Advice & Insight From UCAT Specialists
The examination format differs significantly between these two vitally important tests. Whilst the computer based UCAT has 5 sections that are all multiple choice, the BMAT has 3 sections, with Section 3 being a written essay. Section 1 of the paper based BMAT contains 35 Verbal Reasoning questions, and Section 2 is comprised of 27 questions testing candidates’ scientific and mathematical knowledge.
Whilst there is no specific consensus on this, the general agreement is that the BMAT examination is more similar to the questions and preparation style candidates are accustomed to during GCSEs and A-Levels, whereas the UCAT tests more unique and abstract content and concepts. Despite this, time efficient techniques and tailored preparation has been found to improve performance for both examinations.
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The scoring system varies between the exams; compared to the 300-900 values in the UCAT, in the BMAT scores for Sections 1 and 2 range from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest), with Section 3 scored from 1-5 and A-E.
The UCAT examination can be taken at a Pearson Test Centre on any date between July & October each year, whereas the BMAT can only be taken on specific dates at pre-selected test centres.
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UCAT results are made available to candidates immediately after completing the examination, however BMAT results are released after approximately three weeks. As such, UCAT scores as well as (early BMAT Test Takers) will have their scores prior to submitting their UCAS applications. Applicants taking the BMAT in October/November will not receive their BMAT scores until after making their university selections.
Universities will require candidates to take either the UCAT or BMAT examination. A list of universities requiring the UCAT & BMAT in the UK can be found below:
Aberdeen, Anglia Ruskin, Aston, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Hull York Medical School, Keele, King’s College London, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, Sunderland, St. Andrew’s, St. George’s London and Warwick (Graduate Entry).
Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Keele University, Lancester University, Leeds School of Medicine, University of Oxford Medical School, University College London
