Oxbridge Admissions Tests Preparation

For candidates applying to Oxford or Cambridge, as well as certain subjects, completing a written entrance examination is a requirement before invitation to an interview. To prepare for these Oxbridge admissions tests, there are specialised programmes available that focus on subject knowledge, exam techniques, and reviewing past papers.

Features

Extensive practice tests

Strategic test-taking techniques

Performance analysis

Feedback and improvement

For candidates applying to Oxford or Cambridge, as well as certain subjects, completing a written entrance examination is a requirement before invitation to an interview. To prepare for these Oxbridge admissions tests, there are specialised programmes available that focus on subject knowledge, exam techniques, and reviewing past papers. Subjects that require admissions tests include, but are not limited to:

  • MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
  • STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers)
  • PAT (Physics Aptitude Test)
  • ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test)
  • TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
  • UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
  • LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law)
  • ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test)
  • HAT (History Aptitude Test)
  • At-interview assessments (specific to the university and subject)

In these programmes, diagnostic tests are conducted to identify a student's weaknesses and areas that require improvement. This allows for customised preparation focused on addressing specific needs; Unique exam strategies are taught to students to enhance their performance in the admissions tests. These strategies can include time management techniques, question analysis approaches, and methods for effective problem-solving; Past papers are reviewed to familiarise students with the format, question types, and level of difficulty. This allows them to gain exposure to the types of questions they are likely to
encounter and practise their skills accordingly. Tutors scored the top 10% in the respective admissions tests will provide guidance, answer questions, and offer expert advice to students based on their own successful experiences. Participating in these programs enhances subject knowledge, refines exam techniques, and boosts confidence for Oxbridge admissions tests, increasing chances of success and progressing to the interview stage.

When should I take the course?

  • July - November
  • After receiving an invitation to complete the test, and before the usual interview period from December

How many hours?

Typical Student Booking: 20-30 hours

Other Related Courses

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Preparation Course

Minimum Hours: 5 per module
The IELTS exam is an internationally acknowledged assessment of English proficiency, designed to evaluate the language abilities of individuals who are not native speakers. It encompasses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Generally, many universities in the UK require an overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 for undergraduate programs, and a score of 6.5 to 7.5 for postgraduate programs.

Personal Statement Enhancement

Minimum Hours: 6
A personal statement is a written document that every student applying to a UK university is required to submit as part of their application. It is the only opportunity in the application for the student to showcase their qualities, experiences, and motivations, and demonstrate why they are a strong candidate for the chosen course.

School Exploration

Minimum Hours: 1
Students will be able to receive expert advice and guidance from top-notch tutors who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of college and university selection to choose college and university that has a higher chance of success. Our tutors utilise a comprehensive approach that involves evaluating a student's academic profile, preferences, and statistical data to identify the most suitable Cambridge/Oxford College or Medical school for them.

Knowledge Building

Minimum Hours: 6
The programme encourages students to deepen their understanding of a specific subject beyond the confines of the classroom. A meticulously curated list of essential reading materials, including books, articles, and academic theories relevant to the student's chosen subject, will be provided. By exploring advanced and specialised resources, students will be able to gain a broader perspective, explore different viewpoints, and develop critical thinking skills.

Individual lessons or Forming a group

Contact us to book a lesson! Students of similar ability are welcome to join us as a group and enjoy a moderate price!

Ready to Hear Success Stories? See Why Ascent Prep is a Student Favourite!

Find out what our customers say ...
Jessie C.
Desire Subject Physiotherapy
Programme Medicine and Allied Health Professions Admissions Preparation Course
Hours Attended 20

From a young age, Jessie was passionate about sports, especially football and competitive jump roping. An injury during a jump roping competition that required physical therapy piqued her interest in the profession. Jessie chose Biology and Chemistry as her subjects, and her predicted DSE scores met the entry requirements. However, she had doubts about her suitability due to her petite stature and introverted nature, fearing these could be obstacles to becoming a physical therapist. Despite Jessie's excellent grades, her father was also concerned about her career choice, worrying that Jessie was blindly following a trend without truly considering her interests and abilities, as choosing this field would mean committing to a career as a physical therapist.

Our education consultant recommended the shadowing program by Ascent Prep, the only official preparation program recognized by AEAS, offering students clinical internship experiences and professional mentorship. Seeing it as an opportunity to resolve her doubts and increase her chances of being admitted to higher-ranking universities, her father enrolled her in the program.

