Top UK University and Oxbridge Admissions Tests

The Classics Admissions Test (CAT) employed by the University of Oxford comprises three distinct papers: the Latin Translation Test, the Greek Translation Test, and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT). Your paper selection hinges on your chosen course and your level of Latin/ Greek.

Each paper, lasting 1 hour, is taken under timed exam conditions. The Latin and Greek Translation Tests assess your translation proficiency in their respective texts, while the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT) evaluates your language skills, encompassing grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Registration for the CAT typically concludes around 29 September, followed by the test on 19 October.

U2 Tuition specialises in CAT preparation, connecting you with an Oxford Classicist who provides personalised guidance for each test component. Our approach encompasses comprehensive training for the test's demands, ensuring you're not only well-prepared for success but also nurturing qualities necessary for competitive Classics programmes at Oxford and beyond.

Read our blog on how to prepare for the CAT test here.

The English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) constitutes a crucial component of the University of Oxford and Cambridge's undergraduate admissions procedure for English Language and Literature courses. It evaluates candidates' analytical and critical thinking abilities, alongside their aptitude for analysing and interpreting literary texts.

Candidates choose from a selection of essay questions, necessitating analysis and response to a literary passage or poem. Through well-structured essays, underpinned by textual evidence and examples, candidates showcase their prowess in engaging with intricate literary concepts, dissecting textual nuances, and crafting persuasive arguments. The ELAT takes place in early November each year.

U2 Tuition excels in ELAT preparation, pairing you with an accomplished Oxford or Cambridge English tutor to deliver tailored guidance that enhances your analytical depth and effective writing skills, ensuring preparedness for success in this assessment and beyond.

Read our blog on how to prepare for the ELAT test here.

Exclusive to the University of Cambridge's Engineering admissions, the ENGAA is typically conducted in early November annually. Comprising two key sections, the ENGAA's first component involves Multiple-Choice Questions that gauge a candidate's mathematical and scientific acumen. The second section involves Problem-Solving Questions, where candidates encounter a series of engineering-related challenges demanding analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and adept problem-solving skills.

U2 Tuition specialises in ENGAA preparation, connecting you with proficient Cambridge Engineering tutors (from the specific course), who provide targeted guidance, equipping you with the skills and confidence to excel in the critical assessment and beyond.

If you're applying for Oxford Geography, you'll take the Geography Admissions Test (GAT). The GAT is designed to be equally challenging for everyone. Before the test, you can practice with two sample papers provided online.

The GAT is a computer-based test lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, divided into three parts: A, B, and C. Part A focuses on critical thinking and takes 30 minutes. It includes two sub-sections with multiple-choice questions based on passages you read. Part B, testing problem-solving, also takes 30 minutes and has two sub-sections with information-based multiple-choice questions. Finally, Part C involves reading a passage and answering an essay question, taking 45 minutes.

The GAT is a new test, but we have a fantastic team of Oxford Geography tutors, who are well-placed to support students preparing for the test. Aside from the sample papers, our GAT tutors have a wealth of materials from their own undergraduate course and parts of other similar admissions tests. Our tutors will help you develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and essay-writing skills necessary for each section of the GAT. With our expert guidance and tailored strategies, you can confidently approach the test, knowing you're well-prepared to excel in this important step toward your Geography studies at Oxford.

Read our blog on how to prepare for the GAT test here.

The Cambridge History Admissions Assessment (HAA) is a test for those aspiring to study History at the University of Cambridge. It's a two-hour test comprising:

Section 1: A multiple-choice assessment of reading skills, including critical analysis and testing understanding of texts (1 hour).

Section 2: A written response comparing historical text passages to gauge close reading and argumentative skills (1 hour).

Our seasoned tutors, all of whom are Cambridge History alumni themselves, possess a deep understanding of the HAA's nuances. With personalised guidance, tailored strategies, and a wealth of resources at your disposal, we're here to ensure you're well-prepared to shine in the HAA.

Our tutors enjoy helping students demonstrate their full potential to examiners in the HAA test. This includes: helping to improve their writing skills under time pressure; practising close and nuanced analysis of tricky sources; writing plans and full commentaries in response to example HAA sources. Our tutors typically have a bank of sources taken from their own undergraduate course, as well as past exam papers, that prepare students to think creatively and confidently encounter entirely new time periods. Our HAA tutors understand what makes a high-level HAA answer and help show students how to get there through detailed feedback and consistent practice.

