Note: The Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT) at the University of Oxford has been discontinued. If you are applying for Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University, you will now sit the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test). Read more in our Guide to the ESAT.
What is the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)?
The BMSATwas a 90-minute assessment designed to evaluate scientific knowledge and its application. It was taken by those applying to study Biomedical Sciences course at Oxford University. The test is now discontinued.
The test consisted of 80 multiple-choice questions, divided evenly across four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics (20 questions each). It was a non-calculator exam, and answers were marked automatically in a quiz-style format.
What did the BMSAT look like?
Like all Oxford admissions tests, 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 also requires candidates to enter their UCAS ID - but as the Oxford process starts so 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.
How do I prepare for the BMSAT?
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.
This test was only introduced last year, so few if any past papers exist, and (as of writing) Biomedical Sciences Oxford haven’t provided any test preparation or practise materials. (They will, judging by the provision other Oxford courses that also feature new admissions tests.)
But as the above information suggests, revising core features of higher level GCSE Maths and Sciences will stand you in good stead. In theory the BMSAT is therefore easier than its predecessor the BMAT, as candidates will be required only to revise prior scientific and mathematical knowledge, rather than having to learn anything new (the BMAT tested certain topics only covered in A Level study).
The format of the BMSAT might be understood as an extended version of BMAT Section 2, which was also based on multiple choice questions. Studying BMAT past papers might then be considered useful, especially if the multiple choice format is new to you, but do be conscious to practise only those questions which test GCSE knowledge.
Exams of this format are always a test of your ability to complete questions within a tight time limit so, if using the BMAT as a basis for revision, you should be aware that the BMSAT is three times as long and contains more than double the number of questions.
Feedback from students who sat the BMSAT last year suggests that the main issue was completing all questions in the given time. Non maths specialists struggled with the maths section so we recommend always focus your revision on areas of weakness. This exam is non calculator and some students struggled with this. Some commented that they should have revised Physics formulae, as these are often forgotten post GCSE!
Tutors for the BMSAT
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching university applications at Oxford University, including Biomedical Sciences. Our tutors will be able to help you with the skills you need when applying to study Biomedical Sciences including super curricular learning, personal statement support and mock interview preparation. Contact us to find out more.
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