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Tag: Mathematics Course

  • How to Register for Oxford MAT

    How to Register for Oxford MAT

    For students aspiring to read Mathematics or Computer Science related degrees at the University of Oxford, the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a key requirement. Your MAT result is a significant factor in determining whether you receive an offer of admission. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of Oxford MAT enrolment, including key dates and the registration procedure.

    I. Key Dates for the 2025 Oxford MAT Test

    18 June to 19 September 2025
    		MAT Registration Time
    18 August to 26 September 2025
    		MAT Test Slot Registration
    22 & 23 October 2025
    		MAT Test Dates
    November 2025
    		MAT Marking Period
    January 2026
    		MAT Results Released

    II. Oxford MAT Registration Procedure

    1. Create an Oxford Admissions Test Account

    1. Please go to the registration portal and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
      • During registration, you will need to provide your UCAS ID. If you have already submitted your UCAS application, you can enter your UCAS ID directly. If you don’t have a UCAS ID when registering, you may leave this field blank for the time being. However, it’s crucial to add it to your account as soon as you receive it; otherwise, the University will be unable to match your test result to your application.

        MAT & PAT Registration Guide - Create the account - 1
    2. Select Your Programme of Study.
      • After creating your profile, select your chosen programme of study from the drop-down menu. The system will automatically determine if the MAT is required for your course selection. Programme codes can be found on this page.
      • Upon selecting a Mathematics or Computer Science related programme, you will be automatically registered for the Oxford MAT.
      • You can change your programme choice and register for alternative tests throughout the application period, from when registration opens until it closes.

    2. Booking Your Examination with Pearson VUE

    1. Once you’ve registered for the Oxford MAT, you will be automatically redirected to the Pearson VUE examination booking platform.
      • You are required to read and agree to the University of Oxford’s examination policies.
      • When selecting a test centre, you can use the ‘Find a Test Centre’ function to locate nearby options. We strongly advise booking as early as possible to secure a place at your preferred test venue.
        how to register for mat
    2. Examination Booking.
      • Select your test date.
      • If your chosen test centre offers multiple sittings, you may select your preferred test time and book accordingly.
    3. Please check and confirm that your examination booking has been successful and that all your booking details are correct.

      MAT & PAT Registration Guide - Check the confirmation - 3

    3. After Registering and Before the Examination

    1. Keep Your Confirmation Letter Safe: Upon successful booking, Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email. This will contain the test date, time, test centre address, and other important instructions. Please read this carefully and keep it in a safe place.
    2. Ensure Your Identification is Valid: On the day of the examination, you must bring the original, valid, photographic identification document you used during registration. It is imperative to visit the official University of Oxford website or the Pearson VUE Oxford Admissions Test page beforehand to check the current list of acceptable forms of identification and to ensure your document will be valid on the test date.
    3. Understand Test Centre Regulations:
      • In line with Pearson VUE regulations for University of Oxford admissions tests, you are not permitted to bring any personal belongings into the examination room.
      • MAT is a computer-based test, with all answers completed on the computer. Physical scrap paper and pens, as well as calculators, formula sheets, or dictionaries of any kind, are not allowed in the test room.
    4. Official Contact Details: Should you have any questions, you can call the Pearson VUE candidate services helpline on 888 252 8564 (toll-free) or contact official customer service via the customer service centre on the Pearson VUE Chinese website.

    4. Examination Fees

    Unlike the TMUA/ESAT, the University of Oxford does not charge a fee for the MAT. However, some Pearson VUE test centres, particularly independently operated venues, may charge an administrative or invigilation fee.

