This guide is for anyone applying to sit Physics (or a number of other 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 it. There is also 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
As of 2024 the PAT will delivered online and you will sit it at a Pearson VUE test centre local to you: these centres are distributed throughout the UK. There is no charge to register for and sit any of Oxford's own admissions tests.
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 does the PAT test?
Questions in the Oxford PAT are set up to gauge your problem-solving skills. They will test critical thinking skills, as well your ability to apply subject knowledge in creative ways.
The PAT consists of a series of Maths and Physics questions. Helpfully Oxford share a . This syllabus is based mainly on GCSE, as well as AS Level Physics and Maths elements. However, there are certain topics you may not covered as yet, so be sure to review the syllabus - and be prepared to jump ahead and learn some new material.
What is in the PAT exam?
The PAT is a two hour long subject-specific, computer-based aptitude test consisting of entirely multiple choice questions, scored out of 100. As this is a new format test, the precise number of questions and distribution of marks may be subject to change. But the 2024 test featured 40 mixed Maths and Physics questions, with individual questions worth 2 to 4 marks. This is a challenging number to complete in the given time: as such, time management constitutes one of the main tests in this exam.
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, testing some of the fundamental aspects of the physics and maths curriculums and 16+ level, requiring you to use these concepts in very unfamiliar contexts.
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.
Looking at past results, it is possible to get some sense of the parameters here.
In 2020, for example, the average score on the PAT was 49, with the highest being 97 and the lowest 8.
Candidates aiming for an interview should therefore target a score of 60 or higher, with higher scores obviously 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 University provide so you can revise 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 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 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 is 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.
The absolute key to doing well in the new format exam is to rehearse multiple-choice questions endlessly, developing a personal strategy that works for you.
Experts suggest that it is most effective to solve problems before looking at the multiple choice option. This is particularly true for questions where calculation is required.
The PAT exam is positively marked - there is no penalty for an incorrect answer – with only final answers being graded. Therefore it is important to put something down for each question, even if this means taking an educated guess.
For physics questions, it is wise not to use a calculator for any working steps: students should aim to simplify algebraic expressions in advance of substituting in any numerical values. Maintaining an expression in terms of algebra means you bring down the chance of making errors in calculation.
When do I sit the PAT?
Dates change each year but be prepared to sit tests as early as October in the year before going up to university, with registration taking place in the two months before. Up to date details can be found on the
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
Tutors for the PAT
°®ÒºÊÓƵ 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.