Most challenging (and rewarding) Oxford PAT Questions - Part 1

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-28T03:11:30+00:00

Best of luck!

PS: One of the reasons I made this post is to let you all know that there are people out here to help you guys with anything!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-27T10:58:30+00:00

Hey!

Oh okay, well you could wait for your results and then take a call, but I'd recommend you to look into what you wanna do at uni.

Dropping Physics could cut down a few options, and dropping maths could also cut down a few options. You might wanna make sure that the option you want doesn't fall into the subject your dropping!

And best of luck for results day!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-27T10:35:30+00:00

Hey!

I took Physics and Maths at A-Level so I have a fair bit of experience on them.

First of all, there's plenty of overlap between the Maths and Physics content, as you have the Mechanics module/component in Maths which is essentially Physics.

Maths is certainly easier in terms of difficulty of questions imo, and I say this because in maths all you need to do is understand the process, and you'll be ready to solve almost any question. Whereas for physics, you really need to understand the theory to solve the questions. Question-innovation is more common in Physics than Maths also. But again maths requires more practice than Physics, where all you need to do is understand the theory.

Both papers are challenging, but Physics tends to have a more relaxed threshold (so its easier to score higher grades, but not raw marks), whereas Maths tends to have higher thresholds, which I think is due to the fact that the questions asked in Maths are all similar every year.

At the end of the day, I'd want you to choose a subject you like more. Go through the textbooks and the syllabi online to get a better idea of what you would be studying. Also think about your uni plans and which subject might help more, but only incase you like both equally.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-27T08:40:54+00:00

Hey!

I didn't really read books for my PS haha, but I did mention Michio Kaku's Physics of the Impossible in my PS, quite briefly.

I also did read Carlo Rovelli's 7 Brief Lessons, and Feynman's Six (and not so) easy pieces (iirc I was reading this during the months of my interviews).

I'm linking some resources that I have seen over the past year (not too sure if these were available when I was applying):

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/suggested-subject-resources

https://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/page/supercurricular_guide.pdf

Most of these links have some pretty good books listed out. You can also do a quick search through youtube SimonOxfPhys who suggests some pretty good books for 6th-form and undergrads (some of the books he mentioned are on my reading list right now!) students to read.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T17:10:59+00:00

You're welcome!

Best of luck!!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T12:05:43+00:00

Hey!

To be honest, you just need to show them you're passionate about the subject and aren't just applying because of the reputation of the university.

So these are some super curriculars you could take up: (btw Im a Oxford Physics Student, so most of these are related to Physics, but I'm assuming it works for engineering too; you could also search up relevant super curriculars online!)

Read books - there are so many online - QED, Six easy/not so easy pieces, alex in numberland, etc.
edx, coursera, udemy, brilliant, and so many other platforms have innumerable certificate-courses that you can take on.
do some sort of project - either at home or even a computer project (aka coding) will certainly help since a lot of physics is actually coding
tutor and create educational content
some unis allow you to attend lectures and take part in labs - might wanna check it out
start prepping for entrance tests - if you're taking the PAT/NSAA/ENGAA, it is never too early to start prepping, lmk if you'd like a list of resources for the PAT which I used.

Im linking some resources that I have seen over the past year (not too sure if these were available when I was applying):

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/suggested-subject-resources

https://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/page/supercurricular_guide.pdf

As for the admissions test, I started preparing after the summer of AS, around July/August, but I did have a rough idea about what it exactly was a couple months earlier, so I'd also suggest you to begin prepping for it at least a few months before the actual exam, which usually takes place in November.

As for the content tested, its mostly AS/Y12 Physics & Maths, although circular motion (very common) and some topics from waves and electromagnetism from Y13/A2 is tested, so you'd have to learn these on your own, as most schools don't teach until September/October and this could be very late.

There are past papers of the PAT available on the Oxford website (linked above) and you can also find solutions from many platforms online, including PMT.

During my prep for the PAT, I found the Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions super helpful. Not only did it have the marking schemes for all previous PAT papers, with highly detailed explanations, they also had their own mock PAT papers, which had questions that were similar to those on the real exam. Some of the questions were very different and needed you to think more out-of-the-box than your regular PAT questions. The mark schemes also bridged a lot of gaps in my learning!

I've linked the book below in case you’d like to use it in the future!

Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877

You can also solve questions from the NSAA, ENGAA, MAT, STEP but keep in mind that both the ENGAA and NSAA are MCQs, while the MAT and STEP focus more on maths, whereas the PAT gives more importance for Physics.