The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is an assessment employed by the University of Oxford to evaluate applicants for its undergraduate history programmes. The test encompasses two main sections: Source Analysis, in which candidates dissect historical sources, considering context and reliability; and Essay Writing, which assesses the construction of well-structured historical arguments supported by evidence.

U2 Tuition excels in HAT preparation, pairing students with accomplished Oxford History scholars who deliver personalised guidance, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of source analysis and honing essay-writing skills crucial for success in the HAT and beyond.

Read our blog on how to prepare for the HAT test here.

The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) is a critical assessment used by several prominent UK universities for their undergraduate law programme admissions. Designed to evaluate essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and written communication, the LNAT comprises two main sections: Multiple-Choice Questions, where candidates assess complex information by answering questions grounded in law, politics, philosophy, and other disciplines; and Essay Writing, where candidates construct well-structured arguments within a time limit.

U2 Tuition specialises in LNAT preparation, connecting students with skilled Oxbridge-educated Law mentors (with a track record supporting students to both Oxbridge and Top Russell Group Universities), who offer personalised guidance. This ensures thorough comprehension of LNAT requirements, enhancing critical thinking, analytical skills, and essay-writing abilities, key assets for excelling in the test and embarking on a successful journey in legal studies.

The MAT is a test you'll take if applying for specific courses including: Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy, and Mathematics and Statistics.

It lasts 2.5 hours and has both computer-based and paper questions. It's designed to assess your deep understanding of maths rather than a broad range of topics. The questions are based on a syllabus similar to AS-level Maths, with a few additional topics. Don't worry if you don't have Further Mathematics A-level; the MAT is meant to be accessible to all applicants.

Oxford's MAT test is central to the process - the material is quite unlike anything you face at school and there's no textbook that tells you how to answer the questions, however, there are patterns to be discovered in the questions the examiners set. Our MAT tutors have developed the ability to identify where exactly it is that any given student can make significant "gains" in terms of points achieved, be it a specific type of question, a particular bit of the syllabus, or the student's ability to divide their time in a disciplined fashion.

The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) plays a pivotal role in the University of Oxford's evaluation of candidates for its undergraduate Modern Languages programs. Tailored to assess language proficiency, literary analysis skills, and cultural awareness within the chosen language(s) of study, the MLAT comprises two key sections: a Written Component, which evaluates linguistic and literary abilities through tasks such as translation, textual analysis, and essay writing; and an Oral Component, which may entail spoken language assessment.

U2 Tuition has a fantastic team of MLAT preparation tutors, linking students with experienced mentors from Oxford and Cambridge who provide bespoke guidance. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the MLAT's nuances, while fostering linguistic competence, literary interpretation, and cultural appreciation—essential attributes for excelling in the test and thriving in the realm of Modern Languages.

The Cambridge Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) test is a crucial step for students aspiring to study Languages at the University of Cambridge.

The test lasts an hour and has two parts:

Section A (40 mins): You read a text in the language you're studying and answer questions about the author's argument in that language.

Section B (20 mins): You write in English, explaining how the author persuades the reader in the text.

If you're applying for MML, you would use the language you're studying for Section A. If you're studying two languages, you choose one. Don't use a beginner's language for Section A.

Our experienced tutors, all of whom are Cambridge alumni (we pair you with specific Cambridge tutors from your target language, possess a strong understanding of the MML test's intricacies. With personalised guidance, specialised strategies, and a wealth of resources at your disposal, we are here to ensure you're well-equipped to excel in the MML test and secure your place at one of the world's leading language courses.

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is an examination administered by the University of Oxford to assess applicants for its undergraduate Physics, Engineering and Material Science programmes. Tailored to evaluate knowledge, problem-solving prowess, and the application of physics principles across diverse contexts, the PAT comprises a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

Encompassing a wide array of physics topics, the PAT aims to scrutinise a candidate's understanding of fundamental physics concepts and their adeptness in critical thinking and problem-solving. Covering areas such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and experimental techniques, the test often challenges candidates to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios or analyse experimental data.

