PAT Preparation PDF
If you’re planning to study Physics or Engineering Science at Oxford, a strong understanding of the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is essential. The exam covers both Maths and Physics - subjects that will be critical throughout your time at university - so Oxford uses the PAT to assess your ability to handle the academic demands of the course.
Preparing for the PAT can be challenging, but support is available if you're feeling uncertain. We've created a 15-page handbook that explains everything you need to know about the PAT. As well as essential information, the document also includes a selection of practice questions to get your preparation started. You can download this PDF handbook today for free!
What is the PAT?
The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a specialised admissions test used exclusively by Oxford University for its two physics courses. This test assesses an applicant’s advanced knowledge of both pure mathematics and physics.
In the PAT, applicants are given 2 hours to tackle 40 multiple-choice questions covering a range of topics across both subjects, so thorough, detailed revision of your knowledge is essential for full preparation. Beyond foundational knowledge, the PAT requires you to demonstrate skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and reasoning across various contexts.
How To Prepare for the PAT
Your PAT preparation will involve two main areas: reviewing core knowledge and practising how to apply it in test questions. The PAT requires strong skills in both physics and mathematics, so it’s important to allocate equal study time to each subject.
Other than our free PAT handbook, you have several options for preparing, from working through past PAT papers to attending a dedicated PAT course. UniAdmissions provides all these resources and more, including expert tuition and specialised PAT courses, to help you achieve a high score.
What PAT Preparation Programmes Does UniAdmissions Offer?
Our Complete Oxford Physics Premium Programme
Oxford’s Physics courses are highly competitive, so why not get a head-start on your preparation with UniAdmissions. With our Oxford Physics Premium Programme, you will get the chance to improve every aspect of your application.
With the help of our expert resources and one of our Oxbridge tutors, you’ll have access to over 150 hours of study using our comprehensive syllabus, as well as one-to-one tuition sessions tailored to your needs. We’ll help your write the perfect personal statement, get you fully prepared for the PAT and teach you the best interview techniques to impress the team at Oxford.
- Personal Statement Support
- PAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Our PAT Specific Preparation Programme
If you’re looking to boost your maths and physics skills in time for the PAT, then the PAT Preparation Programme is perfect for you. When you sign up, you’ll be gaining access to a large selection of preparation resources that will guide you through everything you need to know about the test.
Our fully comprehensive syllabus provides over 95 hours of study, while one of our expert Oxbridge tutors will take you through any areas you feel need improvement. To round it out, you’ll be able to attend an intensive PAT course and weekly enrichment sessions with other students, designed to broaden your understanding of physics.
- Personal Statement Support
- PAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Claim Your FREE Essential PAT Handbook
If you’re applying for Physics or Engineering at Oxford, then you’ll need to be prepared for the PAT. With our Essential PAT Guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the exam structure and syllabus, preparation tips, practice questions and more. Fill out the form below to gain free access right away!
PAT Posts From Our Blog
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Frequently Asked Questions
All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background that have taken the PAT and scored in the top 10% in their admissions cycle. Our selection process ensures only the best tutors work for us, in roles most suited to their skill-sets. You can read more about our tutors here.
We work with a limited number of students each year to ensure we can provide the best support suited for their particular needs.
Our Programmes have a structured syllabus, however, we tweak elements of the syllabus so the student is able to gain the most out of our support.
First and foremost, we assess whether the potential student has the right academic capabilities and profile to be realistically accepted to study at Oxford.
Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for Oxford.
Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying for Physics at Oxford. This is one of our most important considerations.
If a student has below-average (but still realistic) grades, but the correct attitude, we would consider accepting them onto our Programme. Unfortunately, if the converse is the case, it’s unlikely the student would be accepted onto the Programme. Admissions Tutors look for passion, not just academic potential.
We do have ideal start times at points throughout the year, however, the syllabus can be adapted to suit your particular start time if you are accepted onto the Programme. Our Admissions Consultants can help you understand the Programme timeline in your specific case – all you need to do is ask.
Our success rate for Oxford Physics over the past 5 years is 55%, meaning 55% of students we have worked with on this course successfully received an offer on the Oxford Physics course. This is over 3 times higher than the national success rate of 13%.
You’ll get access to all of our online PAT resources, such as online lectures, and paperback books packed with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score. You will also receive PAT mock papers to put your learning to the test.
The PAT is an entrance exam exclusive to Oxford’s Physics courses. Therefore, tuition for this specific exam is exclusive to the PAT Programme and Oxford Physics Programme.
Yes, we have a lot of valuable information about how to prepare and score highly on the PAT on our website. You can take a look at the articles on this page by clicking here.
The Programme Portal is where you will find all of the support and resources for your Programme.
You can think of the Portal as the hub of all the materials included within your Programme. If you are ever looking for a relevant book, an online course, course dates or anything along those lines, the Portal is very likely to be your answer.
You can also use the Portal to get in touch with our team at any point.
Your tuition will be held virtually via video calls. You will be able to specify any requirements when you apply for your programme, such as differences in time zones and times you won’t be available. We will work to find you a tutor who can work within any restrictions you may have.
Actual session times will then be organised between yourself and the tutor to best meet your needs.
