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Guide
Tue 19 Nov 2024 • 5 min read
Ultimate ESAT guide: exam structure, preparation tips, registration details & insights for top engineering admissions.
Contents
Explore our comprehensive ESAT guide, covering everything from which universities require it, to how it is structured, and tips on how to prepare. Discover how Dukes Plus can support your Science or Engineering application.
For tailored guidance, check out our Oxbridge Applications Admissions Test Support page.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment introduced in 2024 for applicants to specific courses at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. It evaluates candidates’ proficiency in mathematics and core sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in mathematics and core sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
The ESAT is utilised by universities such as the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London as part of their admissions process for specific courses.
The ESAT is a compulsory requirement for several science and engineering-related undergraduate courses at Cambridge and Imperial. These include programmes that demand a high level of quantitative and analytical proficiency. The courses typically include:
Preparing for the ESAT?
Try our ESAT practice tests, designed by Cambridge admissions experts and covering all the ESAT modules.
They’re the perfect way to begin your ESAT preparation.
Students register for the ESAT online here.
There are two sittings for the ESAT – one in mid-October and one in early January. The registration deadline for the first sitting is typically in mid-September, and for the second sitting in late December.
NB: if you are applying to Cambridge University, you will need to take the ESAT in the first sitting, so you should make sure to register before the first deadline in September.
The ESAT registration fee is £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and £130 for candidates overseas.
The ESAT serves as a tool for universities to assess applicants’ analytical and problem-solving skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for rigorous engineering and science courses. It aids in interview shortlisting and selection processes. As Cambridge and Imperial are highly competitive universities, especially for science and engineering courses, the ESAT is used to help the universities select between strong candidates.
The ESAT is scored on a scale of 1.0-9.0. Marks are gained for correct answers but no marks are lost for incorrect answers, so it is worth attempting every question.
While there is no official pass or fail mark, you will need to score highly to increase your chances of admission to Cambridge or Imperial. A score above 7.0 is likely to boost the likelihood of receiving an offer from Imperial or an invitation to interview at Cambridge.
Yes, your ESAT score is automatically shared with the universities you apply to, provided they require the test as part of the admissions process.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is structured into multiple-choice modules, each lasting 40 minutes. All candidates are required to complete the Mathematics 1 module. Depending on the course applied for, additional modules may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics 2. For example, Engineering applicants are required to take Mathematics 1, Physics, and Mathematics 2.
The test assesses proficiency in various topics:
Mathematics 1
Units, Number, Ratio & Proportion, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability
Biology
Cells, Movement across membranes, Cell division & sex determination, Inheritance, DNA, Gene technologies, Variation, Enzymes, Animal physiology, Ecosystems, Plant physiology
Chemistry
Atomic structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical reactions, formulae and equations, Quantitative chemistry, Oxidation, reduction and redox, Chemical bonding, structure and properties, Group chemistry, Separation techniques, Acids, bases and salts, Rates of reaction, Energetics, Electrolysis, Carbon/Organic chemistry, Metals, Kinetic/Particle Theory, Chemical Tests, Air and water
Physics
Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Matter, Waves, Radioactivity
Mathematics 2
Advanced topics building upon Mathematics 1
Each module is designed to evaluate specific competencies relevant to the respective subjects.
The ESAT measures both theoretical understanding and practical application of engineering principles. It places a strong emphasis on problem-solving, logical reasoning, and the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
Excelling in the ESAT requires a structured and thorough approach to preparation. The foundation lies in mastering core topics in mathematics, as these are integral to the test for all applicants. Revisiting the Year 12 Maths curriculum in detail ensures a strong grasp of the fundamentals.
Depending on which modules you are required to take as part of your application, you should also review the specifications for the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2 modules – these are available here. Note carefully which topics you are confident in and which will need further revision.
Regular practice with past papers is essential. As a new test, there are few resources publicly available specifically for the ESAT. However, the official practice tests available here will be useful, as will past NSAA or ENGAA papers. Our own ESAT practice tests are written in the style of the ESAT and prepared by admissions experts. Working through these will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format, improving both speed and accuracy.
For a tailored and strategic approach, professional ESAT tutoring can make a significant difference. Tutors can assess your areas of strength and weakness and then provide personalised teaching to improve your knowledge. A good tutor will have experience preparing students for science and engineering admissions tests and can pass on valuable guidance on exam technique to boost your marks.
By combining these methods with consistent daily study, students can build the skills and confidence needed to perform at their best.
Maximise your potential with an ESAT tutor. Benefits include:
Learn more about our admissions test tuition.
The ESAT assesses science and engineering aptitude for admissions to certain undergraduate courses at Cambridge University and Imperial College London.
Yes, but only in the next application cycle.
You can use standard calculators, but no reference materials.
The test lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The ESAT is a challenging assessment as it is designed to help highly competitive universities like Cambridge and Imperial select between strong applicants. However, with thorough preparation and targeted support from a good tutor, a strong performance is achievable.
Yes, sample tests are available on the test website and on Oxbridge Applications.
To find out how Dukes Plus can assist with your university application, book a free consultation today.
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