The IMAT Exam Explained – Study Medicine in Italy in English with Confidence

If you’re considering studying medicine in Italy in English, you’ll need to take the International Medical Admission Test (IMAT). This exam is the entrance exam for Italian public medical schools, and it’s the only way to be admitted to the program. The exam was composed until 2022 by a British company called Cambridge Assessment, and it’s administered in English. From 2023, the Italian ministry of education is running the exam, but the exam is fairly similar to what it used to be.

At this point, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. But don’t worry! Our website provides plenty of free study materials to help you prepare for the IMAT. Our community of supportive and knowledgeable individuals is always available to answer any questions and provide guidance and encouragement along the way.

So, let’s dive into the details of the IMAT. The exam comprises four sections: logical reasoning and general knowledge, biology, chemistry, and physics and math. Each section comprises multiple-choice questions, and the exam lasts for 100 minutes, or 130 minutes if you are eligible for a time extension.

The score you earn on the IMAT is the sole basis for admission to Italian public medical schools. That means the pressure is on you to perform well on the exam. But don’t let that discourage you! With the proper preparation, you can earn a competitive score and achieve your goal of studying medicine in Italy in English.

To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to start studying well before the exam. Use our free study materials to review the content covered on the exam and practice answering questions in the multiple-choice format. Please take advantage of our community to get answers to any questions and connect with other students preparing for the IMAT.

IMAT Exam Structure

The IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each with five possible answers. The exam lasts 100 minutes and does not allow any aids, such as calculators or dictionaries.

The IMAT is scored based on the following system:

• Correct answer: +1.5 points
• Incorrect answer: -0.4 points
• Unanswered question: 0 points

The maximum score on the exam is 90 points.

IMAT Exam Format

The IMAT is divided into five sections: General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, and Math/Physics. The exam format may change yearly, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information.

Section	Number of Questions	Notes
General Knowledge	2	Many resources are available to help you prepare for the critical thinking questions on the IMAT exam.
Logical Reasoning	7	There are many resources available to help you prepare for the critical thinking questions on the IMAT exam.
Biology	23	The biology section of the IMAT is similar to the IB, SAT, and BMAT.
Chemistry	15	The chemistry section focuses mainly on simple inorganic chemistry and less on organic chemistry. It is also similar to the IB, SAT, and BMAT.
Math/Physics	13 (combined)	The math and physics sections are becoming more challenging with each passing year. There are more questions now then there used to be.

IMAT Logic and General Knowledge 

The general knowledge section of the IMAT covers a broad range of topics, including history, geography, politics, economics, literature, and philosophy. While we don’t recommend that you stress over this section, it’s still essential to have a basic understanding of these topics, as they may appear in the exam.

The logical reasoning section of the IMAT is a critical component of the exam and consists of two main types of questions: critical thinking and problem-solving. These questions require you to think logically and analytically, which is an essential skill for success in medicine. Therefore, we highly recommend that you practice these types of questions as much as possible.

Our website provides specific guidelines and strategies to help you prepare for the logical reasoning section of the IMAT. Our free study materials include practice questions and expert advice to help you improve your logical reasoning skills and boost your chances of success on the exam.

It’s important to remember that the IMAT is not just a test of knowledge but also your ability to think critically and solve problems. By practicing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, you’ll improve your chances of success on the exam and develop valuable skills that will serve you well throughout your medical career.

So, don’t stress too much over the general knowledge section, but ensure you understand the topics covered. Most importantly, I will focus on practicing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, following the guidelines and strategies we provide on our website.

IMAT Critical Thinking Topic List

Critical thinking is one of the essential skills required for success on the IMAT exam, which involves analyzing and evaluating arguments and evidence. Critical thinking isn’t bound to the logic section, but almost every question on the IMAT exam requires a degree of critical thinking and problem-solving.

There are seven different types of questions that you may encounter on the IMAT exam that test your critical thinking skills:

• Summarizing the main conclusion: This involves identifying the main idea or conclusion of a passage or argument. For example, if a passage discusses the benefits of a particular medical treatment, the main conclusion might be that the treatment is effective and should be used more often.

• Drawing a conclusion: This involves using the information presented in a passage or argument to come to a logical conclusion. For example, if a passage discusses the results of a clinical trial, you might be asked to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the treatment being tested.

• Identifying an assumption: This involves recognizing the underlying assumptions that are made in a passage or argument. For example, if a passage discusses the benefits of a particular medical treatment, an assumption might be that the treatment is safe and has no adverse side effects.

• Assessing the impact of additional evidence: This involves evaluating how new evidence would affect the conclusion of a passage or argument. For example, if new research is published that contradicts the results of a clinical trial, you might need to assess how this new evidence affects the validity of the original study.

