What the PAT tests
Physics content
Drawn from A-level Physics topics with an emphasis on creative application:
- Mechanics — Newton's laws, momentum, energy, circular motion, simple harmonic motion, gravitation
- Electricity and circuits — Kirchhoff's laws, capacitors, resistance networks, current and potential difference reasoning
- Waves and optics — interference, diffraction, refraction, lens formulae, polarisation
- Energy and thermal physics — gas laws, heat capacities, thermal equilibrium
- Some atomic physics — sometimes touched on at the boundary with quantum content
Maths content
A-level Maths foundations plus some early Further Maths:
- Algebra, sequences, polynomials
- Calculus — differentiation, integration including by parts and substitution
- Trigonometric identities and equations
- Vectors in 2D and 3D
- Basic differential equations and their physical applications
The format
One paper, 2 hours. Mix of multiple-choice questions (testing fast application) and longer written questions requiring sustained derivations. Students show working clearly — partial credit is available throughout, and the exam rewards students who attempt several questions and make progress on each over students who finish two and ignore the rest.
Preparation approach
Phase 1 — Familiarise (weeks 1-3)
Read the official PAT syllabus on the Oxford Physics admissions site. Take an early past paper under timed conditions to baseline. Identify which question types feel weakest.
Phase 2 — Past-paper drilling (weeks 4-9)
Oxford publishes PAT past papers freely going back many years. Work through systematically: attempt each question for 25-30 minutes before checking solutions, study the official mark scheme. Don't rush — depth of engagement on each question pays off more than racing through papers.
Phase 3 — Timed mocks (weeks 10-12)
Full timed papers under exam conditions. Build the stamina for 2 hours of sustained problem-solving. Refine timing strategy: how long to spend per multiple-choice item before moving on, when to commit to a written question vs skip it.
What tutoring adds
- Problem-solving framework — when stuck, what to try? Strong tutors teach explicit heuristics for approaching unfamiliar PAT-style problems.
- Worked-problem demonstration — tutors show the thinking process behind their own solutions. This is hard to learn from solution keys alone.
- Cross-Physics-and-Maths fluency — the strongest PAT candidates can switch between physical reasoning and mathematical manipulation seamlessly. Tutors with active Physics or Engineering backgrounds bring this naturally.
- Written-argumentation discipline — PAT mark schemes credit clear, well-structured working. Tutors drill mathematical-writing technique.
Choosing a PAT tutor
- Strong Physics or Engineering degree from a top university (Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial). PAT depth requires genuine subject mastery.
- PAT or BPhO success — tutors who themselves performed well on these tests bring directly applicable experience.
- Oxford Physics admissions familiarity — tutors who have been through Oxford Physics admissions can speak to what the test is filtering for.
- Realistic about preparation time — strong tutors recommend 6-12 weeks of consistent work; tutors promising last-minute miracle prep should be treated with skepticism.
Verify current details
PAT format, dates, and the precise list of courses requiring it can change year to year. Verify against the Oxford Physics admissions site before making timing decisions.