How to DEMOLISH the HAT (History Aptitude Test)!!!

[@nicolemusic2242]

-Emphasized the importance of planning. -Spend at least 20 (out of 60) minutes planning. If this is slightly over then it's okay so long as you write more efficiently. If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail. Quality>quantity. They are looking for a focussed, well-structured argument (see front cover of booklet). -When you see the question, do NOT change the wording of the question. Answer it directly. In this case, the 'hook word' is "values". -Annotation tip: only highlight adjectives and adverbs. This is often where the author gives an evaluative statement. -It is important to consider the form. In this case, it is IMAGINARY and not real. (why? did he know them well? does answering those improve my understanding?). From skimreading it, 'notable contemporaries' (what does society consider valuable socially and culturally) and the gender and socio economic status (woman not involved in conversation? owns an estate=wealth? how is wealth divided? economic system? social class?) and dynamics could offer a way in. But the woman is being discussed=she is notable. -When planning your response, it MUST be relevant to the question's wording, is focussed and easy to read. Will update tomorrow...

[@mary-annannan5216]

When I first applied to Oxford I got rejected. I was so frustrated because I felt I received little help with preparation/advice and tips about the process and revision methods. I didn't give up and this year I tried again. All I did was constantly watch ur videos on loop and do practice paper after practice paper. When people say you can't revise for the HAT I'll point them to your videos because their honestly so helpful, especially when you go to an underperforming school!! These videos are the reason why I got in this year :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's really kind of you to say this! Huge congratulations to you for persevering!

[@caitlincharlotte2419]

This has been so incredibly useful! Making notes throughout it I feel a lot less scared about facing the HAT test now. The way it's always explained on this channel is just so well done and makes it a lot less confusing and daunting when trying to tackle an Oxbridge application. Thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great to know! Thank you!

[@dannykuhrt9144]

The discussion of sleep is making me question the amount of US Election night I will stay up for! Terrible timing HAT!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Agreed! I'm also worried about my productivity on Wednesday!

[@luchi7118]

Thank you so much for this video I’m only 15 and I live in Spain but it is my dream to study history at Oxford University and this video is really helpful ❤️

[@maisie5511]

Thank you so much, that was so helpful! Good luck to everyone for Thursday

[@ewanwilson5783]

This has been one of the most helpful videos I have ever watched, not only for the approach to the upcoming HAT test, but also for the approach to any essay based test. Thank you so much.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the kind comment

[@linussteinmetz3117]

I've never before watched a more helpful and transparent video on a part of the application process. Thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jasonmuiruri]

I've come back to this video for months and I think I'm finally ready and confident to take my test. Thank you so much for this, I am about to take my test.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@finnmenich6065]

The countdowns approaching for my exam this year. This has been really helpful! Thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@morningdew72gh11]

watching this the night before my HAT, wished I found it sooner but nonetheless very helpful

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@Wallace43266]

Best of luck as well

[@watchmedo635]

Thank you so much, this has been so useful! I've been going over practice papers and was feeling demotivated so I'm so happy I stumbled across this and made notes. Thanks!

[@watchmedo635]

Also, do you know if we are able to use extra time or rest breaks that we qualify for as we would in a normal exam? Thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

@@watchmedo635 Thanks for your comments. You should be entitled to extra time if you qualify for it. You'll need to contact your test centre urgently to arrange for this. Also, let the College you're applying to know about this, if you haven't already. They can make adjustments for the admissions process.

[@watchmedo635]

Good luck everyone! ✨

[@eduardaregufe1037]

Thank you so much for the video! As a Brazilian student, I was unsure about how the exam would work, but this really calmed me down. Good luck for those who are taking the test today! We’ve got this :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck to you too!

[@milo2879]

that was absolutely awesome. super helpful, thank you so much. wow, im shocked at how amazing that was, really appreciate it

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're welcome! Thanks for the kind words!

