Oxford Physics Aptitude Test (PAT): A Complete Guide

The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a crucial part of the application process for anyone aspiring to study physics or physics and philosophy at Oxford University. Without exception, every applicant must take this two-hour test, which evaluates a student's abilities in both physics and maths.

The PAT is a blend of physics and maths questions, and the challenge lies not only in the content but also in the volume of questions to be completed within the limited time frame. As of October 2023, the PAT has transitioned to an online format, with a digital calculator included as part of the interface. This means candidates are no longer allowed to bring their own calculators into the exam.

While there are no recommended textbooks for the PAT, preparation can be effectively done by familiarising oneself with the format and content through past papers. It's also important to note that the average score in most years is between 50-60%, so don't be disheartened if you don't get everything correct.

In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into the purpose of the PAT, its format and structure, the syllabus, and more.

The Purpose of the PAT and Who Needs to Take it?

The PAT serves as a subject-specific admissions test for several courses at Oxford University, including Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, and Physics and Philosophy. The test, which lasts for two hours, is designed for candidates who have studied the first year of A-level (or equivalent) Maths and Physics.

The PAT is not just a test of knowledge, but also a test of problem-solving skills. It covers material similar to that of the GCSE and A-level syllabus, but it's important to go through the PAT syllabus carefully as there may be a few topics that you haven’t yet covered in school. If this is the case, it's recommended to talk to your teacher about how best to tackle these subjects before the test date.

The purpose of the PAT is to assess the academic suitability of candidates for studying STEM-based subjects at Oxford. The test is designed to stretch candidates further than they have been stretched before, and it's not uncommon to find the past or specimen papers very difficult. However, the university provides resources to help candidates prepare, including a PAT preparation webinar and past papers.

The PAT is a crucial part of the admissions process at Oxford, and it's important to prepare thoroughly and understand its purpose and format.

Understanding the PAT Format and Structure

The PAT is structured in a unique way, with Maths and Physics questions intermixed. The paper usually begins with a series of two-mark multiple-choice questions, which often require more time and working out than their relatively small mark allocation would suggest. Following these, you'll encounter questions ranging from three to ten marks. There are no essays, so even the ten-mark questions are broken down into several smaller questions, much like a typical Physics exam.

PAT example multiple choice questions

The PAT is designed to test not only your knowledge but also your problem-solving skills and creative thinking ability. It's not just about knowing the content; what sets the PAT apart is the way it asks you to apply the content in new or unusual contexts.

PAT Maths written question

PAT example written questions

When preparing for the PAT, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the syllabus and practice with questions and past papers. This will help you get used to the format of the test and the content covered. It's also recommended to try doing some questions under timed conditions, as one of the challenges of the PAT is the number of questions you need to answer in only two hours.

The PAT Syllabus

The PAT syllabus is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics in both Mathematics and Physics. It's designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of these subjects at a level equivalent to the first year of A-Level studies.

Mathematics Content:

The mathematics content of the PAT includes:

• Elementary Mathematics: This includes topics in arithmetic, geometry including coordinate geometry, and probability. Questions may require the manipulation of mathematical expressions in a physical context.
• Algebra: You should be familiar with the properties of polynomials, including the solution of quadratics either using a formula or by factorising. Graph sketching, including the use of differentiation to find stationary points, and transformations of variables are also covered. You should also be able to solve inequalities and understand elementary trigonometry, including relationships between sine, cosine, and tangent.
• Calculus: The syllabus includes differentiation and integration of polynomials, including fractional and negative powers. You should be able to use differentiation to find the slope of a curve, and the location of maxima and minima. Integration is covered both as the reverse of differentiation and as finding the area under a curve.

Physics Content:

The physics content of the PAT includes:

• Mechanics: This includes understanding of distance, velocity, speed, acceleration, and the relationships between them. You should also understand the response of a system to multiple forces, Newton's laws of motion, and the concepts of circular motion, friction, air resistance, terminal velocity, levers, pulleys, springs, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy.
• Waves and Optics: You should understand the terms longitudinal and transverse waves, and that waves transfer energy without net movement of matter. The syllabus also covers reflection at plane mirrors, refraction, properties of the electromagnetic spectrum, and how interference, diffraction, and standing waves can occur.
• Electricity and Magnetism: The syllabus includes understanding of the terms current, voltage, charge, resistance, and links to energy and power. You should also understand circuit diagrams and the rules for series and parallel circuits. Knowledge of the force between two point charges and on a point charge in a constant electric field is also required.
• Natural World: This includes atomic structure, basic knowledge of bodies in our Solar System, understanding of the terms 'phases of the moon' and 'eclipses', knowledge of circular orbits under gravity, and understanding of the terms satellites, geostationary, and polar orbits.

Problem Solving:

Problems may be set which require problem solving based on information provided rather than knowledge about a topic. If there are parts of the syllabus which you think won't be covered at school by the time of the PAT, you are expected to work on them by yourself.

Calculators and Formula Sheets:

No tables or formula sheets are allowed. From October 2023, a digital calculator will be included with the online PAT. Candidates must use this and may NOT bring their own calculator, of any description, into the exam.

Useful Resources for PAT Preparation

When it comes to preparing for the PAT, there are a wealth of resources available to help you get the most out of your study time. Here are some of the most useful ones:

1. Past Papers: One of the best ways to prepare for the PAT is to practice with past papers. TutorChase provides PAT past papers from previous years, which can give you a good idea of the types of questions you'll be asked and the level of difficulty you can expect.