    III. Access Arrangements

    1. If you require Access Arrangements, you must indicate this by selecting ‘Need Access Arrangements’ (or similar, depending on the portal’s wording) during registration. If you don’t do this, you will need to cancel your original booking and rebook.
    2. Applications for Access Arrangements must be supported by written evidence from recognised medical or educational professionals or institutions.
      • Note: Based on previous years, there may be an earlier deadline for submitting supporting documentation (e.g., mid to late September). It is crucial to consult the official University of Oxford website for the latest guidance and deadlines concerning Access Arrangements to avoid any delays.
        MAT & PAT Registration Guide - Supply documented evidence - 4
    3. Select the type of Access Arrangement you require.
      • If your required arrangement falls under Category 1, you may book your test yourself (please refer to the Oxford MAT Registration Procedure section above).
      • If the arrangement falls under Category 2, you will need to complete a booking form. Pearson VUE will then book the test on your behalf and confirm the details by email.
      • For clarification on Category 1 and Category 2 classifications, you are advised to refer directly to the detailed explanations on the University of Oxford’s official website, as these classifications may be updated.
      • If the arrangement you need is not listed among the options, please select ‘Other’ and provide a detailed description in the pop-up box. In such cases, the University of Oxford will first review your request before contacting Pearson VUE on your behalf. Pearson VUE will then contact you directly.
        MAT & PAT Registration Guide - Choose the arrangement type - 5
    4. Should you encounter technical difficulties when applying for Access Arrangements or booking a test with such arrangements, you may contact Pearson VUE for support. However, please note that all decisions regarding eligibility and approval for Access Arrangements are made by the University of Oxford.

    IV. Cancelling Examination Registration

    1. Oxford admissions tests are exclusively for applicants to the University of Oxford. If you register for the Oxford MAT but do not submit a UCAS application by 15 October, your test booking will be automatically cancelled.
    2. If you require Access Arrangements but do not submit the relevant documentation within the stipulated timeframe (this deadline is typically earlier than the standard registration deadline), your test booking will be cancelled. In this situation, provided it is still within the overall test registration and booking window (usually until early October), you may be able to rebook the test via the Pearson VUE system. If you do rebook, ensure all necessary supporting documents are uploaded immediately.
    3. Should you be unable to attend your booked MAT examination for any reason, you can typically cancel or amend your booking via the Pearson VUE booking system at least 48 hours before the scheduled test time. Cancellations within this timeframe do not usually incur additional charges. However, please be aware that while the University of Oxford does not charge a fee for the MAT, if your chosen independent test centre has charged an administrative fee, its refund policy will be subject to the centre’s own regulations. If you fail to cancel at least 48 hours in advance and do not attend the test, you may not be able to make further changes.

    V. Concluding Thoughts

    For candidates aspiring to read Mathematics or Computer Science related programmes at the University of Oxford, the MAT examination is critically important. Therefore, a thorough and timely understanding of the MAT registration procedure is particularly vital. This will not only save you considerable time but also help ensure your application process goes smoothly.

    We invite you to explore our other articles via the link below. These include a comprehensive analysis of the Oxford MAT and a preparation guide, designed to support your study journey efficiently and thoroughly.

    Oxford MAT Comprehensive Guide - Featured Image

    Oxford MAT Unpacked: Mastering the Test for Maths & CS Admissions

    Get the essential guide to the Oxford MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test). Understand the latest online format (MCQs + short answers), syllabus, scoring system, past average scores and key dates. Crucial for Oxford Maths & Computer Science applicants.
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    Master the Oxford MAT

    Master the Oxford MAT: Strategies for Unique Problems & Online Format

    Master the Oxford MAT test for Maths & CS admissions. This guide provides strategies for tackling its unique problem-solving style, strengthening logical reasoning (no calculator), adapting to the online format (MCQ & keyboarded short answers), and effective planning.
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  • How to Register for Cambridge STEP

    How to Register for Cambridge STEP

    Mastering math is a must for aspiring mathematicians, and the STEP exam is a key hurdle for securing a spot at top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Wondering when to register and how to navigate the process? This blog post will equip you with all the essential information for registering for the Cambridge STEP exam.

    I. Key dates for Cambridge STEP 2025

    STEP Registration Opens 1 March 2025
    STEP Registration Closes 4 May 2025
    STEP 2 Test Date 11 June 2025
    STEP 3 Test Date 16 June 2025
    STEP Results Released 14 August 2025

    II. How to register for Cambridge STEP?

    1. Foreign students (except China)

    Find an approved test center to register for Cambridge STEP:

    • You must take the test at a centre that is authorised to run STEP. Check if your school is authorised to administer the STEP exam on the OCR official website.
    • If your school is not authorised, locate the nearest authorised open test centre where you can take the test through the OCR website.

    Registration requirements:

    • Name, gender, date of birth, and UCAS ID.
    • The chosen university/ies, course/s and course code/s.
    • If you require special care for physical reasons, you must submit relevant supporting documents together.

    Candidate entry number:

    Please ask the exams officer at your school/college/test centre to register you and give you your candidate entry number as proof that your registration is complete.

