This guide is for anyone applying to sit Physics or a number of STEM courses at the University of Oxford. In the sections below you can find out if you need to sit the test and how you go about doing that. There is also some advice on how best to prepare for the test and how important the test will be to your application to study at Oxford.
What is the PAT?
The Physics Admissions Test (PAT), formerly known as the Physics Aptitude Test, is the entrance test for a number of STEM courses at Oxford. If you are applying to study one of the following courses, you are required to take the PAT:
- Engineering Science
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Physics and Philosophy
In 2024, the PAT will delivered online and you will sit it at a Pearson VUE test centre local to you. There is no charge to register for and sit any of Oxford's own admissions tests.
What does the PAT test?
The PAT consists of a series of Maths and Physics questions. Helpfully Oxford share a specification: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergraduates/how-apply/physics-aptitude-test-pat/pat-syllabus
Why is the PAT used?
The PAT is used to assess the academic suitability of candidates to studying STEM based subjects at Oxford. Whilst not the sole determining factor, it does provide a very accurate determinant for identifying students who will be asked to attend an interview for a place at college.
What is in the PAT exam?
The exact style of the test changes reasonably regularly. But updates are published on the Oxford admissions website.
he PAT is a two hour long subject-specific, computer-based aptitude test consisting of entirely multiple choice questions. The PAT consists of both physics and maths questions and you have to complete a challenging number of questions in your two allotted hours.
How difficult is the PAT?
The vast majority of students will find aspects of the PAT very tricky indeed. It is designed to push you to the limits of your understanding of some of the fundamental aspects of the physics and maths curriculums and 16+ level and requires you to use these concepts in very unfamiliar contexts. That being said with proper preparation it is perfectly possible to do well.
What is a good score on the PAT?
There is no fixed pass mark for the test, but a threshold score exists, below which candidates will not be considered for the interview short-list. This threshold will be set once the test results are available.
In 2020, the average score on the PAT was 49, with the highest being 97 and the lowest 8.
Candidates aiming for an interview should target a score of 60 or higher, with higher scores increasing their chances
Can I resit the PAT?
The PAT can only be taken once in an academic year. If you feel you have not done to the best of your abilities then you can retake the PAT in the following year, but this will need to be as part of a new UCAS application.
What are the best ways to prepare for PAT?
Oxford provide past papers so you can the format and content covered by tests in previous years. They also publish reports – these will indicate potential pass marks – and other useful revision resources.
The same Oxford University website link will also detail the syllabus requirements i.e. what content specifically you will be expected to know. This will include AS Level Maths and Physics content, in addition to subject material you will have learned during GCSE study. Do not assume that your school has covered all relevant material and check the Oxford syllabus carefully – you may have to learn (or at least refresh) certain units.
It is also advisable to search out difficult subject questions which are not a part of your A Level studies. Try a range of questions from multiple sources which will stretch and challenge, but also get you working with questions in a range of formats.
There is nothing like working under timed conditions to prepare you for the rigours of the exam hall. Students who have previously sat the PAT suggest the test in hard in part because of the number of questions you are expected to answer in two hours, so set yourself strict time guidelines and test yourself under pressure.
When do I sit the PAT?
The PAT test will take place on 28th October 2024.
Is the PAT an online test?
Yes. The PAT is a computer-based test and need to be taken at a Pearson Vue test centre.
Where can I find practice PAT tests or past papers?
Practice papers for the PAT can be found on the Oxford University website,
Tutors for the PAT
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching university aptitude tests for Oxford University including the PAT. Our Physics Admissions Test tutors have extensive experience with the PAT, both through having successfully sat the test and then gone on to tutor it. Contact us to find out more.