions Testing website is a great place to find a lot of exam resources. This includes their assumed knowledge guide, designed for effective section 2 revision. Crucially, you can find every BMAT past paper on their website to revise from. I would aim to do as many of these as possible since you can’t replicate the exam any better than actually doing it.
4. Exam Conditions
To begin with, I would recommend getting to grips with the different styles of questions and figuring out how to answer them. Once you feel a little confident with it, you must start practising in timed exam conditions- no notes and no distractions either.
This is the only way you can really be prepared for the really fast pace of the exam day when you will be feeling quite nervous and anxious. Maybe start with the timed practice for one section at a time, then move on to doing whole mock exams.
5. Be Consistent
This is easier said than done, but as I’ve explained, the BMAT can be passed well without all that much revision. Sometimes life does get in the way and it’s good to let yourself have days off and to relax, but it’s worth investing some time into working out a revision timetable or something similar. This will help to keep you on track and monitor your progress as you go along.
6. Don’t Forget Physics!
So many students disregard the A-level that they are probably not taking since most medics opt for just Biology and Chemistry. However, I would say that the Physics questions are the second easiest in section 2, after Biology. They often require one or two calculations or simple fact recall. So I would download that assumed knowledge guide and get studying because it’s a pretty sure-fire way of gaining some easy marks- it could make the difference between a good and a great score!
My last bit of advice would be to work with the people around you (perhaps friends or family) so they can help you stay on track and help you study. And relax! It’ll be over sooner than you think and you’ll thank yourself for all your hard work when the offers come pouring in!
By Shihab, BSc Medicine at Cambridge University.
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