ESAT Preparation PDF
If you’re planning to study Natural Sciences or Engineering at Cambridge, you'll need to get to grips with the new Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is essential. The exam covers five key topics within maths and science, all of which will be critical throughout your time at university. Therefore, both Cambridge and Imperial College London use the ESAT to assess your ability to handle the academic demands of the course.
Preparing for the ESAT can feel daunting, but help is at hand if you're feeling unsure. We’ve created a comprehensive 18-page handbook that covers everything you need to know about the ESAT. Alongside key information, the guide includes a selection of practice questions to kick-start your preparation. Best of all, you can download this PDF handbook today for free!
What is the ESAT?
The ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is a 2-hour exam released in 2024. stands as the gateway to securing a position at the University of Cambridge for the following courses:
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
The test is also required for various Engineering and Physics courses at Imperial College London.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) evaluates prospective Cambridge students’ aptitude in science and engineering disciplines. It replaces the NSAA and ENGAA while maintaining the core format of the NSAA, including a mandatory Mathematics section. Additionally, candidates choose two sections from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Advanced Mathematics, depending on their course, with each section allocated 40 minutes.
The ESAT is administered worldwide at Pearson VUE centres in October and January of each year, offering applicants a chance to demonstrate their academic strengths and suitability for Cambridge’s rigorous programs.
How To Prepare for the ESAT
Though the ESAT is a new exam, students can still prepare effectively using the information provided by the University of Cambridge.
In addition to utilising specific ESAT preparation materials, candidates are encouraged to practice with past papers from the NSAA and ENGAA exams, which the ESAT replaces. Your course choice will determine which sections you should focus on: for NSAA-based preparation, this will likely involve the sciences, while Engineering applicants will need to prioritise advanced Mathematics and Physics.
What ESAT Preparation Programmes Does UniAdmissions Offer?
Oxbridge Programmes Including ESAT Preparation
Preparing your Cambridge university application is not a simple process. The success rates are very competitive and there are many hurdles to clear to reach your offer.
We have developed Programmes of support to boost your chance of success for admission on your chosen course at Cambridge. These are the:
- Oxbridge Engineering Programme
- Cambridge Natural Sciences Programme
- Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Programme
- Cambridge Chemical Engineering Programme
Alongside ESAT preparation, we can teach you how to write a perfect Personal Statement to boost your impression on the university and offer guidance on acing your Interviews. You will have over 170 hours of study time made up of many avenues of learning including expert-led 1-1 Tuition, Intensive Group Teaching and an Online Course.
- Personal Statement Support
- ESAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Our ESAT Specific Preparation Programme
We have supported hundreds of students with their Cambridge admissions tests over the years and have gained a critical understanding of what Cambridge Admissions Tutors are looking for.
The ESAT Preparation Programme is the most comprehensive ESAT support you will find. Our expert Tutors will help you to identify and improve the areas you find most difficult to ensure you score highly. The Programme also offers a reserved space on our Intensive Course and access to online revision support. If you are only looking for support with the ESAT exam, then this is the perfect Programme to help boost your score rapidly.
- Personal Statement Support
- ESAT Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Claim Your FREE Essential ESAT Handbook
If you’re applying for Natural Science or Engineering at Cambridge, then you’ll need to be prepared for the ESAT. With our Essential ESAT Guide, you will find a detailed breakdown of the exam structure and specification, preparation tips, practice questions and more. Fill out the form below to gain free access right away!
ESAT Posts From Our Blog
Get In Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll get access to all of our online ESAT resources, such as online lectures and full books packed with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score. You will also receive ESAT mock papers to put your learning to the test.
The ESAT is used for a variety of Cambridge courses, so there a multiple programmes that include ESAT support. These include:
- Oxbridge Engineering Programme
- Cambridge Natural Sciences Programme
- Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Programme
- Cambridge Chemical Engineering Programme
You’ll also get ESAT support within relevant Imperial Programmes.
Yes, we have a lot of valuable information about how to prepare and score highly on the ESAT 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 Pencil Spaces. 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.
All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background that have taken the NSAA or ENGAA (former Cambridge admissions tests) 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 Cambridge or Imperial.
Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for Cambridge or Imperial.
Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying for their chosen course. 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.
