History Aptitude Test - Wish I'd Known (Expert Oxford Application Advice)
The History Aptitude Test forms a crucial aspect of your application for History and all Joint Honours Schools. Candidates usually need to clear a minimum threshold to be invited for an interview and have a chance of being offered a place (the threshold is determined each year by the university to keep in line with Oxford’s preferred interviewees to place ratio of 1 to 3).
Historically, the average score for shortlisted interview candidates has oscillated in the low to mid-60s and high-60s for successful offer holders.
It’s important to note that the HAT has undergone a change of format starting in the 2018/2019 application round. The new Test will take 1 hour instead of 2 and feature only a single source-based essay question (similar to question 3 from the old test).
Your success in the HAT is dependent, very much like your success in A-level and IB essay writing, on being able to formulate a succinct, argumentative and analytical piece which uncovers and evaluates the main points of the source in question. The essay should follow the standard structure of introduction - main body - conclusion, in which all parts are mutually consistent. Your paragraphs should focus on the themes you have identified in the source and you should avoid being overly descriptive at all cost. Additionally, your answers will be marked on the basis of relevance of your answer to the question, careful and appropriate selection of evidence, thoughtful prioritisation of arguments, precision and clarity of writing. Most source questions tend to focus on what the given source can tell us about a particular issue or period, so you will need to consider the purpose, authorship, historical context and reliability. You should also aim to make insightful comments on the limitations of the source with full justification and relevant evidence. Lastly, primary sources for the HAT are usually selected from niche historical periods that you are unlikely to have encountered in school.
You are not expected to know the historical context but are encouraged to make educated guesses if you think they further the quality of your evaluation.
For a detailed break-down of the 2013 HAT source question please see here.
You can also see our powerpoint presentation on the HAT here.
Let us know if you have any questions about this article or anything related to History at Oxbridge at all.
This article was written by Wojciech (Oxford - History & Politics).
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Author: Wojciech - Oxford
BA History & Politics
Since graduating I have acquired extensive experience in Mentoring for Oxbridge admissions. I have worked in person with students in London, Hong Kong and Budapest and taught A-level History and Politics at Akademeia High School in Warsaw.
