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AMA- Oxford Physics Undergrad

I’m an undergrad physicist and an international student at the University of Oxford. I managed to do quite well on the PAT (60-70) and on my interviews. I’m having a lot of fun and am thriving in Uni- academically and otherwise.

This post is to give everyone applying to do physics in the UK a chance to ask questions on any relevant topics- the admissions process, the PAT, preparation tips and guidelines, interviews and so on. Ask away!

Reply 1

nymeriaa

Hey, I'm a prospective applicant for next year :smile:

How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!

Reply 2

Ujj D

Original post by nymeriaa

Hey, I'm a prospective applicant for next year :smile:

How early would you say to start preparing for the PAT, and roughly how much preparation did you do? Basically any PAT advice would be great!

It totally depends on how confident you are! My advice would be to look at a PAT paper right now and just skim through it to see how hard it is for you. If you think you’d be able to manage 60+ then perhaps you don’t need a lot of preparation- a couple of weeks before the exam should do. Otherwise, you may need to spend a month or so.

I did a bunch of past papers and used a lot of UniAdmissions resources. I’ve linked them below, check them out. They’re cheap and super helpful. Hope that helps!

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

Reply 3

penguingirl18

If you've considered life after uni yet, what kind of career prospects are there for physics?

Reply 4

Ujj D

Original post by penguingirl18

If you've considered life after uni yet, what kind of career prospects are there for physics?

Most people who do physics and are genuinely passionate about getting into physics in the future do a PHD after completing their masters. This is to specialise in a field and then be able to enter academia.

However, a lot of people also transfer to other fields. Physicists are smart and the world knows that, so they’re hired in all sorts of industries- especially finance.

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

if someone missed Oxford physics place, is it worth taking a gap year? or accept durham or imperial physics place?

Reply 6

thegeek888

Original post by Anonymous #1

if someone missed Oxford physics place, is it worth taking a gap year? or accept durham or imperial physics place?

I would accept either Imperial or Durham.

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

Original post by thegeek888

I would accept either Imperial or Durham.

is it because there is not much difference in these uni courses? or there is less chance to be in oxford physics after gap year?

Reply 8

thegeek888

Original post by Anonymous #1

is it because there is not much difference in these uni courses? or there is less chance to be in oxford physics after gap year?

They are world famous universities. However, I would only re-apply to Oxford University if you achieve A star A star A grades in Maths, Physics and Further Maths. 🙂

Reply 9

yashvirtib

Hi, I received a conditional offer 🥳 to study mphys at LMH. I am currently doing the IB and my HLs are Physics, Chem, MAA. I wanted to ask if there is anything I should do in advance to prepare—any readings/topics and resources recommended for practice. Also if there are any other physics offer holders for 2024 reading this please reach out, would love to connect.