BMAT and UKCAT help please?

Question

Any recommendations on what preparation I should do to prepare for these tests? Any interview tips for getting into medical school?

Answer 1

Have a look in whsmiths for examples of books that can help you, and also have a look at the specimen papers online.

They are, annoyingly designed to test ability, rather than ability to practice! For the ukcat, the best preparation is to do practice question under heavy time constrictions. The main problem with ukcat is the lack of time.

Another useful thing to get would be a book on critical thinking (not necessarily affiliated with either test), as this is heavily featured in both papers, and for some people a lot of practice is required to fully figure out the way of thinking needed.

As for the bmat.. the main preparation i could suggest would be look over your GCSE notes countless times. Section 2 is scientific knowledge, and they can throw anything up from GCSE, usually with a twist to make it that one step harder to test understanding opposed to ability. They are mean when they can be!! Learn all the maths and physics formulae and clue up on balancing chemical equations (nasty ones) and pretty much all human biology.

As for section 3, the essay... think outside the box and you'll require a good command of english, and be articulate and concise. A bog standard essay will not get you a good mark. The bmat is a nightmare though, so don't worry if the practice questions scare you.

The main thing is that you have a good nights sleep and do your best. All the practice in the world may help a little, but ultimately it won't do miracles, as you never know what will come up.

Good luck in your medical career!  

Answer 2

There are plenty of books available with hints and tips for interviews.

Getting into Medical School

Medical School Interviews: A Practical Guide (Lee)



For BMAT and UKCAT try these books:

BMAT (by Kaplan)

Preparing for the BMAT

Look at Ebay you may pick some up second hand