IGCSE/GCSE/O & A Level/IB/University Student Forum

Teachers and Students => Universities => Topic started by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 11:29:26 am

Title: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 11:29:26 am
Not sure if this is the right place to post it, but it seems like a logical place for the thread.

Basically I have been intending to work towards the Oxford Admissions test, but a nasty case of Swine Flu has pretty much prevented me from doing anything. I know there are some past tests up, but I have done them all and definitely need more revision.

I have done some AEA and STEP I papers as practice, but I think the styles are very different to the Oxford test. Are there any other papers you would recommend for preperation. The standard A level past papers and Solomon/Delphi/Elmswood Press papers are far too easy, and S-Level papers are usually on C3/C4 material.

Thanks, MBedford.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 02:42:14 pm
You could try some further maths papers.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 09:05:23 pm
I'm taking further maths, but the questions are pretty much on a completely different syllabus to the Oxford test.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 09:20:19 pm
If the questions are based on c1-c4 modules then anything you do in fuerther maths is harder than that. Suggest you do as much maths as possible. I dont think the oxford tests are hard frankly.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 09:40:33 pm
They aren't too hard, but I have been told by more than one Oxford admissions tutor that 80% plus is usually needed to be considered seriously as an applicant.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 09:58:19 pm
Shouldn't be too hard for anyone who studies further maths and already has been accepted for interview.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 10:54:19 pm
It's the other way around for Oxford, they base who they ask for interviews on the admissions test. Those who get 60% plus get an interview usually, but if you get less than 80% you would have to be pretty damn good in the interview.

I've decided to do some Cambridge Pre-U questions by the way, I am sure there will be a few on here, they are a bit tastier than normal A level questions. I am also looking for a level papers from the 60's to 90's, they were nice and tasty.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 11:06:06 pm
I thought you would get an interview based at least on part on your AS results.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 11:07:42 pm
Well they do play a part, but even if you have 5 A's at AS if you c**k up the test you don't get an interview.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 11:11:33 pm
If you're going for maths you will need at least 2A's out of 3 modules I think. And dams good scores in your other AS's too
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 11:18:00 pm
My AS's are good enough (A's in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Studies, and A* in A2 mathematics), it's just that I keep messing up on the Oxford tests for some reason. I am always sure I have got a question right, but then I look at the mark scheme and it's wrong. Maybe it's because I'm too relaxed when doing it at home. I think that if I can get to the interview I will be fine, but for that I will need to do some practice for the test.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 11:20:59 pm
I will have a look at the oxford tests 1st thing in the morning. I looked at them ages ago and though core maths, so lost interest.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: mbedford on October 17, 2009, 11:22:16 pm
Thanks.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 17, 2009, 11:31:11 pm
I meant A*s. I forgot they were changing this year.
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on October 18, 2009, 09:06:26 am
I have looked at some papers. The material in them is just core maths, but there is a lot of problem solving and it does utilize all of your knowledge. I think there are 15 papers up now. Have you done them all?
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: desy.kris on July 24, 2011, 04:37:46 am
isn't it just an aptitude test?
Title: Re: Oxford Mathematics Admissions test
Post by: astarmathsandphysics on July 24, 2011, 11:26:04 pm
No. Real problem solving. I think the maths papers are not as tricky as the physics papers though.