2. Books: There are several books available that can help you prepare for the PAT. For example, "Master the PAT 2022 | Excel in the Physics Aptitude Test" by Shintaro Nishijo is a comprehensive guide aimed at preparing students for the PAT. It covers all the topics in the syllabus and provides practice questions for each topic.

3. Online Study Groups: There are several online study groups and forums where you can discuss PAT topics and questions with other students. For example, The Student Room has a thread dedicated to the PAT where students share their experiences and advice. Another useful site is Oxford PAT, which offers completed solutions to past papers and allows users to post their own comments and questions.

4. Tutoring: If you're looking for more personalised help, consider hiring an oxbridge tutor who can help with both the test and interviews. PAT Tutors can provide one-on-one instruction and tailored study plans to help you master the material. However, be sure to choose a tutor who is familiar with the PAT and its unique format.

5. Online Courses: There are also online courses available that are designed specifically for PAT preparation. For example, the Physics & Maths Courses website offers a comprehensive revision course for the PAT.

Tips for Success in the PAT

Here is what one former Oxford Physics student and now Oxford University lecturer, Dr Zhen Shao, had to say about how to do well on the test:

Understand, Don't Memorise: The PAT is designed to test your understanding of physics and maths concepts, not your ability to memorise facts. Make sure you understand the underlying principles and can apply them to a variety of situations.

Practice with Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with the format and style of the PAT by working through past papers. This will help you understand the level of difficulty and the types of questions you can expect.

Time Management: The PAT is a timed test, and it's crucial to manage your time effectively. Practice under timed conditions to get a feel for the pace you need to maintain.

Use Available Resources: Make the most of the resources available to you, such as the official PAT guide, online study groups, and tutoring services. These can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.

Stay Calm and Positive: Lastly, it's important to stay calm and maintain a positive mindset. The PAT is challenging, but with proper preparation and the right attitude, you can succeed.

PAT Registration, Dates, and Fees

To register for the PAT, you'll need to do so through an authorised test centre, which in most cases will be your school or college. If your school or college is not already a test centre, they can apply to become a test centre or you can find an alternative test centre. The registration process must be completed by 29th September.

The PAT is taken on a specific date each year, a few weeks after the application deadline. The next test date for the PAT is Friday, 20th October 2023. Please note that the test date may fall during school half terms, which vary by region each year. However, the University of Oxford provides considerable notice of test dates to allow schools and candidates to make necessary arrangements.

As for the fees, the cost of taking the PAT can vary depending on the test centre. Some centres may charge an administration fee to cover their costs. You'll need to check with your test centre for specific information about fees.

PAT Scoring, Physics Admissions Statistics, and Interviews

Applicant Statistics

In 2022, Oxford Physics received a total of 1,633 applicants for places in Physics or Physics and Philosophy. Of these, 1,605 applicants were contesting the 191 places available for 2023 admission places, equating to approximately 8.4 applicants per place.

PAT Scoring

The marks achieved by applicants who sat the main PAT test ranged from 3% to 97%. The mean mark was 51.2%, with a standard deviation of 16.9%. This indicates a wide range of scores, reflecting the challenging nature of the test.

Shortlisting and Interviews

The principal determinant for shortlisting this year was the C-score, which pre-interview is identical to the PAT mark. The 281 applicants with PAT scores equal or higher than 68% were automatically shortlisted for interview. A further 26 applicants with slightly lower scores were also automatically shortlisted after the inclusion of contextual data, giving a total of 307 automatically shortlisted applicants.

Interview Performance and Scoring

Every short-listed candidate has two interviews given by a first-choice college and one given by a randomly allocated second-choice college. Each interview is marked out of 10 based on the academic judgement of the interviewing tutors. A score of 6 broadly corresponds to ‘acceptable’; 7 corresponds to ‘good’; and an average interview mark of 8 or higher will almost certainly result in an offer. Approximately 1% of interviews are scored as ‘10’. For applicants offered a place, the average interview mark this year was 7.98.

Post-Interview Evaluation

After the interviews, the three interview marks are combined into a single score (out of 100). To guide admitting tutors, an overall ranking was produced based on the post-interview C-score, which is calculated as follows: Post-Interview C-score = (PAT mark out of 100) + 2 x (Interviews out of 100). This ranking is for guidance only; all applicants are assessed individually based on their C-scores, PAT scores, interview results, and all information on the UCAS form, including contextual information, and then compared centrally against all applicants applying to Oxford Physics.

Offers Made

Ultimately, 200 offers were made for entry in 2023. These include 9 open offers, in which a college is not specified at the time of the offer. These are designed to cover the anticipated withdrawal rate of applicants who are made an offer and subsequently either decline the offer or fail to make the offer conditions. The offers include 15 offers made for Physics and Philosophy. A further 5 deferred offers were made for entry into Physics in 2024.

Here is a comment from the admissions coordinator on the application cycle:

Every year, there are applicants who are excellent physicists who underperform on the PAT and so the university does not get a chance to see their excellence at interview. There are also applicants whom the university interviews and would have liked to have offered places to, but are unable to do so because of the finite capacity of the course. The university acknowledges that every year they turn down applicants who, in the end, turn out to be stronger physicists than some of the applicants they do offer places to. They wish all applicants enjoyment

Final Thoughts

The Oxford Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is a crucial part of the application process for certain courses at the University of Oxford. It's designed to test your understanding of physics and maths concepts, not your ability to memorise facts. Preparing for the PAT can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, help from a good physics tutor and a structured approach, you can maximise your chances of success. Remember, the key to doing well on the PAT is to understand the concepts and principles it tests, rather than simply memorising facts. Use the resources and tips provided in this guide to deepen your understanding of physics and maths, and to practice applying your knowledge in the context of the PAT. Good luck with your preparation!