YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE
The Definitive Starter Guide To ESAT For 2024
Written by: Matt Amalfitano-Stroud
Starting in 2024, applicants at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London will need to sit a brand new admissions test for a variety of STEM subjects – the Engineering & Science Admissions Test. If you’ve found yourself in this guide, you are most likely due to be taking this test, so read on to discover everything you need to know about the ESAT so you can begin your preparation and get an amazing score!
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ESAT BASICS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Let’s start off by looking at the essential information for this exam, including what it is, who needs to take it and what key dates you need to be aware of.
What is the ESAT?
The Engineering & Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a two-hour computer-based exam required for applicants of a variety of subjects at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. The test is operated by Pearson VUE under their University Admissions Test UK (UAT) brand.
The test can be sat in either October or January and must be sat at a Pearson VUE testing centre. In most cases, the ESAT acts as an additional part of your Cambridge/Imperial applicants alongside your UCAS Personal Statement, and before your in-person interviews.
The ESAT also acts as a replacement for two former Cambridge admissions tests – the Natural Sciences Admissions Test (NSAA) and Engineering Admissions Test (ENGAA). Both of these admissions tests were discontinued after their 2023 sitting when the organiser of these tests (Cambridge Assessments Admissions Testing) ceased operation.
Who Has To Sit The ESAT?
The ESAT is required for all applicants of the following courses:
University of Cambridge ESAT Subjects
Imperial College London ESAT Subjects
What is the Structure of the ESAT?
The ESAT lasts two hours and is divided into five subtests lasting 40 minutes each. Each subtest contains 27 multiple-choice questions. However, applicants will only be required to take three of these five subtests. This leads to a total exam length of 120 minutes and 81 multiple-choice questions. These subtests are as follows:
ESAT Subtests
- Mathematics 1
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics 2
For the most part, applicants will be able to choose which subtests they take, except for two exceptions:
All applicants sitting the ESAT will be required to take the Mathematics 1 subtest at the start of the exam. The other two subtests are chosen by the applicants.
Applicants for Engineering at the University of Cambridge will be required to take Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics in their ESAT. None of these are optional.
This table summarises the format of the exam:
ESAT Structure
Why is the ESAT used?
The ESAT, like many other admissions tests, is designed to test applicants on their knowledge and practical ability within their subject. This is important for highly competitive universities like Cambridge because the pool of applications they receive is far too large to judge without additional information.
Admissions tutors can only learn so much from your UCAS application and all Cambridge applicants are expected to have high grades, so ESAT scores allow the admissions team to differentiate between applicants using a metric that’s highly relevant to the course.
Your ESAT score is first used during the shortlisting process for interviews and acts as one of the primary metrics. After interviews, the ESAT will still be considered, although it holds less importance than your interview performance.
Bear in mind that, at Cambridge, different colleges may have different weightings and standards for your ESAT results. While the information regarding this may not be readily available, you can attend an open day or contact the college yourself to ask any questions relating to your application.
How Much Does the ESAT Cost?
Applicants taking the ESAT will have to pay the following fees before their testing slot is confirmed:
ESAT UK Applicant Fee
£75
ESAT International Applicant Fee
£130
If you and your family receive some form of financial aid (such as universal credit or job seekers allowance), you may be eligible for a bursary voucher that covers the full cost of the test. You can find out if you’re eligible by checking the UAT Bursary page.
How Do I Register for the ESAT?
The ESAT is being operated by Pearson VUE under its University Admissions Test UK (UAT) brand, so registration for the ESAT must be done via the Pearson VUE system.
To register for the ESAT, you must first create a Pearson VUE account online (sometimes referred to as a UAT account). When doing this, you will need to provide contact details and personal information, including your full legal name as it appears on your ID.
Once your account has been created and the confirmation email has been received, you’ll be able to access your account. On your account, you’ll find your Candidate ID, which is required when speaking with customer services. It’s through this account that you’ll register for the ESAT when registrations open (the date of this opening depends on which sitting you’re taking).
When booking your ESAT test, you will need to select the Pearson VUE testing centre that you wish to attend and select a time and date from the available slots at your venue.
Once you have confirmed that all details and selections are correct, you’ll be required to pay the fee before your booking is finalised. This can be paid for via card or a bursary voucher (this must be applied for before booking your slot). Once the fee has been paid, your booking will be confirmed and you’ll receive a confirmation email.
If you have any access arrangements that will be required for your test, it is recommended that you contact customer services directly to book your test rather than booking online.
When and where is the ESAT sat?
The ESAT will be sat over two testing periods, each of which lasting two days. These testing periods will be taking place on October 15th -16th 2024 and January 7th – 8th 2025.
