Top 10 Tips for Preparing for the History Admissions Assessment
Introduction
The History Admissions Assessment (HAA) is an admissions test for applicants who are interested in pursuing a History related undergraduate course at the University of Cambridge. The test is conducted pre-interview and is one aspect of the application that admissions tutors use to decide if they would invite an applicant for an interview.
It is a paper-based test of a duration of one hour and aims to test applicants’ reading ability– specifically, their ability to read critically, to understand the main ideas in texts, as well as analyse its detail and understand its implicit meaning. It also aims to assess an applicant’s ability to closely read texts and create effective arguments.
The test format includes giving the candidate two passages of text on historical themes, and the candidate would have to compare the two. The texts may either be from primary or secondary sources, and it involves reading around 1000 words.
Our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips. This includes dos and don’ts for your preparation for the History Admissions Assessment for the 2024/25 application cycle.
General Advice for the History Admissions Assessment
As with any test that you would be taking, early preparation is key when taking the HAA. However, the test is not testing how well-read you are. Neither does it follow the assumption that you would have done prior texts before you take the text. Hence, especially if you are an international student who is not familiar with the United Kingdom’s syllabus, do not worry. It does not require specialist knowledge or any information beyond that contained in the texts.
Instead, you should focus on your ability in looking for the main ideas and focus of a text. You should also show how to analyse the detail and distinguish the opinions and attitudes present in the text given. This can be done by extracting implications and implicitly stating elements of the text. You also need to determine the writer’s purpose in writing the text, including the consideration of the intended audience.
Top 5 Tips for taking the History Admissions Assessment
Practise as many past year papers as possible
As with any test that you take, doing past year papers would be immensely useful when preparing for the assessment. It allows you to be familiar with the format of the test, preventing you to waste precious time during the actual test. It also allows you to do practise essays and be better at it.
You can access some past year papers/ specimen papers through the official Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing website, or through the link here: Cambridge Admissions Assessment Testing. When doing past year papers, remember to do it under examination conditions. This includes doing the practice paper under timed conditions. You should also do it under exam conditions– no phones or music. This will help you be more familiar and less anxious about the actual day itself.
Having a good structure when writing your essay and sticking to it
As with any History essay that you have done, enter the examination with a clear structure in mind. A good structure is important to allow you to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively to the test marker. It also allows you to frame your thoughts and ideas so as not to miss out on any important information that you wish to include. You can perfect a structure that you can stick to by doing the specimen papers in the link included above.
Make sure that you plan your essay before you start writing
It is important for you to plan your essay before you begin to write it so as to ensure you have sufficient points even after you begin writing your essay. If you lack a plan, you might end up not having enough points to write in your essay. This can cause you to panic and waste more time than you planned. Furthermore, it allows you to frame and organise your points and ideas more clearly. This allows you to write in a manner with greater clarity, and avoid your points being disorganised and all over the place.
It is recommended to allocate a planning time of around 10 minutes, and not more than 15. During the planning, you can jot down some quick bullet points. Do not need to feel the need to flesh out complete paragraphs or sentences in your planning. This would take up more time than necessary and it would eat into your actual essay writing stage.
Think about the strengths and weaknesses of different types of sources, as well as the different themes that you can use for different types of sources
The admissions assessment provides you with two unseen texts. Hence, when preparing for your test, you ideally want to focus on picking up skills that would be transferable in different types and forms of texts. This includes the different strengths and weaknesses of different types of sources. It also includes the different themes that are transferable and can be used in different sources
Prepare physically (not only mentally!)
You probably would have heard this before every examination, but do try to get a good night’s sleep before your examination. Eat well before the examination and not drink water right before the examination. This avoids any unnecessary washroom emergencies during your examination! Remember to check all your examination arrangements. For example, the venue location, as well as the timing, and to be there at least half an hour before.
