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University Admissions Consulting
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Test Preparation
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Pre-University Preparation
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a standardised test used for admissions into several UK medical schools and NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore.
Critical Thinking (16)
Problem Solving (16)
60
Critical thinking skills often required for undergraduate study.
0.0 - 9.0
Mathematics (6)
Chemistry (7)
Physics (7)
Biology (7)
30
Core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it.
0.0 - 9.0
30
The capacity to consider different aspects of a proposition, and to communicate them effectively in writing.
Quality of content scored from 1-5
Quality of language scored from A-E
Applicants to the medical schools of the following universities are required to sit for the BMAT.
Imperial College London
University College London
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
Nanyang Technological University – Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Keele University
Lancaster University
University of Leeds
3 November 2021
1 October 2021
Students who are currently attending or have recently graduated from a local school, college, or polytechnic should register for the BMAT via the Regional Language Centre (RELC) and sit for the BMAT at their respective schools.
All other students should register for the BMAT via the British Council and sit for the BMAT at one of British Council’s centres.
Make payment via an AXS station or at the RELC EB office (only from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm on October 1, 2021). Registration before the standard deadline costs SGD 362, while registration before the late deadline (October 15, 2021) costs SGD 482. Click here for a guide on how to pay via AXS.
Complete the registration form on the RELC website, which will be made available on September 1, 2021. Click here for a guide on how to register via the RELC website.
Provide your full name and other identifying information – this must be exactly the same as seen on your photo ID – as well as the schools you are applying to.
Receive RELC notification email, which will tell you your testing venue and time of test.
Print out the RELC notification email. Make sure to bring the notification email and your photo ID on the test day!
Fill up the BMAT registration form.
Provide your full name and other identifying information – this must be exactly the same as seen on your photo ID – as well as the schools you are applying to.
Make payment via bank transfer to the British Council (bank account details can be found in the registration form). To facilitate tracking of your payment, quote your name and the examination you are taking (i.e. BMAT) in the comments section of your transaction. Then, email the registration form to this email address.
Alternatively, you may register and pay in-person at the British Council Napier Road Centre. Registration before the standard deadline costs SGD 365, while registering before the late deadline (October 15, 2021) costs SGD 445.
Receive your confirmation email, which will tell you your testing venue and time of test.
Print out the confirmation email. Make sure to bring the confirmation email and your photo ID on the test day!
Each year, the BMAT releases the distribution of scores for each of the three sections in the test: Thinking Skills, Scientific Knowledge & Applications, and Writing Task – the Writing Task scores are further divided into scores for Quality of Content and Quality of Language.
In general, we recommend that students score at least 6.5 for Thinking Skills and Scientific Knowledge & Applications, and at least 4A for the Writing Task.
The 2020 test breakdown can be found here.
Familiarise yourself with all the question types in this section, and the strategies required to solve each question type. IvyPrep’s classes will systematically break down every single question type and how to tackle each one of them.
Know the required scientific knowledge for all four sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics), especially for the popular topics that come out in the BMAT every year.
IvyPrep’s classes will break down the topics for each of the four sciences, filling core gaps in your knowledge and showing you how to tackle the BMAT style of science questions.
Be well-versed in the rubric, and know how to write an essay that fits the requirements for the highest score. IvyPrep’s classes will show you how to write a concise yet effective essay that meets all of the exam requirements.
IvyPrep’s proprietary online learning platform contains hundreds of practice questions for your practice, as well as three full-length practice tests.
The University Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT) is a standardised test used for admissions into several UK medical schools.
| SECTION | # OF QUESTIONS | TOTAL TIME (MINS) | WHAT IT TESTS | SCORING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 21 | Ability to critically evaluate written information. | 300-900 |
| Decision Making | 29 | 31 | Ability to use complex information to make sound decisions and judgements. | 300-900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 24 | Ability to critically evaluate numerical information. | 300-900 |
| Abstract Reasoning | 55 | 13 | Ability to use convergent and divergent thinking to infer visual relationships. | 300-900 |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 | Capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them. | Band 1 (highest) - Band 4 (lowest) |
Thinking Skills (32)
Critical Thinking (16)
Problem Solving (16)
60
Generic thinking skills often required for undergraduate study.
0.0 - 9.0
Scientific Knowledge & Applications (27)
Mathematics (6)
Chemistry (7)
Physics (7)
Biology (7)
30
Core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it.
0.0 - 9.0
Writing Task (1 out of 3)
30
The capacity to consider different aspects of a proposition, and to communicate them effectively in writing.
Quality of content scored from 1-5
Quality of language scored from A-E
Applicants to the medical schools from the following universities are required to sit for the UCAT.
