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Details of the Aptitude test

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Test format

The Aptitude Test is taken by candidates applying for Computer Science, Mathematics, and joint schools. Candidates answer slightly different questions depending upon the subject applied for. In particular, there are three questions on discrete mathematics and logical thinking, specifically aimed at assessing aptitude for Computer Science.

The test date for 2012 is Wednesday 7th November. Schools should receive scripts on the 31st October.

The Aptitude Test lasts 2½ hours. The mathematical knowledge and techniques required to do the questions are taken from a syllabus roughly corresponding to the C1 and C2 modules from A-level maths, though the questions are set more variously than A-level questions. A syllabus (PDF format) for the test has been published. Some specimen papers and the papers that were set in 2006-10 are available below.

The first question on the test is multiple choice and contains 10 parts each worth 4 marks. Marks are given solely for the correct answers, though applicants are encouraged to show any working in the space provided. Questions 2-7 are longer questions, each worth 15 marks, and candidates will need to show their working. Candidates should each attempt 4 questions from 2-7, the selection depending on the degree for which they are applying. Details of precisely which questions you should attempt are given in the rubric on the front page of the test and throughout the paper.

  • No calculators, formula sheets or dictionaries are permitted during the test.
  • Only answers written in the booklet will be marked. There are spare blank pages at the end of the test paper.
  • Further credit cannot be gained by attempting questions other than those appropriate to the degree applied for.

The Aptitude Test is set with the aim of being approachable by all students, including those without Further Mathematics A-level, and those from other educational systems (e.g. Baccalaureate and Scottish Highers). It aims to test the depth of mathematical understanding of a student in the fourth term of their A-levels (or equivalent) rather than a breadth of knowledge. Applicants are encouraged to attempt some of the specimen/past tests provided below, so that they might have a sense of the format and style of the test, but no further preparation or practice, beyond work for A-levels, is intended. Whilst two of the tests are specimens, almost all the questions on them were set on previous years' entrance tests.

Specimen and past tests

These specimen papers and past tests are all provided in PDF format.

Arrangements for the test

The date for the test is normally early November. (The 2012 test will be the morning of Wednesday 7nd November.) All applicants for Computer Science undergraduate degrees (including those applying for joint honours courses and international applicants) will be required to take the test on the designated day. The test will normally be sat in your school or college.

You should confirm with your school/college that they are willing to administer the test on the appropriate date. The test date is deliberately chosen to coincide with other test dates, e.g. BMAT, so hopefully this will not be a problem for your school/college.

IMPORTANT: For the first time in 2012 Cambridge Assessment will be organizing the distribution and receipt of the Aptitude Test (in a similar manner to arrangements for the Physics and History tests). This will mean the need of a separate registration with Cambridge Assessment by the application date of October 15th. Full details will follow here shortly.

If you are no longer at school/college, or your school/college are unwilling to administer the test or you are out of the country on the test date, you may find that a local school or college is willing to have you sit the test alongside their applicants. Applicants outside the UK might consider approaching their local British Council office. It is the responsibility of post A-level applicants and of applicants whose schools/colleges cannot accommodate the test to make alternative arrangements. If you are have tried these suggestions and are still having trouble making alternative arrangements then you can email undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

There is no special fee charged for sitting this admissions test, but test centres may charge applicants their standard fees for administering the test.

Applications will be shortlisted on the basis of the test score, together with information from applicants' UCAS forms, and those shortlisted in the UK and Europe will be invited to Oxford in mid-December for interview.

From teachers, test centres and administrators

A Test Centre may be any school or college, British Council office or other institution where the test can be appropriately invigilated under good exam conditions by a professional, disinterested party. There is no fee, payable to the University, for taking the test, but test centres may charge applicants their standard fees for administering the test.

If an applicant normally has special arrangements when taking a test we would expect any such arrangements (e.g. extra time, writing aids, etc.) to be allowed as per usual. In such cases there is a box to be ticked on the test paper and we ask that a note/letter be attached and returned with the test paper giving details and reasons for the special arrangements. However, in line with the University's English Language requirements, we do not permit the use of foreign language dictionaries during the test (nor extra time solely for the use of dictionaries).

In case of difficulties on the day or prior to the test contact the Admissions Office at +44 (0)1865 288000 or by emailing undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

Retrieved from "http://www.comlab.ox.ac.uk/admissions/ugrad/Details_of_the_Aptitude_test"
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