The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is being introduced in 2024 for engineering and science applicants at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), introduced for the 2024-25 admissions cycle, assesses students who applying to the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London for engineering and science courses. The ESAT allows applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. ESAT questions demand an element of problem solving that is not required in A Level exams, so students should prepare and practice diligently for the best chance of success.
The ESAT provides a common measure with which to benchmark highly achieving students who are applying for the most competitive courses. There is no pass or fail mark for the test, so students must simply aim to do the best they can. Scores, reported on a scale of 1.0-9.0, are used by when shortlisting Cambridge applicants for interview, or as part of the holistic assessment process at Imperial.
The ESAT is a crucial aspect of the university admissions process for aspiring engineers and scientists, likely surpassing any of their previous exams in difficulty and time pressure. With rigorous preparation and practice, students can reliably improve their score. Working with our specialist ESAT tutors, students receive a thorough, systematic introduction to the knowledge and skills needed for success.
The Vantage ESAT programme consists of five key elements:
The ESAT Primer Course is a course of lessons designed to give students a thorough, structured introduction to the question types that frequently arise in the ESAT. The course is geared towards students applying for engineering and physical sciences: it comprises two lessons for Mathematics 1, six lessons for Mathematics 2, and four lessons each for Physics and Chemistry. The course is customisable to accommodate different combinations of sections. The lessons are provided in both pre-recorded video format (lasting approximately 90 minutes each) and as a booklet. A worksheet of original questions accompanies each lesson, enabling students to master the techniques learned. The worksheet solutions delve into the problem-solving thought processes behind the answers. Please book a consultation to find out more about the ESAT Primer Course.
The ESAT Programme includes solutions for all relevant ESAT preparation materials. The Natural Science Admissions Assessment (NSAA) was used by Cambridge from 2016-2023, and is highly representative of ESAT questions. We provide past paper solutions in both video and booklet format for all NSAA past papers (excluding Biology questions). Instead of merely giving the answer to a question, the solutions break down the entire thought process, providing alternative approaches if appropriate, which can be applied to similar questions encountered in the future. The Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) was also used by Cambridge from 2016-2023. There is significant overlap between NSAA and ENGAA, so we provide additional solutions to all unique ENGAA questions. Students taking Mathematics 2 will also have access to our TMUA past paper solutions.
All Vantage students are invited to attend our interactive online problem solving workshops over the summer. Hosted each week by Mathematics Olympiad enthusiast, problem solving aficionado and expert tutor Carlo Scarian, these classes provide a fun change of pace from the more technical focus of our Primer Courses and the rigidity of past paper problems, instead focusing on general problem solving principles and cultivating the mindset of a mathematician. Students are given access to some problems to think about before each session to gain the most benefit. Please note that the problem solving workshops are most relevant for students taking Mathematics 2 and Physics on the ESAT.
All Vantage students have the benefit of regular mentoring sessions over the course of their ESAT preparation, ideally attended along with their parents/guardians. All meetings are held with our founding director and are completely tailored to the student’s specific goals. The aim of these sessions is to review students’ progress, address doubts or concerns, provide motivation, and create actionable plans to resolve any difficulties. Personalised mentoring enables students to ensure they are staying on track for success and provides vital support over what is often a long period of preparation.
Many Vantage students opt for ESAT tuition as part of their admissions test preparation. It is the most personalised support we offer and ensures that all doubts can be addressed, whether they pertain to specific questions or broader topics and concepts. It also provides an opportunity for students to work with an expert ESAT tutor to explore questions further, pursue their own interests, and – most importantly – ask questions. We are able to provide expert, subject-specific tuition in mathematics, physics and chemistry.
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"Rowan from Vantage is the real deal, a rare blend of being a sufficiently brilliant mathematician to have a complete, deep and intuitive grasp on the difficult problems set in admissions tests, but also a great teacher who is able to explain the thought process in a way students can understand. I cannot recommend him highly enough."