During the shadowing process, she gained in-depth knowledge of a physical therapist's daily duties, including assessing patients, developing treatment plans, and guiding patients through rehabilitation exercises. Though challenging, she found the work meaningful. Throughout this period, Jessie had the opportunity to ask many questions, particularly about her concerns. After completing the shadowing program, her determination to become a physical therapist was strengthened.

When preparing her personal statement, Jessie tried writing it herself but felt it lacked persuasiveness. With her tutor's guidance, she realized many areas needed improvement. The tutor helped her reorganize her experiences volunteering in physical therapy, highlighting her passion and dedication to the field. During interview training, she learned how to showcase her strengths and effectively answer the interviewer's questions. For example, Ascent Prep tutors taught students how to answer common situational questions, such as:

  • What do you think are the basic professional ethics for a physical therapist?
  • How do you view the relationship between physical therapists and their patients?
  • How would you handle conflicts of interest with patients?

Ascent Prep tutors prepared students for these ethical questions and situational challenges to test their problem-solving abilities, such as:

  • How would you deal with a patient unwilling to cooperate with treatment?
  • How would you respond to an emergency during treatment?
  • How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Ultimately, with Ascent Prep's assistance, Jessie was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and also received offers from the University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham, Brunel University, and the University of Salford in the UK. Among these options, she chose the University of Birmingham and was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding performance.

This journey highlights the value of Ascent Prep, offering practical clinical experiences and professional guidance, enabling students to not only improve academically but also to find their direction in their future career paths.

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Sophie F.
Desire Subject Architecture
Programme Portfolio Guidance
Hours Attended 10

Sophie is a high school student from Hong Kong who has been passionate about architecture since she was young. She excelled academically and actively participated in various architecture-related activities, such as architectural model competitions and visits. However, as the time for further education approached, Sophie began to feel somewhat lost, due to her very high standards for herself. She knew that to gain admission into architecture programs at prestigious universities like Cambridge or UCL, she needed not only excellent academic grades but also well-rounded abilities and creativity.

By chance, Sophie attended a lecture by Ascent Prep, where the instructors shared their experiences in helping students gain admission to top universities. Ascent Prep introduced her to a mentor who was studying architecture at Cambridge. The mentorship and classes were designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encouraged Sophie to think critically about the core of architectural studies, enriching her personal statement with diverse elements. In these classes, Sophie learned about architectural history, theory, and design. Her tutor explained complex concepts in an engaging way, making it easy for Sophie to understand.

For instance, during a mock interview, Sophie encountered a challenging question: "What do you think are the professional ethics of an architect?" She had never considered this question before, but with her tutor's guidance, she was able to articulate a well-thought-out answer, boosting her confidence for the actual interview.

The art portfolio is a critical component of university applications, and Sophie's tutor helped her create a portfolio that was both deep and creative. The tutor meticulously guided her through the selection and arrangement of her works, covering her academic research, practical experience, and personal interests. Under the tutor's guidance, Sophie revised her portfolio multiple times, resulting in an impressive collection of work.

Sophie's efforts were rewarded when she was accepted into the Architecture program at the University of Cambridge. Her portfolio showcased her unique understanding of architecture, including a sustainable design proposal that received high praise from her tutor. Moreover, Sophie performed excellently in her university interviews, demonstrating her academic abilities and personal charm.

Sophie's success story is a testament to the effectiveness of the Ascent Prep program, which is dedicated to helping students realize their potential and achieve success in their educational pursuits.

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Andy M.
Desire Subject AEAS
Programme Official AEAS Test Preparation Course
Hours Attended 30

Andy attended a local Hong Kong secondary school. Despite having average grades at school, he has always been afraid of English, to the point of hesitating to speak it. Andy is a typical slow starter; when under pressure, he easily feels overwhelmed. This became even more evident after he took the AEAS test unprepared, resulting in scores far below expectations. The AEAS report recommended Andy to undertake an English course for 20-30 weeks, and the substantial cost of attending a 30-week language course in Australia, including tuition, accommodation, and student insurance, caused considerable concern for his parents. Not only were they considering the dual factors of time and finances, but they also hoped that Andy could have more opportunities to apply to his desired schools. That's when they found us, the only official preparatory course institution recognized by AEAS. In the 1-on-1 courses at Ascent Prep, students receive meticulous instruction from teachers and consultants, improving their English skills and gradually overcoming their fear of English. To the parents' surprise, the child performed excellently in the AEAS test. By achieving good results in Hong Kong, the AEAS report reduced the required language class from 30 weeks to just 4 weeks before entering mainstream schools in Australia. This not only saved money but also allowed the child to integrate into the Australian mainstream education system sooner.

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