It is important to note that the January testing period is only for Imperial College London applicants. As the Cambridge admissions process ends in December, this testing slot would be too late to be considered, so Cambridge applicants can only sit the ESAT in October (Imperial applicants are also welcome to sit the test in October).
The ESAT must be sat in an authorised Pearson VUE testing centre. You’ll be shown the closest centre to you when booking your test. There are hundreds of these centres across the world, including over 100 in the UK.
Key ESAT Dates
As we said, there are two testing dates, each with its own registration deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| October Registration Opens | August 1st 2024 |
| October Registration Closes | September 16th 2024 |
| October Testing Period | October 15th -16th 2024 |
| January Registration Opens | October 24th 2024 |
| January Registration Closes | December 9th 2024 |
| January Testing Period | January 7th – 8th 2025 |
Can I resit the ESAT?
No, you cannot attempt the test twice during the same admissions cycle. You will be able to take the ESAT again in the following admissions cycle.
What Do I Need For The Exam?
The ESAT is a computer-based exam, so all questions and answers will appear digitally. However, you can still bring a HB pencil as you should be given paper for working out. Calculators and other additional supporting materials are not permitted. The ESAT testing system features a timer that counts down, but you may also wish to bring a watch to help you with your timekeeping.
How Hard Is The ESAT?
The ESAT is primarily testing your knowledge of mathematics and science, so the difficulty of the test depends on how confident you are in your knowledge and how well you can apply it to problems. Applicants for Cambridge and Imperial need to be among the top of their cohort in their subject to succeed in the application process, so it’s more than likely that you’re up to the challenge, although the exam format and timings may be difficult to work around at first.
Everything in the ESAT specification is up to A-Level standards, although the topics covered won’t be as advanced as some other tests (there are no advanced science topics that were previously featured in the NSAA and ENGAA)
All of the ESAT questions are multiple-choice, which are generally easier than longer written questions.
How is the ESAT Scored?
The ESAT is a multiple-choice test, so your raw marks are determined by the number of questions you got correct. There’s no negative marking in the exam, meaning no marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
The raw marks from each subtest will be converted into a score that falls on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 (high). Currently, the conversions between raw marks and final scores are unknown.
Not sure where to start with your ESAT prep?
The ESAT may be new, but Exams.Ninja is ready to help with our huge collection of guides, practice questions, past papers! Check out our ESAT.Ninja, our ESAT Preparation Platform, today to find out how you can boost your score.
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THE ESAT SPECIFICATION
The ESAT has a very varied specification that covers four key subjects. Let’s take a look at the kinds of things you’ll be expected to prepare for.
The ESAT is a broad exam, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to need to be skilled at absolutely everything in it. Remember, you’re only sitting 3 out of five subtests, including Mathematics 1. The four primary subjects covered are Mathematics and the three core sciences:
ESAT Test Presentation
The ESAT is computer-based and runs on a dedicated platform created by Pearson VUE (the same platform used for exams like the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA).
Below is a screenshot taken from the ESAT Practice Test released by UAT for applicants to practice with:
Let’s break down what we can see here:
- In the main section of the page is the question and answer options (these are selectable checkboxes).
- On the top of right of the page is the timer, which counts down how long is left in the subtest (each subtest is timed seperately, time doesn't carry over between subtests). You can also see which question you're on.
- Below the timer in the "Flag for Review" button, which lets you flag or unflag the question you're on. The "Colour Scheme" tab changes the colour of the UI, but may not be featured in the actual test.
- On the top left, you can see the "Explain Answer" button. This will not be featured in the real test as it presents the answer and worked solution when selected.
- At the bottom of the page, you'll find buttons to move to the Next and Previous question, as well as the navigator. This acts as a mini review screen and lets you skip to any question. The "End Exam" button finished the test (you are given a warning screen to confirm your choice).
There’s quite a lot here, but the platform is very simple to use once you’ve gotten to grips with the different buttons and functions.
Once the time limit is up for each subtest, you will automatically be moved to the instruction screen for the next of your chosen subtest (a brief break period is included here). For the last subtest, the exam ends once time runs out.
Be aware that you won’t be able to answer questions outside of your chosen parts. Doing so would not lead to any advantages in your test.
ESAT Specification
The valuable tool that you can utilise at the start of your ESAT preparation is the ESAT Specification. This document covers literally everything that could be covered in the ESAT for all five subtests.
It may seem impossible to remember all of this required knowledge, but remember that you only need to work through 3/5ths of it due to the subtest selection. Even still, there’s a lot to cover.
