Preparation Library
Admissions Tests
Choose a test to view complete preparation guides, question strategy, and timelines.
Test Guide
CAT
Classics Admissions Test. Latin and/or Greek translation and comprehension paper.
Used by: Oxford Classics.
Open guide →
Test Guide
ELAT
English Literature Admissions Test. 90-minute close-reading and comparative essay.
Used by: Oxford English Language and Literature.
Open guide →
Test Guide
ESAT
Engineering and Science Admissions Test. Two 40-minute papers testing maths, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Used by: Cambridge Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering. Imperial Engineering, Physics.
Open guide →
Test Guide
HAT
History Aptitude Test. 1-hour source-based historical analysis under timed conditions.
Used by: Oxford History (and joint History courses).
Open guide →
Test Guide
LNAT
Law National Aptitude Test. Reading comprehension and argumentative essay under timed conditions.
Used by: Oxford, UCL, Bristol, Durham, Nottingham, and others.
Open guide →
Test Guide
MAT
Mathematics Admissions Test. 2-hour test of pure-maths problem-solving and proof writing.
Used by: Oxford Maths and joint courses. Imperial and Warwick (some courses).
Open guide →
Test Guide
MMLAA
Format, key dates, scoring, and step-by-step prep strategy.
Open guide →
Test Guide
STEP
Sixth Term Examination Paper. Advanced 3-hour maths papers requiring proof-style solutions.
Used by: Cambridge Mathematics. Warwick, Imperial (some courses).
Open guide →
Test Guide
STEP
Format, key dates, scoring, and step-by-step prep strategy.
Open guide →
Test Guide
TARA
Format, key dates, scoring, and step-by-step prep strategy.
Open guide →
Test Guide
TMUA
Test of Mathematics for University Admission. Two 75-minute papers testing mathematical thinking and reasoning.
Used by: Cambridge Maths, Computer Science. Durham, Warwick, Bath, and others.
Open guide →
Test Guide
UCAT
University Clinical Aptitude Test. 2-hour computer-based test of cognitive and situational abilities.
Used by: Most UK medical and dental schools. 30+ universities.
Open guide →
Test Guide
UCAT
Format, key dates, scoring, and step-by-step prep strategy.
Open guide →
Retired Test
BMAT
BioMedical Admissions Test — discontinued after October 2023. Most medical schools now use UCAT.
Previously used by: Was used by Cambridge Medicine, Oxford Medicine, Imperial, UCL, and others.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED
Retired Test
ENGAA
Engineering Admissions Assessment — discontinued in 2023, merged into the ESAT.
Previously used by: Was used by Cambridge Engineering.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED
Retired Test
MLAT
This test has been discontinued. Check official sources for the current requirement.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED
Retired Test
NSAA
Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment — discontinued in 2023, merged into the ESAT.
Previously used by: Was used by Cambridge Natural Sciences.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED
Retired Test
PAT
Physics Aptitude Test — discontinued in 2023. Verify the current Oxford Physics test requirement.
Previously used by: Was used by Oxford Physics, Engineering, and Materials Science.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED
Retired Test
TSA
Thinking Skills Assessment — discontinued in 2024 for Oxford. Verify per-course replacement.
Previously used by: Was used by Oxford PPE, E&M, Land Economy, HSPS, and others.
See discontinuation details →
DISCONTINUED