<p>I'm a US senior currently planning an application to Oxford. I know that Medicine is nearly impossible to get in on as an international student, but I think I'll try for it, as I have taken more than 10 AP tests with 5's and have other high standardized test scores.
But I'm a bit confused on the testing issue - Oxford requires tests, such as the BMAT or TSA, for applications to courses such as Medicine and Economics. </p>
<p>I think the website says that all applicants must take these tests. So, should I find a nearby center and take it? Is it possible to cram for such an exam? ( I don't think I would do particularly well on it without finishing physics yet)... Maybe I'll try for something w/out an admissions test then?</p>
<p>Any current/former applicants with info on these admissions tests?</p>
<p>I’m a Cambridge graduate and I work for a company specialising in the Oxbridge application process.</p>
<p>For Medicine at Oxford (and Cambridge), you’re required to sit the BMAT. The BMAT is a 2 hour test with three distinct sections. Section 1 is an hour long and consists of 35 multiple choice questions- it’s designed to test your numeracy, verbal reasoning, problem solving and data analysis. Section 2 is half an hour and focuses on scientific knowledge and application- this shouldn’t go beyong GCSE (or equivalent) knowledge and consists of 27 multiple choice questions. Finally, Section 3 which is also half an hour, consists of a writing task- it’s designed to test your ability to formulate and present a coherent argument.</p>
<p>In terms of preparation for the BMAT, the key is practice. The main obstacle to overcome is much less learning a particular corpus of knowledge (so I wouldn’t worry too much about your physics), and much more about learning how to approach the rather strange style of the exam. For this reason, sitting as many practice papers as possible is key. Check out our website, where we offer practice BMAT papers to get a feel for the structure and timing of the test, as well as what the examiners are looking for. Just click this link: [Oxbridge</a> Applications](<a href=“http://www.oxbridgeapplications.com/our-support/admissions-test-support/bmat/]Oxbridge”>http://www.oxbridgeapplications.com/our-support/admissions-test-support/bmat/). </p>
<p>I did a search for you so here’s a list of test centres. The deadline for registration is 30th September so register soon!</p>
<p>Language Studies International, San Diego (US011) California<br>
University of Florida, Teaching Center (US429) Florida
Oswego East High School, IL (US372) Illinois
ELS Boston, MA (US081) Massachusetts
ELS Houston, TX (US080) Texas</p>
<p>I applied to study medicine at Cambridge and did well enough to actually get an offer (although I couldn’t meet the conditions and ended up doing medicine at St Andrews). I remember the science section of the BMAT was fairly easy. I hadn’t taken physics yet, either, but still did fine. The reasoning portion of the test was a real pain, though. None of the questions are impossibly difficult, but it was a bit of a race against the clock to finish on time. I don’t remember doing a writing section, so either that’s a new addition since I took the test or my memory is failing me.</p>
<p>I’d agree with Ellie that you should go over some practice questions beforehand.</p>