University of Dundee
University of Leicester
University of Birmingham
University of Liverpool
University of Bristol
University of Manchester
Cardiff University
Queen Mary, University of London
University of Edinburgh
University of Sheffield
University of Glasgow
University of Southampton
St. George’s University of London
King's College London
University of Aberdeen
University of Newcastle
University of Nottingham
Durham University
Plymouth University
University of East Anglia
University of Warwick
Queen’s University Belfast
University of Exeter
Hull York Medical School
University of St. Andrews
Keele University
26 July 2021
2 June 2021
29 September 2021
22 September 2021
The UCAT can be taken any time during the testing window.
We recommend registering for the test as early as possible to secure a testing slot.
Register for or sign in to your free Pearson VUE account.
Provide your full name and other identifying information — this must be exactly the same as seen on your photo ID — as well as the schools you are applying to.
Select your test centre, test date, and test timeslot.
Make payment, and check out.
Receive the appointment confirmation email from Pearson VUE.
Print out the confirmation email. Make sure to bring the confirmation email and your photo ID on the test day!
Here are the UCAT testing centres in Singapore. Note that not all test centres are available for all dates.
Click here for the latest information.
51 Cuppage Road, #05-02/03/04, Singapore 229469
205, Kallang Bahru, #02-00, Singapore 339341
NTUC Trade Union House, 73 Bras Basah Road, Level 3, Room 3J, Singapore 189556
The UCAT gives you a percentile ranking for your composite score (out of 3600), excluding Situational Judgement. Your percentile rank tells you how you did on the UCAT compared to other test-takers. For example, if you have a percentile ranking of 90, it means that you scored higher than 90% of other students who took that test. Your exact percentile ranking can be found using the percentile lookup tool here.
These are the results from the 2020 UCAT administration.
| PERCENTILE RANKING | COMPOSITE SCORE (EXCLUDING SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT) |
|---|---|
| 90 | 2850 |
| 80 | 2730 |
| 70 | 2640 |
| 60 | 2570 |
| 50 | 2500 |
| 40 | 2430 |
| 30 | 2360 |
| 20 | 2270 |
| 10 | 2150 |
Thinking Skills (32)
Critical Thinking (16)
Problem Solving (16)
60
Generic thinking skills often required for undergraduate study.
0.0 - 9.0
Scientific Knowledge & Applications (27)
Mathematics (6)
Chemistry (7)
Physics (7)
Biology (7)
30
Core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it.
0.0 - 9.0
Writing Task (1 out of 3)
30
The capacity to consider different aspects of a proposition, and to communicate them effectively in writing.
Quality of content scored from 1-5
Quality of language scored from A-E
In general, we recommend that students score at least 2700, and at least Band 2 for Situational Judgement.
Know how to read the passages strategically and answer the questions efficiently. IvyPrep’s classes will teach you how to effectively look for verbal information in the passage using our tried-and-tested strategy.
Familiarise yourself with all the question types in this section, and the strategies required to solve each question type.
IvyPrep’s classes will systematically break down every single question type and how to tackle each one of them.
Make accurate mathematical calculations and answer questions efficiently. IvyPrep’s classes will teach you the required mathematical knowledge and show you how to find the correct answer in the shortest amount of time.
Cut through the overwhelming visual noise and spot the relevant patterns and sequences effectively.
IvyPrep’s classes will show you how to efficiently sort through the visual information in this section, helping you to get the most number of correct answers in the limited amount of time allocated for this section.
Familiarise yourself with the code of ethics required for doctors and medical students. Through realistic scenarios, IvyPrep’s classes will help you understand the thought processes medical personnel undergo when faced with difficult situations on an everyday basis, and the appropriate actions to take when faced with these situations.
IvyPrep’s proprietary online learning platform contains hundreds of practice questions for your practice, full-length section practices for each section, as well as three full-length practice tests.
The University Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT) is a standardised test used for admissions into several UK medical schools.
| TIMELINE | |
|---|---|
| Before Year of Application | Focus on achieving your A-Level/IB Target Scores. Source and participate in internships/research placements/volunteering to demonstrate your interest in medicine. |
| Spring of Year of Application | Narrow down your school choices.
Determine whether you need to take the BMAT or the UCAT, or both, and when. Start brainstorming ideas for your UCAS Personal Statement. |
| July | UCAT Test Season begins. Finalize your school choices. |
| September | First BMAT Test Date (cancelled in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic). UCAS Application opens. UCAT Applications close. |
| October | UCAS Medical School Applications close on October 15. Last UCAT Test Dates. |
| November | Second BMAT Test Date. |
| November to March (approximately) | Medical School Interviews and Offers. |
Thinking Skills (32)
Critical Thinking (16)
Problem Solving (16)
60
Generic thinking skills often required for undergraduate study.
