Physics and Maths aptitude test papers

Following discussions with the University Admissions Office and feedback from schools we are making a significant change to the format of our aptitude test papers for the 2008-09 admissions round; the content will be only slightly affected. In 2006 and 2007 we set two separate one hour aptitude tests, one on physics and one on mathematics.  In future years these will be combined into a single two hour test, covering both physics and mathematics, providing greater uniformity among aptitude tests for different subjects, and thus simplifying arrangements for schools which host these tests.

Calculators will not be permitted for this test, which will require minor changes to the content of the physics portion of the test to reduce the number of calculations, although some relatively simple numerical calculations (including multiplication and division by hand) will still be required. The style and content of the mathematics portion of the test will remain unchanged. Following existing practice, formula sheets, tables and data books will not be permitted for this test.

Sample Paper

Our revised sample paper is available in pdf format.  Sample papers should also be available on the university web site and printed copies made available by the Oxford Colleges Admissions Office.  All three copies should be identical once the university copies have been updated to reflect these changes, but in the event of any discrepancy the paper on this page is definitive.  Please note that we do not provide sample answers or a mark scheme for these papers.

Candidates are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the form of this test and the syllabus, and to note that calculators, tables, formula sheets or other aids may not be used.

Past Papers

Past test papers and reports on test outcomes are posted on this site as they become available.  Past papers and sample papers dated before May 2006 are based on an earlier syllabus and are not relevant to the current entrance test. Past papers and sample papers dated from May 2006 but before May 2008 involve two separate papers as described above, and the use of calculators was permitted in the physics test but not the maths test. These papers can, therefore, provide general guidance on the likely content of future papers, but retain the old format and can include quite complicated numerical computations on the physics papers. All files listed below are in pdf format.

• The 2006 sample papers.
• Test papers and report for 2006. Note that the papers sent to schools had a typographical error in question 9 of the physics paper, which has been corrected in this version.
• Test papers and report for 2007.
• Test paper and report for 2008.

Updated 11 March 2009

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