How Best To Prepare For The BMAT

The BioMedical Admissions Test – BMAT for short – is an admissions test that applicants to medicine, biomedical science, and dentistry must read to qualify for some programmes in universities across Europe and Asia. Divided into three sections, the aptitude test measures your ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and written communication skills that are essential to university-level study. A written exam, the BMAT lasts 2 hours and has one test date in November. As with any other test, it is essential that you first familiarise yourself with the test structure and the material you will be assessed on before starting on your test prep.

Related: BMAT Format Overview

1. Make a plan (and stick to it!)

Structure your revision to keep track of your progress and ensure you make the most of the time leading up to the test date. Be sure to plan your revision schedule such that you get an adequate amount of practice across the different sections.

2. Practice consistently

Even if you feel confident in a particular topic, do not abandon it entirely to focus on something else. The more questions you attempt, the more exposure you will have to differently worded prompts and answering strategies.

3. Focus first on the most challenging topics

After reading through the test specifications, you should be able to loosely identify the topics that you are less comfortable with. By concentrating first on these areas, you will have ample time to absorb and internalise the relevant skills and content.

4. Maintain an error log

Track your mistakes to keep note of your current progress. In your error log, you should include details on the concept(s) tested in the question and why you answered it incorrectly (careless mistake, conceptual misunderstanding, insufficient knowledge etc.). This will help you identify any trends in your mistakes and allow you to focus on the areas and topics you are weaker in.

5. Build your stamina

While similar in length to school examinations, it is important that you build your stamina to ensure fatigue during the test will not affect your performance. When practicing for the BMAT, especially in the month before your test date, aim to complete full-length, timed practices instead of discrete questions here and there. This will help you get used to the actual test day experience.