2024 IMAT Exam Guide: New Changes and Exam Structure

What is the IMAT Exam?

The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is an entrance exam for international students seeking admission to English-taught medical and dentistry programs in Italy. This exam, prepared by Cambridge Assessment and administered by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR), has undergone several changes. Specifically, several changes were implemented in 2023, which necessitate the optimization of strategies based on the new updates. In this blog post, we aim to provide detailed information about the structure of the IMAT exam, past questions, and the significant changes introduced for the 2024 exam.

IMAT Exam Structure

The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is a critical exam for international students applying to English medical programs in Italy. Therefore, candidates must create a rigorous study schedule covering all topics. The IMAT exam consists of four main sections and a total of 60 questions. Each section covers different subjects, and the exam aims to assess candidates' suitability for medical education. Furthermore, candidates' analytical and critical thinking skills play a significant role in evaluations. Consequently, the large portion of chemistry and biology questions indicates that candidates should focus more on these areas. However, solving these questions also requires analytical skills, highlighting the need for improvement in logical reasoning.

General Knowledge and Critical Thinking

• Number of Questions: 9

• Content: Questions measure general cultural knowledge and reasoning abilities. Additionally, they test reading comprehension and the ability to draw consistent conclusions.

Biology

• Number of Questions: 23

• Content: Topics include cell biology, genetics, ecosystems, anatomy and physiology, organic molecules, and biological systems.

Chemistry

• Number of Questions: 15

• Content: Topics include the structure of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonds, inorganic chemistry basics, and chemical reactions.

Physics and Mathematics

• Number of Questions: 13

• Content: Mathematics topics include number sets, algebra, functions, geometry, probability, and statistics. Physics topics include basic principles, physical quantities and measurement, kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.

New Changes Released in 2024

Some important changes made to the IMAT exam in 2024 include:

Changes in Number and Distribution of Questions:

The number of questions in the General Knowledge and Critical Thinking section was updated to 9. However, difficulty levels were increased. The number of biology questions was increased to 23. The number of chemistry questions was increased from 12 to 15. Physics and Mathematics section was updated to 13 questions.

Updates in Question Types and Difficulty Levels:

The difficulty levels of logic questions were increased, requiring more critical thinking skills. However, regular and efficient study can lead to success in these questions. Biology and chemistry questions now require more detail and depth. Therefore, candidates need to develop their analytical thinking skills. The increased number of questions in these sections indicates that candidates should focus more on chemistry and biology.

Exam Duration:

The total exam duration is set to 100 minutes.

Evaluation and Scoring:

Correct answers are awarded 1.5 points, wrong answers receive -0.4 points, and unanswered questions receive 0 points. Each section's weight has been readjusted, with increased contributions from the biology and chemistry sections in the total score calculation. Additionally, the importance of logic and analytical skill questions has been increased.

Application and Exam Dates:

The IMAT exam date is announced as September 17, 2024. The application process and exam dates were announced earlier, giving students more time to prepare. This allows candidates to establish a more effective and efficient study routine.

Important Notes:

• It is crucial for candidates to closely follow the updated format and content changes of the IMAT exam.
• Moreover the changes made in 2023 require students to have more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge. Therefore, candidates should adjust their study programs according to these changes.
• Considering these changes and the new question types in the preparation process is vital.

How to Prepare for the 2024 IMAT Exam?

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the IMAT exam is to solve past questions. In this way, these questions help you understand the exam format and difficulty level. Additionally, regularly taking practice tests and doing test drills will help you adapt more easily to the IMAT exam and behave more systematically during the exam. Therefore, it is essential to review past questions from relevant sources and participate in various practice tests.

Solve Exam-Like Questions:

• Understand the exam format and question types by solving past questions.

Create a Comprehensive Study Program:

• Develop a detailed study program for each section and learn the topics in depth. This systematic and planned approach will boost your motivation.

Practice Tests:

• Regularly practice tests to improve time management. Keep a timer while solving these tests.

Use Reliable Sources:

• Reinforce your knowledge using reliable and up-to-date sources. Utilize the tests provided in these sources.