[@mollylosty4958]

This video is a life saver thanks!! I have the HAT in two days and I'm excited to see what the source will be. Do you have any final tips? In particular, I am not sure how assertive I should be in my answer. For example should I be using phrases such as 'this could show', 'this lends credit to the idea that', 'this seems' etc? Or should I be more confident in my phrasing by using phrases such as 'this shows', 'actively illustrating that' etc? Thanks again!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck! And, good question! You should lean towards clarity. So avoid "It could be argued..." in favour of "I argue..." Phrases such as "this could show" are fine, however, if there is some ambiguity in the source. You don't have to be completely forthright, as in: ""The source definitely means..."

[@user-iz2yn2lb9m]

These admissions videos have been fantastic. Thank you for all of the work that you have put into demystifying the application process! With regards to the caveat section, would this essentially be justifying why the essay elided a theme within the text (eg technology) because the focus on, for example, gender was more important (thereby avoiding a shopping list)? Is that the focus of the caveat section? Thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Many thanks! Yes, a caveats section makes clear to your readers that you are aware of alternative explanations, but do not feel they are as powerful as your own. That way you strengthen your position. So introducing caveats is absolutely not sitting on the fence, but convincing your readers that not only are you right, but any alternatives are wrong!

[@BlueBlockStudios]

Thank you so much, this was really informative!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aideon130]

Thank you for this video, very helpful for understanding the HAT. So essentially are we picking one theme, for example gender, and arguing why it is more important than others such as hierarchy? That’s just the one area with the structure I’m still getting my head around!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You don’t have to reduce to a single dominant theme, but do emphasise those themes you feel are most important.

[@sukemckegney6771]

So so helpful & incredibly articulated - thank you so much for this!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great, thanks!

[@deanmatthewclegg28]

Really thorough, clear and helpful. Thank you.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Pleasure. Thank you!

[@hannahturner3659]

Thank you very much for this extremely helpful video! You mentioned that we should not write about specific historical perspectives on the subject in the source, however, if we take a more general approach to this, for example "a revisionist/functionalist/intentionalist historian may argue that ...", would this improve our marks or is it unnecessary? Many thanks

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Demonstrating knowledge of historiography is not required, so will not directly affect your marks if you refer to revisionism, functionalism etc. But, you can use these ideas to deepen your analysis: "The author seems conflicted. On the one hand he imputes a great deal of agency to the characters discussed, but he also betrays a more fatalist narrative, where impersonal social and economic forces determine behaviour."

[@charlietierney8838]

How significant is the provenance of the source? Should we include a separate paragraph on it or attempt to integrate it throughout our answer? Great video. Thanks.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you for your message. Provenance is usually important, but depends on the question. In the case covered in this video, provenance does matter -- it is a man writing a fake dialogue, he is clearly someone that associates with nobility, he clearly has aspects of a classical education etc. These sorts of elements of authorship can be used throughout the essay to add depth of analysis when describing how the author describes the social and cultural values of his community. You could keep this analysis to a stand alone paragraph, but I would have thought it is relevant to multiple points and therefore is best woven into the fabric of your case.

[@avisaluja6678]

Thank you for the great video! Do you have any exemplar essays or paragraphs we could use as an indicator of how we should be writing/structuring? Really want to avoid creating a shopping list!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

There are sample essays for the ELAT test that are a helpful guide: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/tests/elat

[@rebeccamyers9150]

Thanks for the really helpful video :) In terms of provenance/caveats, I was wondering whether it would be best to try to thread them in throughout each theme paragraph, or to have a whole separate paragraph for them at the end. Also, if I have a separate caveats paragraph, do I still need three thematic paragraphs? Or would a caveats paragraph be much smaller?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You can address caveats after each theme. That can work well. You just need to be careful with time management. It may be more efficient to concentrate all caveats into a single paragraph. Either way, provided you address caveats and explain why you nonetheless think they do not defeat your thesis, all will be well.

