The Geography Admissions Test: An Introduction

Embarking on a journey towards a Geography degree at Oxford University is an exhilarating prospect. However, before you can set foot on that esteemed campus, there is a challenge that awaits you—the New Geography Admissions Test. Designed to assess your critical thinking, problem-solving, and essay writing skills, this computer-based examination is a crucial step in securing your place in the renowned Geography degree at Oxford. In this blog, we will explore the New Geography Admissions Test and suggest preparation resources to help you excel in the test. Whether you have a strong background in Geography or are approaching the subject from a different academic path, this guide will help level the playing field and empower you to showcase your abilities.

We will delve into the test's format, structure, and each of its three sections—A, B, and C—to give you a clear understanding of what to expect. From deciphering multiple-choice questions that test your critical thinking skills to honing your problem-solving abilities and crafting well-rounded essays, we will provide invaluable insights and practical tips to enhance your performance.

Moreover, we will explore the reasons behind the inclusion of the Geography Admissions Test in the application process and how it helps Oxford University assess candidates beyond traditional measures such as personal statements and references.

So, if you're eager to unlock the doors to an exceptional academic journey in Geography at Oxford, join us as we navigate the intricacies of the GAT, demystify its challenges, and arm you with the tools to succeed.

What is the Geography Admissions Test?

The Geography Admissions Test (GAT) is a mandatory examination for prospective undergraduate students applying to study Geography at Oxford University. As part of the admissions process, the GAT has transitioned to a computer-based format. Candidates are required to take the test at an authorised test centre, typically located within their own school or college.

To aid in preparation, all applicants scheduled to take the GAT are invited to practice using the 2022 past paper (or an equivalent version) online prior to their test day. Oxford emphasise that is important to note that the content and structure of the test have remained consistent, making existing online resources and past papers invaluable tools for preparation. We strongly recommend exploring these resources to become familiar with the test format and question types.

The GAT is intentionally designed to ensure fair assessment and eliminate biases associated with different educational systems or curricula. It aims to evaluate candidates' abilities in a standardised manner, providing Oxford University with additional insights beyond personal statements and references.

By administering the GAT, Oxford University can identify the most promising candidates who possess the necessary skills for success in the Geography degree, regardless of their geographical or educational background.

Why Do Oxford University Use a Geography Admissions Test?

Oxford University employs a Geography Admissions Test (GAT) for several reasons. Given the abundance of highly qualified candidates with exceptional personal statements, excellent references, and predicted top grades, selecting the most deserving individuals becomes a formidable challenge. The diverse origins of applicants, coupled with the different qualifications they hold, further complicates the decision-making process. The GAT offers an additional measure that helps identify the strongest candidates, providing valuable insights alongside other components of the application. However, it's important to note that there is no specific mark that guarantees shortlisting.

The content and format of the test vary annually, and the scores attained are compared against those of other students applying for the same course. The GAT serves the crucial purpose of evaluating applicants' abilities relevant to Geography, recognizing that not all candidates will have studied the subject at school. It doesn't necessitate prior study of Geography at the GCSE or A-Level, nor does it require specific knowledge or facts from applicants.

Test scores are taken into account alongside academic performance during the shortlisting process for interviews. A strong performance in the GAT enhances the likelihood of being selected for an interview, further highlighting a candidate's potential.

What is the Format and Structure of the Geography Admissions Test?

The GAT follows a computer-based format, with candidates entering their answers into an online platform. The test has a duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, consisting of three distinct parts: A, B, and C.

Part A: Part A focuses on critical thinking and should be completed within 30 minutes. It comprises two sub-sections, each presenting candidates with a passage to read, followed by multiple-choice questions that assess their comprehension and analytical skills.

Part B: Part B assesses problem-solving abilities and should also be completed in 30 minutes. This section consists of two sub-sections, where candidates are required to analyze provided information and answer multiple-choice questions that evaluate their ability to extract relevant details and draw conclusions.

Part C: Part C entails reading a passage of text and responding to an essay question. Candidates are allotted 45 minutes to complete this section, demonstrating their capacity for coherent and well-structured written arguments based on the given text.

What does the GAT Assess?

The Geography Admissions Test (GAT) aims to assess a range of essential skills. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, and essay writing in response to unseen material. Critical thinking evaluates candidates' proficiency in summarising the main argument, identifying assumptions, assessing the influence of additional evidence, detecting logical errors, and applying general principles. Problem-solving ability, on the other hand, tests candidates' aptitude in selecting pertinent information from texts, tables, or figures, as well as their ability to devise procedures for summarising or comparing information and identifying similarities across different cases.

