With increasing numbers of BMAT courses becoming available, it is important to differentiate between the experienced BMAT providers and the ‘Summer Project BMAT Courses’. Whilst the new BMAT recruits may be enthused with fresh views, unfortunately most of these start-ups lack the depth of BMAT resources that more experienced providers are able to offer.
Course Resources
Whilst individual preferences may vary, we feel that the following are essential as part of any BMAT Course Resources: BMAT Tips & Techniques BMAT Practice Tests & Mock Examinations BMAT Past Paper Worked Solutions
Course Facilitator Experience
This factor is often underestimated by prospective medical students. Unfortunately, some BMAT courses are conducted by minimally experienced medical students, and some even by non-medical students (eg. teachers) who have never previously taken the BMAT examination. We would strongly recommend that any course you attend is conducted by experienced medical students or doctors from BMAT medical schools in order to ensure that you make the most from your BMAT course investment.
Group Sizes
Ensure that any course you are considering is classroom based. Whilst you may not be the ‘type to ask questions’, the chances are you will have questions on the day of the course and in large group/lecture based BMAT courses, it is often difficult to address individual student questions. Furthermore, the post course support in lecture based courses is often limited and impersonal.
'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..'
We would suggest that you take any incredible claims that sound too good to be true with a pinch of salt. Even with the best course in the world, it is impossible to have a 100% success/satisfaction rate and unfortunately such claims undermine overall confidence in the respective course content.
Personal Factors
It goes without saying, that location, dates and accessibility should also be considered when selecting a BMAT course. Having to travel three hours each way will reduce valuable revision time as well as accumulating unnecessary expense.