Everything featured in the specification should be covered at A-Levels (or equivalent) so nothing should be brand new to you. Here are the general topics that you’re going to have be well versed in:
Mathematics
- Numeracy Skills
- Units
- Algebra
- Ratio and Proportion
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Probability
Physics
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Matter
- Waves
- Radioactivity
Physics
- Atomic Structure
- The Periodic Table
- Chemical Reactions
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Group Chemistry
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Carbon/Organic Chemistry
- Metals
- Chemical Tests
Biology
- Cells
- Inheritance
- DNA
- Gene Technologies
- Variation
- Enzymes
- Animal Physiology
- Plant Physiology
- Ecosystems
Mathematics 2
- Algebra and Functions
- Sequence and Series
- 2D Coordinate Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and Logarithms
- Differentiation
- Integration
- Graphs of Functions
Exams.Ninja Tip
One thing you’ll need to know off by heart are the essential SI prefixes, or Scientific Quantities and Units:
nano- 10–9
micro- 10–6
milli- 10–3
centi- 10–2
deci- 10–1
kilo- 103
mega- 106
giga- 109
As we said, none of this should be new to you – in fact, much of it will likely seem quite straightforward! However, that doesn’t mean the ESAT will be easy. You’ll still need to dedicate plenty of time to revision to achieve the best possible result.
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ESAT PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Now that you have a good idea of what to expect from the ESAT, it’s time to take a look at some example questions so that you can begin your preparation.
ESAT Mathematics 1 Practice Question
The figure shows a symmetrical trapezium with AD = 18x cm, BC = 10x cm and BA = CD = L cm. The perpendicular distance between AD and BC is 3x cm.
Find an expression, in terms of x, for the area of ABCD.
A) 168x2
B) 10.5x2
C) 21x2
D) 42x2
E) 84x2
The correct answer is D.
Do not let the diagram distract you.
The area for a trapezium = 1/2 (a + b)h.
Where a and b are the parallel sides, and h is the perpendicular height.
So let’s substitute in our values:
1/2 (10x + 18x)3x = 14x × 3x + 42x2
ESAT Physics Practice Question
A student is researching a nuclear radiation. They are given the following information about this radiation: (a) stopped by thin aluminium (b) fast moving electron, (c) strongly deflected in an electric field. Which is the most appropriate fit for this data?
A) Alpha particle
B) Beta particle
C) Gamma ray
D) None of the above
E) More information needed
The correct answer is B.
Beta particles are fast-moving electrons stopped by thin aluminium. Because they are electrons, they are strongly deflected in an electric field.
ESAT Chemistry Practice Question
A pupil analysed a commercial vinegar solution by titration and found that 24.5 cm3 of 0.1M Sodium hydroxide was required to neutralise 8cm3 of vinegar (ethanoic acid). (Na=23, H=1, O=16, C=12).
The equation for the reaction is:
CH3COOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) →CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)
Calculate the concentration of ethanoic acid.
A) 0.306M
B) 0.316M
C) 0.326M
D) 0.126M
E) 0.0126M
F) 0.116M
The correct answer is A.
We need to find the number of moles of NaOH present in that volume. Remember to convert volume to dm3!
no. of moles = concentration x volume = 0.1 x 24.5 x 10-3 = 2.45 x 10-3 moles
To neutralise this volume of vinegar, there must be the same no. of moles in the mixture (the eqn shows a 1:1 ratio).
We want to find the concentration of ethanoic acid.
Conc = no. of moles / vol = 2.45 x 10-3 / 8 x 10-3 = 0.306 M (use long division to do this)
ESAT Biology Practice Question
A student is learning about cells. He learns that cells can contain the following ‘items’.
1. Gene for insulin
2. Starch
3. 23 pairs of chromosomes
Which of the items could an adult kidney (renal) cell contain?
A) 1 only
B) 3 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 1 and 3 only
E) None of them
The correct answer is D.
A renal cell is an example of a diploid cell and the ESAT specification expects you to know that diploid cells contain pairs of chromosomes, whilst haploid cells only contain a single set of chromosomes, ruling out option E. Since animal cells do not contain starch this allows option C to also be disregarded.
A renal cell will contain the gene for insulin, however, it will not be activated by proteins known as transcription factors (this knowledge is not required for the ESAT and is here for interest). As the renal cell will contain the gene for insulin and 23 pairs of chromosomes the answer must be D.
ESAT Mathematics 2 Practice Question
Given that log2(3) = a and that log2(5) = b, find log2(270√5).
A) 3a + 3b/2 + 1
B) 90a + 1/2b
C) 3a + 1/2b +2
D) a + 5b + 2
E) 2a + 2b + 1
The correct answer is A.
We split 270 into its prime factors; 270 = 2 x 5 x 33. Thus log2(270√5) =log2(33 x 2 x 53/2), and so we can express the logarithm as 3a + 3b/2 + 1.
