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What is the History Admissions Test (HAT)?
The HAT consists of one question, based on an extract from a primary source, to be answered in one hour. It is taken under exam conditions, at a Pearson VUE centre, and will be online.
We use an admissions test because it gives us an objective basis for comparing candidates from different backgrounds, and to differentiate between candidates predicted the same (high) grades. It is designed to be challenging, and you will be asked to offer thoughtful interpretation of the source without knowing anything about its context. The HAT is a test of skills, not knowledge, and will test the following:
Your ability to read carefully and critically
Your adoption of an analytical approach
Your ability to keep your answer relevant to the question
Your precision in handling concepts and selecting evidence to support your points
Your historical imagination
Your originality and independence
Your ability to write clearly and concisely
How can I prepare for the HAT?
The HAT is an important part of how we assess applications, so you are advised to spend some time preparing. As it is not a test of knowledge, you cannot revise for it, but you can do some preparation.
The test now takes place online but as the structure and content have not changed you will still find it helpful to practice for the test with the past papers and other practice materials on this page. Past papers from the previous seven years, and their mark schemes, are provided below to give you an idea of how the test works. We strongly recommended that you answer at least one practice test in the time allowed (one hour). Don’t worry if you find it hard – it’s supposed to be!
Once you have watched the videos and explored the practice materials below, we strongly recommend you have a go at the online practice test (click on the link below) which is the 2023 past paper. You might choose not to look at this past paper in advance so that you can mimic the experience of taking the online test unseen. Having a go at the online practice test will allow you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and the tools available to support you. This will mean that on test day you are able to focus fully on the content of your answers.
The Faculty's outreach team offer free admissions workshops that look at the HAT in more depth. Students can find out more about these and our other skills workshops by clicking here.
History Admissions Test [HAT] - Mark Scheme Explained
A resource for teachers and advisors to support the marking of practice papers and for candidates sitting the HAT to help understand what skills the test is assessing.