Mock Exams and Resources

Success in the IMAT exam preparation heavily relies on mock exams and tests. Therefore, the most accurate mock tests and past questions should be obtained from the best sources. As a result, as the Prep-Test family, we strive to support your IMAT preparation process and offer the best planning. Consequently, we help you create a more effective and efficient study program and provide instant access to the most accurate resources. Moreover, follow the links below to access the mentioned questions and tests from the best sources. Additionally, visit our site to access mock tests that closely match the question styles of previous years and have a wide range of questions. In this way, you will have access to all the resources you need and be the first to hear about new opportunities.

Mock Tests and Preparation Programs:

• IMAT Exam Preparation Packages
• Information About IMAT Exam and Mock Tests

Past Questions:

After an effective and efficient study with all these resources, the most critical point is university preference. Particularly for students from non-EU countries, only one university choice is allowed. Therefore, this makes the importance of university preference even more significant. To learn which university is more suitable for you and meets your criteria and expectations, visiting us is enough.

2 Month Study Plan for IMAT Preparation

Being systematic and planned is crucial when preparing for the IMAT exam. For instance, monthly or even daily plans and programs will help you get into a study routine and prepare you psychologically for the exam. Consequently, having an effective and efficient study program makes success inevitable. Therefore, check out the sample study program we have prepared for a successful preparation process and adapt it to your own schedule. Moreover, this program is structured to cover different topics each week and aims to optimize daily study hours. However, personalized programs are always a step closer to success. Thus, for personalized study programs, it is enough to contact us.

2 Month IMAT Study Program

1st Week: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Monday: Study logic questions and problem-solving techniques (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Solve general knowledge questions (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve logic questions and analyze them (2 hours)
• Thursday: Solve general knowledge questions and identify weak areas (2 hours)
• Friday: Practice test for logic and general knowledge questions (2 hours)
• Saturday: Review general knowledge and logic topics (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

2nd Week: Biology - Cell Biology and Genetics

• Monday: Study cell biology (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Study genetics (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve cell biology and genetics questions (2 hours)
• Thursday: Review cell biology (2 hours)
• Friday: Review genetics and practice test (2 hours)
• Saturday: Solve cell biology and genetics tests (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

3rd Week: Biology - Ecosystems and Biological Systems

• Monday: Study ecosystems (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Study biological systems (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve ecosystems and biological systems questions (2 hours)
• Thursday: Review ecosystems (2 hours)
• Friday: Review biological systems and practice test (2 hours)
• Saturday: Solve ecosystems and biological systems tests (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

4th Week: Chemistry - Atomic Structure and Periodic Table

• Monday: Study atomic structure (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Study the periodic table (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve atomic structure and periodic table questions (2 hours)
• Thursday: Review atomic structure (2 hours)
• Friday: Review the periodic table and practice test (2 hours)
• Saturday: Solve atomic structure and periodic table tests (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

5th Week: Chemistry - Chemical Bonds and Reactions

• Monday: Study chemical bonds (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Study chemical reactions (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve chemical bonds and reactions questions (2 hours)
• Thursday: Review chemical bonds (2 hours)
• Friday: Review chemical reactions and practice test (2 hours)
• Saturday: Solve chemical bonds and reactions tests (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

6th Week: Physics and Mathematics

• Monday: Study basic physics principles (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Study mathematical calculations (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Solve physics and mathematics questions (2 hours)
• Thursday: Review basic physics (2 hours)
• Friday: Review mathematical calculations and practice test (2 hours)
• Saturday: Solve physics and mathematics tests (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

7th Week: Mixed Topic Review and Tests

• Monday: General knowledge and logic test (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Biology test (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Chemistry test (2 hours)
• Thursday: Physics and mathematics test (2 hours)
• Friday: Solve mixed questions from all topics (2 hours)
• Saturday: Analyze test results and identify weak points (2 hours)
• Sunday: Rest or light review

8th Week: Mock Exams and Final Preparations

• Monday: Full-length mock exam (2 hours)
• Tuesday: Mock exam analysis and review weak topics (2 hours)
• Wednesday: Full-length mock exam (2 hours)
• Thursday: Mock exam analysis and review weak topics (2 hours)
• Friday: Final revisions and light study (2 hours)
• Saturday: Light study and rest
• Sunday: Rest and pre-exam preparation

Adapt this program to your own needs and study pace. Because the key to success is regular and planned study. Moreover, adhering to all the points mentioned here is crucial for success. However, obtaining that key depends on your motivation and consistency. As a result, never lose your faith and motivation. Therefore, believe in yourself and, as a result, call for success. Finally, we wish you all the best!