History Admissions Test (HAT)

Oxford

The HAT is unlike any other test you've had

All students applying for History or one of the Joint Honours Schools (e.g. History & Politics) are required to sit the History Aptitude Test. It forms a crucial element of your entire application and clearing the minimum mark threshold is crucial to being invited to an interview.

HAT first and foremost tests your historical skills rather than your historical knowledge. You cannot prepare for it through A-level style revision. However, you are encouraged to look at and complete the past papers available on the Oxford website.

From 2018 onwards, the HAT will undergo a change of format. It will consist of a single question in which you are asked to write an essay analysing the contents of a source. The test will last for 1 hour.

What we can do?

Our mentors will take you through the necessary historical skills which you are expected to demonstrate in your essay: thematic structure, clarity and consistent analysis and evaluation, argumentation over description, correct handling and precision in presenting of evidence. Our mentors will also grade your practice essays providing you with an indicator of whether you’re on track with your preparations.

One to One and Classes

Doxa provides classes and one to one tuition; all tutorials are an hour long. We recommend the one to one sessions to students seek tailored advice that is specific to their writing style and skill level, and who would like to receive detailed and personal feedback on their work.Students can choose, in addition to the main tutorial, to submit completed test papers in advance. Mentors will then mark these papers before the tutorial and run through them during the tutorial. 

Our classes provide you with a general introduction to the structure of the HAT, the marking criteria and ensure that students understand what is expected of them and what skills they are expected to demonstrate if they are to excel in their test.

 All our lessons are run by former Oxford students who have themselves taken and successfully completed the HAT.