Medical School Admissions Tests
Admission tests are used by UK medical schools to help differentiate between the best applicants. Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool medical schools do not require admission tests and the rest use either UKCAT, BMAT and/or GAMSAT.
UKCAT
The UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) is used by 26 of the 33 Uk medical schools and consists of five sections: verbal reasoning, quantitive reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision analysis and non-cognitive analysis.
Verbal Reasoning Assesses logical thinking and reasoning about written information.
Quantitative Reasoning Assesses ability to solve numerical problems.
Abstract Reasoning Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
Decision Analysis Assesses the ability, in complex, ambiguous situations, to deal with various forms of information, infer relationships, make informed judgements, and decide on an appropriate response.
Situational Judgement Test Assesses judgement regarding situations encountered in the workplace.
Verbal Reasoning Assesses logical thinking and reasoning about written information.
Quantitative Reasoning Assesses ability to solve numerical problems.
Abstract Reasoning Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
Decision Analysis Assesses the ability, in complex, ambiguous situations, to deal with various forms of information, infer relationships, make informed judgements, and decide on an appropriate response.
Situational Judgement Test Assesses judgement regarding situations encountered in the workplace.
*13 scenarios (each consisting of between 4 and 6 potential response options to rate)
BMAT
BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)is needed for Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL and graduate entry at Brighton Sussex. It consists of three sections: aptitude and skills, scientific knowledge and applications and the writing task.
Aptitude and Skills Generic skills in problem-solving, understanding arguments, data analysis and inference.
Scientific Knowledge and Application The ability to apply scientific knowledge from school science and maths up to and including the level of National Curriculum Key Stage 4.
Writing Task The ability to select, develop and organise ideas, and to communicate them in writing, concisely and effectively.
Aptitude and Skills Generic skills in problem-solving, understanding arguments, data analysis and inference.
Scientific Knowledge and Application The ability to apply scientific knowledge from school science and maths up to and including the level of National Curriculum Key Stage 4.
Writing Task The ability to select, develop and organise ideas, and to communicate them in writing, concisely and effectively.
GAMSAT
The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) is needed for graduate entry courses at Exeter, St George’s, Nottingham, Penninsula and Swansea medical schools. It consists of three sections: reasoning in humanities and social science, written communication, reasoning in biological and physical science.
