8 Top Tips for Scoring Highly in the PAT and ESAT Entrance Exams

1. Know the Entire Syllabus

The PAT and ESAT are meant to challenge top students across a wide variety of schools — and that means they assume you’ve mastered the full syllabus, even if your teacher hasn’t covered it all yet. It’s common for students to discover that certain topics won’t be taught before the exam date. To avoid surprises, start by reading the official exam specification carefully. Make a checklist of every topic you’ll be tested on, then ask your teacher which ones will be finished before autumn. For anything not yet covered, take charge of your learning. Use textbooks, online tutorials, or work with a tutor to fill in the gaps.

2. Memorise Your Equations

Unlike many school exams, neither the PAT nor the ESAT provides an equation sheet. You’ll need to recall every relevant formula from memory — from kinematic equations and trigonometric identities to logarithmic laws and energy relationships. Make equation memorisation a routine part of your preparation using flashcards, repetition, and applied practice. When your equations are second nature, you’ll free up mental bandwidth for creative problem-solving.

3. Know Your Calculator Rules (or Lack of Them!)

The PAT and ESAT handle calculators very differently. For the Oxford PAT, you’ll use an online calculator provided within the exam software. It’s not identical to your school calculator, and, just as a quick tip, as of 2025 entering standard form with negative powers requires the negative key at the bottom right instead of the subtraction key. For the Cambridge ESAT, no calculator is allowed — so memorise trigonometric ratios for 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°, and be comfortable working with powers, surds, and fractions by hand.

4. Use Both Tests to Prepare for Each Other

Although the PAT and ESAT are separate exams, they share many similarities — both are multiple-choice and test reasoning rather than recall. PAT questions strengthen the maths and physics intuition you’ll need for the ESAT, while ESAT-style questions help PAT candidates sharpen their logic and speed. You can also use older ENGAA papers for extra practice.

5. Start Early — Ideally by February or March

The number-one mistake students make is leaving preparation too late. Start around February or March to complete the syllabus before summer. Then use the summer for past papers, topic-specific drills, and mock exams. Starting early means entering autumn with confidence while others are still revising content.

6. Swallow Your Pride — It’s Not About Getting 100%

Most Oxbridge applicants are used to scoring over 90% at A-level, but these exams are designed to challenge even the brightest students. You will find hard questions — that’s normal. The key is to stay calm and move on if you’re stuck. At The Admissions Academy, we’ve seen top students easily lose 15–20 marks by getting stuck and not moving on. Aim for a strong 70%+ instead of perfection.

7. Remember — the Entrance Exam Isn’t Everything

A strong exam score helps, but tutors consider your personal statement, academic record, reference, and interview. If your exam doesn’t go perfectly, don’t panic — many students with average results shine in the interview. Make time to practise explaining your reasoning aloud and discussing unfamiliar concepts.

8. Ask for Help — Get a Tutor!

Preparing for the PAT or ESAT can be overwhelming. Asking for help is one of the smartest moves you can make. Working with an Oxbridge admissions tutor can help you focus your preparation, fix weaknesses, and boost your confidence. At The Admissions Academy, our expert tutors know exactly what it takes to perform at your best. The right support turns potential into performance.

Conclusion: Smart Preparation Wins

Excelling in the Oxford PAT or Cambridge ESAT isn’t about being the smartest person in the room — it’s about being strategic, disciplined, and adaptable. The students who succeed aren’t those who chase perfection, but those who prepare early, practise effectively, manage time wisely, and seek guidance when needed. At The Admissions Academy, we believe every student can achieve success with the right structure and support. Whether you’re aiming for Oxford Physics or Cambridge Engineering, our tutors can help you master the exams and approach the process with confidence. Visit The Admissions Academy today to connect with an expert tutor and start your personalised PAT or ESAT preparation journey.