[@mary-annannan5216]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. I was wondering how long I should spend on each paragraph for an intro , 3 thematically arranged paragraphs, a provenance paragraph and conclusion?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You've got an hour for the test, of which at least 20 mins should be spent reading. That leaves at most 40 mins for the essay. Introductory paragraphs usually take the most time, because you need to summarise your entire case. Everything else will be much quicker to write. Key thing is to plan before you write. Even if you only leave 20 mins for writing, if you've planned well the writing will be quick and easy.

[@jennykelly7273]

Thank you so much for the help! So if we do the past papers/check with the mark schemes, watch the UNIQ video and look around for other sources to practise with, is this enough? And do you have recommendations for somewhere to find sources?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That would be very good preparation. To go further, you should pick up an academic journal article (the kind that undergrads have to read) in a subject that interests you. For instance, if you're applying for medicine, look up articles in the Lancet or BMJ.

[@mrkrabkrab5438]

Hi matt, I had one question on outside knowledge in terms of the HAT. Ideologies and concepts like liberalism, capitalism, or socialism- if I was to label someone as a socialist (and perhaps delve into a tiny bit of what actually being a socialist means), is that using outside knowledge? Where do you draw the line with outside knowledge, if it is fairly obvious?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That likely would be using outside knowledge, yes. It's also quite unlikely to fit. The historical sources used for the HAT tend to be from pre-industrialised countries, and often come from long in the past. A term like "socialist" could be anachronistic and inappropriate.

[@Annie7171]

Dear Sir, If you end up having to read my work, I am THOROUGHLY SORRY :'DD I feel like I did unfathomably poorly on this one. Oh well :(

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's a really tough test, and pretty much everyone thinks they've under-performed. Keep your head up! At least you've had the guts to stretch yourself. If it doesn't work out, you've lost nothing and have nothing to be ashamed of.

[@Annie7171]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 That's true, I'll try to stick to this outlook! Thanks :)

[@amphoramorph2856]

This is super helpful! Quick question - would you include the definitions in the introduction, or have them as an entire separate paragraph?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You don’t want an overly long introduction, so may be best having a separate paragraph for any definitions. Thanks!

[@archiealderdice1852]

Hi, was wondering if you have produced a similar video for the PhilAT, if not I think it would be incredibly helpful. Thanks in advance.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Not yet! I would like to, but probably won’t be able to in time for this year’s test. Be sure to practice as many past papers as you can.

[@youaretotallyright3686]

anyone watching right now- good luck!!!!!!!!!!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@jonathantiley2681]

Hi Matt, thank you for the very helpful and informative video. When structuring the answer is it best to structure the answer by themes or simply track down the text chronologically?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It is typically best to adopt a thematic structure that is connected to the question. EG: Introduction > deconstruction of the question > social values > cultural values > author provenance > conclusion.

[@c.h.9547]

Just took the test this morning, thank you for the guidance 🙏.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Best of luck!

[@herewardhill2295]

Thank you for this video! I found it really helpful. You mentioned including caveats as part of the essay structure. I was wondering if these are included at the end of every thematic paragraph and what exactly is a caveat? Is it just acknowledging other factors that could have been included but explaining why they aren't as convincing? Also, is the ordering of your main body paragraphs important in this essay?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You can either include caveats at the end of every thematic paragraph, or bundle them all together before your conclusion. In a short essay like this, I'd be tempted to do the later, as it's more efficient. Yes, caveats are, as you nicely put it: "acknowledging other factors that could have been included but explaining why they aren't as convincing" Yes, the ordering of your main paragraphs is important. Try to order them in a way that makes sense to a reader. Imagine you're telling a story with beginning, middle and end. The first point made leads to the second then the third. One common technique is called a Funnel Structure, where you start with the largest range of analysis (society, for example), then funnel to more micro-level analyses: society > culture > individual.

[@herewardhill2295]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you for clarifying the use of caveats and the importance of paragraph structuring. I saw on a previous comment that a thesis statement is valued in a short essay. Can this statement be part of your introduction when you detail what your argument is?

