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Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) Guide

Everything you should know before taking the TARA and how to be successful.

WHAT IS THE TARA?

The TARA is a new admissions test for the 2025-2026 UK university applications cycle. University College London (UCL) has announced that it will be using the test to evaluate applicants looking to begin ten specific courses in September 2026. The TARA has been developed by University Admissions Testing (UAT), the provider that also produces and administrates the TMUA and ESAT.

WHO NEEDS TO SIT THE TARA?

So far, UCL is the only university that has confirmed it will be using the TARA in the upcoming university admissions cycle. Check the table below for an overview of which courses will require the TARA, and which tests (if any) it will be replacing:

Course Current Admissions Test (2025 entry) New Admissions Test (2026 entry)
Computer Science (BSc/Meng) Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) TARA
European Social and Political Studies (BA) Thinking Skills Test (TST) TARA
European Social and Political Studies: Dual Degree (BA) TST TARA
International Social and Political Studies (BA) TST TARA
Mathematical Computation (MEng) None TARA
Management Science (BSc) None TARA
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (MEng) None TARA
Social Sciences (BSc) None TARA
Social Sciences with Data Science (BSc) None TARA
Sociology (BSc) None TARA

 

Whilst other universities have not confirmed their use of the TARA, there are some other possible candidates, including Cambridge University. The TARA will be sat in two windows, October and January, the former of the two indicating that either Oxford or Cambridge will be using the test (since Oxbridge application deadlines are in mid-October).

Given that Oxford has already confirmed its use of the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), which measures similar skills to the TARA, we suspect that Cambridge is more likely to introduce the TARA for certain courses. Additionally, UAT, the company administering the TARA, already runs the TMUA and ESAT tests that are used by Cambridge University.

It is also possible that LSE and Imperial College London may begin using the TARA, since they also partner with UAT for either/both of the TMUA and ESAT. Given the number of social sciences courses at LSE (compared to Imperial's stronger focus on Mathematics and Computer Science courses, which already have the TMUA in place), we suspect LSE to be a more likely candidate for use of the TARA.

Check back with us in due course to see whether any further universities announce their use of the TARA.

HOW IS THE TARA STRUCTURED?

Since this test has only recently been announced, we do not have an enormous amount of information on the structure of the TARA yet. According to UAT, the TARA will "test non-subject specific skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication". Check back here later on as details are announced.

CAN I CHOOSE WHICH QUESTIONS I ANSWER IN THE TARA?

We are not yet sure about the structure of the TARA. Please check back with us in due course for more details as they are announced.

HOW IS MY SCORE IN THE TARA USED?

UCL will use the TARA as a standardised format for assessing and benchmarking their applicants. The exam will be focused on aptitude and critical thinking, rather than specific subject area knowledge, so that students taking different qualifications at school can access the syllabus.

WHAT IS A GOOD TARA SCORE?

Since this is a brand new test, we cannot say what score an applicant should be aiming for to be confident of their application. However, as with every admissions test, a strong, well-rehearsed performance will stand an applicant in good stead, and potentially bolster a slightly weaker personal statement, for example.

DO I NEED TO KNOW SPECIFIC CONTENT?

The TARA is a test of skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, rather than of any particular content knowledge. Although the content is not specific to any school syllabus, the skills that you will be using to take the test will be those taught and practised in your various A-level (or equivalent) studies, such as Critical Reasoning (as practiced in subjects such as English, History, Psychology, etc.) and Quantitative Reasoning (such as in Mathematics, Geography, or Science subjects).

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How to register for the TARA

WHEN IS THE TARA IN 2025?

The first sitting of the new TARA will be on Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th of October. The second sitting will be on Monday the 12th and Tuesday the 13th of January. Please be aware that if you are unavailable on these dates there is no way to change or make up the test, so do ensure that you clear your calendar for the relevant testing dates.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION?

