What is the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)?
The BMSAT is a 90-minute test of your scientific knowledge and its application.
There will be 80 questions in total, 20 each for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. These will be multiple choice questions and marking of your responses will be automatic.
Do I need to take the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)?
Candidates applying to begin their Biomedical Sciences degree in 2025 at Oxford University will no longer take the BMAT. They will instead sit a new test, the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT).
How do I register for the BMSAT?
In 2024, you will be able to register to take the BMSAT from Thursday 15 August until Friday 4 October.
Like all Oxford admissions test this year, the BMSAT is computer-based, and you must arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre local to you. To sit the test is free of charge.
It is recommended that candidates register to take the test as early as possible. This is particularly true of candidates requesting access arrangements as you will be required to show documentary evidence of your eligibility and have this accepted by the University.
Registration requires candidates to enter their UCAS ID -but as the Oxford process starts early it is possible to return and complete your form later. Do remember to do this as forgetting may mean a failure to match your test score with your application.
What does the BMSAT look like?
Oxford advises that questions in the BMSAT will be based on material covered as standard in high tier GCSE (or similar) mathematics and science courses.
This means that the GCSE specification provided directly by the UK Department of Education - for single science and Mathematics - and which sets out the parameters for all GCSE providers, is an excellent guide to what you need to know. You will need to revise everything from Ecosystems to Organic Chemistry and Forces to be well prepared for this exam. The given format does however mean that this entrance exam will in theory be easier than similar tests, such the PAT, MAT and ESAT.
How do I prepare for the BMSAT?
This is a new test, so no past papers exist, and - as yet – Biomedical Sciences Oxford haven’t provided any test preparation or practise materials. Judging by the provision other Oxford courses that also feature new admissions tests make – they will. But as the above information suggests, revising core features of higher level GCSE Maths and Sciences will stand you in good stead.
In the case of this Oxford course, BMSAT replaces the BMAT, and what little information provided by the University confirm that the two tests will cover similar ground. It is therefore safe to suggest that candidates could use BMAT past papers as part of their preparation: the format of the BMSAT might be understood as an extended version of BMAT Section 2.
Tutors for the BMSAT
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching university admissions tests for biomedical courses at Oxford University, including the BMSAT. Our tutors will be able to help you with the skills you need when applying to study Biomedical Sciences, and are experts in their field. Contact us to find out more.
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