Standardized Testing
UCAT:
- More aptitude-based;
- More schools use it: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, etc.
- Good score: 2800+
- Take between July 2nd and October 2nd
BMAT:
- Knowledge + Writing
- Fewer, but very competitive schools use it: Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Leeds.
- Good score: 7
- Take on October 31st
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an essential part of the UCAS application that showcases an applicant’s ability to write as well as their preparedness for medical school. The personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters including spaces. It outlines:
- Motivation to study medicine
- Academic prowess in medicine-related subjects
- Accounts of shadowing experiences
- Volunteering, teamwork skill, and empathy demonstration
Letters of Recommendation
The UCAS application requires students to submit a letter by a referee. Typically, this is completed by the school and the referee is one of your teachers. The recommendation should be academic in its nature, and ideally come from a teacher who knows you well and taught a medicine-related subject.
Interviews
Competitive applicants will be shortlisted to participate in an interview conducted by the school of their choice either in the UK or in the region. Interviews are either one-on-one, panel, or Mixed Multiple Interviews (MMI) where candidates rotate around several stations with questions. Topics covered in interviews are:
- Personal character qualities and fit for medicine
- Motivation to study medicine
- Knowledge of the field
- Knowledge of the NHS and public health
- Medical ethics and situational judgement
- Teamwork
- Role play
- Motivation to study at the specific university