You’re preparing as much as you can for the ENGAA or the PAT, doing past papers and working diligently through your A-level syllabi. But it can feel as if you’re working in the dark – it’s difficult to know how well you really need to do.
How well do I need to score on the ENGAA?
The ENGAA is marked on a scale of 1.0-9.0. The average candidate is expected to score 4.0, and 6.0+ is seen as a respectable score.
The ENGAA is important, as it is the only chance you have to show the interviewers your ability, apart from when you are put on the spot in the interview. It is a quantitative marker of your ability, and you don’t want to fall short.
How well do I need to score on the PAT?
The same applies to PAT, which is marked out of 100, with a respectable score being seen as around 60. The average score for successful applicants falls at 67.
However, it is important to remember that the PAT and the ENGAA are just one part of a large jigsaw puzzle. If they do go badly, it’s not the end of the world. There are other parts to your application. Prepare as much as you can, but remember your academic credentials, personal statement and interview (if shortlisted) play equal roles in the picture painted of you to the admissions tutors.
What’s one thing you wish you’d known before you applied to Oxbridge?
“Technically I already knew it but didn’t believe it, but remember that the tutors do actually look at all of your application and not just your PAT score to decide who to pick for interview. If you have a strong academic record but the PAT didn’t go so well, don’t worry (the same happened to me), you still have a really good chance of being invited to interview and getting an offer.”
Sophie S, Engineering, Oxford
Conclusion
Although the ENGAA and the PAT are great chances to show off your aptitude for engineering, it’s not the end of the world if they don’t go quite to plan. As long as the rest of your application is strong, you’ll still stand a good chance of getting an invite to interview.
For more information, check out our comprehensive guides to the ENGAA and the PAT, and our guides to ENGAA preparation and PAT preparation. And good luck!