[@deimossy]

Going through every single bit of material befofe my test in 3 hours! I'm convinced my heart and brain no longer exist 😭 (Also, last minute question, are we tested on what we're able to identify and expand on it? Or how well we identify something (even if its not everything) and expand on it?)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck! You wouldn't need to identify everything relevant. You need to respond to the question directly and fully. But you would not need to cover every possible point of relevance. Curating what you think are the most important points will be better than trying to cover everything thinly.

[@deimossy]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you so much :), one follow up. In your video, you mentioned how we can say "while the essay hasn't discussed x, it is not as important as y", or well any refined form of that. Is that truly necessary, as in, will that bring up our grade? I'm worried I won't be able to think of an alternative argument

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That can help, but is not essential and won’t necessarily affect your grade. So, don’t worry if you can’t.

[@frankdandrea2679]

For the caveats is it more optimal to have them throughout like an evaluation of every point, or is it better to have them in a separate section before a conclusion?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Either way can work well. It can make sense to evaluate each point in turn, so that your readers have your own analysis fresh in their minds. The ultimate goals are clarity and persuasiveness, so you need to decide which style you think best obtains these goals for you.

[@okthankyou-i2m]

hi matt, I have my HAT coming up. unfortunately over the last month or so i have been in an almost constant state of dissociation / 'brain fog' due to chronic anxiety that i won't have medication for until after the test. this has massively reduced my ability to write essays- whilst attempting to practise the HAT, i have barely been able to start my answers. i am worried that i am not in a good enough position to get an offer given the likely outcome of my HAT whilst this is the case, although the other areas of my application are very strong (as this was not a problem when doing my gcses / a level prediction exams), so I was wondering what weighting the test is given when choosing applicants? and whether it would simply be better to just apply next year given this is the case? thank you so much for the video!!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I'm sorry to read that. I wish you all the best with it. The HAT is important, but other data including the submitted work and school grades are also important. You could contact the admissions officer at the college you apply to and inform them of this. May be best if it comes from a teacher, as corroboration. Admissions officer contact details can be found if you click on the relevant college name here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/a-z-of-colleges

[@lishanzou9961]

This is an incredibly useful video! Will candidates be selected base on HAT marks or the actual written responses in HAT? Is it possible that a candidate that gets low mark still be considered becuase she/he shows some potentials or historical skills in the HAT? Thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It is possible for candidates to be considered, despite low marks on the HAT. One scenario is if a candidate is applying despite demonstrable educational disadvantages. Another scenario is if a candidate is distracted during the HAT yes, or their performance is otherwise impaired. Nonetheless, the HAT is a good predictor of who is shortlisted for interview, and well worth practicing. Good luck!

[@Natalie-gv8my]

Thank you for this amazing video! Where best should the limitations of the source go? And would arguing vehemently for a certain point make it sound as if we are not aware of the source's weaknesses or would it make it a stronger argument, as suggested by the caveat section?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

There's no absolute formula to structuring an essay. But, I'd be inclined to discuss weaknesses towards the end, because you want to set out your strongest points first, before acknowledging weaknesses. Imagine you're selling a new product -- you wouldn't start a presentation by explaining everything it can't do! Vehemence is tricky to interpret. We want an argument to be bold and convincing. But you must also admit nuance and show analytical sophistication. Vehemence could imply closed-mindedness, which is definitely not advisable.

[@Natalie-gv8my]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for all the help!

[@elliottagg494]

super helpful video - really simple question, is the HAT written (ie pen and paper) or typed? literally can’t find this anywhere so any response would be greatly appreciated 🙏🙏

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks! I believe the HAT is typed these days.

