UK medical and dental schools require students to sit either the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT, previously called UKCAT) or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) prior to application. Whilst a significantly larger number of Universities require the UCAT, many students will opt to sit both tests in order to increase the number of courses they could potentially apply for. A list of courses requiring BMAT can be found here, whilst a list of courses requiring UKCAT can be found here.
UCAT Test Format
The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test. It consists of five separately timed subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement) which assess a range of mental abilities identified by university medical and dental schools as important. Each subtest contains a number of items in a multiple-choice format.
Candidates either sit the standard UCAT or the UCATSEN (Special Educational Needs) if they are entitled to additional time due to a documented medical condition or disability.
BMAT Test Format
The BMAT exam is comprised of three sections to be completed in two hours:
- Section 1 – Aptitude and Skills: 35 multiple-choice questions, 60 Minutes, Maximum Score: 9.0
- Section 2 – Scientific Knowledge and Applications: 27 multiple-choice questions, 30 Minutes, Maximum Score: 9.0
- Section 3 – Writing Task: 1 Essay out of a choice of 4, Maximum Score: 5A
The BMAT examination is unlike any which students would have faced to date, requiring extensive preparation and a unique approach.
I can help students to prepare for either or both the UCAT and BMAT tests.
I would typically recommend a course of 10 hours of tuition for each of the tests, which can be carried out either face-to-face or online via VoIP (i.e. Zoom or Skype).