No, you’re not permitted a dictionary during either CAT. The test is designed to assess your knowledge of Classical languages and your aptitude for analysing unseen material.

The Cambridge Classics Admissions Test is scored out of 20; the Oxford Classics Admissions Test is scored out of 100.

There isn’t a fixed “good” score as it varies by year and university. But, while there is no official pass mark for the CAT, a high score is definitely advantageous. For instance, in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, the average scores for the Oxford CAT were:

Shortlisted applicants (invited to interview): 45.48

Successful applicants: 47

Targeting a minimum score of 46 is ideal for the Oxford CAT.

The Cambridge CAT, being scored at interviews and not releasing personal scores, is harder to ascertain. It’s a safe bet to assume that 17/20 on the Cambridge CAT would be a competitive score.

You can only take the CAT once per application cycle. If you’re unsatisfied with your results, you’ll need to reapply the following year.

You could prepare for the CAT by:

• Practicing translations in Latin and/or Greek.

• Developing analytical skills to interpret unfamiliar texts.

If applicable, you could work on essay-writing skills to articulate clear arguments.

Our CAT tutors are all familiar with CAT preparation and will tailor your revision to meet the test’s unique challenges.

Both Oxford and Cambridge provide sample papers and preparation materials on their official websites. 

Here’s a couple to get you started:

Cambridge Classics Admissions Test past paper

Oxford Classics Admissions Test past paper

Yes, the CAT can be taken internationally at approved test centers. Please note that it is only the Oxford CAT that must be registered for and sat at a test centre; Cambridge assigns the CAT during the interview.

There are no specific accommodations for international students, because the CAT is designed for all applicants, including international students. If you’re worried, the best preparation is to ensure fluency in English and some working proficiency in Latin/Ancient Greek. That said, given you’re likely to be bilingual, the Language Aptitude section ought to be a breeze!

CAT results are sent directly to the university where you are applying. Unlike some other admissions test results, you will not receive a personal score breakdown for the Cambridge CAT.

The good thing about the CAT is that applicants are only set versions of the Test that they would be equipped to handle. For example, if you’ve never taken Latin or Greek at school, you would only be set the Language Aptitude portion of the test, which involves tasks around a made-up language to assess your critical skill.

Oxford's CAT comprises three formal, timed, computer-based tests, whereas Cambridge conducts a short 20 minute oral language skills assessment during the interview process.