Philosophy Test (PhilAT) Guide

How to register for the Philosophy Test

WHEN IS THE PHILOSOPHY TEST IN 2024?

The test date for the Philosophy Test in 2024 is the 22nd of October, meaning that all applicants will have to sit the test on this exact day. This may be during half term, but with plenty of advanced notice this hopefully shouldn’t prevent your school or college from holding the test. Be aware that if you miss this date for whatever reason you will not be able to take the test on another day and your application will not be considered.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION?

The Philosophy Test, like many Oxford Admissions Tests, requires applicants to register in advance of sitting the test. 2023 applicants will have to register between the 15th of August and the 4th of October to be able to sit the test.

Candidates can register for themselves via the online registration portal. We recommend reading the Oxford University PhilAT page for more details on how to register; the university will be releasing further information in due course. Once registered, applicants will then be able to book their place at a Pearson VUE test centre. We recommend booking as soon as possible so that you can secure a place at the most convenient test centre for you.

Once registered, make sure that you have received an email stating your test centre location, and the date, time, and duration of the test. Make sure that this is done well in advance of the deadline. If you have extenuating circumstances (i.e. a situation beyond your control) that prevented you from registering on time, get in touch with the Oxford college you applied to immediately and alert them of your situation.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE THE PHILOSOPHY TEST?

Oxford University does not charge applicants a registration fee. However, independent test centres do sometimes charge an administration fee for candidates to cover costs such as room hire and invigilation. Get in touch with your chosen test centre to clarify if this cost will apply to you.

Tips from a Successful Oxford Philosophy Student

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE PHILOSOPHY TEST?

1. Understand the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the format and structure of the Philosophy Test. Review the official test guidelines provided by Oxford University. This will help you know what to expect on the test day, including the types of questions, time limits, and overall structure.
2. Study Philosophical Concepts: The test is designed to assess your ability to engage with philosophical ideas and arguments. Strengthen your knowledge of key philosophical concepts and theories. Focus on areas like ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and logic. Read primary texts, academic articles, and reputable philosophy resources to deepen your understanding.
3. Practise Critical Thinking: The Philosophy Test evaluates your critical thinking skills. Engage in regular practice by analysing complex arguments, identifying assumptions, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints. Solve logic puzzles, engage in thought experiments, and engage in debates to hone your critical thinking abilities.
4. Practice Writing Concisely: The test often requires you to express your thoughts clearly and concisely. Practice writing essays or responses under timed conditions. Focus on structuring your answers logically, providing clear explanations, and defending your arguments effectively. Review and edit your practice essays to improve your writing style.
5. Seek Feedback: Request feedback on your practice essays and responses from teachers, mentors, or peers. Constructive criticism will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach. Previous Oxford Philosophy Students, such as our mentors here at Oxbridge Applications, are also a great source of knowledge to draw on, as they can give you an accurate picture of what it means to perform like a real Oxford Philosopher. Get in touch with one of our mentors today as part of an Admissions Test Tuition course.

PHILOSOPHY TEST PREPARATION MATERIALS

In addition to official Philosophy Test past and specimen papers available on the Oxford website, we at Oxbridge Applications have written a series of additional mock papers. Our students have 33% more questions to practise with. Our mock Philosophy Test papers are included with our Philosophy Test admissions test tuition course. All of our Philosophy Test tutors are highly-trained Oxford graduates who can share their personal insights of having sat the test. You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss which of our test training would suit you best. We also have an online testing portal for students who want to sit the exam in timed, test conditions.

WHAT IS THE BEST STUD GUIDE FOR THE PHILOSOPHY TEST?

At Oxbridge Applications, we pride ourselves in providing up-to-date advice and unrivalled expertise. As well as collating information from publicly available sources, we also conduct our own research into the application process; for example, by surveying the thousands of students we support each year. Speak to an Oxbridge Applications expert today for advice on your specific situation!

How to Pass the Philosophy Test?

The best advice we can offer to succeed in the Philosophy Test is to begin exam preparation early and practise often.

Most students who don’t make it through the interview stages and feel their Philosophy test results let them down tell us that they didn’t spend enough time practising with unseen materials and working to the specific timings and requirements of the relevant Philosophy Test paper.

START EARLY

Since no specific subject knowledge is required for the Philosophy test, challenge yourself to begin working through past papers and familiarising yourself with the questions as soon as possible.

REFLECTION

Reflect on your personal strengths and weaknesses. No two students should have the same revision strategy for the Philosophy Test, since you all have varying abilities. Try to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses by completing past papers and sample questions so you can strategically plan your preparation accordingly.

DON'T RESTRICT YOUR PRACTICE MATERIALS

Don’t restrict your practice materials: Once you have tried all of the real past papers, and have moved on to additional materials like our bespoke Philosophy Test papers, you should then look wider at similar materials. For example, read philosophical texts, or just well-constructed essays, in your spare time to give you some ideas of how others construct their arguments.