The PAT is Your Path to Oxford Physics
So don’t stumble on the road.
Unlock high scores with our expert PAT tutors and set yourself apart from the competition. We offer targeted, personalised preparation that covers every area of the PAT syllabus, so that you can walk into the exam confidently, and secure the Oxford offer you deserve.
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What is the PAT?
The Physics Admissions Test (PAT) is an online test consisting entirely of multiple choice questions. It’s 2 hours long and sat under test conditions, usually at your school.
If you are applying for one of the following courses, you’ll be required to sit the Physics Admissions Test (PAT) as part of the admissions process:
Engineering Science
Materials Science
Physics
Physics and Philosophy
The PAT is designed to be appropriate for students studying in their final year of A-Levels (or equivalent), though they are known for their difficulty. So don’t worry if you can’t answer them all – in most years, the average score is between 50-60%.
The test evaluates a range of physics topics, as well as your ability to apply mathematical techniques to scientific problems. This means it's not just about memorising facts; it's about testing how well you understand and can manipulate core concepts in both physics and mathematics under pressure.
What to expect from your PAT package:
Once you’ve purchased your Admissions Test package or Premium UK package, you’ll receive expert guidance through each stage of your preparation. Here’s what to expect from a typical PAT-focused package:
Step 1: Diagnostic lesson
During this session, we assess your current strengths and weaknesses in physics, focusing on areas such as problem-solving skills, mathematical techniques, and physical understanding. This step helps your PAT tutor create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Problem Areas
Depending on your diagnostic session, your tutor will focus on areas of Physics that they determine you need the most help with. Whether that’s practicing questions involving mathematical physics, mechanics, or thermodynamics, your tutor will take you through all your problem areas so that you can approach any problem confidently.
Step 3: Past Paper Practice and Strategy
A crucial part of preparing for the PAT is familiarity with the test format. Your tutor will provide plenty of practice with past paper questions, teaching you time-management strategies and how to approach difficult questions.
Step 4: Mock PAT Tests
To simulate the test-day experience, we provide full-length, timed mock PAT tests. After each mock test, your tutor will give you detailed feedback on your performance, identifying strengths and pinpointing areas for improvement.
Master the physics behind the problems, not just formulas.
Step 5: Review and Final Preparation
In the final stage of preparation, your tutor will help you consolidate your knowledge and skills, reviewing the key areas of the test.
Important PAT and admissions deadlines
Don’t worry, your Think Smart tutor will remind you of all of these deadlines, but it’s good to make a note of them:
Friday 4 October 2025 – Final PAT registration deadline (registration opens in August).
15 October 2025 – Final deadline for registering and submitting your UCAS application.
Late October 2025 – Oxford PAT testing takes place (specific dates change year by year; in 2024 it was October 28).
December 2025 – Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend interviews.
When registering for your test, you will be asked for your UCAS ID. If you haven't yet started your UCAS application, you can come back and fill this in later. It’s important to do, so don’t forget!
FAQs about the PAT
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You are given a calculator as part of the PAT online interface, but you are not allowed to bring your own calculator into the test.
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No, you’re not allowed to bring any formula lists or tables into the exam. Time to memorise that equation!
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The PAT is only used by the University of Oxford for applicants to their Physics and related courses. Cambridge, on the other hand, uses a different admissions test.
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From 15 August, go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own Oxford admissions test user account and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code:
Engineering - H100
Biomedical Engineering - H811
Chemical Engineering - H800
Civil Engineering - H200
Electrical Engineering - H620
Information Engineering - H630
Mechanical Engineering - H300
Materials Science - FJ22
Physics - F303
Physics and Philosophy - VF53
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Yes! The PAT is available to international students, and the test can be taken at designated test centers worldwide. If you’re unable to find a test center in your country, it's best to contact the Oxford Admissions team for guidance on alternative arrangements.
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The raw score is scaled and converted to a score between 0 and 100, with higher scores improving your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
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No, the PAT has no penalties for incorrect answers!
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Yes, make sure to take your ID – as well as your candidate ID – with you on the test day.
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The PAT is two hours long and multiple choice.
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Test scores are distributed to all applicants shortly after college decision letters are sent in January. If you so choose, you can write to your college to request feedback.
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Practise, practise, practise! Preparation is key, so it’s important to review any topics that you find difficult. Practice solving problems under timed conditions, and review sample papers from previous years. Your Think Smart PAT tutor will guide you through all the right papers and provide feedback.
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The PAT assesses knowledge from secondary school Physics and Mathematics, including topics like mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, and waves. Check out the official syllabus here.
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No, you cannot retake the PAT in the same application cycle.
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In the unlikely event you can’t find a test centre, you should contact the Oxford Admissions Office as early as possible. They’ll provide guidance on alternative arrangements.
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In 2024, the PAT was held on October 28, and this date changes only minutely year by year. It’s usually held in late October/early November. Be sure to check the official Oxford website for exact dates for each year and register well before the deadline.
What to expect from your Think Smart tutor:
At Think Smart, our tutors are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to ensure you get an expert experience during your PAT tutoring service. With our Think Smart tutors, you’re guaranteed to receive:
Personalised guidance
We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, highlighting your strengths and addressing areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?
Insider insight
All of our PAT 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
We strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics.
Have more questions? Reach out today and take the first step towards achieving your college dreams.
And don't miss Your opportunity to succeed in the Oxbridge admissions process.
Think of your tutor like a personal guide through the Oxbridgeprocess – we’re here for you!
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