Your personalised guide to acing the ESAT

Think Smart(er) with us, and get that dream offer.

The Engineering and Sciences Admissions Test (ESAT) is used by both the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. It evaluates your problem-solving abilities, scientific reasoning, and aptitude for complex engineering and science concepts.

With our personalised learning plans, expert tutors, and realistic ESAT test simulations, you can take the stress out of your preparation and secure your spot at your dream school.

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Which UK Universities require the ESAT?

The ESAT is used at both Imperial and Cambridge.

The ESAT runs twice in October and January, but you can only take the test once. You must take the October test if applying to Cambridge, as Oxbridge application cycles are earlier than other UK universities.

Test sitting 1: 15 and 16 October 2024
Test sitting 2: 7 and 8 January 2025

Registration for the ESAT opens 1 August, and the deadline to register online is 16 September.

IMPERIAL

You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying to Imperial for courses in:

  • Departments of Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Design Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering

  • Department of Physics

CAMBRIDGE

You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying to Cambridge for:

  • Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

  • Engineering

  • Natural Sciences

  • Veterinary Medicine

Since the test plays such a big role in determining whether you’re invited to interview, it’s important not to underestimate the ESAT. Give it your all to give yourself the best shot at that Cambridge offer!

What is the ESAT like?

The ESAT is a computer-based assessment made up of three individual multiple-choice modules lasting 40 minutes each, totalling 120 minutes. 

The modules are:

  • Mathematics 1

  • Mathematics 2

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates. The remaining modules will depend on the course you are applying to. You should check Cambridge’s requirements and Imperial’s requirements for details.

There’s no pass or fail for the ESAT, but you should aim to do your best – the better your score, the better your chances of admission!

8,000 students take the ESAT annually

Achieving a score in the top 15% significantly increases your chances of progressing to the interview stage

What to expect from your ESAT package:

Once you’ve purchased your admissions package, you’ll receive comprehensive help guiding you through every step. Here’s what to expect from a typical package, though it may vary depending on how many hours you choose to book with us.

Step 1: Diagnostic Lesson

Your ESAT journey begins with a detailed diagnostic session. Your ESAT tutor will craft a personalized study plan tailored to your specific needs, and will assess your current strengths and weaknesses, focusing on key areas of the test.

Step 2: Skill Building

Your tutor will help you master the core skills tested in the ESAT, like advanced mathematical techniques, physics problem-solving strategies, and approaches to tackling multi-step questions under time pressure.

Step 3: Mock Exams and Realistic Feedback

Your tutor will first slowly guide you through past ESAT papers until you get comfortable with the format. Once you move onto completing realistic tests under timed conditions, your tutor will provide you with in-depth feedback and analysis, helping you make consistent improvements.

Step 4: Review and Final Preparation

In the final phase, your tutor will work closely with you to consolidate your skills, reinforce key strategies, and address any last-minute concerns. By the time test day arrives, you’ll be fully equipped!

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What to expect from your Think Smart tutor:

At Think Smart, our tutors are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to ensure you receive an expert experience during your admissions tutoring service. With our Think Smart tutors, you’re guaranteed to receive:

Personalised guidance

We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?

Insider insight

All of our ESAT tutors have successfully taken the test themselves.

Comprehensive preparation for each section of the test

Taking you confidently from section to section, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging preparation to help you excel.

More than just teaching

Our holistic approach means we strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics. 

You don’t have to take our word for it…

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FAQs about the ESAT

  • Each section on the ESAT is scored separately, and your overall performance is considered by the university alongside your application.

  • A good ESAT score depends on the program and university. Generally, scoring in the top 10-15% of applicants is considered competitive, especially for highly selective courses.

  • No, there is no negative marking on the ESAT. You won't lose points for incorrect answers, so it’s a good strategy to attempt every question!

  • No, you only need to take the ESAT once. Both Imperial and Cambridge accept the same test score, but each university evaluates the results independently.

  • No, the ESAT cannot be retaken in the same application cycle.

  • Yes, there is a small fee to register for the ESAT, but UK students can apply for a bursary voucher if they are eligible.

  • The ESAT costs £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and £130 for international candidates sitting elsewhere.

  • To prepare for the ESAT, work through as many past papers as you can, and time yourself to simulate test conditions. But the best preparation is a Think Smart preparation! Our ESAT tutors offer tailored guidance and feedback to maximize your performance, ensuring you’re undertaking the most effective preparation possible.

  • Yes, the ESAT is available in test centers worldwide. Check the official ESAT website for locations and ensure you register well in advance.

  • ESAT results are sent directly to the universities you’ve applied to. You won’t receive your scores unless the university provides them as part of your feedback.

  • The ESAT is challenging, designed to test your analytical and reasoning skills at a high level. However, with thorough preparation and practice, you can excel and feel confident on test day.

  • No, calculators are not allowed during the ESAT. The test is designed to evaluate your ability to solve problems mentally and logically.

  • If you miss the registration deadline, you won’t be able to take the ESAT that year. Your Think Smart tutor will remind you of the deadline, if you have registered with us in time, so you don’t miss that crucial date!

  • The ESAT typically lasts about an hour and a half.

  • Many resources are available to help you prepare, including past papers, study guides, and expert tutoring. Our tailored ESAT preparation programs include personalized lessons, mock exams, and strategy sessions to help you excel.

Think of your tutor like a personal guide through the admissions process – we’re here for you!

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