Oxford Mathematics Admissions test

[mbedford]

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.

[astarmathsandphysics]

You could try some further maths papers.

[mbedford]

I'm taking further maths, but the questions are pretty much on a completely different syllabus to the Oxford test.

[astarmathsandphysics]

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.

[mbedford]

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.

[astarmathsandphysics]

Shouldn't be too hard for anyone who studies further maths and already has been accepted for interview.

[mbedford]

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.

[astarmathsandphysics]

I thought you would get an interview based at least on part on your AS results.

[mbedford]

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.

[astarmathsandphysics]

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

[mbedford]

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.

[astarmathsandphysics]

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.

[mbedford]

Thanks.

[astarmathsandphysics]

I meant A*s. I forgot they were changing this year.

[astarmathsandphysics]

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?