Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) Guide

How to register for the MLAT

WHEN IS THE MLAT IN 2023?

The test date for the MLAT in 2023 is the 19th 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 MLAT, like many Oxford Admissions Tests, requires applicants to register in advance of sitting the test. 2023 applicants will have to register between the 1st and 29th of September to be able to sit the test.

An applicant cannot register themselves for the test, but must be registered through an official test centre. For most candidates this will be their school or college, but if not it can be done through an open test centre. We recommend reading the Oxford University MLAT page for more details on how to register. However you register, make sure that you have submitted all your details to the test centre and have received your candidate entry number as proof of entry by midnight on the 29th of September. 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 MLAT

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 Modern Languages Student

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE MLAT?

1. Read in your Target Language: Engage with a diverse range of literary works in the language you’re applying for to enhance your language skills as well as your literary and analytical thinking. Understand different writing styles to the best of your ability, and
2. Practice Translating Texts: Regularly practise close reading and translation of Latin or Greek texts (if sitting one or both Translation papers), both going over the set texts from your school classes as well as unseen text practice.
3. Go Over Vocabulary and Grammar: Spend some time going back through the Latin or Greek vocabulary and grammar you have covered in class so as to give you the headstart on your unseen Latin or Greek text translations.
4. 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 Languages 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 Linguist. Get in touch with one of our mentors today as part of an Admissions Test Tuition course.

MLAT PREPARATION MATERIALS

In addition to official MLAT past and specimen papers 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 MLAT papers are included with our MLAT admissions test tuition course. All of our MLAT 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 MLAT?

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 MLAT?

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

Most students who don’t make it through the interview stages and feel their MLAT 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 MLAT paper.

START EARLY

Since no specific subject knowledge is required for the MLAT, 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 MLAT, since you all have varying abilities. Try to identify which text forms you get on well with best, as well as how you fare in engaging with new texts and translating rapidly or, in the case of the LAT, how quickly you can adapt to a new language system.

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 MLAT papers, you should then look wider at similar materials. For example, if taking a paper for a language you’re already studying, take a look at unseen text questions for other A-level exam boards or other exam systems, such as the IB. This could offer you a wider array of practice material and help train your flexibility to unseen materials.