Introduction to the TARA Test
Note: this article has been updated as of January 23rd, 2026 to reflect the announcement that the University of Oxford will use the TARA for some courses for 2027 entry.
The TARA test (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is an admissions test created in 2025 by University Admissions Testing (UAT), the test provider which also produces the TMUA and ESAT.
An assessment of critical thinking, problem solving, and essay writing, the TARA is used by University College London (UCL) and Oxford to assess applicants for entry to some of their courses – primarily in the Social Sciences.
In this article we will explore which universities and courses require the test, what it will assess, and how to prepare.
Which Universities Use the TARA Test?
For 2026 entry, UCL was the only university to use the TARA. It required the test for applicants for select courses in Maths, Computer Science, and the Social Sciences.
However, from 2027 entry onwards (applications due by the October 2026 deadline), the University of Oxford has announced that it will also use the TARA test to assess applicants for Social Sciences and related courses, essentially replacing the TSA. In the same round of changes, Oxford also announced that it is switching to the other UAT-UK admissions tests, the ESAT (for Engineering and Sciences) and the TMUA (for Maths and Computer Science).
Who Needs to Take the TARA Admissions Test?
Applicants for 7 courses at Oxford (in the Social Sciences) and 10 courses at UCL (in Maths, Computer Science, and Social Sciences) need to take the TARA.
Oxford Courses Which Require the TARA
- Economics and Management
- History and Economics
- History and Politics (tbc)
- Human Sciences
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
- Psychology (Experimental)
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
UCL Courses Which Require the TARA
- Computer Science
- European Social and Political Studies (including Dual Degree)
- International Social and Political Studies
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Management Science
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Social Sciences
- Social Sciences with Data Science
- Sociology
As we have discussed, the test may also be used by universities like Cambridge, LSE, and Imperial, but this is yet to be confirmed.
What Does the TARA Test?
UAT have said, “The TARA will test non-subject specific skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication.” UCL, meanwhile, have similarly stated that “it is a non-subject-specific test designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study.”
TARA Format
The test is divided into three modules:
| Module | Content | Duration |
| Critical Thinking | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Problem Solving | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Writing | One essay question chosen from three options (750 words) | 40 minutes |
Critical Thinking assesses “reasoning using everyday written language”. In particular, it will test students’ ability to understand and evaluate arguments. We expect that this section will be similar to the questions in Section 1 of the TSA which require students to analyse a paragraph of argumentation.
Problem Solving tests “reasoning using numerical skills”. An understanding of basic maths concepts will be necessary, including:
- Fractions and percentages
- Place value
- Numerical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averaging)
- Time and the calendar
- Money and measures
- Calculating area, perimeter and volume of basic shapes
- Analysing tables and graphs
Again, we expect this module to be similar to the data analysis questions in Section 1 of the TSA.
The Writing Task will present students with three essay questions. They must write an answer in response to one question. There is a word limit of 750 words. This section is similar to Section 2 of the TSA.
All candidates must take all three sections.
The full specification for the TARA is available on the UAT website.
Scoring
In each of the first two sections, candidates receive a mark for every right answer. This result is then be scaled to a final score between 1.0 and 9.0, with 9.0 being the highest. The scaling is based on how your score compared to other test-takers; 4.5 represents the 50th percentile and 7.0 the 90th percentile. This is the same system as UAT’s other tests, the TMUA and ESAT.
For the final section, UAT does not mark the essay. They will forward it onto the university who will assess your performance without issuing an official score.
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Taking the Test
Dates
The first sitting of the test is in mid-October. Oxford applicants must take the test in this sitting, whereas UCL candidates can choose to take the TARA test in this or in the second sitting, in mid-January.
Fees
Like other UAT tests, the TARA will cost £75 for UK & Ireland applicants and £130 for overseas students.
Location
The TARA admissions test is a computerised assessment, like other UAT tests. You will need to take it at an official Pearson-VUE test centre. You will select your preferred test centre when registering.
Registration
To register:
- Create a UAT account with Pearson VUE (available from June)
- Set up your log-in details
- Select your preferred test centre and test dates
- Pay for your test
How to Prepare for the TARA Test
Practice Tests
Official specimen tests for the TARA and other UAT-UK tests are available on the Pearson VUE website, with a TARA question guide also available.
Past Papers
As the TARA is a relatively new admissions test, no official past papers have yet been released. UAT-UK recommends that students use past papers from the discontinued BMAT for practice, and they are available here.
Additional Preparation
- Practice with past papers and sample questions for the TSA. Our own TSA practice test is available for free.
- Practice with past papers and prep materials for the LNAT and UCAT reasoning sections. Our LNAT and UCAT practice tests are free, too.
- Familiarise yourself with the UAT’s online test platform, by looking at the specimen and practice tests for the TMUA and ESAT here.
TARA Tutors
For the highest quality of preparation, book in with one of our TARA tutors. All our tutors are Oxbridge graduates with extensive experience with the TARA, TSA, and other similar tests. Our students improve their admissions test scores by an average of 20% after just 4 hours of tutoring.
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For expert, 1-1 prep for admissions tests, book in with one of our specialist admissions test tutors.
Other Important Oxford Admissions Test Changes
For 2027 entry onwards, Oxford has switched to using the UAT-UK tests for many of its subjects. In addition to the TARA, Oxford also uses:
- The TMUA for Maths, Computer Science, and related courses (replacing the MAT)
- The ESAT for Engineering, Physics, and Biomedical Sciences (primarily replacing the PAT)
FAQs
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a test for university entry. University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford use it to assess applicants for entry, primarily for Social Sciences courses.
Yes, the TARA is challenging. It is used to assess candidates for entry to Oxford and UCL, two of the most popular and competitive universities in the UK, and is designed to separate the very strongest applicants from others.
Currently, Oxford and UCL require the TARA for applicants to certain courses, primarily in the Social Sciences.
The TARA can be taken in one of two sittings – October or January. Oxford candidates must take the October sitting; UCL candidates can choose either.
You can prepare for the TARA by reviewing the official specimen papers released by Pearson Vue. We also recommend reviewing past papers and practice materials for the TSA, LNAT, and reasoning sections of the UCAT, as these will help improve your critical and numerical reasoning skills.
Working 1-1 with one of our TARA test tutors will afford the most effective, personal preparation. Our students improve their admissions test scores by an average of 20% after just 4 hours of tutoring.