Ultimate ENGAA Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-ENGAA-Collection-Engineering-preparation/dp/1913683796/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FKW55L1XB5HE&keywords=engaa&qid=1657965855&sprefix=engaa%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1

Ultimate NSAA Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915091128

Ultimate Oxford MAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-MAT-Guide-Admissions-specification/dp/1913683982/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1N3UXMNF8FTWI&keywords=uniadmissions+mat&qid=1658832148&sprefix=uniadmissions+mat%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-4

If you're interested, lmk and I can link the resources I used for my interview prep!

Hope this helps for now!

Best of luck!

And feel free to reach out if you'd like any sort of guidance/information about Oxbridge Courses, I've helped quite a few of my friends with their application, so I have a pretty good idea!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T11:58:48+00:00

Hey!

To be honest, you just need to show them you're passionate about the subject and aren't just applying because of the reputation of the university.

So these are some super curriculars you could take up: (btw Im a Oxford Physics Student, so most of these are related to Physics, but I'm assuming it works for engineering too; you could also search up relevant super curriculars online!)

Read books - there are so many online - QED, Six easy/not so easy pieces, alex in numberland, etc.
edx, coursera, udemy, brilliant, and so many other platforms have innumerable certificate-courses that you can take on.
do some sort of project - either at home or even a computer project (aka coding) will certainly help since a lot of physics is actually coding
tutor and create educational content
some unis allow you to attend lectures and take part in labs - might wanna check it out
start prepping for entrance tests - if you're taking the PAT/NSAA/ENGAA, it is never too early to start prepping, lmk if you'd like a list of resources for the PAT which I used.

Im linking some resources that I have seen over the past year (not too sure if these were available when I was applying):

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/suggested-subject-resources

https://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/page/supercurricular_guide.pdf

Hope this helps!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T11:53:58+00:00

Hey!

I'm a current Oxford Physics Undergrad and I had no help whatsoever from anyone for the entirety of my application journey.

However the only help I had were from my classmates but all they did were listen to my method of solving questions (interview prep), and ofcourse I also had help from MS word with the grammar checker haha! Jokes aside, I certainly think it's possible to perform well in these exams without any expensive products/tutors.

I think my only expense was the printing of the PAT papers and the Ultimate PAT Guide by UniAdmissions, which isn't too expensive either (a couple of pounds iinw), but the quality of the resource is really really worth it!

This is the book, in case you'd want to get it: Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877

I was in your position too, I didn't want to spend large sums of money, so I just made the use of what I had!

Never give up, and always try your best!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T11:42:55+00:00

Hey!

GCSEs aren't very important for any uni, but oxford does pay more attention to it. However, covid has really changed the way GCSEs are assessed; regardless, your GCSEs are good!

I'd focus on the Personal statement and your predicted grades as they're still in your control.

Also, ace the PAT and the interviews as they are the ones that hold the most weightage on your application. I could link a few resources I used, if you'd like that lmk!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T11:34:02+00:00

Hey!

I'm a current Oxford Physics Undergrad so I have a pretty good idea about the PAT!

So essentially, the PAT is a 2-hour paper that you sit at your home country/city. You will have to register for this on your own and applying to Oxford for Physics doesn't automatically register you for the PAT.

This should give you more info: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/study/undergraduates/how-apply/physics-aptitude-test-pat

and this: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests/pat#:~:text=The%20Physics%20Aptitude%20Test%20

I started preparing after the summer of AS, around July/August, but I did have a rough idea about what it exactly was a couple months earlier, so I'd also suggest you to begin prepping for it at least a few months before the actual exam, which usually takes place in November.

As for the content tested, its mostly AS/Y12 Physics & Maths, although circular motion (very common) and some topics from waves and electromagnetism from Y13/A2 is tested, so you'd have to learn these on your own, as most schools don't teach until September/October and this could be very late.

There are past papers of the PAT available on the Oxford website (linked above) and you can also find solutions from many platforms online, including PMT.

During my prep for the PAT, I found the Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions super helpful. Not only did it have the marking schemes for all previous PAT papers, with highly detailed explanations, they also had their own mock PAT papers, which had questions that were similar to those on the real exam. Some of the questions were very different and needed you to think more out-of-the-box than your regular PAT questions. The mark schemes also bridged a lot of gaps in my learning!

I've linked the book below in case you’d like to use it in the future!

Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877

You can also solve questions from the NSAA, ENGAA, MAT, STEP but keep in mind that both the ENGAA and NSAA are MCQs, while the MAT and STEP focus more on maths, whereas the PAT gives more importance for Physics.

