How to prepare for Engineering PAT/ESAT

Thank you so much for replying ) Yep ok that makes sense. Do you think doing papers from both exams in preparation for only one of them is a waste of time or worth it? I'm planning on visiting Cambridge this year as I saw Oxford last year for a feel of the place as I like both their courses! If you don't mind me asking, did you get into Cambridge? I'm assuming you applied Engineering because you did the ENGAA, so if you feel comfortable sharing, what kind of engineering did you apply for at other universities? Thank you!

Hello! Since I've just finished exams, I was wondering if anyone has any tips/resources on how to prepare for the PAT for Oxford or ESAT (which is the new ENGAA/NSAA) for Cambridge for Engineering admission. Thank you.

Hello! Thank you very much for the advice, I really appreciate it -- I'll make sure to do all of these things (and good shout on the further maths!). If you feel comfortable with saying, why did you picked Oxford over Cambridge for Engineering, and if you applied for a specialised course outside of that, what was it? Thanks!

Didn't apply for any specialised course, just Mech Eng outside of Oxford and I got my 5 offers. The imperial test and interview in comparison was a lot easier than Oxford. Chose Oxford over Cambridge because the place seemed nicer as opposed to any major course related things. I also preferred the entrance test. BEST website for the PAT is Oxford PAT WordPress. Also, I have my written solutions for 2023 if you need

If you decide to sit the PAT, Oxford runs a fantastic 'preparing for the PAT' course that involves loads of assignments and live webinars - it definitely helped me to plan my revision! I'm pretty sure that it has already started so it's worth a look - it might even help with ENGA if you go for Cambridge instead.

Ahh righty ok. I've only done a few ENGAA papers so far but I've heard the PAT is like the BPhO which is quite fun? (yet to do a paper so far though so I guess I don't know for certain). Thank you for the resource! I would also really appreciate your solutions for 2023 as well if you don't mind sending

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Huhh I see. Thank you very much for the advice! In terms of the course between Oxford and Cambridge, I've heard Cambridge is more practical but I guess that won't really matter as long as there is good societies etc. in the department? Do you think general Physics practice or learning some of next year's content would be helpful in preparation, or just leave the latter of that to next year?
Sorry about Cambridge, but getting to the interview is still such an achievement, and I feel like they've missed out personally.
If you don't mind me asking, what other universities did you apply for Aero? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks!

Hi! No problem happy to help! I applied for Aero. I did both as practise but they are so different. I think PAT improved my alevel physics ability rather than ESAT. I unfortunately didnt get in, but I did score well in the ENGAA so it was more about my interview. I'd say think carefully about choosing Cambridge for engineering over Oxford. I do think it is a lot more competitive, so if you don't have a preference I would choose Oxford in hindsight. Also avoid central colleges as people won't tell you this but the competition is a lot more fierce.

The problem is that with ESAT you can apply to Imperial as well, with PAT you can’t

Yep definitely -- I think I am probably leaning towards Cambridge at the moment (Mainly just liked the place and its vibe more), but I would have to take the ESAT either way because Imperial is also such a brilliant uni for engineering

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Imperial is to be avoided - poor student support. Cambridge doesn't offer a year in industry. I'd look elsewhere like my top students do. Engineering has changed in the last 10 years and you need work experience to get a good job.