    2. Chinese students

    Option 1: Authorised test center at school to register for Cambridge STEP:

    Follow the same steps as foreign students (except China) if we authorise your school.

    Option 2: British Council Online Registration:

    1. Access the British Council Website: Use Chrome or Firefox browsers.
    2. Log in or sign up:
      • Existing users: Log in using a verification code or password.
      • New users (18+): Register for an account. (Note: Requires a Chinese mobile phone number.)
      • Minors (under 18): A guardian must register and log in on your behalf. After registration, add an email address in “My Account” for receiving exam notifications.
    3. Select Exam Type: Choose “University Admission Test” and the STEP paper(s) you wish to take (Paper 2 or 3).
    4. Review and Confirm Exam Details: Test center, date, price, etc.
    5. Fill Out Personal Information: Include guardian information if applicable.
    6. Provide Exam Information: UCAS ID, applied university, UCAS course code, and any special arrangements needed.
    7. Select Leaving Type.
    8. Confirm Booking and Payment.
    9. Print Exam Confirmation Letter.

    III. UCAS ID

    1. What is a UCAS ID and how do I find it?

    The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) assigns a 10-digit Personal ID Number to each applicant. This number is essential for linking your Cambridge STEP results to your university application.

    To find your UCAS ID:

    • Log in to your UCAS account.
    • Click on your avatar in the upper right corner to access “Your Hub.”
    • Click “Start Application” and select the relevant admissions year.
    • Your UCAS ID will be displayed on the right-hand side of the page.

    2. Using your UCAS ID for Cambridge STEP Registration

    • Registering a Year Early: If you are registering STEP exam a year earlier and you have not yet submitted your university application, please check with your chosen university if they will accept a result from a test taken a year earlier than needed. Please note, for above candidates, you will be responsible for providing the result to the relevant university.
    • Results Not Required by Universities: If you do not need your STEP results sent directly to universities (e.g., you’re taking the exam for personal enrichment or practice), you can enter all zeros (000-000-0000) in the UCAS ID field during registration. This will be considered as no UCAS ID needed for your exam application.

    IV. Access arrangements

    If you require special arrangements, select “yes” during registration and specify the needed arrangements with supporting documentation (school/doctor’s note) in Step 6 when registering for Cambridge STEP exam.

    Please notice that requests for modified papers must be received by noon 12:00 (China Local Time) on 21st April 2025. The detailed supporting documents need to be scanned and emailed to our centre. British Council Global Exams Services National service hotline (Email: Globalexams.China@britishcouncil.org.cn, Tel: 010-58103306).

    The types of access arrangements are as follows:

    • 25% extra time
    • Supervised breaks
    • Separate Invigilation
    • Use of colour overlays
    • Use of a Reader
    • Question paper enlarged to A3
    • Use of an Amanuensis
    • Other (please give detail of required facilities or other modifications)

    V. Exam cancellation

    1. Before Registration Cut-off Date: Request cancellation for a partial refund of the local test service fee (after deduction of an administration fee of 30% local test service fee). The refund of board fee (if applicable) is subject to exam board’s policy.
    2. After Registration Cut-off Date: Cancellations are only allowed under exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical reasons) with supporting evidence submitted before the test day.
    3. No cancellations are accepted after the test day.

    VI. Conclusions

    The STEP examination is one of the key factors influencing whether candidates applying for Mathematics-related courses at universities such as Cambridge, Warwick, and Imperial College receive an offer. Therefore, understanding the STEP registration process is crucial.

    So, how is your STEP preparation progressing? Click the image link below to explore related articles from us offering a comprehensive explanation of the Cambridge STEP exams and preparation guides. This can enhance your study efficiency and effectively boost your STEP results!

    Cambridge STEP Demystified

    Cambridge STEP Demystified: All Aspects Covered

    Get a complete overview of the Cambridge STEP exam, crucial for Cambridge Maths. This guide covers all aspects: syllabus (A-Level Maths & Further Maths), paper-based format (choose 6 from 12), scoring (S-U grades), university requirements, and key preparation resources.
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    Cambridge STEP Prep Guide

    Cambridge STEP Preparation Guide: Strategies for Top Grade Success

    Achieve top grades (1 or S) in the challenging Cambridge STEP exam. This masterclass guide details effective preparation strategies, essential skills development (calculation, proof, problem-solving), Further Maths integration, resource management, and effective time planning.
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