Now the UCAS deadline for Oxbridge candidates has passed, attention turns to the upcoming admissions tests. Unlike other Universities, the admissions test is an additional element of your application which demonstrates your ability to perform under exam conditions. Adequate preparation for these tests is essential to approach the exam with confidence.

Know the papers

For your admissions test, you will need to work out what is being asked and work out the question style, format and direction. In previous exams, your approach will have been guided by your teacher; for your admissions test, you must work through this for yourself by reading information about the tests, looking at past papers and familiarising yourself with the style of question. Having a strong understanding of what your paper is asking you to do will help you face any topic in the exam.

Read the marking criteria

Oxford and Cambridge Admissions Testing have released marking criteria for each of the admissions tests. Familiarise yourself with these so you know what your answer will be marked against and the type of response they are considering to be top-band. Keep this in mind when practising.

Practice and get your teacher to mark it

Ask your teacher in the closest related subject to your course to look at a past paper you have completed. Your teacher will be able to assess at the level of your response and whether you are engaging critically with the material and content of the exam.

Strategy is key

Go into the exam with a clear plan. From completing practice papers, you should work out how you are going to organise your time in the exam. If you are given extracts to read within the exam, what will you look out for? If you are giving a written response, how will you plan your answers? Taking the steps to work through this and plan a strategy will give you confidence and direction in the exam, decreasing the likelihood of timewasting.

Enjoy the experience

Finally, enjoy the opportunity to sit a unique style of test. This test is written for Oxbridge students – if you enjoy it you will likely enjoy the academic experience of Oxbridge. The tests require you to use the skills you have built over across your academic experience in an innovative way so enjoy the experience of responding to new material and showcasing your ability! Remember, too, that the test forms only part of your application, not the whole application.

Best of luck!