University Applications Guide: Admissions Tests
Well-known for the quality of education and breadth of opportunity they provide to graduates, UK universities constitute just under 25% of the top 100 QS world-ranked universities. As a result, applications to study at many UK universities are competitive due to the wide variety of excellent candidates who apply from the world over.
To support students applying to UK universities, we are publishing a series of articles on the preparation and work required during the application and admissions process in order to secure a university place. In this article, we discuss the different types of admissions tests and how students can best prepare for them.
There are a variety of different admissions tests (also known as entry tests) that students may need to take when applying for their undergraduate degree; the university and course being applied to dictates which is needed. The data from these test(s) is considered alongside other elements of your application and supports prestigious institutions to make decisions in selecting the strongest candidates for study.
Please note that some universities require you to sit an admissions test and share the results prior to making your application. Others will invite you to sit an admissions test after making your application, whether before an interview, or at the interview stage. It is important to check these details on the web page of your desired course carefully.
Common University Admissions Tests
BMAT – 2 hours
Biomedical Admissions Test – this is for students applying to study a degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, biomedical science or a dentistry course. There are two times a year you can take the BMAT: September and November. The BMAT tests your ability for problem-solving and use of scientific knowledge.
GAMSAT - 5.5 hours
Graduate Medical School Admissions test – this is required for some students applying to study a degree in medicine. There are two times a year you can take the GAMSAT: March and September. The GAMSAT tests your reasoning skills, your written communication and scientific reasoning.
UCAT – 2 hours
University Clinical Aptitude Test – this is for students applying to study a medicine or dentistry degree. You can take the UCAT between July and September. The UCAT tests your verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, analysis skills and situational judgement
LNAT – 2.25 hours
Law National Aptitude test – this is for students applying to study a law degree,. You can take the UCAT between September and January. The LNAT tests your comprehension and writing skills.
Cambridge Law Test – 1 hour
Cambridge Law Test – this for students applying to study a law degree at Cambridge, you will usually take this test at your interview. This tests your extended writing skills and comprehension of legal and ethical considerations.
STEP – 3 hours
Sixth Term Examination Paper – this is for students applying to study a mathematics degree. You can take the STEP in June. There are 3 separate versions, the university course dictates which is required. The STEP tests your mathematical understanding at an advanced level.
MAT – 2.5 hours
Mathematics Admissions Test – this is for students applying to study either a computer science or mathematics degree at Oxford University. The MAT takes place in October. The MAT tests your mathematical and numerical understanding at a more advanced level.
CAT – 1 hour
Classics Admissions Test – this for students applying to study a classics degree at Oxford University. The CAT takes place in October. The CAT tests your ability to translate texts, either into Latin or Greek or your general ability to comprehend the meaning of classic texts.
ELAT – 1.5 hours
English Literature Admissions Test – this for students applying to study an English degree either at the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford. The ELAT takes place in October before your interview. The ELAT tests your writing, reading and analysis skills.
MLAT – 1 hour
Modern Languages Admissions Test – this for students applying to a modern languages or linguistics degree at the University of Oxford. The MLAT takes place in October. The MLAT tests your competency with another language.
PAT – 2 hours
Physics Aptitude Test – this is for students applying to study an engineering, materials science or physics degree at the University of Oxford. The PAT takes place in October. The PAT tests your ability to apply the laws of physics in different situations.
TSA – 2 hours
Thinking Skills Assessment – this is for students applying to study certain degrees at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford or University College London. The TSA usually takes place in October before interviews. The TSA tests your critical thinking skills.
There are also other course-specific admissions tests; for a variety of degrees at different universities, applicants need to take a test before or at interview. This will test their subject knowledge for the course in question.
Preparing for your admissions test effectively
Below are a few key considerations if you are preparing for an admissions test:
Research your admissions test thoroughly on the university and course webpage as well as online generally. They will sometimes provide guidance including sample assessment materials to help you prepare.
Book your admissions test with plenty of time to spare. Some admissions tests can be only taken at a particular time once a year. Make sure you are aware of any deadlines for booking your test or submitting information.
Plan your preparation effectively. Work out how long you have before your test and how much time you will be able to spare on preparation. Assemble a timetable, example assessment and revision materials to prepare with and start practising.
Keep track of your progress. If you complete example assessments in exam conditions and review your performance afterwards, you can build a better picture of your strengths and weaknesses, this helps you identify how to improve.
Learn from the experience of someone who has done the test before such as a tutor, teacher or university student.
For more advice or for a free personalised university application plan, contact our team at info@libraeducation.co.uk.
We hope that this article will provide you with greater preparation for your applications to study at university in the UK and help portray you as a prime candidate for your intended course and university. We wish you success in this next exciting stage of your academic career.