The biomedical admissions test (BMAT)

Some universities in the UK require all students applying to them for specific subjects to complete additional tests as part of their application.

What is the biomedical admissions test (BMAT) used for?

The Biomedical Admissions Test is used by some universities offering medical and veterinary courses. Applicants for these courses are often equally highly qualified, and the test is used to identify those candidates who are most suited to the course and most likely to succeed. The BMAT is just a part of the selection procedure, along with grade comparisons, personal statements and interviews.

What courses require the biomedical admissions test?

You will need to take the BMAT if you are applying for any of the following courses:

Cambridge – Medicine or Veterinary Medicine
Oxford – Medicine or Biomedical Sciences
Imperial College London - Medicine, Biomedical Science or Biomedical Science with Management
Royal Veterinary College – Veterinary Medicine or Combined Degree Programme
University College London - Medicine

What is the format of the biomedical admissions test?

The BMAT is designed to test your existing scientific knowledge, as well as the way you think and process information. To achieve this, the test is split into three parts:

Aptitude & Skills – a 60minute multiple choice test of problem solving, data analysis and the understanding of arguments and inference.
Scientific Knowledge & Applications – a 30 minute, multiple choice test of your school science knowledge and its application.
Writing Task – a 30 minute essay chosen from four options to test your ability to organise and communicate ideas.

How and when do you take the biomedical admissions test?

The BMAT is scheduled to fit with the university application process. For 2013, the closing date for entries is October 1^st, with an extended application date (at a cost penalty) of October 15^th. The test itself will take place on November 6^th.

You can arrange to take the BMAT independently from your university applications, or you may be asked to take it by your chosen college or university. You cannot enter yourself; you must be entered by your school or college, or by an app ointed testing centre (if you do not attend a school or college).

What does the biomedical admissions test cost?

In 2013, the BMAT test costs £44 for UK and EU applicants who apply by the deadline, with a further £31.50 late fee for applicants up to the second closing date. If you want to take your BMAT at an appointed testing centre, then you may also have to pay a separate administration fee to cover the centre’s costs.

You can apply for a refund of your BMAT test fee if you are receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, a full Maintenance Grant or the full Adult Learning Grant. However, you cannot get a refund if you incur a late entry fee.

How to prepare for the biomedical admissions test

The BMAT only tests what you should already know from school or college, so you cannot revise for it as such. However, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the format of the test by working with specimen pa pers.