UK University Admissions: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
By Larry
(Academic Instructor at The Edge Learning Center)
Top-ranked universities in the UK now require an aptitude test due to ever-growing competition amongst applicants. Many of these universities realize that a simple predicted grade no longer holds any meaning as the gap between a low A* student and a high A* student is vast, and there is sometimes inconsistency in how different schools predict grades.
Whilst many dread the ESAT test (The Engineering and Science Admissions Test), it’s a chance for students that might have anxiety during interviews to get another chance at showing their brilliance.
For Cambridge University, this test is needed for Natural Sciences, Engineering and Veterinarian Medicine. Likewise for Imperial College, the test is compulsory for Engineering, Aeronautics and Physics. Candidates take 3 subtests, each lasting 40 minutes, with mathematics 1 being compulsory for everyone.
Cambridge aims to interview everyone, but a score of 6/9 would be necessary to be competitive. This usually means scoring around 70% of the questions correctly on the test, under time pressure. Note that the most common score is 4.
Preparation for these questions require a unique approach that is very different from preparing for IB or A Levels. Advanced candidates should be accustomed to tackling challenging problems that require deeper understanding of the topic, and also an ability to solve easier problems quickly without the use of a calculator. It is assumed that most applicants to top universities are likely also at the top of their class for their intended subjects. With that in mind, let’s look at a few tips to perform well at the ESAT:
• Practice doing multiple choice questions quickly, eliminating wrong answers throughout the process;
• Acquire the ability to do arithmetic and algebra quickly;
• Regularly challenge yourself with harder problems that require understanding on multiple topics;
• Don’t forget, practice makes perfect! The official site provides you with the past paper in online/electronic form.
To get started, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to gain an edge ahead.
Need help preparing for your or your child’s UK university admissions test or application? Contact us today – we are happy to help!
About The Edge
Established in 2008, The Edge Learning Center has grown into a premier one-stop provider of educational services for Grade 7 through Grade 12, targeting students who intend to pursue overseas education. Our three departments – Academic Tutoring, Test Preparation, and Admissions Consulting – offer a broad range of educational services spanning from SAT and IB Test Prep to colleges and boarding schools application counseling. The Edge Learning Center operates in multiple regions including Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam.
