Important Update: Since this article was published, Oxford has introduced significant changes to its admissions tests in 2026. Several assessments referenced in this guide have now been replaced or discontinued. For the latest information on Oxford’s admissions requirements, please see our guide on Changes to Oxford’s Admissions Tests.
Cambridge and Oxford are powerhouse universities in the UK. Accordingly, they run competitive application processes with multiple steps. For many of their undergraduate courses, though not all, applicants are required to sit admissions tests. The type of admissions test varies on the course.
Your score can hugely impact your application. So, what kind of score should you be aiming for? We’ll delve into the specifics below. Read on to discover what scores Cambridge and Oxford deem “good” and can boost your chances of admission.
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You can also check out our other blogs:
- What are the Cambridge admissions tests?
- What are the Oxford admissions tests?
- How to get into Cambridge
- How to get into Oxford
Content
- The importance of the admissions tests at Cambridge and Oxford
- Cambridge’s admissions test scores
- Oxford’s admissions test scores
- Get help from an Oxbridge admissions test tutor
The importance of admissions tests at Cambridge and Oxford
Generally, Oxbridge runs a holistic assessment. This means that your admissions test score will be considered in conjunction with your personal statement, predicted grades, academic track record and interview, as well as your admissions test.
So, ALL parts of your application are important and require your time and effort. You might need to aim higher than the ballpark average “good score” if certain areas of your application are weak, whereas if you are outstanding in all areas you might have a little more wiggle room with your admissions test score.
Although, ultimately, the higher your score is the higher your chances are of receiving an offer.
Also note that most admissions tests are taken before you submit your application or as part of your application, meaning that Oxbridge considers your score before deciding whether you’re shortlisted for an interview. However, in some cases, only shortlisted candidates must take the test, either before or during the interview. This is an important factor to check in advance!
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Cambridge’s admissions test scores
Check out the table below to see the different types of admissions tests Cambridge asks undergraduate applicants to complete per course, along with guidelines on scores.
| Courses | Admissions test | Admissions test scores |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies that it will be looking for evidence you have the following in your answers:
Strive to meet these criteria to perform well in the Cambridge admissions test. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies that the two parts of the assessment will be given separate scores from 1 to 10. Part 1: Writing Skills Assessment Criteria Aim to present your ideas clearly and expressively. Ensure you thoroughly understand the question and construct a well-argued response. Demonstrate a keen interest in and awareness of architecture and the environment. Part 2: Graphic and Spatial Ability Assessment Criteria The focus here is not on showcasing specific technical or formal skills. Instead, aim to:
Strive to meet these criteria to perform well in the Cambridge admissions test. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies that:
Strive to meet these criteria to perform well in the Cambridge admissions test. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies for:
You will review a Latin passage and answer questions about its language, grammar, and content. Aim for a high level of vocabulary comprehension, though you can ask for help during the interview. Your performance on this part will be scored out of 20 marks, with partial credit awarded for answers achieved with assistance. Aim for as close to 20 as possible.
9-10: Excellent understanding and accurate grammatical distinctions. 7-8: Good understanding with minor mistakes. 5-6: Incomplete understanding with several significant errors. 3-4: Limited understanding with numerous serious mistakes. 1-2: Little to no understanding of the material. Aim to demonstrate strong comprehension and rapid application of new concepts to achieve the top bracket. |
| ESAT | This is a new test so no average or previous scores have been calculated yet. In the ESAT, there is no pass-or-fail outcome. Instead, your objective should be to strive for excellence and perform to the best of your abilities. After all, your performance in the ESAT will contribute to the overall evaluation of your capabilities in the assessment process. The final scores you receive are determined by the number of correct answers you provide. It is important to note that you will not be penalised for incorrect answers. Therefore, it is advantageous to attempt all questions, as you have the opportunity to gain marks for each correct response. |
| TMUA | No cut-off scores or average scores have been published. However, the estimated average is 6.5 so it is advised to aim for above this and ideally above 7. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies:
Aim to produce a thorough and perceptive comparison to achieve a high score. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. Colleges Requiring Assessments:
Assessment Format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. Colleges Requiring Assessments:
Assessment Format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies: Section A:
Section B:
Aim to effectively convey your understanding and insights to achieve the highest possible marks. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. Colleges Requiring Assessments:
Assessment Format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
| LNAT | For the Cambridge Law Admissions Test (LNAT):
Strive for a strong LNAT score and a well-rounded application to enhance your chances of admission. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. All colleges except Christ’s require assessments. Assessment format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
| STEP (2 and 3) | Aim for at least grade 1 in 2 STEP papers STEP is graded:
No average scores published. |
| UCAT | In 2023, average UCAT scores fell around 629. Cambridge does not specify a required score, however, you should aim high to boost your likelihood of an offer (above 680). Aiming for a high score is vital if you’re setting your sights on Cambridge’s Medical School. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. Colleges Requiring Assessments:
Assessment Format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
| College Admissions Test. | No score specified. However, Cambridge’s mark scheme specifies: Part I:
Part II:
Aim to manage your time effectively and provide thorough answers to maximise your score. |
| College Admissions Test. | Test is not standardised. Colleges Requiring Assessments:
Assessment Format: Specific details will be provided by the respective college. Aim to understand the format thoroughly to achieve a high score. |
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Oxford’s admissions test scores
Check out the table below to see the different types of admissions tests Oxford asks undergraduate applicants to complete per course, along with guidelines on scores.