We may assume that registering for the TARA will be the same as other UAT Tests. Candidates can register for themselves via the online registration portal. Once registered, applicants will then be able to book their place at a Pearson VUE test centre.

We recommend booking as soon as possible so that you can secure a place at the most convenient test centre for you. Registration will take place within a certain window, usually between August and September prior to the test dates. Check back in with us in due course once the specific dates are released.

Once registered, make sure that you have received an email stating your test centre location, and the date, time, and duration of the test. Make sure that this is done well in advance of the deadline. If you have extenuating circumstances (i.e. a situation beyond your control) that prevented you from registering on time, get in touch with the University to which you have applied and see if there is anything you can do.

If you’re struggling to keep on top of dates and deadlines, head to our website to download our free University Application Calendar, which features registration deadlines and test dates for all major UK admissions tests, as well as other key dates such as UCAS deadlines, interview dates, open days, and more.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE THE TARA?

UCL has confirmed that there will be a fee for the TARA, but has yet to specify the amount. Other UAT tests cost £75 for UK and Ireland applicants, and £130 for overseas students.

Tips for Success in the TARA

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE TARA?

Since the TARA is a new test, practise materials are yet to be released through official channels. Official TARA practice tests will be available here from May 2025; until this point, the amount of preparation one can do is limited.

Whilst we wait for more official information, there are a few tips we can give you, based on other similar tests, which can help you improve the key skills that will be tested in the TARA:

  1. Practise with TSA past papers and sample questions. The TSA is used for similar courses as those for which the TARA has been proposed, meaning the skills measures should be relatively similar. Check out our guide to the TSA for links to past papers and more top tips on preparing for critical thinking and quantitative reasoning admissions tests.
  2. Practise with LNAT and UCAT papers. Whilst the LNAT and UCAT are designed for law and medicine-related courses respectively, they both have sections based on logic and reasoning which could be useful in preparation for the TARA.
  3. Get used to UAT's online testing platform. Being prepared for the style and format of the test itself can make a huge difference when it comes to feeling relaxed and performing your best on the day of the test. That's why we recommend visiting this website and having a look at sample ESAT and TMUA papers.

WHAT IS THE BEST STUDY GUIDE FOR THE TARA?

Since there is not much information on the TARA, we cannot point you to a useful study guide or materials at this stage aside from those listed above. However, at Oxbridge Applications, we pride ourselves in providing up-to-date advice and unrivalled expertise; we will be updating this page as soon as we hear more information from UCL, UAT, or any other universities planning to use the TARA as soon as we hear it. 

If you are unsure about the TARA, or any other UK university admissions test, our expert consultants are ready and waiting to discuss your situation in a confidential, one-to-one consultation.

How to Pass the TARA?

The best advice we can offer to succeed the TARA exam is to begin exam preparation as early as possible and practise often.

START EARLY

Since no specific subject knowledge is required for the TARA, challenge yourself to begin working through similar past papers and familiarising yourself with critical and quantitative reasoning-style questions as soon as possible. Once the official TARA materials are released, work your way through any and all sample materials in order to get a feel for the test itself.

REFLECTION

Reflect on your personal strengths and weaknesses. No two students should have the same revision strategy for the TARA, since you all have varying abilities. Once sample materials are available, try to identify which parts of the paper you find easier and which you find more difficult; this should help you strategically plan your preparation.

DON'T RESTRICT YOUR PRACTICE MATERIALS

Don’t restrict your practice materials. Whilst official sample materials for the TARA (once released) will be the most accurate way to familiarise yourself with the test, there are plenty of other resources on which you can draw. As per the list in the above section, try looking into various other critical thinking and reasoning admissions tests, such as the TSA or certain sections of the LNAT and/or UCAT.

COLLABORATION 

Work with a friend or teacher to discuss questions and identify your own personal revision goals. Working with others can be a huge motivation and keep you on track in the weeks and months leading up to the test. We have specialist tutors who can work with you one-to-one to refine your test technique.

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