University Admissions Tests: UCAT, LNAT, BMAT Complete Guide
Many competitive courses require admissions tests alongside your UCAS application. This guide covers everything you need to know about the major tests.
UCAT: UK Clinical Aptitude Test
Website: www.ucat.ac.uk
The UCAT is required by most UK medical and dental schools. It assesses cognitive abilities and attitudes considered important for healthcare professionals.
Who Needs It
Medical school applicants (most UK universities)Dentistry applicants (most UK universities)Some clinical science programmesTest Structure
Five sections, 2 hours total:
Verbal Reasoning (21 minutes): Reading comprehension and critical thinkingDecision Making (31 minutes): Logic and data analysisQuantitative Reasoning (25 minutes): Numerical problem-solvingAbstract Reasoning (12 minutes): Pattern recognitionSituational Judgement (26 minutes): Ethical scenariosScoring
Sections 1-4: Scaled score 300-900 each (total 1200-3600)Situational Judgement: Band 1-4 (1 is best)Key Dates (2024)
Registration opens: JuneTesting window: July-OctoberResults available: Immediately after testPreparation Tips
Start practicing 2-3 months before your test dateUse official UCAT practice materialsFocus on timing - speed is crucialDon't spend too long on difficult questionsPractice Situational Judgement scenariosLNAT: Law National Aptitude Test
Website: lnat.ac.uk
The LNAT assesses aptitude for legal study through reading comprehension and essay writing.
Who Needs It
Required by these law schools:
BristolDurhamGlasgowKing's College LondonLSENottinghamOxfordSOASUCLTest Structure
Two sections, 2 hours 15 minutes:
Multiple Choice (95 minutes): 42 questions on 12 passagesEssay (40 minutes): Choose one from three questionsScoring
Multiple choice: 0-42 (average around 22)Essay: Shared with universities (not scored centrally)What It Tests
Critical reading abilityAnalysis and interpretationArgument constructionWritten communicationPreparation Tips
Read quality journalism regularly (The Guardian, The Times, The Economist)Practice timed reading comprehensionWork on constructing balanced argumentsPractice essay writing under time pressureUse official LNAT practice testsBMAT: BioMedical Admissions Test
Website: www.admissionstesting.org
BMAT tests scientific knowledge and critical thinking for medical and veterinary applicants.
Who Needs It
Cambridge (Medicine, Veterinary Medicine)Oxford (Medicine, Biomedical Sciences)Imperial College London (Medicine)UCL (Medicine)Some international medical schoolsTest Structure
Three sections, 2 hours:
Thinking Skills (60 minutes): Problem-solving and critical thinkingScientific Knowledge (30 minutes): GCSE-level science and mathsWriting Task (30 minutes): Essay on given topicScoring
Sections 1-2: Scale of 1-9Section 3: Score + letter grade for English qualityKey Differences from UCAT
Tests scientific knowledge (UCAT doesn't)Includes essay writingTaken later (October/November)Free to take (UCAT has a fee)Other Important Admissions Tests
TSA: Thinking Skills Assessment
Website: www.admissionstesting.org
Required for:
Oxford (PPE, Psychology, Economics, Geography)Cambridge (Land Economy)UCL (European Social and Political Studies)Tests critical thinking and problem-solving. 2 hours, 50 multiple choice questions plus essay (Oxford version).
MAT: Mathematics Admissions Test
For Oxford Mathematics and related courses. Tests mathematical thinking beyond A-level.
PAT: Physics Aptitude Test
For Oxford Physics and Engineering courses. Tests physics and maths problem-solving.
HAT: History Aptitude Test
For Oxford History courses. Tests historical reasoning through source analysis and essay.
STEP: Sixth Term Examination Paper
For Cambridge Mathematics and Warwick courses. Advanced maths problems requiring creativity.
General Preparation Strategies
Starting Early
Research which tests you need 12+ months aheadBegin preparation 3-6 months before test datesRegister before deadlines (they fill up)Effective Practice
Take diagnostic tests: Identify weak areasFocus on weaknesses: Don't just practice what you're good atTime yourself: Exam conditions matterReview mistakes: Understanding errors is key to improvementUse official materials: Free resources from test providersTest Day Tips
Get good sleep the night beforeEat a proper breakfastArrive earlyRead questions carefullyManage your timeDon't panic if one section goes badlyCosts and Support
Test Fees (2024)
UCAT: £75-100 (UK), more for internationalLNAT: £50-70BMAT: FreeTSA: FreeMAT: FreeBursary Support
Students from low-income backgrounds may qualify for reduced fees. Check individual test websites for:
UCAT bursary schemeLNAT fee waiverRegistration Deadlines
Don't miss these - late registration often impossible:
UCAT: Register by September for October testLNAT: Register by January (September-January testing window)BMAT: Register by October for November testMark these dates in your calendar and register early!