Oxford Admissions Tests: Everything You Need to Know

Gaining admission to Oxford is extremely competitive. To ensure that they continue to admit the crème de la crème, Oxford uses specialised admissions tests to better assess its applicants. These tests not only play a pivotal role in Oxford’s selection process but also serve as a benchmark for candidates to differentiate themselves based on aptitude beyond grades and personal statements.

In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of these tests, provide an overview of the different assessments administered at Oxford along with preparation tips, and explain how these test scores factor into the overall admissions process.

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How Tests Are Used

Oxford admissions tests allow admissions officers to identify the most promising candidates, regardless of background or educational circumstances. They furnish an avenue for candidates to demonstrate their academic potential and competencies beyond conventional qualifications. High scores are seen as a reliable indicator of a candidate’s readiness to thrive in Oxford’s rigorous academic environment.

Check out our blog post for a more comprehensive guide on how to get into Oxford.

What's New In 2024/25

The landscape of Oxford admissions tests has seen significant changes in 2024. Several longstanding tests have been discontinued, and new ones have been introduced to better assess the aptitude and skills of prospective students.

Discontinued Tests

• Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT): The BMAT has been replaced by the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), which evaluates essential cognitive abilities and attitudes needed for success in healthcare professions.
• English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT): This test has been discontinued without a direct replacement.

New Tests

• Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT): A new exam specifically for students applying to Biomedical Sciences, providing a tailored assessment for this field.
• Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT): Introduced for candidates applying to Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, offering a specialized evaluation for these areas of study.

Overview of Oxford Admissions Tests

Oxford employs a variety of admissions tests, each tailored to a specific subject area or course. Below is an overview of the tests relevant to Oxford:

1. Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
2. Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)
3. University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
4. Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
5. History Aptitude Test (HAT)
6. Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
7. Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)
8. Classics Admissions Test (CAT)
9. Philosophy Test
10. Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)
11. Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT)

Check out our blog post here to learn more about UK admissions tests used in other top universities as well.

1. Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)

Candidates applying for courses such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, or Mathematics and Statistics must sit for the MAT.

This hybrid, subject-specific test lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and combines computer-based questions with a paper answer booklet. It assesses the depth of a candidate’s mathematical understanding at a level corresponding to AS-level Maths—with some additional topics from A-level Maths. Applicants are encouraged to review the full MAT syllabus.

2. Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)

All candidates intending to study Physics, Engineering, or Physics and Philosophy at Oxford must take the PAT.

This two-hour test evaluates a candidate’s ability in both physics and mathematics. Note that from October 2023 onwards, a digital calculator is provided as part of the online interface, although formula sheets, tables, and data booklets are not allowed.

3. University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

Replacing the BMAT for medicine, the UCAT is required for all candidates intending to study medicine.

It evaluates essential cognitive abilities and attitudes needed for success in healthcare. The test comprises the following sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses your ability to critically evaluate written information.
• Decision Making: Tests your capacity to make sound judgments using complex data.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates numerical skills, including data interpretation and manipulation.
• Situational Judgment: Presents scenarios relevant to healthcare, assessing your ethical and professional decision-making.

4. Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)

Applicants for Law or Law with Law Studies in Europe must sit for the LNAT, typically before 15 October. This 2-hour 15-minute test consists of:

• Section A: 42 multiple-choice questions based on 12 passages (95 minutes).
• Section B: An essay written in 40 minutes from a choice of three prompts.

The LNAT does not test knowledge of law but rather evaluates a candidate’s aptitude, argumentative skills, and critical thinking.

5. History Aptitude Test (HAT)

Students applying for History, History (Ancient and Modern), History and Economics, History and English, History and Modern Languages, or History and Politics must take the HAT.

This computer-based test requires candidates to provide insightful interpretations of historical sources—testing analytical thinking, critical analysis, and precise writing, rather than prior historical knowledge.

6. Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)

The TSA is a confirmed requirement for several courses. Applicants for courses such as Experimental Psychology, Human Sciences, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics must complete both sections of the TSA:

• Section One: A 90-minute multiple-choice test (50 questions) that assesses problem-solving skills, numerical reasoning, and critical thinking.
• Section Two: A 30-minute writing task evaluating the candidate’s ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas.

For applicants to Economics and Management or History and Economics, only the first section is required.

7. Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT)

Candidates applying for courses involving Modern Languages (including European and Middle Eastern Languages, Classics and Modern Languages, English and Modern Languages, History and Modern Languages, Modern Languages and Linguistics, or Philosophy and Modern Languages) must sit for the MLAT.

This computer-based test comprises 10 sections. The structure varies depending on the course and language; some candidates also take a Language Aptitude Test or a Philosophy section (if applicable), which lasts 60 minutes while other sections run for 30 minutes each.

8. Classics Admissions Test (CAT)

Candidates applying for Classics, Classics and English, Classics and Modern Languages, or Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies must take the CAT. It consists of three computer-based tests:

• Latin Translation Test
• Greek Translation Test
• Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT)
  Each paper lasts approximately one hour, with the exact tests taken dependent on the applicant’s A-level study (Latin or Greek).

9. Philosophy Admissions Test (PhilAT)

Candidates applying to Philosophy and Theology must sit the Philosophy Test. (Note: Applicants for PPE or PPL take the TSA instead, while those applying for any Philosophy and Modern Languages course register for the MLAT.)

This one-hour computer-based test is designed to evaluate philosophical reasoning skills rather than testing prior knowledge. Candidates typically complete a comprehension exercise, write a short essay, or answer structured questions with an emphasis on precise, careful reasoning.

10. Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT)

The BMSAT is an admissions test required for all biomedical sciences applicants at Oxford. Applicants must complete 90 questions in one hour and 20 minutes, covering Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

11. Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT)

The AHCAAT is an admissions test required for all Classical Archaeology and Ancient History applicants. The test is taken over the course of 90 minutes and involves two essays—one responding to a passage and one responding to an image. This exam assesses the ability to engage with and criticise academic argument and the ability to describe and analyse material evidence from the ancient world.

How Test Scores are used in Admissions

At Oxford University, test scores hold significant weight in the admissions process, often serving as a critical benchmark for evaluating candidates.

Getting high scores not only demonstrates academic proficiency, but also showcases a candidate's ability to excel in the rigorous academic environment characteristic of Oxford.

Admissions officers analyse test results carefully, considering them as a reliable measure of an applicant's intellectual capabilities and potential for academic success. Ultimately, achieving high test scores not only strengthens your candidacy but also reflects your commitment to academic excellence and readiness to thrive in the academic community at Oxford.

Final Thoughts

Crimson Education offers comprehensive support for all UK admissions tests, providing a robust 10-hour curriculum complemented by several exclusive mock tests for each major admissions test, including the LNAT, MAT, TSA, TMUA, and UCAT. From June 2024, this support will extend to the new ESAT as well. Our tailored programs are designed to build foundational skills and enhance test performance, ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in these crucial assessments.

In addition, we are introducing a new NAY Admissions Test Tutoring Service, available from June 2024 for students in their penultimate year of school. This service includes 10 hours of tutoring with lesson plans specifically designed for each respective test, focusing on building essential skills such as critical thinking, reading comprehension, and time management. Even if students decide to switch subjects or opt not to apply to Oxbridge, the NAY curriculum will equip them with valuable academic competencies that will benefit them in any subject or university they pursue.

To learn more about how Crimson Education can help you succeed in your admissions tests and to book a consultation, please visit our website. Our expert team is ready to guide you through every step of the preparation process, ensuring you have the best chance of achieving your academic goals.