Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)
Admissions tests can be daunting, but with the right preparation, they can act as a great aspect of your application that can really show off your ability. The following guide tells you all you need to know about sitting the PAT so that you can book it and begin revising efficiently and effectively.
Please note that the PAT has been discontinued as of 2026.
What is PAT for?
Oxford is the only university that asks applicants to complete the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) and it is only necessary for students wishing to study Engineering Science, Materials Science, Physics or Physics and Philosophy.
From 2026, for Engineering Science, Physics, and Physics and Philosophy, the PAT has been replaced by the ESAT. Materials Science has no required admissions test as of 2026.
What are the PAT exam dates?
The dates for the 2025 PAT test will be on the 22nd and 23rd of October and you will get your results when you receive your decision letter in January.
Oxford has discontinued the PAT for academic entry in 2027. Please check your chosen course for specific requirements.
What does the PAT test involve?
The PAT lasts for two hours and consists of a mixture of maths and physics questions (all are multiple choice). Specific content for the PAT changes slightly each year but you can find updates on the Oxford website, linked here. This is an online test which will need to be sat in your nearest Pearson VUE test centre, this may well be your school or college so it is worth asking your exams officer or another relevant party.
How to book the test
Registration for the PAT opens in August, then more information will be made available on the Oxford admissions website. You will likely be expected to set up a Pearson VUE account to book a spot at your local test centre.
Cost
The PAT is free although you will have to travel to your nearest test centre.
Grade boundaries
There are no set grade boundaries for admissions tests and scores are ranked from highest to lowest. Therefore, the impressiveness of your score will depend on the performance of other candidates.
What is a good PAT score?
In previous years, the average score has been 49, with the top students scoring 97. You can see that there is considerable range here, so it’s important to remind yourself that the PAT score is just one facet of your overall application.
PAT syllabus
You can expect to see questions on topics such as elementary mathematics, algebra, calculus, mechanics, waves and optics, electricity as well as the natural world and problem solving. A detailed list of the full syllabus can be found on Oxford’s Department of Physics website here.
In 2026 Oxford replaced the PAT with the ESAT. Please refer to the ESAT guidance here.
How to prepare
The best way to prepare for the PAT is to sit as many past papers as you can in exam conditions – this means timed and without distraction or help from textbooks. This will give you some idea of what topics you need to work on as well as get you used to how much time you can spend on each question. In addition, make sure that you are up to date on all of your classwork as although the PAT is meant to challenge you, it will not include anything more advanced than what you have already covered. Therefore, revision for your PAT can coincide with some early revision for the summer exams, hooray! Simply Learning Tuition matches students with expert tutors who can guide you through the admissions process and help you to revise effectively and achieve the best grade you can.
How to get the test results
Test results will be given in your ultimate decision letter in January. From here, you can request detailed feedback from the college you applied to.
Can you retake the PAT?
No, you can only sit the PAT once per admissions cycle. If you don’t feel as though you performed to the best of your abilities, then you will have to wait for the following year to apply again through UCAS. In the same way, if you are not successful but were pleased with your PAT score, you will have to resit it the following year anyway.
Past Papers
Here is a link to the Oxford website where past papers can be found.
How can SLT help?
Simply Learning Tuition offers expert support for Oxford, Cambridge, and other competitive university admissions. Whether you’re preparing for the PAT, LNAT, BMAT, or any other admissions tests, our specialist tutors can provide tailored guidance to boost your skills and confidence. Our Consultants will match you with the perfect tutor to help you meet your potential. Get in touch today to take the next step towards your dream university.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the PAT test?
The PAT test will challenge you, however, it is supposed to allow you to show off what you know so don’t feel perturbed. Also, you will be ranked alongside fellow candidates so if you find it very hard then the chances are that many others did too, so try not to feel down if you don't understand every question.
Is PAT only for Oxford?
Yes, Cambridge uses the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) instead.
How to prepare for the physics aptitude test?
Begin by ensuring that you are up to date with the content you have covered in class, then begin to sit past papers and sample questions under exam conditions.
What is the aptitude test for physics?
The PAT (Physics Aptitude Test) is used for all subjects concerning Physics, Engineering or Natural Science at Oxford.