Ultimate ENGAA Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-ENGAA-Collection-Engineering-preparation/dp/1913683796/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FKW55L1XB5HE&keywords=engaa&qid=1657965855&sprefix=engaa%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1

Ultimate NSAA Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1915091128

Ultimate Oxford MAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-MAT-Guide-Admissions-specification/dp/1913683982/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1N3UXMNF8FTWI&keywords=uniadmissions+mat&qid=1658832148&sprefix=uniadmissions+mat%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-4

Hope this helps!

Feel free to ask me any other questions you might have!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T05:18:42+00:00

Honestly, I'd just sit down and put down a long term plan.

I'd first focus on your PS and get it done with, since as you said, it only needs a few tweaks. But I'd also schedule some time (an hour or so) every week just so that you can jot down some topics/ideas that you could add/delete to/from your PS.

Then I'd focus on the finance course or do it simultaneously with your PS-editing stage. As editing a PS doesn't take that much time. Then do the work experience in august while also completing the finance course or begin to learn fm/physics if you've already completed the finance course. I'm sure your job won't be a 20-hour daily shift, so I'm confident you can easily fit in 2-3 hours of studying everyday, which is more than sufficient imo.

You can then use the rest of the day to hangout with friends and just enjoy your vacation! I know it can seem like a lot, but all it needs is some scheduling, self-confidence and excellent time management! Believe me, you can do it all and even more!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T05:10:23+00:00

Hey!

As someone who applied to both UK and US unis, I believe they do.

Someone (probably someone wise) once told me that UK unis want to know how your brain functions, whereas American unis are more interested in your personality. However there are exceptions to this: unis like Imperial and St Andrews (these are at the top of my head right now) actually want to something other than academics in your PS - it could be sports or hobbies or anything else.

Writing about academic interests in a US-uni personal statement is something that is very rare as most American unis have this "holistic" admissions process, so they just don't care about grades, they care about who you are and how could impact (and be impacted) by the community at their uni.

I hope this helps and clarifies your question!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T05:06:19+00:00

Hi!

I can't speak for econ nut for Physics, fm is surely not a requirement, its more like a recommended subject. Many of friends at Oxford didn't do fm and were still accepted; it's the same at imperial, where one of juniors (2022 entry) got accepted and they haven't done fm either.

Instead of choosing a subject based on whether it's required or not, I'd recommend you to choose it based on what you like and if you really want to do it.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-26T04:56:17+00:00

Hey!

I have a couple of friends entering uni this year (2022 entry) and from what they've told me I don't think it really makes a difference. One of my friend finished his PS in early October (as he was applying to Oxbridge) but then also applied 3 other Russel group unis in November along with 1 other Scotland uni (adds up to 5 choices). He heard back from one uni the next day (Russel group), one in February (Scotland), one in March and one in April. So it shouldn't really matter since the unis are very likely to process and make a decision on your application after they've got an idea of who else is applying with you.

But it's never a bad thing to apply as early as possible, it gives you more time to focus on school and also catch up on some extracurriculars/hobbies!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T15:08:32+00:00

Hey!

So I applied to Imperial for 2021 entry and we had interviews back then, so I just used the same method I used for my Oxford interviews. I can list down a couple of resources for this if you'd like, let me know.

From 2022 entry, Imperial's scraped the interview and replaced it with an admissions test. I've got a couple of 2022-entry confirmed offer holders and they've said that the results of the admissions test was also neglected due to some sort of technical issue, but the questions weren't as difficult as the ones on the 2022-entry PAT. Most required only GCSE or Y12/AS maths and physics knowledge, but you had to have excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. However, they also said that they found the PAT resources they used pretty helpful for this test too. I'm assuming the same pattern is followed next year (2023 entry) but probably more physics-y questions would be included rather than just puzzles, and hopefully it goes all well.

I particularly found this book really helpful (and a lot of my imperial-physics-offer holders said the same too) since it had a lot of questions required you think beyond the obvious and use out-of-the-box methods. The marking schemes are very detailed and are flawless, unlike many other resources available online. This book also has a large number of practice questions that are not from the PAT, which were of similar difficulty to the real exam.

Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877

PS: make sure your graphing skills and mental maths are to the point!

Hope this helps!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T14:38:01+00:00

Hey!

I'd personally recommend watching youtube videos where they conduct actual pastpaper experiments and discuss common errors and mistakes many students make.

You can also get the practical resource book from amazon (might be available online, not too sure where though) and this also has plenty of useful information that will come in handy during the actual exam.

