Ace the TARA and Secure That Offer with Think Smart
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Your personal guide to acing the TARA
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a brand new admissions test, now required for a range of competitive courses. If your chosen degree asks for it, you must sit TARA: without a score, your application simply won’t be considered.
Designed to stretch even the strongest applicants, TARA assesses how you think, analyse, and write under pressure, not just what you’ve memorised at school.
With our team of expert TARA tutors (all of whom have taken Oxford admissions tests themselves), you'll walk into the exam with confidence rather than dread.
About the TARA
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions is a computer-based exam that evaluates the skills Oxford tutorials demand: logical reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and clear written communication.
The tests are intentionally challenging. They’re designed to separate exceptional applicants, including those who already have top grades, which means you should not expect it to feel like a normal school exam.
TARA typically includes:
Multiple-choice questions testing reasoning and problem-solving
Data interpretation and analytical questions
A structured writing task assessing clarity of argument
You will need to register in advance for this test, or you won’t be able to complete your Oxford application.
The TARA is a key factor in whether your dream university extends you an offer.
Make sure you’ve secured your place.
Which courses require the TARA?
The TARA is very new, and it’s likely that more universities will join the list below. For now (2026), the following courses at UCL and Oxford require the TARA:
University College London (UCL):
Computer Science (BSc & MEng)
Computer Science and Mathematics (MEng)
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (MEng)
Management Science (BSc / MSci)
European Social and Political Studies (BA & Dual Degree)
International Social and Political Studies (BA)
Sociology (BSc)
Social Sciences (BSc)
Social Sciences with Data Science (BSc)
University of Oxford courses:
Economics & Management
History & Economics
History & Politics (still to be confirmed)
Human Sciences
Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE)
Psychology (Experimental)
Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics
TARA registration & timeline
The TARA takes place in both October and January, but please note that you must sit the TARA in the October sitting if you’re applying for Oxford (or any other course that requires you to submit your personal statement on the 15 October deadline).
Timeline for 2027 entry:
20 July 2026
Booking for the October sitting opens through your UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE.
28 September 2026
Booking for the October sitting closes (6pm, UK time).
12 to 16 October 2026
October TARA test window at Pearson test centres.
15 October 2026
UCAS application deadline for Oxford.
16 November 2026
October sitting results are released.
4 to 8 January 2027
January test window (not available to Oxbridge applicants).
What to expect from your TARA package:
Once you’ve purchased your admissions package, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance to help you navigate every step of the TARA preparation process. Here’s what to expect from a typical package, though it may vary depending on how many hours you choose to book with us.
Diagnostic Lesson
Your preparation begins with a detailed diagnostic session. Your tutor will assess your current performance across the key areas tested by TARA: critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving, data interpretation, and structured writing.
You’ll come away with a clear understanding of where you’re strong, where you’re losing marks, and what needs immediate attention. From there, your tutor will create a personalised study plan tailored to your profile and timeline.
Skill Building
Next, you’ll focus on strengthening the core reasoning skills that the TARA fundamentally tests. This might involve learning how to break down arguments quickly, spot assumptions and logical flaws, improve speed and accuracy in reasoning, or structure clear, persuasive written responses under time pressure.
Rather than simply “doing practice questions,” you’ll learn the thinking patterns behind strong answers.
Guided Practise
Before moving into full mock exams, you’ll work through realistic TARA-style questions with expert guidance.
Your tutor will walk you through question types, highlight common traps, refine your timing strategy, and push you to justify your reasoning clearly and concisely. This stage builds fluency, trust, and confidence without the pressure of full exam conditions.
Timed Mock Exams with Feedback
When you’re ready, you’ll progress to full timed mock exams that replicate real test conditions. After completing the mock exam, your tutor will provide detailed feedback, identifying patterns in your performance and offering targeted advice to help you amplify your score.
