You need to take the Physics Admissions Test or PAT if you are applying for any of the following Oxford courses:

Physics;
Physics and Philosophy; 
Engineering Sciences;
or Materials Science.

The Physics Admissions Test is an online test delivered on behalf of Oxford University by assessment specialist Pearson VUE. 
This means you will need to register for and book to take your test at a Pearson Test Centre. 
You can register and book any time between 15 August to 4 October in 2024. 
When booking for your test, you will be able to request the access arrangements you are normally eligible for when taking public exams at your school or college. 
If you require access arrangements, it is important to register as soon as you can 
as this involves a few more steps, including submitting supporting documents. 
You do not have to have submitted your UCAS application before booking your test. 
If you haven't yet registered and booked to take your test -

pause this video and go now to oxford.useclarus.com.

In 2024, all candidates will take their PAT test on Monday 28 October.

Our admissions tests aim to stretch the strongest applicants so don't worry if you find the test hard - it's supposed to be. 
Although the exact structure and format of  this year's online test are slightly different,

the past papers and other practice materials you find on our website 
will still be really useful preparation. 
We know that applicants who practise tend to do better so we strongly recommend that you spend time familiarising yourself with the test content, structure and format

so you can feel confident and do your best on the day.

Now let's take a look at the PAT online practice test and explore the test platform.

First, read the instructions. You will see that the test is two hours long

and that all candidates should attempt as many questions as they can.

All questions are multiple choice and the marks available are indicated alongside.

Please note that formula sheets, table and data books are not permitted.

A digital scientific calculator will be included as part of the online interface.

Candidates must use this and not bring their own calculators into the exam.

While on the test landing page, you can choose your preferred colour scheme from the drop down menu in the top right hand corner of your screen. 
You can change this again at any time during your test. 
To begin your test - click on the Next button in the bottom right hand corner of the test screen.
Question 1 will appear. Select your answer when ready and click on Next in the bottom right-hand corner to proceed through the test.

You can navigate backwards and forwards through the test using the Previous and Next buttons.

At the end and once on the Review page, you will be able to go back to any question you want and amend your answer. 
You might want to scroll through all the questions before attempting any.

This might help you decide which ones to tackle first or leave until later.

So, you don't have to answer each question in order but, to maximise your score, you should try and attempt all of them before submitting your test.

If you want to leave a question for later, you will see a 'flag for review' option in the top right hand corner.

By clicking on this you can navigate back to this question at the end of your test.

Don't worry if you don't use this option though -
you will still be able to review any answers again before submitting your test.

If you decide to leave a question and return to it later, you might find it helpful to take note of its number.

You will not be allowed rough paper in your test but you will be given wipeable sheets for note taking and planning. You will need to hand these in after your test. 
In the top right hand corner of your screen, you will see the time you have remaining. 
Immediately below is the number of the page you are on and the total number of pages in your test. 
Remember always to scroll down to the bottom of each page by using your mouse or the scroll feature on the screen to make sure you don’t miss any bits of questions. 
In the top left hand corner, you will find the calculator button.

Pressing this button will open a calculator which you can use during the test.

Clicking Next after the final question will take you to the Review Screen. 
Here you can check that you have answered each question and navigate back to review your answers. 
Using the heading at the top of the table, you can select to Review All questions

or filter for just those which are incomplete.
You will also see listed here any questions which you chose to 'Flag for review'.
When you return to a question to review your answer,

you will also see a Review Screen button in the left hand corner. 
You will only see this after navigating through the test and after visiting the Review page. 
Up until this point, you will have to use the Next button to navigate to the Review Screen. 
On the Review Screen, in the bottom left hand corner, you will also now see a Submit test button.

Once your answers are complete and you are ready to submit your test, click on this to finish.

A warning pop-up will appear asking you to confirm whether or not you want to submit your answers.

If you click 'yes' another one will appear to double-check.

Finally, once you have submitted your test, you should click on End Exam and exit the test platform. 
Doing the online practice test should help you feel confident about taking your test, but there are likely to be a few small differences between this and your actual test. 
1. Non Disclosure Agreement.

After logging on to the test platform, you will be asked to agree not to share the contents of the test with anyone. 
If you don't agree to this, you will not be allowed to start your test. 
2. Before starting your test, you will be given the option of a quick online tutorial

on using the test platform and exploring the various functionality. 
If you don't want the tutorial, you can skip this and immediately progress to take your test. 
Whether or not you opt for the tutorial, your test duration will remain the same.

Have a go yourself at the PAT online practice test at ox.ac.uk/pat

but please note you cannot submit this for marking.

For all information and guidance on Oxford's admissions tests including tutors' top tips for success in your PAT -

go to: ox.ac.uk/tests