| Course | Admissions test | Admissions test scores |
| UCAT | In 2023, average UCAT scores fell around 629. Oxford does not specify a required score, however, you should aim high to boost your likelihood of an offer (above 680). Aiming for a high score is vital if you’re setting your sights on Oxford’s Medical School. |
| CAT (Classics Admissions Tests). | No score specified. However, Oxford’s mark scheme specifies: Each section of the CAT is marked out of 100. Each of the language translation sections (Greek and Latin) allocates 50 marks for each question. The CLAT splits the total marks between its sections:
The questions in the CAT are right-or-wrong questions and there is little room for interpretation, which is why it is so important to prepare thoroughly. So, it’s important to complete practice tests and try to aim for high marks in sections A, B and C. |
| ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test). | In the 2021-2022 cycle Oxford’s shortlist average score was 46.18 and their offer average score was 48.06. In the 2020-2021 cycle Oxford’s shortlist average score was 45.48 and their offer average score was 47. So, try to aim for a minimum of 46. |
| MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test). | There is no fixed “pass mark” for the MLAT as it varies by course, language, and year. Generally, a score of 70% or higher is considered competitive. Scoring Insights (2021-2022):
However, please note recent statistics (2019-2020) from Oxford’s vice chancellor’s office:
This demonstrates that the application process is holistic and high scores do not necessarily guarantee offers! Strategy:
By targeting a high score and ensuring the rest of your application is strong, you can improve your chances of being invited to an interview and receiving an offer. |
| MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test). | Recent Averages (2023):
Historical Data (2020): For applicants answering questions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5:
For applicants answering questions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6:
Target Score: Aim for a score above 75 to be competitive and improve your chances of being shortlisted and accepted. |
| GAT (Geography Admissions Test). | Please note that the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) replaced the GAT several years ago. However, the GAT is being reintroduced by Oxford from the 2023 application cycle onwards. The TSA and the GAT are very different so it’s important that you learn what to expect and prepare accordingly. Unlike the TSA, the main focus of the GAT is subject-specific knowledge, which may be preferred. The GAT is specifically designed for Geography students applying to Oxford as a component of the admission process. It is a subject-specific test that assesses:
The GAT is a computer-based test, utilising an online platform and lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is composed of three parts (A, B and C). So, aim to score as high as possible in each of the 3 segments. |
| HAT (History Admissions Test). | Recent Averages: 2021-2022:
2020-2021:
Target Score: Aim for a score above 64 to be competitive and improve your chances of being shortlisted and accepted. |
| TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment). | Recent Averages (2021):
Historical Data: 2020:
2019:
Section-Specific Averages: Problem Solving Questions:
Critical Thinking Questions:
Target Score:
Scoring Insight:
Strategy:
By targeting a score above 70, you will enhance your chances of being shortlisted and accepted into your desired course at Oxford. |
| LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law). | The LNAT is scored out of 42 for the multiple-choice section. The essay component is assessed by Oxford tutors for your desired course. Recent Averages: 2021-2022 Cycle:
Guidelines: Aim for a multiple-choice score of 27 or higher to be competitive. An average score of 29 is considered strong for Oxford applicants. Scores below 24 are generally considered low based on the national average. Strategy:
Using these benchmarks can help you set a target score and better prepare for the test. |
| PAT (Physics Admissions Test). | The PAT varies in difficulty each year, but the goal is to maintain a similar level of challenge. For example, the 2022 test was easier than the 2021 test, with average scores reflecting this change. Recent Averages:
Score Distribution:
Thresholds for Interviews:
Scoring Strategy: Aim for a score of 60 or higher to be highly competitive. Scores above the upper threshold will likely secure an interview, while lower scores can still be considered if the rest of your application is strong. Preparation Tips:
By targeting a score of 60 or higher, you will place yourself in a strong position for your Oxford application. |
| Philosophy Test. | No score specified. However, in the 2022 cycle, applicants who were shortlisted and received offers achieved scores ranging from 63 to 70. Oxford University does not publish the mark scheme for the Philosophy Test and there is little information on how it is marked. However, we do know that both parts (A and B) are given equal weighting, so you are advised to spend the same amount of time (30 minutes) on each question. Part B is marked similarly to other essay questions in admissions tests. Namely, examiners will be looking for the use of precise and careful reasoning to answer the question in a clear and structured way. Oxford particularly looks for answers which anticipate alternative points of view and are able to answer objections to the reasoning provided. They are also looking for answers which support every opinion or claim with evidence from the question. achieved scores ranging from 63 to 70. |
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Get help from an Oxbridge admissions test expert
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