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What TARA is
TARA is a computer-based admissions test owned and managed by UAT-UK. It does not require knowledge of a particular school subject. Instead, it assesses how candidates analyse arguments, solve unfamiliar problems and communicate a reasoned response.
The standard test has three compulsory modules:
- Critical Thinking: 22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
- Problem Solving: 22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
- Writing Task: one response chosen from three prompts, with a maximum of 750 words in 40 minutes.
Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted. There is no negative marking in the multiple-choice modules.
How results are reported
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving receive separate scores from 1.0 to 9.0. The Writing Task is sent to the relevant universities but is not scored by UAT-UK. There is no official pass mark or universal target score; each university decides how to use the result alongside the wider application.
Who currently uses TARA
For 2027 entry, Oxford requires TARA for selected courses including Economics and Management, Human Sciences, PPE, Experimental Psychology and several related joint courses. UCL requires it for selected Computer Science, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and Mechanical Engineering courses.
This list is cycle-specific. Check the current UAT-UK course list and the individual university course page before registering. Oxford applicants normally take the October sitting, while other applicants may be able to use the January sitting.
What preparation should develop
The three modules need different habits, but they share one principle: a defensible route matters more than a rehearsed answer.
- Critical Thinking: identify conclusions, assumptions and gaps between evidence and claim.
- Problem Solving: represent unfamiliar information accurately, choose an efficient method and check whether the result makes sense.
- Writing: take a clear position, engage with a serious counterargument and keep the reasoning coherent under time pressure.
Preparation should begin with the official specification and Question Guide, then move into timed practice and deliberate review. A missed question is most useful when the student can identify whether the cause was interpretation, logic, representation, arithmetic or time.
Official preparation first
UAT-UK provides the specification, Question Guide, specimen tests, practice tests and past material free of charge. These resources should define the format and assessed skills. Third-party material can add practice, but it should not replace the current official specification or be treated as an admissions predictor.
Check at source
Official TARA information
TARA requirements are course-specific. Confirm them on the current university course page before registering.
2027 entry
- TARA overview
UAT-UK
Current modules, timings and scoring from UAT-UK.
- Preparation materials
UAT-UK
Official guides and practice for the current test format.
- Oxford admissions tests
University of Oxford
Oxford's current course-by-course admissions-test guidance.
- Current course list
UAT-UK
UAT-UK's current list of courses using ESAT, TMUA and TARA.
- Dates and deadlines
UAT-UK
Registration, booking and test windows published by UAT-UK.
- Access arrangements
UAT-UK
How and when to request approved test adjustments.
- Bursary scheme
UAT-UK
Current eligibility and application guidance for test-fee support.
Common questions
Questions for Students and Parents
Does TARA require subject-specific knowledge?
No. It assesses critical thinking, problem solving and written communication rather than a particular A-Level or IB subject.
Is the Writing Task scored?
UAT-UK does not assign it a numerical score. The response is sent to the universities using it, and each institution decides how it contributes to admissions.
Which sitting should I take?
Oxford applicants normally need the October sitting. Other institutions may accept the January sitting. Check the current course page and UAT-UK dates before booking.
Is there a pass mark?
No. TARA has no official pass mark or universal threshold. Universities consider the result alongside other application information.
Where should preparation begin?
Start with the official specification and Question Guide, then use the specimen and practice tests to identify where reasoning, representation, writing or timing needs work.
Related guides