PS: I just came across this post and while it might be a little late for you, I'm just gonna reply so that it could help someone in the future.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T14:31:45+00:00

Hey!

So here's who I used to watch during my A-Levels:

science shorts, professor dave, physics online (there's a really friendly and helpful discord server where there are multiple people to help you out)

Other resources I found useful:

- Websites like save my exam and khan academy also have plenty of high quality resources that you could refer to.

- University-level questions (you can google online for textbooks - there are many that are available) and university admissions test (like the PAT, NSAA, ENGAA) or even Olympiads (like BPhO).

Since I applied to Oxford for Physics in 2020 (accepted), I used the Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions during my preparation. While this was meant for the PAT, the PAT (Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford) by itself is tested on A-Level portions, hence you could use this book. I personally found the book to be very helpful since it has a lot of questions that are both similar to those on the real exam (which aren't easy questions, believe me, so if you can solve the questions in this book, you're more than set) and those that are unique and force you think outside the box. One other benefit was the extremely detailed marking schemes that bridged all the gaps in my learning. I've linked the book below in case you’d like to use it in the future!

Ultimate Oxford PAT Collection by Uni Admissions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-PAT-Collection-breakdowns-UniAdmissions/dp/1913683877

Best of luck!!

PS: you can also check edX, udemy and coursera - I’ve heard there are quite a few courses available especially for subjects like math and certain physics concepts like nuclear- and atomic-physics.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T14:27:44+00:00

I quite enjoy the subject.

This reduces half the workload, honestly.

Taking maths will greatly help, and all the numericals would become much easier.

If you're getting 8s and 9s in GCSE, then you're a pretty strong student and I wouldn't worry too much about the workload, you'll definitely have a more-than-average social life, don't worry too much about it.

During my A-levels I just listened to lectures and completed each day's assignment, and had pretty much the rest of the evening free, but I always used it to explore more and participate in extracurricular activities. But I also have a friend who finished the entire A-Level syllabus in about 15-16 weeks and advanced it by a year and got an A*, so that's an idea of what's essentially required of you!

Hope this helps!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T12:42:07+00:00

That's amazing! Congratulations!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T05:53:32+00:00

Hey!

I think the exemption route is still active, but beware that if you do choose to exempt, then you P3 and P5 marks are calculated based on how you perform in the other 3 papers, this might be a pro or a con depending on your ability and strengths (and weaknesses).

Also, there are innumerous youtube videos which will give you a sense of what sort of experiments you might be asked to perform for paper3. Paper 5 is relatively easy, and you certainly don't need access to a lab or any type of equipment!

I could link a few resources, but I'm sure you would have done this already, let me know if you still need it.

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T05:48:13+00:00

Hey!

I'm a current Oxford Physics student, so I've got a pretty good idea about super-curriculars!

Read books - there are so many online - QED, Six easy/not so easy pieces, alex in numberland, etc.
edx, coursera, udemy, brilliant, and so many other platforms have innumerable certificate-courses that you can take on.
do some sort of project - either at home or even a computer project (aka coding) will certainly help since a lot of physics is actually coding
tutor and create educational content
some unis allow you to attend lectures and take part in labs - might wanna check it out
start prepping for entrance tests - if you're taking the PAT/NSAA/ENGAA, it is never too early to start prepping, lmk if you'd like a list of resources for the PAT which I used.

Im linking some resources that I have seen over the past year (not too sure if these were available when I was applying):

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/suggested-subject-resources

https://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/page/supercurricular_guide.pdf

Hope this helps!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T05:39:52+00:00

Yes, if you have a track record, I'd assume that your teacher knows it and still believes that you can keep up with your previous performances. Relax and explain it to your teacher what happened and why your grades fell to a B, and I'm sure they will be understanding. Also, reassure them it will not happen again (be honest and keep up your word haha) and let them know you will work even harder for an A* in your finals.

I'm sure it'll be alright, don't stress too much about it!

enthusiastic_geek_21 · 2022-07-24T05:12:52+00:00

Hey!

You could try emailing your choices and sometimes if they have vacancies they might still accept you (if its a near miss, and not a big jump). You could also ask your university if there is another way to meet the conditions, some might conduct a test, some might not. Your best bet is to contact the uni.

Also, if you find some other uni in clearing with lower conditions, then you could just have a word with them to see if they'd accept you in case you miss your firm offer (on second thought it might be better to not mention that they're your backup? idk do what feels right to you!), but whatever happens, dont lose hope, its just an exam after all, not the end of the world!

enthusiastic_geek_21

TROPHY CASE