• Detecting reasoning errors: This involves recognizing and correcting flawed reasoning in a passage or argument. For example, if a passage makes a logical fallacy, such as a false analogy or ad hominem attack, you might need to identify the error and explain why it is problematic.

• Identifying parallel reasoning: This involves recognizing similar patterns of reasoning in different passages or arguments. For example, if two passages make similar arguments for different medical treatments, you might need to identify the similarities in the reasoning and assess the validity of the arguments.

• Applying principles: This involves using general principles or rules to analyze specific cases or examples. For example, if a passage discusses a particular medical case, you might need to apply ethical principles to determine the best course of action.

These questions are commonly taught in law school, philosophy, and linguistics, as they are the basic building blocks of approaching and understanding a text. However, they are also essential skills for studying and practicing medicine. By developing your intuition for finding arguments, conclusions, and fallacies, you’ll be better equipped to analyze medical research and make informed decisions as a physician.

What About Problem Solving?

The problem-solving section of the IMAT exam primarily evaluates your numerical and spatial skills. This section is similar to an IQ test and requires a good understanding of mathematical concepts and spatial recognition. To prepare for this section, it’s essential to practice as many questions as possible and develop your strategy before the exam.

One great source for practicing problem-solving questions is to look for IQ question banks online, focusing mainly on spatial recognition of 3D shapes, rooms, and other visual concepts that may appear on the exam every year. By practicing these types of questions, you’ll be better equipped to handle the spatial reasoning questions on the IMAT exam.

It’s important to note that each problem-solving question on the IMAT exam typically takes about 3-4 minutes, compared to the other sections of the exam, which may take only 15-20 seconds to solve. Therefore, attempting to solve every problem-solving question on the exam is unnecessary. Instead, focus on getting the most points possible from the more straightforward questions and topics.

IMAT Science Topics

The IMAT science section covers traditional math, physics, biology, and chemistry topics. Our website offers a range of study materials to help you prepare for these sections, even if you don’t have any prior experience with these subjects.

It’s important to note that the biology and chemistry sections are among the most important on the IMAT exam, as you’re expected to solve these questions more quickly than others. By developing a solid strategy for these sections, you can maximize your score by answering the most questions possible in the least amount of time.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to answer all 60 questions on the exam, nor do you have to answer them in numerical order. Developing a strategy for which questions to answer and in what order can help you manage your time more effectively and maximize your score.

IMAT 2024 Test Centers

Staying informed about the latest developments regarding the IMAT exam is essential, as the exam format and location may change yearly.

If you’re planning to take the IMAT exam in Italy, planning your travel well is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the day of the exam. We recommend arriving in Italy at least one week before the exam to allow time to adjust to any potential jet lag and acclimate to the new surroundings.

Additionally, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay during your visit to Italy is crucial for maintaining mental clarity and reducing stress levels on the exam day. Consider booking a hotel or Airbnb close to the testing center, or look for accommodations that offer quiet study spaces and easy access to public transportation.

The list above has all of the test centers, for 2024.

IMAT 2024 Exam Date

IMAT 2024 Will take place on the 17th of September 2024, if you are reading it after, please note that the exam will most likely stay around that same time.

How Much Does The IMAT Cost?

When registering for the IMAT exam, the entry fee must be paid through the Universitaly website. The fee may vary depending on your location and can be paid in one of three different currencies. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so check the latest information before registering for the exam.

Here’s a table that summarizes the IMAT entry fees based on previous years

Currency	Amount
British Pound (GBP)	£114
Euro (EUR)	€130
US Dollar (USD)	$164

Planning and budgeting for the entry fee ensure you have everything you need to register for and take the IMAT exam. If you have any questions about the fee or the registration process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

IMAT Registration

The registration period for the IMAT exam typically opens at the beginning of July and lasts about three weeks. In 2020, the registration period opened on July 1st and closed on July 23rd. It’s essential to keep in mind that the registration deadlines are strict and missing the window can result in being unable to take the exam that year.

In 2024, the registration opened in September, which is a bit weird, and we suspect it won’t be the same from 2025.

The entire registration process is done on the Universitaly website after non-EU pre-med students complete the pre-enrollment procedure. During registration, you must provide personal information and select your preferred testing center location. It’s important to carefully review and verify all information before submitting your registration.

It’s also important to note that you can only take the IMAT exam once per year. Unlike the MCAT, you cannot take the exam multiple times a year or use your IMAT score from previous years to apply for the current application cycle. This means that it’s crucial to approach the exam with a well-prepared and focused mindset.

In conclusion, preparing for the IMAT exam requires careful planning and attention to detail. By staying informed about the latest developments and resources, you can confidently approach the exam and achieve success. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources and study materials available on our website and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.