Amidst a series of changes to its admissions testing process, the University of Oxford has quietly announced a brand new admission test for 2024; the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT).
In this guide, we’ll explore what this test is, who needs to sit it and how it could potentially be used in future admissions cycles
What is the BMSAT?
The BMSAT stands for the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test. This is a brand new admissions test being developed exclusively for Oxford’s Biomedical Sciences course. Currently, we have very little information regarding the format of the content of this admissions test, although we can assume that it will be based on the core sciences (as well as mathematics).
Who Has To Sit The BMSAT?
As of the time of writing, the only course that the BMSAT is currently required for is Oxford’s Biomedical Sciences course (BC98). Any applicant applying to study this course will need to sit the BMSAT for their application to be considered.
When Is The BMSAT?
The BMSAT is being introduced in 2024 for 2025 Entry, meaning any applicants applying this year will need to sit the test. It has now been announced that the BMSAT will be sat on 22nd October 2024, so make sure you register as soon as possible to secure your test.
How Do I Register For The BMSAT?
Oxford applicants looking to sit the BMSAT must register themselves with a Pearson VUE test centre between 15 August and 4 October. This will be free of charge for those looking to sit the test in 2024.
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BMSAT Format
Oxford has announced that the format of the BMSAT will be an 80-question, computer-based multiple-choice quiz. The test will last 90 minutes and will test applicants on four primary subjects:
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
There will be 20 questions for each subject, which will test applicants on required knowledge featured in the UK government’s official GCSE subject content specification for Mathematics and Science. This means that all applicants will need to revise their knowledge up to a GCSE level, making the test a bit easier than similar admissions tests like the PAT, MAT and ESAT.
As the test is computer-based, all marking is done automatically based on the amount of answers an applicant gets correct. It’s not currently confirmed if there will be negative marking (marks reduced for incorrect answers), but this is not a common feature of Oxbridge admissions tests so this shouldn’t be expected.
Could the BMSAT Replace the BMAT?
One question that surrounds the BMSAT is its relation to the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). Although the name references Biomedicine, the BMAT was primarily used for standard medicine courses in the UK, being adopted by 8 UK medical schools at its peak, including Oxford and Cambridge.
However, the BMAT was discontinued in 2024, meaning the last sitting of the exam was in October 2023. Since then, all UK medical schools have adopted the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), including Oxford.
However, there may be reason to believe that Oxford is looking to use an admissions test more similar to the BMAT for future medicine admissions cycles. This is because both Oxford and Cambridge use a very traditional teaching style in their medical schools that places greater emphasis on the scientific studies of medicine in the first three years.
Because of this emphasis on science, combined with the high number of applicants each year, the BMAT was a very good measure to use in the shortlisting and offer-making processes. Section 2 of the BMAT was a test of scientific knowledge, which is extremely important for applicants applying to Oxbridge Medicine.
However, the UCAT does not feature any questions relating to science, instead testing applicants on a variety of general skills including decision-making and verbal reasoning. While still helpful for admissions tutors, the UCAT may not provide as much useful information on each applicant compared to the BMAT, which tests general thinking skills alongside direct subject knowledge.
Since the format of the BMSAT could be seen as an extended version of BMAT Section 2, it’s not an unreasonable assumption to think that the test could be built upon further and utilised by more subjects (Biology and Chemistry at Oxford don’t currently require an admissions test).
There is also the question of whether Cambridge would also implement this admissions test or develop an equivalent. Since Cambridge also emphasises scientific learning in its medicine course, it may well be the case that they seek to also use the BMSAT or a similar test in the coming years.
However, this is all speculation so it should be assumed for now that Oxford and Cambridge will continue to use the UCAT for medicine admissions.
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What Should I Do Now?
With the confirmation that the BMSAT will feature questions similar to the BMAT, it is now safe to recommend that applicants begin preparing for the test. Many will find it useful to practice with BMAT resources, including past papers and question banks.
However, ESAT/NSAA resources will also offer a wealth of relevant practice questions and revision material (be wary that some sections cover more advanced knowledge than will be featured in the BMSAT).
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