About TARA

The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions is administered by UAT-UK (Universities Admissions Tests UK) and is currently required by the University of Oxford and UCL for a range of undergraduate courses. Unlike subject-specific tests such as the TMUA or ESAT, the TARA does not test academic content knowledge. Instead, it assesses generic thinking skills that are fundamental to success in higher education.

If you are applying to Oxford or UCL, you must check your specific course page to confirm whether the TARA is required. Failure to register for your required admissions test may invalidate your application — so knowing your test requirements early is non-negotiable.

Who Should Take the TARA Test?

The TARA is for applicants to the University of Oxford and UCL for courses that list it as part of the admissions requirements. It covers a non-subject-specific range of disciplines, which means students from science, humanities, and social science backgrounds may all be required to sit it. Always verify requirements directly on the university's undergraduate admissions pages.

Critical Thinking Module

This module tests your ability to identify arguments, evaluate reasoning, detect flaws, and draw logical inferences. No prior subject knowledge is required — this is a test of how well you think, not what you know. 22 multiple-choice questions must be answered in 40 minutes.

Problem Solving Module

This module assesses your capacity to understand problems, identify relevant information, and select the most effective solutions. It demands systematic thinking and the ability to work accurately under time pressure. 22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.

The Writing Task

This is an essay-style module where you select one question from a choice of three and write a response within a 750-word limit. The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK; instead, your response is sent directly to the universities you have applied to. It is their opportunity to assess your ability to construct and express an argument in writing.

• No calculators or dictionaries are permitted.
• There is no pass or fail — your aim is to perform as strongly as possible.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are scored on a scale of 1 (low) to 9 (high), reported to one decimal place.
• Scores are based on correct answers only — no marks are deducted for incorrect responses.
• The Writing Task is unscored by UAT-UK; it is forwarded to your chosen universities for their own evaluation.

Your results for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are scored separately on a scale from 1 to 9, with scores reported to one decimal place. A higher score reflects stronger performance relative to the cohort of all candidates sitting the test.

The Writing Task carries no numerical score from UAT-UK. Instead, the full text of your essay is sent to Oxford and UCL so that their admissions tutors can assess it as part of your application.

Results are typically released approximately four weeks after your test sitting and will be available through your UAT-UK account. They are automatically shared with the institutions you applied to for courses requiring the TARA.

The TARA is currently used by:

• University of Oxford — for a range of undergraduate courses across multiple subject areas.
• University College London (UCL) — for a range of undergraduate courses.

Always verify whether your specific course requires the TARA directly on the Oxford or UCL undergraduate admissions pages. Course requirements can and do change — do not rely on informal sources or previous years' information.

Before the Test

Create a UAT-UK account and enter your personal details. From your dashboard, you can apply for a bursary (for eligible UK candidates) or request access arrangements if needed. Make sure to do this before booking your test — UAT-UK cannot reimburse fees or make adjustments after you have booked. Then follow the official instructions to select a Pearson VUE Test Centre and book your slot. The earlier you book, the more choice you will have for your preferred test centre location.

On the Day

Read the official Test Day information carefully before your sitting. Bring photographic ID that complies with UAT-UK's ID Policy. Arrive early to allow time for check-in. Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted.

After the Test

Results are released approximately four weeks after your test sitting via your UAT-UK account. Your Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving scores are sent automatically to the universities you applied to for courses requiring the TARA. Your Writing Task response is sent separately to those institutions for their own evaluation.