TARA: Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
A new computer-based admissions test from UAT-UK, used by Oxford (from 2026) and UCL. Three modules — Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and a Writing Task — test reasoning skills, not subject knowledge.
What's in Each Module?
1. Critical Thinking
- 22 MCQs in 40 minutes
- Evaluating arguments, identifying assumptions, drawing conclusions
- No prior subject knowledge required
- Scored 1-9 (one decimal place)
2. Problem Solving
- 22 MCQs in 40 minutes
- Numerical and logical reasoning under time pressure
- No calculator allowed
- Scored 1-9 (one decimal place)
3. Writing Task
- 1 essay from a choice of 3 prompts, 40 minutes
- 750-word limit
- Not scored by UAT-UK — sent directly to your universities
- No dictionary allowed
Official Preparation Materials
TARA hasn't been administered yet — the first live sitting is October 2026. These are the official UAT-UK resources to prepare with.
"We have made two practice tests available for candidates on the Pearson VUE landing page. These tests mirror the exact format and software used for our live tests. However, the Critical Thinking and Problem Solving components of the Test of Academic Reasoning (TARA) share a common history with the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Section 1 and the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)." — UAT-UK, TARA Preparation Materials
Test Dates & Registration (2026/27 Cycle)
All Oxford applicants must sit TARA in the October window. UCL applicants may sit either window.
Second sitting for UCL and other UAT-UK universities. Not accepted by Oxford.
Who Needs the TARA?
Oxford (from 2027 entry)
Replaces the TSA. Course list confirmed by Oxford:
- Economics & Management
- History & Economics
- History & Politics
- Human Sciences
- Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
- Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics
Some courses are still subject to confirmation. Check your specific course page on ox.ac.uk.
UCL
Used for selected undergraduate courses.
UCL uses the TARA for a range of competitive programmes. Course requirements vary year to year — confirm whether your specific course requires it on the UCL course pages.
How to Prepare
Read the TARA Content Specification
It defines exactly what Critical Thinking and Problem Solving cover, with question formats and scoring. Don't skip it — it's the only authoritative scope document.
Work through the TARA Question Guide
UAT-UK's official sample questions with worked explanations. The clearest preview of how questions are framed and what reasoning examiners expect.
Practise BMAT Section 1 and TSA past papers
UAT-UK names both as sharing a "common history" with TARA's Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules. BMAT Section 1 has 21 years of papers with answer keys (2003-2023); the TSA archive adds another decade of practice material. Together they're by far the largest body of TARA-adjacent prep that exists today.
Take the Pearson VUE practice tests
Two official practice tests in the exact computer-based interface used on test day. Take them timed to rehearse pacing — 40 minutes per module is tight.
Practise the Writing Task with timed essays
40 minutes for a 750-word essay from a choice of three prompts. Universities read your response directly — clarity, structure, and a defensible argument matter more than length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between TARA and TSA?
The TSA was Oxford's own admissions test for Humanities and Social Sciences courses. From 2026, Oxford has joined the UAT-UK system and replaced the TSA with the TARA. Both test critical thinking and problem solving plus a writing task, but TARA is computer-based, delivered through Pearson VUE, scored on a 1-9 scale per module, and offered to a wider pool of universities including UCL.
Is the Writing Task scored?
Not by UAT-UK. Your essay response is sent directly to the universities you applied to and they assess it as part of your application. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving each receive a 1-9 score (to one decimal place) reported to you and your universities.
Can I use a calculator or dictionary?
No. Calculators are not permitted in the Problem Solving module — questions are designed to be solvable with mental arithmetic and reasoning. Dictionaries are not permitted in the Writing Task.
Are there past papers?
Not yet — TARA's first live sitting is October 2026. Until then, the closest equivalents are the official TARA Question Guide (sample questions with worked explanations), the Pearson VUE practice tests, and the BMAT Section 1 (2003-2023) and TSA archives — UAT-UK explicitly notes that TARA's Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules share a common history with both.
When can I sit the TARA?
Two sittings per cycle: 12-16 October 2026 and 4-8 January 2027. Oxford applicants must sit the October window. UCL and other UAT-UK universities accept either sitting. Registration is via Pearson VUE.
What score do I need?
TARA is brand new, so cut-off data doesn't yet exist. The 1-9 scale per module is the same scoring system used by TMUA, where 6.5+ is typically considered competitive at Oxford and Cambridge. TARA is one part of a holistic application — your personal statement, school grades, and (where applicable) interview performance also count.