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ESAT TIPS AND TRICKS
Getting a great score on the ESAT comes from hard work and preparation. However, there are plenty of things you can do to make the process easier and more effective. Here are our tips and tricks to apply to the ESAT so you can get the score you want.
1. Focus On Your Best Subjects
This tip is all about focusing your revision to make the process easier for yourself. You’ve got four subtests in the ESAT to pick from, but you only need to take two (remember that Mathematics 1 is required for all applicants and Cambridge Engineering applicants must take Physics and Mathematics 2).
It’s crucial that you pick which subtests you’re going to take as soon as possible so that you can focus all of your revision time on them rather than preparing for subtests that you won’t actually take. It’s alright to explore all of the options to see which questions you feel comfortable with, but the decision should be made fairly early on in your revision schedule.
As for how to choose your subtest, there are two primary things to consider. Firstly, which of these subjects are you best at? You’ll want to play to your strengths in the test, so pick the subtests that you’re most confident in or have historically performed the best at.
Secondly, consider which subtests are most relevant to the course you’re applying for? For example, Veterinary Medicine applicants may wish to choose Biology and Chemistry because they are the most relevant subtests.
These two considerations should usually overlap as you’re more likely to be stronger at the subjects related to your interests. If they don’t overlap, always prioritise the subtests that you’re stronger at, as your choices won’t impact your application in any way.
2. Consider The Timings
Timings are tight in the ESAT, so mastering your speed is key to a good score.
Some candidates opt to work as quickly as possible to save time at the end to review, but this approach is often ineffective. While it’s beneficial to have some time at the end to double-check, you shouldn’t compromise your actual performance to do so. Generally, you’re likely to be more effective at confirming your answers while you’re working on them, as the information will be fresh in your mind.
ESAT questions can be very information-heavy and each time you start a new one, it takes time to get acquainted with the instructions and details. A useful strategy that won’t consume too much time is to read through the question twice before attempting it.
Though this might seem like a waste of precious time, it can significantly enhance your confidence in understanding the question. Once you’re completely clear on what’s being asked, you just need to apply the correct techniques, which you should already have a handle on thanks to your thorough preparation.
Of course, this doesn’t always need to be applied. Some questions might be straightforward enough to understand on the first read. However, always double-check to be sure!
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
By far, the most effective way you can prepare for the ESAT is by working through practice questions. Revising subject knowledge is certainly helpful, especially for your weaker areas, but it can only get you so far.
Performing well in the ESAT isn’t just about how much you know, but how well you can apply your knowledge in an exam context. Everything from navigating the computer system to working within the time limits requires unique skills that can only be learnt through effective practice.
The official ESAT practice test is a good place to start, as it’s run on the official ESAT testing system. However, the amount of questions available is very limited, so you will also want to explore other ESAT question banks with a wider selection of questions.
You should also be sure to utilise past papers from the NSAA and ENGAA, as the questions in the ESAT follow almost the exact same format and specification (although these papers aren’t computer-based, so your practice won’t be as realistic.
4. Guess & Flag
As we already mentioned, the ESAT does not have negative marking (i.e. you won’t lose marks for incorrect answers).
This gives you the freedom to guess answers without fear of penalty, although this shouldn’t just be done for the sake of it. The ESAT testing system also features the ability to flag questions for later review. These two techniques work together to make a really effective exam strategy that’s important to learn.
The timings in the ESAT are tough, with 27 questions to answer in just 40 minutes. This means you don’t have loads of time to work through a question you find really tough, so you’ll have to move on if it’s taking too long. However, instead of just leaving it blank, there are two things you should always do before skipping a question.
First, you need to select an answer. Ideally, you should be able to make an educated guess based on the work you’ve already done, or perhaps rule out a few of the options. Either way, you need to ensure you’ve selected something, otherwise you’ll have a 0% chance of getting the mark if you don’t come back to it.
Once you’ve done that, you need to make sure you’ve flagged the question. When a question has been flagged, this will appear on the review screen to remind you to come back to it. If you do have enough time at the end, you can take your time to carefully go through the question and hopefully figure it out. If you don’t have enough time to go back, at least you have a small chance of getting it right as you selected an answer option!
So, that’s everything you need to know to start your ESAT Preparation!
However, your journey has only just begun! Over the next few months, you’ll need to make decisions on what subtests you want to take on and begin your studies, followed by practicing your skills. To make the most of your preparation time, no matter how long it may be, check out our selection of free guides at Exams.Ninja.
To step things up even further, take a look at ESAT.Ninja today to discover the most effective and comprehensive ESAT preparation platform available. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon!
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Exam Arena- Test your skills with our ESAT mock tests, alongside the official NSAA and ENGAA past papers. Each test is taken on an accurate recreation of the testing platform and comes with automatic marking and worked solutions.
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