University of Oxford to use more admissions tests

[16.07.2012]

The University of Oxford is among a handful of universities which will be introducing more admission exams in order to establish the most suitable candidates.

Use of aptitude tests are on the rise as the number of prospective students applying for a place at the institution continues to increase.

Around 85 per cent of applicants are expected to take some form of test in the coming 12 months, up from around 60 per cent three years ago.

Speaking to the Press Association, Oxford University Undergraduate Admissions Director Mike Nicholson explained: "Part of the value of the tests for our tutors is that it benchmarks the candidates against each other within a discipline, so we're not having to try and make up complicated algorithms to offset what the German Abitur is against US SATs against the International Baccalaureate."

Overall, at least 75 universities are setting exams to gain admissions on to courses for traditional academic disciplines such as law, medicine and mathematics.

Posted by Louise Wright