U2 Tuition is experienced in PAT preparation, connecting students with proficient Oxbridge mentors who offer customised guidance. All tutors will typically be from the specific Oxford Engineering, Materials Science or Physics course. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of PAT content and fosters adept problem-solving skills, empowering candidates to confidently navigate the assessment. Notably, the PAT's significance extends beyond test success, equipping students with skills essential for excelling in the University of Oxford's Physics, Materials Science and Engineering courses and helping prepare students for problem solving questions at interview.

The Cambridge Philosophy Test is a crucial component of the admissions process for Philosophy courses at the University of Cambridge.

The Philosophy Admissions assessment takes 1 hour and consists of two parts. Part I lasts 20 minutes and contains 18 multiple-choice questions. Then comes Part II, lasting 40 minutes, with two essay questions; you choose one.

At U2 Tuition, our experienced tutors are well-versed in the demands of this test. Our Philosophy tutors specialise in guiding students through the intricacies of the test, ensuring they understand its format and requirements. We provide comprehensive support, from honing your philosophical reasoning skills to crafting thoughtful responses to the test's questions. Our goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the Philosophy Test and gain admission to your desired course at Cambridge.

If you're applying for Philosophy and Theology at Oxford, you'll need to take the Philosophy Test. It's a 60-minute computer-based test, and you don't need to be a philosophy expert. The test checks your ability to reason well and answer questions thoughtfully. You might need to read something and write a short essay or respond to a structured question. Tutors look for clear and careful thinking in your answers.

Our experienced Philosophy tutors focus on honing your philosophical reasoning skills, ensuring you can navigate the test's challenges effectively. We provide comprehensive resources, practice materials, and personalised tutoring sessions to help you excel in this exam. Whether you're new to philosophy or well-versed in the subject, our tutors will empower you with the critical thinking and reasoning abilities essential for success in the Philosophy Test.

The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) holds a pivotal role within the admissions process for Mathematics and some Economics-related courses at esteemed UK universities, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick. Comprising a blend of multiple-choice and free-response questions, the TMUA encompasses an array of mathematical disciplines such as algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics, and mathematical reasoning. The questions are designed to evaluate candidates' mathematical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in navigating intricate mathematical concepts, often necessitating logical reasoning, mathematical modelling, and the effective articulation of solutions.

U2 Tuition specialises in TMUA preparation, linking students with accomplished Oxbridge mentors who offer bespoke guidance. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of TMUA content, refining problem-solving skills and instilling the attributes requisite for success not only in the test itself, but also in mathematics-related courses and advanced mathematical study.

The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) assumes a pivotal role within the admissions procedure for several esteemed UK universities (in particular, Oxford), gauging candidates' cognitive aptitude and proficiency in critical thinking. Tailored to evaluate problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and adeptness in written communication, the TSA encompasses both multiple-choice and essay-based sections. These segments delve into a range of topics spanning mathematical and analytical reasoning, ethical and philosophical quandaries, as well as broader socio-political themes.

U2 Tuition excels in TSA preparation, connecting students with adept mentors from the Oxford Experimental Psychology, E&M and PPE course, who offer bespoke guidance, honing skills imperative for excelling in the test. Through personalised mentoring, students gain comprehensive coverage of TSA content, fine-tuning problem-solving skills, deepening critical thinking prowess, and enhancing essay writing skills on a range of topics.

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a new examination utilised by the University of Cambridge to evaluate candidates for its undergraduate Natural Sciences, Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and Veterinary courses. Like the old NSAA test, it is likely to test scientific acumen, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

U2 Tuition is highly experienced in admissions test preparation for STEM subjects, connecting students with tutors from their target Cambridge course, who offer personalised guidance, ensuring thorough coverage of test content and honing problem-solving skills. As the test is a new format, tutors will utilise past NSAA resources, as well as their own materials until Cambridge release official resources.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) serves as a pivotal assessment for aspiring medical students seeking admission to top-tier medical schools. Designed to evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities and aptitude for a career in medicine, the UCAT assesses key skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Success in the UCAT requires thorough preparation and strategic approach. Our 1-1 UCAT tutoring and booster UCAT preparation course provide comprehensive support tailored to the specific needs of each student. With expert guidance from Oxbridge-educated Medicine tutors, extensive practice materials, and personalised instruction, we enable students to excel in the UCAT and secure admission to their desired medical schools.

Enrol in our UCAT preparation course or enquire about 1-1 UCAT tutoring to embark on your journey to medical school success.