Competition for a place to study at undergraduate level at Oxford University is fierce. On average, they receive over 20,000 applications for approximately 3,250 places every year. This should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to a challenge.
The deadline for applications is earlier than most other universities - 15 October in 2024 – and there are various elements to consider and complete before submitting your application. Choosing your course and colleges is in some respects the easy bit. You may well also have to submit a piece of written work as part of your application – something that demonstrates your analytical, reasoning, language and writing skills, as appropriate for your chosen course - and the deadline for this is 10 November in 2024.
It is also very likely that the process for your chosen course will include some kind of admissions test. Tests form just one part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information – your UCAS application, personal statement, your written work and interview - to help assess a candidate’s academic potential and suitability. These tests are rigorous but Oxford University provides a range of information and support materials that are accessible and revisable to help candidates prepare.
Which Oxford courses require you to sit an entrance test?
Most courses at Oxford University require you to sit an admissions test. There are however some exemptions (such as Archaeology, and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies), and some courses that have traditionally been subject to admissions testing (such as Geography and English) that will not do so in 2024. Candidates for joint honours degrees that include these exempt courses will still be required to take the relevant test for their other subject, if applicable.
There are nine separate entrance tests, as well as a Fine Art Practical and Music Performance test, which cover nearly 50 undergraduate courses at Oxford. You can see which test your course requires you to sit – if at all – via the drop down menu here https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests
Please note that if you are studying a combined subject, you may have to sit two tests and it is worth checking details on the Oxford University website.
How do I take an Oxford University Admissions test?
All admissions tests will be online, delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE, via their nationwide network of test centres. This means that you will be able to find a centre locally where you can sit your exam. In 2024 there will be no charge (unlike those applying to Cambridge, who will pay) for candidates to register for Oxford's own tests.
Candidates for the Oxford tests can register for free between 15 August and 4 October. On registration, candidates can request any special access arrangements that are normally available to them for public examinations, like those taken in their schools and colleges.
Dates for the admissions tests are specific and early.
The 2024 Oxford Admissions tests will take place on the following dates:
21 October 2024
- History Admissions Test (HAT)
22 October 2024
- Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT) - NEW for 2024
- Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT) – NEW for 2024
- Classics Admissions Test (CAT)
- Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)
- Philosophy Test (PhilAT)
24 October 2024
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) - Sections 1 and 2: Philosophy, Politics and Economics; Section 1 only: Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology, History and Economics, Human Sciences and Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
28 October 2024
- Physics Admissions test for Physics, Engineering and Materials Science (PAT)
31 October 2024
- Mathematics Admissions test (MAT)
Changes to the Oxford Admissions Tests for 2024
There are a few changes in the testing arrangements from 2023 which are well worth noting:
- Instead of the BMAT – normally sat by those applying to study Medicine - in 2024, Oxford will use the Pearson VUE UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) with arrangements and charges as stated by Pearson.
- In 2024 there will be no English Literature test for candidates for English Language and Literature, or joint school degrees such as English and History, English and Modern Languages or Classics and English. Check the relevant page for details on how to apply for any of these courses.
- In 2024, there will also be no test for Geography candidates.
How can I prepare for Oxford admissions tests?
- You can find guidance on how to prepare for tests on the individual test pages: these tests differ greatly according to what subject you are taking.
- Essay-based or language subjects may look to broadly test critical or analytical abilities, rather than your knowledge of any particular element of a subject, as students may have covered very different modules in prior study. This may include assessing a candidates ability to answer a question relevantly, as well as qualities like originality and independence of thought, and concision and clarity in writing.
- In most cases candidates will find an online practice test on the subject pages. This allows for candidates to make themselves familiar with the test platform and format, and should help build confidence before the test day. For tests that are new this year, a sample test may be available.
- Candidates for scientific or mathematical subjects might however be more precisely assessed on their subject knowledge, and it worth checking the relevant subject page and syllabus to see if there are subjects you have not covered at school. In this case, we suggest talking to a tutor or teacher about how best to tackle these subjects before the test date.
- In most cases candidates will find an online practice test on the subject pages. This allows for candidates to make themselves familiar with the test platform and format, and should help build confidence before the test day. For tests that are new this year, a sample test may be available.
Where can I find past papers for the Oxford admissions tests?
As above, individual subject pages { https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing } will often provide sample practice tests, or links to the relevant admissions course element.
What is a good pass mark for the Oxford Admissions Tests?
There is no single best answer to this question given the breadth of admissions tests for Oxford courses. However, it is worth remembering that your performance here will be reviewed alongside the other relevant parts of your application.
How hard are the Oxford entrance exams?
These admissions assessments are designed to stretch the very best applicants and will be challenging but prospective Oxford students will embrace this process! Candidates who have negotiated these tests successfully do however often make two comments. Firstly, that you should not expect to be able to answer all questions correctly, especially given time constraints: during practice, get into the habit of moving on promptly if you do not know the answers, and get used to making an educated guess. Secondly, apply early and give yourself as much time to prepare as possible: clear your desk after your Year 12 mocks and dedicate half an hour a day to preparation, ramping things up towards your test date.
Tutors for Oxbridge Admissions Tests
Please get in touch with Keystone Tutors if you are looking for an Oxford or Cambridge University entrance tutor. We offer interview training, advisory support and we have a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching the admissions tests for Oxford University. Contact us to find out more.