Passing the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and BMAT 2008 (Student Guides to University Entrance) (Student Guides to University Entrance)

"Although I found this book helpful I felt that it could have contained alot more practice questions. Half of the book talks about why you want to be a doctor and how to write your personal statement when really what I wanted was more practice questions which were in another book I bought."
~ Written on 2008-07-01

"It did piss me off that I had to pay £65 to take a test when I already had the grades to get into medical school, but that's how it is these days. And seeing as I forked out £65 for the test, why should I fork out another £15 for a book to help me pass? BECAUSE THIS £15 WILL HELP YOU FULFILL YOUR AMBITION OF GETTING INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL! It's that simple. This book helped me get round the crazy abstract reasoning section by explaining what the exam questions were actually asking of me. If it wasn't for this book I would not have scored a 700 average and certainly would not have my place secured on the graduate entry 4 year course at Newcastle. BUY THIS BOOK! £15 Vs. a fulfilling career - you decide!"
~ Written on 2008-06-12

"Useful for preparation- when I was taking the test it was the only book with any practise questions which were very valuble as they teach you technique in answering which seems to be more important than the answers themselves.
My only complaints are that it was overpriced and the BMAT part was not necassary for those only takig UKCAT. "
~ Written on 2008-04-04

"This was a good book to start off your practice I would not recommend anyone to use it solely on its own, I would suggest that people use other psychometric testing practice books with it. It has a comprehensive guide to the test, but to be honest, just a little more than what is already on the website, and I did feel that the section the BMAT was not needed since the BMAT has it own official book- the section of the UCAT would have been covered better I feel if it had not been included. Also there is not a single full length practice paper in the book- which makes working out how much time you take on everything quite difficult. I think thus that my rating is justified"
~ Written on 2008-02-06

"I'm currently in my second year of A-Levels, and managed to find the time to use this book for about an hour per day in the weeks leading up to my UKCAT. Come test day, despite my nerves I was able to get an average of 745/900 over all the sections - higher than most undergraduates!

About the UKCAT section:
The mini-tests contained within this book contain questions which get progressively harder until they reach the point where they're harder than those you get in the actual test. Once you're able to answer the final questions correctly and confidently, you know you've mastered the very techniques at the heart of the section, and can move on.
The walkthroughs after each mini-test were the biggest help to me personally - the answers to every question and rationale behind them are given, which enable you to understand *why* your answers were correct or not.

The sections preceeding the UKCAT and BMAT guides are also brilliant. The personal statement section was particularly helpful, and there is also information regarding all aspects of your application in general - crucial knowledge.

However, and this is important, *DO NOT* buy this book for its BMAT section - you're much better off getting The Official Guide to the BMAT (which can also be found on this site).

In conclusion - buy this book. Almost all medical school applicants will be applying to at least one school requiring the UKCAT, and for that this book is vital. The additional information is a very good aide, and the BMAT section at least serves as a supplement to any other material you choose to use."
~ Written on 2007-10-24