FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ESAT and how does it differ from ENGAA and NSAA?

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) replaced the ENGAA for engineering and NSAA for natural sciences. The ESAT is an online exam that you register for via UAT UK and sit for at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

The time constraint in ESAT is slightly tighter than ENGAA, with ENGAA section 1 being 90 seconds per question, ENGAA section 2 being 180 seconds per question, ESAT being 88.9 seconds per question. However, ESAT physics is noticeably easier than ENGAA section 2. Both exams don’t allow calculators and formula booklets. A number of courses offered at Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL ask their candidates to sit for ESAT.

Who is this preparation blueprint designed for?

This coursebook and blueprint is engineered for Year 12 and Year 13 (A-Level / IB / AP) students aiming for Cambridge Engineering (General Engineering Tripos) as well as Imperial, Oxford, and other premier engineering programs.

When is the ideal timeline to start preparing?

We recommend starting early to make sure you have the time to double check your PS, prepare for admissions and train for the interview. Here are some dates worth remembering:

• UCAS application Oxbridge: 15th October, 2026, 18:00 BST
• ESAT booking: 28th September, 2026, 18:00 BST
• Interview window: 7th-18th Decemeber, 2026
• Offers sent back: 27th January, 2027

How are the guide books and question banks delivered?

Upon successful checkout, an email will be sent to redirect you to our seperate platform where you can access the guides bought. Please do not be afraid if it does not come immediately as our server is still relatively new.

How does the 1-on-1 personal statement or interview feedback work?

Purchasing the “Cambridge Engineering Application Blueprint” entitles you to either personal statement or interview feedback. Purchasing the personal statement master guide entitles you to only the personal statement feedback.

For the personal statement feedback, submit your personal statement draft via a2ostudios.biz@gmail.com and First Class Cambridge Engineers will give you a one-off personal statement annotation. Nothing more. For the interview feedback, submit a video of you answering only one interview question via a2ostudios.biz@gmail.com. First Class Cambridge Engineers will give you one-off analysis on your interview tone, attitude, answer structure, answer contents and habits.

I am applying for engineering in other UK universities, or Cambridge Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology or Natural Sciences, are A2O guides still relevant?

Yes, our guides are still one of the best guides for any UK engineering application. If your engineering course only requires pre-University grades and personal statement, purchasing the personal statement master guide will put you ahead most candidates.

If your engineering course requires ESAT maths 1, maths 2 and physics, purchasing the ESAT comprehensive strategy guide will get you ahead of most ESAT-takers. If you’re applying for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, you will still get the most value out of our flagship Cambridge Engineering Application Blueprint.