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Section 1: Thinking Skills (MCQ)​

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Number of Questions: 32

• 16 Problem-solving

• 16 Critical thinking​

Time: 60min

Score: 1.0 to 9.0

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Section 1 is divided evenly between critical reasoning and problem-solving questions. Critical thinking question subtypes include identifying a conclusion / assumption / flaw in a statement / method of argument / weakening or strengthening statements / inferences / explanations. Problem-solving question subtypes involve data analysis, word-based problems, spatial reasoning questions and identification of repetition / pattern.

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Section 2: Maths & Science (MCQ)

 

Number of Questions: 27

• 7 Biology

• 7 Chemistry

• 7 Physics

• 6 Maths​

Time: 30min

Score: 1.0 to 9.0

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Applied science makes up Section 2 of the BMAT, and is divided roughly evenly between Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. The time pressure is more severe than in Section 1, with roughly a minute per question. It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the BMAT content specification, as Cambridge Assessment have published a list of assumed knowledge for Section 2 - roughly summarised below: 

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Biology:

• Cells

• Movement across membranes

• Inheritance

• DNA

• Gene technologies

• Variation

• Enzymes

• Animal Physiology

• Environment

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Chemistry:

• Atomic structure

• Periodic table

• Chemical reactions & equations

• Quantitative chemistry

• Oxidation, reduction & redox

• Chemical bonding, structure & properties

• Group chemistry

• Separation techniques

• Acids, bases & salts

• Rates of reaction

• Energetics & electrolysis

• Carbon / organic chemistry

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Physics:

• Electricity

• Motion & energy

• Thermal physics

• Waves

• Electromagnetic spectrum

• Radioactivity

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Maths:

• Numbers

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Measures

• Statistics

• Probability

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Section 3: Essay

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Choose 1 of 3 options​

Time: 30min

Score:

• Quality and content: 0 to 5

• Quality of written English: A to E

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Section 3 of the BMAT is a writing task, for which you have 30 minutes in total. This includes selecting one topic of a choice of three, planning the essay, writing the essay, and proofreading. The essay is scored on both content and use of written English. The three options you have are general (philosophy) theme, science theme or medical theme. The essay should consist of three parts: explanation & argument of statement, counterargument and reconciliation & conclusion. 

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For more material on questions types within each section, guidance on recognising and tackling questions subtypes, and one-on-one personalised mentoring and access to practice questions, please sign up to the In2MedSchool Mentorship Programme.

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