0.0 - 9.0
Scientific Knowledge & Applications (27)
Mathematics (6)
Chemistry (7)
Physics (7)
Biology (7)
30
Core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it.
0.0 - 9.0
Writing Task (1 out of 3)
30
The capacity to consider different aspects of a proposition, and to communicate them effectively in writing.
Quality of content scored from 1-5
Quality of language scored from A-E
Getting a medical internship can significantly improve your medical school application, as these experiences demonstrate proactiveness and interest in the medical field. Here are some tips to help you get a medical internship.
Think about the medical speciality which you are interested in: be it cardiology, radiology, or oncology. You can start by reflecting on which area of the human body you are most interested in, and searching for opportunities in that field.
Start a network with your other friends who are also interested in applying to medical school. Through this network, you can coordinate opportunities to intern at various medical institutions. Working together with your peers at a medical institution can also make the internship a lot more interesting!
Mentors can guide you through the complicated process of applying for a medical internship, and give you valuable tips and advice in your medical school application journey. IvyPrep can connect you with our network of mentors to give you additional support in your medical school application.
Often, an internship with your general practitioner can be just as valuable as an internship with a high-profile doctor in a hospital. Medical schools want students who are not just attracted by the most glamorous aspects of medicine, but can also handle the prosaic day-to-day work that doctors undergo.
Reflecting upon what you want to get out of your medical internship is often much more valuable than the experience you get out of the internship. Keeping a journal of your reflections about your experiences can not allow you to learn more about yourself and what you want out of medicine, but can also provide you with a valuable starting point for your UCAS personal statements.
In this format of interview, you are given 15-30 minutes to speak with a panel of interviewers. The interviewers you face can range from admission tutors, professors, to even current medical students.
As the name suggests, this format of interview consists of multiple stations (around 6-10), and you are only given a short amount of time at each station (typically around 5 minutes). You will be given a variety of tasks at each station, ranging from answering simple interview questions, role-playing, or even conducting a physical demonstration.
| UNIVERSITY | INTERVIEW FORMAT |
|---|---|
| University of Birmingham | MMI |
| University of Bristol | Panel |
| University of Cambridge | Panel |
| University of Dundee | Panel |
| The University of Edinburgh | MMI |
| University of Glasgow | Panel |
| University of Leicester | MMI |
| University of Liverpool | Panel |
| King's College London | Panel |
| Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry | Panel |
| University College London | Panel |
| St George’s University of London | MMI |
| The University of Manchester | MMI |
| University of Nottingham | Panel |
| University of Oxford | Panel |
| The University of Sheffield | Panel |
| University of Southampton | Panel |
| Imperial College London | MMI |
| Cardiff University | MMI |
Thinking Skills (32)
Critical Thinking (16)
Problem Solving (16)
60
Generic thinking skills often required for undergraduate study.
0.0 - 9.0
Scientific Knowledge & Applications (27)
Mathematics (6)
Chemistry (7)
Physics (7)
Biology (7)
30
Core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it.
0.0 - 9.0
Writing Task (1 out of 3)
30
The capacity to consider different aspects of a proposition, and to communicate them effectively in writing.
Quality of content scored from 1-5
Quality of language scored from A-E
A good first impression is paramount for a good interview performance. Regardless of whether the interview is conducted online or in-person, dress as you would if you were a doctor – that is, business casual at the minimum.
This is a no-brainer. Don’t prepare for an MMI when the school you are interviewing for conducts panel interviews! Make sure to keep abreast with the latest information about the interview format. Check the interview invitation email or the school website to find out more.
Some universities release information about the questions that will be asked in the interview, either on their website or in the interview invitation email that they send out. Take the time to prepare for these questions before your interview.
Since the UCAS personal statement is tailored to all the medical schools you apply to, the medical interview is the only opportunity for the university to ask school-specific questions. Make sure to read up about the university you are applying for!
Try to systematically cover all the different types of questions that can be asked in an medical school interview, as well as the answering strategies for each type of question.
Polish your interview skills and answer questions confidently!
There are a litany of video-conferencing platforms available: Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc. In your interview invitation letter, your university should give you information about which platform they will be using. Take the time to get acquainted with the platform being used so that you are not fumbling around on the day of your interview.
Wired LAN connections are less prone to disruptions than wireless connections. Try to acquire a LAN cable to connect to your computer to reduce the possibility of laggy connections.
A room with a plain background is best, although any background that is not too distracting is fine. Avoid using virtual backgrounds, as these can be distracting. Make sure to also have the interview in a quiet location to minimise possible disruptions.