Review and Final Preparation
In the final phase, your tutor will help you consolidate and polish your knowledge, and address any lingering concerns. By test day, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to achieve your best possible score on the TARA.
What are you waiting for? Don't miss your opportunity to succeed in the Oxbridge admissions process.
Our team are trained to be more than just tutors, they’re mentors, and people your child can look up to.
Our tutors are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to make sure you get an expert experience during your admissions tutoring service. With Think Smart, you’re guaranteed to receive:
Personalised guidance
We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?
Insider insight
Despite the TARA being a new test, our tutors are experts in admissions testing and are thoroughly adaptable to new content.
Comprehensive preparation for each section of the test
Taking you confidently from section to section, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging preparation to help you excel.
More than just teaching
Our holistic approach means we strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics.
Think of your tutor like a personal guide through the admissions process, we’re here for you!
Questions about TARA tutoring
Which universities require the TARA?
University College London (UCL) courses that typically require TARA include: Computer Science (BSc & MEng) Computer Science and Mathematics (MEng) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (MEng) Management Science (BSc / MSci) European Social and Political Studies (BA & Dual Degree) International Social and Political Studies (BA) Sociology (BSc) Social Sciences (BSc) Social Sciences with Data Science (BSc) University of Oxford courses confirmed (or widely expected) to require TARA include: Economics & Management History & Economics History & Politics (still to be confirmed) Human Sciences Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) Psychology (Experimental) Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics This list may be updated as official course pages are published, but Oxford’s move to TARA reflects a broader shift away from subject-specific tests toward general academic reasoning assessments. Because the TARA is quite new, full adoption by other UK universities is still evolving. The test is run by UAT-UK, a body working with multiple universities across the UK, and it’s possible that more institutions will require or accept TARA in future cycles, such as Imperial College London University of Cambridge Durham University London School of Economics (LSE) University of Warwick University of Bristol Always check the official admissions requirements for your chosen course.
What is the TARA test?
The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a new university admissions test used for a range of competitive undergraduate courses. It assesses how you think, your ability to analyse arguments, solve unfamiliar problems, interpret data, and communicate ideas clearly in writing.
When is the TARA 2026?
The TARA can be taken in either late October or January, but you must sit it in the October cycle if you’re applying for Oxbridge or any medicine courses.
How do I register for the TARA?
You must register in advance through your school or an authorised test centre before the deadline. Registration opens in the summer and closes in September. Without registration, you cannot sit the test.
How long is the TARA exam?
The TARA is 2 hours long, consisting of 3 modules lasting 40 minutes each (critical thinking > problem solving > writing task).
What does the TARA consist of?
The TARA exam includes: Critical thinking questions (22 multiple choice questions, 40 mins) Problem-solving and data interpretation (22 multiple choice questions, 40 mins) A structured writing task (One essay style question, selected from a choice of three, word limit of 750 words, 40 mins)
Is the TARA difficult?
Yes, but not impossible. Most students find it more challenging than school exams because it presents unfamiliar problems rather than testing syllabus knowledge. Feeling stretched is normal, but with consistent preparation, there’s no reason to feel anxious about it.
How do I prepare for the TARA?
Effective preparation includes: Practising reasoning and logic questions Working under timed conditions Developing structured essay-writing skills Reviewing official specimen materials Working with a trained TARA tutor can guide you to perfect TARA polish, get in touch if you feel you’d benefit from expert support.
Is there a pass mark for the TARA?
There is no fixed pass mark. Universities use your TARA score alongside other parts of your application (grades, personal statement, references, and interviews where applicable).
Can I retake the TARA?
You can only take the TARA once per admissions cycle. If you apply again in a future year, you would need to sit the test again.
Is the TARA online or in person?
The TARA is computer-based and taken at an authorised test centre or school.
What happens if I don’t do well on the TARA?
A lower score doesn’t automatically mean rejection, but a strong score can significantly strengthen your application. Universities consider your overall academic profile, not just one test result.
What our alumni and their parents say
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