How to Prepare For the Oxford GAT

To prepare for the GAT test, it is important to note that no specific knowledge or facts are required, and prior study of Geography at the GCSE or A-Level level is not necessary to perform well.

To enhance readiness, it is firstly recommended that candidates become acquainted with the online system that will be used for the test. This familiarity will ensure a smoother experience on the actual test day. It is also crucial to plan your time effectively during the test, allowing sufficient allocation for each section. Reading the questions carefully is essential to grasp their requirements accurately. It is also advisable to double-check your work before submitting the test, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

By following these recommendations, candidates can approach the GAT with confidence, leveraging their critical thinking, problem-solving, and essay writing skills to showcase their aptitude for geography.

Now, you are ready to practice! We have suggested some useful resources to start preparing below.

Recommended Reading and Resources to Prepare for the Geography Admissions Test

If you wish to delve deeper into your interests in Geography through additional reading, there is a wide range of freely available online resources that you can explore. These are just a few suggestions from the Oxford School of Geography to get you started. As you engage with the material, it is helpful to consider certain questions and make notes to aid your understanding. N.B. This preparation will also serve you well for interview - keep a file with articles you found most interesting and your answers to the questions posed below to look back on prior to interview:

What is the main argument presented in the book/ article/ podcast, etc.?
What evidence is provided to support the argument, and can you identify any flaws in the evidence or reasoning?
Formulate your own opinions on the topic.

Here are some recommended resources:

Oxplore: A digital resource created by Oxford University, designed to stimulate critical thinking among 11-18 year olds. E.g. Check out the section on Power, which raises thought-provoking questions and provides links to further resources.
Routes: A digital journal for sixth formers and undergraduate geographers. Explore articles like Sophia Buchanan Barlow's piece on the compatibility of sustainability and development.
Geography Directions: A blog site published by the RGS-IBG that covers various contemporary issues. Read posts like the one co-authored by Professor Jamie Lorimer on lessons geographers can learn from the 2020 anthropause.
The Conversation: An independent source of news and views from the academic and research community. It covers diverse topics of interest to geographers. Examples include an article on the water crisis in a First Nation community in Canada and a discussion on the importance of seagrass meadows in UK waters as carbon sinks.
Other Oxbridge Admissions Tests:
- The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) should be great practice for the GAT test critical thinking and essay writing (check out our blog on it here).
- The Cambridge Geography Admissions Assessment is also quite similar - it includes a Thinking Skills and Problem Solving section, as well as Reading Comprehension and an essay written in response to a graphical stimulus.

Additionally, there are numerous podcasts, magazines, and books that can broaden your knowledge in Geography. This will increase the likelihood of you being familiar with a topic that comes up! Some noteworthy options include "Geographical Magazine," "The Economist," "New Scientist," and books like "A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things" by Raj Patel and Jason Moore, "The Mushroom at the End of the World" by Anna Tsing, and "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate" by Naomi Klein.

How to Register for the New Geography Admissions Test

To register for the computer-based Oxford admissions test, follow these steps:

Registration Period: The registration period for the test is open from 1st September to 29th September. Remember that completing your UCAS application does not automatically register you for the test. Registration must be done through an authorised test centre, which is typically your own school or college. However, there are also open test centres available for registration.

Taking the Test in School or College: Once your school or college is authorised as a test centre, they can register candidates for Oxford's admissions tests between 1st September and 29th September. Make sure you provide your centre with the following information:

Your name, gender, date of birth, and UCAS number exactly as entered on your UCAS application.
The name of the university, course, and course code you have chosen.

Taking the Test in an Open Test Centre: If your school cannot become a test centre or if circumstances make it impractical, you have the option to take the test at an authorised open centre. The list of open centres will be available on the "Find a test centre" page of the test centre portal. More centres will be added gradually as they receive authorisation, so if you can't find a centre immediately, remember to check regularly for updates.

Are You Looking For an GAT / Geography Oxbridge Tutor?

At U2 Tuition, we take a personalised approach to learning, working closely with each student to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Our experienced Geography Oxford tutors provide tailored tutoring sessions that address the specific needs of each student. From guidance on crafting compelling personal statements, supporting with the GAT test, short essay and interview preparation, we offer comprehensive support to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in application to the Oxford Geography course.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxford Geography graduate as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our tutors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Geography and related degrees at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, GAT test, submitted work and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal diagnostic session, where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Geography application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview, and will set students up well for the GAT test - this may sometimes stretch to First Year Undergraduate. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within the course and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects, and Oxbridge mock interview days. Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced. We also provide GCSE, A-Level or IB support if needed.

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The New Oxford University GAT (Geography Admissions Test): Preparation and Advice