The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a critical assessment for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in engineering and science at some of UK’s leading universities. It is used to assess candidates in conjunction with your UCAS application and is an important part of your application. Make sure to check the entry criteria for your desired course to see if the test is a requirement.
This guide will help answer any questions you may have about the structure of the ESAT, where to access practice tests, and help you prepare effectively.
The ESAT website also provides very helpful information on how to prepare for the ESAT.
Format of the ESAT Test
The ESAT is a computerised multiple choice test. It is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in key areas of mathematics and the three sciences. The test is structured to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving abilities. It includes multiple choice questions.
The test is divided into two parts, all candidates will take part 1 and most candidates will take 2 parts in part 2 depending on which course they are applying for. Do check your specific course requirements on the university’s webpage.
1. Mathematics 1: All candidates sit this part of the test. It covers topics such as calculus, algebra, and geometry. This test lasts 40 minutes and consists of 27 multiple choice questions.
2. Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2: Most candidates will take two of these parts. Each part consists of 27 multiple choice questions and last 40 minutes per part.
Which Courses Require the ESAT Test?
The ESAT is required for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering and science discipline at Cambridge and Imperial.
If you are applying to Cambridge or Imperial for the following courses, you will need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT):
Cambridge University:
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
Imperial College London:
- Departments of Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Design Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
- Department of Physics
When is the ESAT taken?
The ESAT is offered twice per year, in October and January. You are only permitted to sit the test once per admissions cycle. If you are applying to Cambridge, you need to register for the test in October.
ESAT Results and Resits
ESAT results are usually released a few weeks after the test date. Candidates receive a score for each section of the test, along with an overall score. Universities use these scores to make admissions decisions, in conjunction with other factors such as personal statements, letters of recommendation and interview performance.
Is the ESAT Hard to Pass?
The ESAT is based on the science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your A Level or IB syllabus.
The ESAT is designed to be challenging in order to differentiate between extremely able applicants, including those who might have achieved the highest possible grades in examinations. The test is designed for students of a high level of ability. It is known for its difficulty, primarily because it is designed to identify the most capable students. Success on the ESAT requires not only a solid grasp of the material but also the ability to apply knowledge to complex, unfamiliar problems.
What is in the ESAT Test?
The content of the ESAT is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics within mathematics, and the three sciences.
Candidates are expected to apply conceptual knowledge to solve problems. Some questions involve the application of knowledge, others require creative thinking and the application of principles in less familiar contexts.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in the ESAT
Here is a brief overview of the test specification to show the topics questions can draw on:
-Mathematics 1: Topics include units, number, ratio & proportion, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. Questions may involve solving equations, analysing functions and understanding mathematical theorems.
- Biology: This section covers cells, inheritance, DNA, Gene technologies, animal physiology, ecosystems and plant physiology.
-Chemistry: Topics typically include atomic structure, periodic table, chemical reactions, formula and equations, quantative chemistry, rates of reaction and organic chemistry.
- Physics: This part typically covers topics such as electricity, magnetism, mechanics, thermal physics, matter and waves.
- Mathematics 2: Topics include algebra & functions, trigonometry, differentiation, integration and graphs and functions.
Is the ESAT an online test?
Yes, the ESAT is an online test. On the day of the test, your chosen subjects will be combined as a single test of, typically, three separately timed parts.
What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for the ESAT?
Universities use the ESAT to help rank students, so it is an incredibly important part of the application process, and therefore super important to prepare for it. It is important to prepare as early as possible, but it is recommended to start preparing for the ESAT test around 2 months prior. This way you can reduce stress and burnout and feel much more confident on the day. The ESAT website has some good guidance on how to prepare for the test and includes sample questions.
- To be as prepared as possible, we recommend working closely with the information available on the ESAT website, completing all the question tutorials and sample questions to become as familiar with the question types as possible. Once you’re familiar with these you can then work to target particular sections that you find more challenging. There is no negative marking, and you can flag questions to return to them later. This can help you develop a strategy to completing the test.
- Look at the range of sample tests on the Pearson VUE website to help to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and the content covered.
- Make sure you familiarise yourself with the syllabus (available on the ESAT website). The material is aimed at AS level maths and sciences plus knowledge of material covered at GCSE.
- Try doing some questions under timed conditions. One of the things that is challenging with the test is the number of questions you need to answer in 45 minutes per section. Practising some questions under timed conditions will mean you are better prepared on the day of the exam.
Where Can I Find Practice ESAT Tests?
Specimen and practice ESAT tests can be found on the Pearson Vue website:
The ESAT sample tests are split into their separate parts so you can easily access the parts that you intend to take in the live test.
Conclusion
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is designed to be a rigorous and challenging test that plays a crucial role in the admissions process for top engineering and science degrees at Cambridge and Imperial. By understanding the format, requirements, and best preparation strategies, candidates can enhance their chances of success.
ESAT Tuition
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching university aptitude tests for Oxbridge and other competitive universities including the ESAT. With tutors based in London and available online to families around the world, Keystone is one of the UK’s leading private tutoring organisations. Find out more about our ESAT Tutors.