[@sofiaripatti8593]

Taking the HAT and TSA tmrw - SO NERVOUS!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@Tom-c5z2b]

I have the HAT next Friday and I’ve done most of the practices. A couple of history teachers at my school have taken a look at them for me and given me general advise, but I was wondering if there’s a way to get an accurate assessment of what mark I would have got. Do you have any advice on how to judge how good my responses are?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's not easy to mark your own work with the HAT I'm afraid. If you look at the marking schemes, on this website, they should give a good idea of what the examiners are looking for: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests/hat#content-tab--3

[@tristanbraun2870]

Can one make a reference or a comparison to pieces like the bible: seeing the way women are portrait in the source would match biblical beliefs?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You won’t be given credit for demonstrating knowledge. So unless you’re drawing on something that’s in the sources, I would probably suggest you don’t provide extraneous information.

[@RekhaShukla-y8h]

It is impossible for me to obtain a reference letter from my teachers, as the school refuses to register as a centre and the teachers refuse to provide one independently, does Oxford University consider such circumstances? And can I apply without a reference letter?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I think there are ways around this. Please contact the college admissions officer at the college you intend to apply to. You can find their contact details if you click on the relevant college name here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/colleges/a-z-of-colleges

[@avacyn2000]

Really Informative! Thanks so much :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad you like it! Thank you

[@christiankim5097]

Is it better to quote the text within the analysis portion of the essay, or would paraphrasing suffice?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Paraphrasing is usually sufficient, provided your paraphrasing is accurate. Occasionally if you wish to pick up on a specific nuance of language then quoting would be better.

[@caitlinem2878]

Thank you for this! If you read a source and can interpret many points from it, and some of these points contradict eachother, could you suggest that this is a limitation of the source? As due to the speculative nature from it, the conclusion that it is …… (depending what point you make) is indefinite?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, for sure. Just be careful, because it's always possible to say that a source can be interpreted in many ways, but ultimately you are being asked for your interpretation of these sources. So, at some point you need to make a determination, even if you sensibly admit that many other determinations are possible.

[@caitlinem2878]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 ah brilliant thank you for the clarification!

[@sumitup8109]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Hi, although this is an old video hopefully you can answer this question because I was a bit confused. Can you and should you describe the limitations of the source or your argument? Thank you :) .

[@shenluo4950]

Great video. Should we have a thesis statement for our answer?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, a thesis statement at the start and finish of your essay can be very helpful for your readers.

[@shenluo4950]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Great, thank you :)

[@uchihaitachi9835]

Thank you very much for the video sir. I just have a small doubt, I am from India and was not able to opt history as my major subject due to personal reasons. So can i still give HAT , even after having science as a major subject. Also to clear myself i am studying in school.

[@alexgoodbody]

This is very helpful, thank you! Do you think it is better/clearer to quote or paraphrase when using evidence from the source? Thanks.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes that is often a good way to maintain accuracy. Just be sure to analyse the quote and link it to your overall argument.

[@patrickryce1225]

Is there a pass mark for the test or is it just marked in accord to other candidates marks?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It is marked relative to other test takers, so there's no pass mark.Marking schemes are provided on our website, like this one: www.history.ox.ac.uk/file/650651 These give a good indication of what strong, middling and weak performances look like.

[@alexgoodbody]

When writing a definition to prompt words in the question, should you define it relating to themes in the source or decontextualise it and use your own general definition?

[@jamesfife7265]

i'd say break it down into themes that you want to talk about, definitely keep it in context and essentially use the definition to outlay what your paragraphs are going to be on. Good luck for tomorrow.

[@cheemaskillz4935]

Those annoying politicians on TV who don’t answer the question. Erm most of them are Oxford graduates…

[@frankdandrea2679]

Do you get marks for discussing provenance? For example Nature or Date etc

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Provided you are not just reciting facts, then it can be helpful to analyse who, where, how a source was compiled.

[@frankdandrea2679]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I really appreciate all your input on both the TSA and HAT before the exam on Thursday!

[@yu-xuanchu8653]

good video but can u like, make it shorter, more to the point like 1 hour is too long.