What Is a Good ESAT Score? A Clear Guide for Students
Planning to apply for the ESAT exam?
If you’re applying to Cambridge or Imperial College London, you may be required to take the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test). With its rigorous scientific and mathematical focus, your ESAT score plays an important role in helping you stand out among thousands of applicants. At Quest For Success, our ESAT online tutoring programme helps students understand the scoring system, target the right score range, and prepare strategically for every section of the test.
How Is the ESAT Scored?
The ESAT consists of five possible sections:
- Mathematics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Every student must take:
- Mathematics 1, plus
- Any two additional sections (depending on the degree requirements)
Each section contains 27 multiple-choice questions, giving:
- 27 marks per section
- 81 total raw marks across three sections
There is no negative marking, and raw marks are converted into a final score from 1.0 (lowest) to 9.0 (highest).
While the official conversion table hasn’t been released, the scoring system is extremely similar to the previous NSAA and ENGAA exams, meaning we can reliably estimate what counts as a competitive score.
What Is a Good ESAT Score?
Because ESAT scores translate to the same 1.0–9.0 range used in the NSAA/ENGAA, past data gives a clear idea:
- ✔ Good ESAT Score : 7.0 or above: This is considered strong and places you among the top performers. A score of 7.0+ typically makes you competitive for interviews at Cambridge and Imperial.
- ✔ Average ESAT Score: 4.0 – 7 : Scoring in this range is typical among the applicant pool. While it’s not weak, you’ll need strong academics and a polished application to stand out.
- ✔ Low ESAT Score: Below 4.0 : Scores under 4.0 reduce the likelihood of receiving an interview. However, strong preparation and high performance in other components can still help you remain competitive.
Which ESAT Subtests Are Easier or Harder?
Based on the 2024 and early 2025 data:
Easiest Sections:
- Physics
- Chemistry
These had smoother score distributions and more students between 4.0–5.5.
Hardest Section:
- Mathematics 2
This section consistently had:
- The lowest modal score (3.5)
- The least number of students achieving high scores (6.0–9.0)
If you’re taking Mathematics 2, targeted practice and ESAT online tutoring can make a significant difference.
What Do the Score Trends Tell Us?
- Around 2% of candidates score the top mark (9.0) in each section
- Mathematics 1 has the most top scorers
- 8.0 and 8.5 remain rare across all subjects
- Biology had no candidates scoring 8.0 in the first published data
These patterns suggest that ESAT scores can fluctuate depending on difficulty, but top scores remain rare — making effective preparation essential.
How ESAT Online Tutoring at Quest For Success Helps
Scoring well on the ESAT requires:
- Strong academic knowledge
- Strategic time management
- Familiarity with ESAT-style questions
- Consistent guided practice
Our ESAT online tutoring programme offers:
- One-to-one sessions with expert tutors
- Up-to-date practice material and mock tests
- Techniques to maximize marks in harder sections like Mathematics 2
- Personalized feedback and structured study plans
At Quest For Success, our goal is to help you reach your target score and give you the confidence needed for competitive admissions.
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Final Thoughts
A strong ESAT score can set you apart in competitive admissions, and the right preparation makes all the difference. With the best rated ESAT prep courses at Quest For Success, you get targeted guidance, expert support, and smart strategies to maximise your score and boost your confidence on test day.