Top 5 things to AVOID for your History Admissions Assessment
Don’t only use A-level sources in your preparation as they are often simpler than the actual History Admissions Assessment texts
The HAA is challenging. Its goal is to effectively differentiate between able applicants, including those who have achieved the highest possible grades in their school examinations. Hence, you can expect the History Admissions Assessment texts to be more difficult than you would usually expect in your internal school examinations or your A-level texts. Hence, do take the time to practise harder sources that you find difficult. Do not avoid sources that you do not understand right away.
Excessively using fancy vocabulary instead of clear, plain English
Some candidates might feel tempted or pressured to use unconventional or fancy vocabulary in order to impress the examiner. However, if there are particular words that you are unfamiliar with, opt to use clear and plain language instead. The admissions assessment is testing your ability to analyse the text and produce a coherent argument, not your vocabulary level. Hence, always value communicating clearly and with clarity over that impressing with flowery language. Surprisingly, clear and plain English is often preferred by examiners as they can understand your essay more easily.
Pressurising yourself before the admissions test, or panicking and overthinking during the test
Do not feel stressed out or panic during the admissions examination. The texts are nothing like you have seen before, or nothing like you have expected. These admissions exams test your ability to think analytically, produce a coherent argument, and select and use evidence appropriately. Hence, the test makers try and give texts that candidates are not used to in order to truly test their ability. Be confident in your abilities and know that the skills you have honed when practising other essays are still transferable. Furthermore, the actual admissions assessment is the same for every other applicant. The resources these applicants would have used would also be similar to yours. Hence, others would also be equally caught off guard, and there would not be any unfair disadvantage by getting a difficult text.
Not memorising some synonyms for common keywords that you frequently use
Especially in History essays, you might find a tendency to use common words such as “shows” or “suggests” when analysing your text. Before taking the admissions assessment, you can try to memorise a variety of connective or explanatory phrases, so as to vary your vocabulary and avoid sounding repetitive. For example, synonyms for the above phrases could include “demonstrates”, “expresses”, “explains”, or “states”. There are vocabulary lists for writing essays that would be available online that you can access and memorise.
Having a more descriptive answer rather than an analytical answer
One key marking point in the HAA is to mark your historical insight and perceptiveness, as well as your analytical ability. Hence, your answer should contain evidence of imaginative engagement with the text and should constantly try and draw plausible and reasonable historical inferences from it. Critical reading of the text should also be done, and this could be done so by reflecting carefully on the quality of the evidence, such as noting if the source is primary or secondary if the author is an eye-witness or a primary source, and how long ago the source was written. Suggesting if the author is an objective or subjective writer, and speculating about the nature of his subjectivities is also another way to critically analyse the text.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the History Admissions Assessment (HAA) at Cambridge University?
The HAA is designed to evaluate the analytical and critical thinking skills of applicants applying for History courses. It helps assess candidates’ ability to interpret historical texts, develop arguments, and think independently, providing additional insights for admissions tutors beyond school exam results and personal statements.
What format does the HAA follow, and how long is the test?
The HAA lasts 60 minutes and consists of one essay-based section. Candidates are presented with a choice of historical sources or questions and must respond with a written essay. The focus is on analysing and interpreting the sources or question provided, demonstrating both understanding and argumentation skills relevant to historical study.
Are there any specific topics or areas I need to revise for the HAA?
The HAA does not require specific historical knowledge, and it isn’t tied to particular topics. Instead, it assesses general historical skills, such as source analysis, argument construction, and critical thinking. Familiarising yourself with analysing historical texts and developing arguments will be beneficial, as well as practising writing clearly and concisely under timed conditions.
How is the HAA used in the admissions process?
The HAA is one part of a holistic admissions process. Alongside other factors, such as your academic record, interview performance, and personal statement, the HAA provides admissions tutors with insight into your historical reasoning and written communication skills. It’s not the sole determinant but plays a key role in helping assess suitability for the Cambridge History programme.
Can I practise for the HAA, and are there any resources available?
Yes, Cambridge provides past papers and sample questions for the HAA, which are excellent for familiarising yourself with the format and practising under timed conditions. Reviewing these papers, practising essay responses, and reading widely to develop your ability to analyse and critique historical arguments will help you prepare effectively.
