University Entrance Test
TARA Tutoring & PreparationTest of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
Specialist one-to-one preparation for the TARA — the new admissions test for Oxford and UCL, covering PPE, Economics, History and more. Learn from Oxbridge tutors who know the test inside out and have guided students through their applications.
Find a TARA tutorAbout the Test
What is the TARA?
The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a new UAT-UK admissions test used by Oxford (from 2027 entry, replacing the TSA) and UCL (from 2026 entry). It assesses how you think — critical reasoning, problem solving and written argument — not subject knowledge.
Oxford courses requiring the TARA
- Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
- Economics & Management
- History & Economics
- History & Politics
- Human Sciences
- Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics (PPL)
UCL also uses the TARA for Computer Science and a range of social-science courses. Always check your course page, as requirements can change.
Format & scoring
Three 40-minute modules, taken back-to-back (120 minutes total):
- Critical Thinking — multiple choice, scored 1.0–9.0
- Problem Solving — multiple choice, scored 1.0–9.0
- Writing Task — one essay; not centrally scored, but sent to universities
No calculator or dictionary permitted.
Key dates (2027 entry)
- October sitting: 12–16 October 2026
- January sitting: 4–8 January 2027
- Oxford applicants must sit in October
- Results released around four weeks later
Registration and fees are handled by UAT-UK — check current dates & fees here.
What happened to the TSA?
From 2027 entry, the TARA replaces the TSA at Oxford. The good news for anyone who'd already started preparing: the Critical Thinking and Problem Solving sections test the same reasoning skills, so TSA past papers and practice materials remain some of the best preparation you can do.
Your Tutors
Meet our TARA tutors
Oxbridge tutors who've sat these tests themselves — and helped students through them.
Michael
Oxford PPE graduate · MPhil Economics
Oxford PPE graduate, now reading an MPhil in Economics. I scored 92.1 in the TSA — placing me in the top percentile — and have spent the last two years specialising in admissions tutoring for the TSA and TARA.
I've tutored professionally for four years, supporting students to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and LSE as an Admissions Mentor — helping with personal statements, TSA/TARA preparation and interviews. I completed A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Further Maths and History (A*A*A* A), graduating top of the class. Away from academics, I love reading and the outdoors — born and raised in Africa, I have a deep-rooted passion for nature.
Ollie
Oxford PPE — Third Year
Third-year Oxford PPE student. I scored 81.9 on TSA Critical Thinking — one mark off full marks — and tutor Economics A-Level, personal statements, and TSA/TARA preparation, including the essay task.
I've been tutoring for three years, primarily A-Level Economics along with Maths, Further Maths and History. My PPE degree specialises in economics and politics — both highly applicable to the TARA, and the essay is well-suited to my experience with broad PPE essay questions. I got straight 9s at GCSE and 3A* and an A at A-Level (plus 99% in my EPQ), so you're in safe hands. I'm patient and work at your pace. In my spare time I play for the University 1st XI Hockey and Cricket teams.
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