Scoring explained (1–9)

Each correct answer scores 1 raw mark. There is no negative marking; incorrect answers score zero. With 27 questions per module, the maximum raw score is 27.

Raw scores are converted to a scaled score between 1.0 and 9.0, reported to one decimal place. Each module is scored separately; there is no single combined ESAT score. Universities receive all module scores individually and weight them according to their own admissions process.

UAT-UK does not publish the exact raw-to-scaled conversion table; the conversion accounts for differences in question difficulty across sittings and administrations. The scale is calibrated so that the average candidate scores around 4.5 per module. Results are released on a fixed date approximately four weeks after your sitting, and are automatically shared with the universities on your UCAS application. You cannot withhold them.

The ESAT applicant pool is already highly selected; most candidates are predicted A*AA or above. Scoring above 5.0 means outperforming the majority of an already elite group:

• 8.0 – 9.0: top ~3–5%; exceptional, puts you in the strongest possible position
• 7.0 – 7.9: top ~10%; very competitive, strong chance of interview invitation
• 6.0 – 6.9: top ~20–25%; competitive for most courses
• 5.0 – 5.9: above the median of this highly selected pool
• Below 5.0: below average for applicants to these courses; the rest of your application needs to be very strong

For Cambridge and Oxford Engineering, scores of 7.0+ are typical among shortlisted candidates. For Imperial, the threshold varies by department; 5.5–6.5 is common among offer-holders, with more competitive courses seeing higher bars. No university publishes a cutoff; the ESAT is one input among several, alongside personal statement, reference, and interview.