A Full Guide to UK University Admissions Tests

With a wide range of exams to choose from, each with its own unique structure and significance, understanding the intricacies of UK college admissions tests is vital for students and parents alike.

In this blog, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the various tests in the UK, key features, and their impact on university admissions.

College admissions tests play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape in the United Kingdom. These tests serve as a crucial benchmark for students aspiring to pursue higher education at prestigious universities. Based on the course and university there might be multiple tests you have to take.

Most admissions tests happen between August and November the year before you're due to start your studies – some even earlier, before you’ve sent your UCAS application! Many courses that require you to sit a test have a 15 October UCAS application deadline, but your course may be different, so it’s important you check key dates and deadlines.

Why Entrance Exams Matter

Top universities like Oxford and Camrbidge are both extremely competitive. They receive countless applications from excellent students every year.

To distinguish stand-out students, these colleges use different entrance exams for different majors. These exams help them assess your aptitude for your chosen major.

In fact, in most cases, these exams are used to shortlist candidates for interviews. So it’s not just something you need to stand out, it’s a prerequisite - a necessity for admission to these extremely prestigious universities.

For example, for medicine programmes, most UK medical schools have UCAT cut offs, which means students are automatically rejected if they don’t meet the minimum requirement even if the rest of their application is strong

This isn’t always the case - for some programmes, you’ll have your interview and the admission test happen on the same day, so the score isn’t used to shortlist candidates.

Regardless admissions test scores help students distinguish themselves from other applicants who may be similarly strong academically, and admissions officers use these results as their primary tool for shortlisting applicants for Interviews.

Full List of UK Entrance Exams

Here's more information about some of the tests:

AHCAAT

The Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test is used by Oxford for admissions to Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.

It assesses two crucial skills for students wanting to get admitted to this program:

1. The ability to engage with and criticise academic argument
2. The ability to describe and analyse material evidence from the ancient world.

BSMAT

BioMedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMAT) – The BMAT is required to be taken by any applicant to medical, dental, biomedical and veterinary degree programmes. The Biomedical Admissions Test lasts 2 hours and is sat under timed conditions. The BSMAT is divided into three sections.

CAT

The Classics Admissions Test is a test for applicants to Classics programs.

It consists of three separate computer-based tests:

• the Latin Translation Test
• the Greek Translation Test
• the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).

MAT

Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) – The MAT is a paper-based test that aims to grade the applicant’s skills in a particular mathematical subject. It is required for a variety of undergraduate or graduate courses in mathematics and computer science. The following universities require MAT:

• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University of Warwick

STEP

Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) – This admissions exam tests your ability to answer similar questions to those you should expect on a degree course. There are two Step examinations: Step 2 and Step 3, both 3 hours long. There used to be a Step 1 exam as well, but this was scrapped from 2021. The following universities require STEP:

• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University of Warwick

TMUA

Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) – This test aims to measure your mathematical reasoning abilities. It is designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have the essential mathematical thinking and reasoning skills needed for a demanding undergraduate Mathematics or Mathematics-related course, such as Computer Science or Economics. The following universities require STEP:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Bath
• Cardiff University
• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Nottingham School of Mathematical Sciences
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of Warwick

LNAT

National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) - This admissions test doesn’t test your knowledge of law or any other subject. Instead, it helps universities assess your aptitude for the skills required to study law. It is a two-part test: multiple choice questions based on passages of text, and an essay. The following universities require the LNAT:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of Bristol
• Durham University
• University of Glasgow
• King’s College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• University of Nottingham
• SOAS, University of London
• University College London

*Cambridge used to require its students to take the Cambridge Law Test, but from 2022 candidates started taking the LNAT instead.

UCAT

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) – The University Clinical Aptitude Test is a university admissions exam used by a number of university medical and dental schools to distinguish you from other applicants to these competitive courses. It tests verbal, quantitative and abstract reasoning, as well as decision analysis and situational judgment – all inherent skills which students should possess should they get on to those courses. Many top universities, including Kent and Medway Medical School, King's College London, University of Leicester, and University of Liverpool use the UCAT.

Why Start Preparing for Oxbridge Early?

Starting preparation in your penultimate year before application gives you the best chance at supporting a successful Oxford or Cambridge application - and here’s why:

1. Distribute the Final Year’s Workload

Beginning your entrance exam preparation early lets you ease some of the pressure of your final year, which tends to be academically intense as well as filled with other admissions activities. By front-loading exam study, you’ll free up time for other critical tasks during your final year.

2. Have Time to Decide on Your Major

Top universities have a huge range of entrance exams tailored to specific subjects. Preparing early allows you to explore your options, helping you determine the best major for you—and the right exam to focus on.

3. Find the Right Tutor

Preparing for your entrance exams alone is doable, but tough. Working with an expert tutor increases your chances of a high score exponentially.

But not all different tutors would benefit you the same way. Finding the right tutor is important, because you’ll need a tutor with a wealth of experience and knowledge on your particular subject and particular exam.

Final Thoughts

If you're preparing to take these exams, diligent research, effective study strategies, and careful planning are crucial.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the requirements and expectations of each exam, select appropriate subjects or subject combinations, and utilize quality study resources. Additionally, understanding the exam format, managing time effectively, and staying calm under pressure are essential test-taking skills that can contribute to success.

Preparing last-minute is not going to cut it when it comes to Oxbridge’s entrance exams. To maximise your chances of admission, you’ll need to start preparing early and work with expert tutors.

Some of the best tutors work with Crimson, and students working with our experts are 7 times more likely to gain admission to their dream university.

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Join our free webinars on college applications
• Free eBooks and guides to help with the college application process
• How to Choose your 5 UCAS Universities
• Supercurriculars: Boosting Your Application for Top UK Universities
• How to apply to UK Universities
• Oxford vs Cambridge: Which university should you apply to?