Download - 96674878-bmat
BioMedical Admissions Test How hard can it be?
Mr. Yousuf Salmasi
For queries or any further advice e-mail [email protected]
CONTENTS
1. Why BMAT?
2. Section 1
3. Section 2
4. Section 3
5. Understanding scores
6. Hints and Tips
What is the BMAT ? • BMAT is an exam designed to measure
aptitude and knowledge, with an emphasis on your abilities and skills.
Why BMAT?
Growing competition
for places in medical
schools
Cambridge’s idea
Helps differentiate
between candidates
equally qualified
Incorporated into
interview/selection
process along with
UCAS form
PROBLEM
SOLVING
CRITICAL
THINKING
BMAT LAYOUT
Aptitude
& skills
Scientific
Knowledge &
Applications
Writing
Task
1 h ½ h ½ h
Section 1
“To test generic skills needed
for successful undergraduate
study”
2 main types:
- maths
- logic (statements or diagrams)
Use simple numerical algebra
Identify elements of arguments
- make assumptions
- identify flaws
- identify strengths or weaknesses
understand and draw conclusions from information presented in:
- graphs and statistics
- verbal/ reading passages
Section 1
Aptitude
& skills
Scientific
Knowledge &
Applications
Writing
Task
1 h ½ h ½ h
Section 2
“To measure core knowledge in
four disciplines – biology,
chemistry, physics and
mathematics – and the ability
to apply that knowledge”
• GCSE knowledge – nothing more than
that!
• Questions are demanding – require
thought
• Out of all 3 sections – this one is most
tight for time
• Work quickly!!
Aptitude
& skills
Scientific
Knowledge &
Applications
Writing
Task
1 h ½ h ½ h
Section 3
“To assess your ability to
develop ideas and
communicate them clearly and
effectively in writing”
…not one line more!!! knowledge not required here!
• Explain the implications of
the proposal
• Address counter-arguments
• Propose a resolution
What readers are looking for:
1. Meaning and implications of the answer
2. Support – examples and evidence to express
opinions
3. Organisation - coherent and logical paragraphs
4. Style – sophistication in vocab
5. Clarity – expression of ideas
6. Correctness – SPAG
Section 3
SCORES
• Section 1 + 2:
range 1 – 9 (to one decimal point)
Most students score 4.0 - 5.5
Even the best students rarely score higher than 7
creates bell curve results.
•Section 3:
Range 0– 15 (to nearest 3 points)
Most students score 6 – 9
Readers will be assessing the
overall quality
Double marked
HINTS AND TIPS
Have the Right attitude:
be positive,
calm,
and confident
Should I be scared???
Work
quickly
Maximise the score
Answer
correctly
Get the balance right
ACCURACY
Tip 1
Read questions,
interpret quickly,
outline relevant info,
consider alternative methods,
decide how much time needed,
GUESS!
Tip 2
If it‟s difficult to answer,
move on quickly…
…BUT quick enough to get back to it!
Remember… Use the process of elimination:
Out of five…
there is a 20% chance of
answering correctly even with
a blind guess,
„cos there‟s no penalty
for getting it
wrong!!
Preparation:
www.bmat.org.uk
Make sure you check these out on the website:
- specification
- specimen questions – plenty to practise!
www.bmat.org.uk
ANY QUESTIONS???
THANK YOU!!!
References:
- www.bmat.org.uk
- Preparing for the BMAT: The Official
Guide to the BioMedical Admissions Test
(2005) - Heinemann Educational
Secondary Division