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TARA Preparation Courses
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a brand-new admissions assessment developed by UAT-UK and Pearson VUE. Currently adopted by UCL across multiple disciplines, the test is also being considered by institutions such as Cambridge and LSE.
Unlike subject-specific exams, the TARA measures core academic abilities including critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication. Its focus is on how students think and apply reasoning, not on prior subject knowledge.
At UniAdmissions, we specialise in preparing students for rigorous university admissions tests. Through one-to-one tuition, group teaching, and expert resources, we help applicants develop the skills needed to excel in the TARA – tripling their chances of securing an offer at UCL and other top universities.
Discover how our tailored TARA preparation courses can help you succeed in this new and highly competitive assessment.
What is the TARA?
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a computer-based, non-subject-specific admissions test, currently used exclusively by UCL across several academic disciplines. Designed to be challenging, the TARA helps universities distinguish between highly capable applicants – even those with top exam results.
The assessment is made up of three compulsory modules, each lasting 40 minutes:
- Critical Thinking (22 multiple-choice questions)
Tests your ability to analyse, interpret, and evaluate arguments. - Problem Solving (22 multiple-choice questions)
Assesses logical reasoning, numerical skills, and data interpretation. - Writing Task (one essay-style response)
Evaluates your ability to construct a clear, structured, and critical written argument on a set topic.
Scoring:
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are scored on a 1–9 scale.
- The Writing Task is unscored, but reviewed by UCL as part of their admissions process.
How To Prepare for the TARA
As with any admissions test, effective preparation is essential to achieve a strong TARA score and maximise your chances of earning a place at UCL. While there are no past papers currently available, you can build your skills using official practice and specimen papers.
A strong preparation plan should include:
- Understand the test format – Start with our TARA Basics Guide, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Practice under timed conditions – Use the official resources on the UAT-UK website to replicate real exam timing (40 minutes per module).
- Build exam strategies – Develop techniques for approaching multiple-choice questions and structuring your written response efficiently.
To go beyond self-preparation, UniAdmissions’ UCL Programme offers tailored support designed to significantly boost your TARA score. Options include:
- One-to-one expert tuition
- TARA Intensive Course
- TARA Academy Course
- Access to comprehensive resources and ongoing guidance
With the right preparation and expert support, you’ll be fully equipped to perform at your best in this challenging new admissions test.
Which TARA Preparation Programme Is Best For Me?
Our Premium UCL Preparation Course
The UCL Programme is a comprehensive preparation course that supports you in all areas of your application, such as the personal statement, interview, and admissions tests including the TARA. This programme is designed to triple your chances of getting into UCL courses which require the TARA. These are:
- BSc Computer Science
- BA European Social and Political Studies
- BA European Social and Political Studies: Dual Degree
- BA International Social and Political Studies
- BSc Management Science
- BSc Sociology
- BSc Social Sciences
- BSc Social Sciences with Data Science
Alongside TARA preparation, we can teach you how to write a perfect personal statement to boost your impression on the university and offer guidance on acing your interviews. You will receive expert-led 1-1 Tuition, Intensive Group Teaching and an Online Course.
- Personal Statement Support
- TARA Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
Our TARA Specific Preparation Programme
We have supported hundreds of students with their UCL admissions tests over the years and have gained a critical understanding of what UCL Admissions Tutors are looking for.
The TARA Preparation Programme is the most comprehensive TARA support you will find. Our expert tutors will help you to identify and improve the areas you find most difficult to ensure you score highly. The programme also offers a reserved space on our Intensive Course and access to online revision support. If you are only looking for support with the TARA exam, then this is the perfect programme to help boost your score rapidly.
TARA preparation is provided exclusively through our UCL Preparation Programme, which covers the entire UCL application process.
- Personal Statement Support
- TMUA Support
- Interview Support
- Weekly Group Workshops
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Discover Our Student's Success Stories
Cambridge Economics
“I understood how competitive it was to get a place in Cambridge, so I never let myself expect to get an offer at the end of the process, but I can confidently say that I would have struggled in preparing for the process without UniAdmissions’ support.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll get access to all of our online TARA resources, such as online lectures and full books packed with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score. You will also receive TARA mock papers to put your learning to the test.
We work with a limited number of students each year to ensure we can provide the best support suited for their particular needs.
Our Programmes have a structured syllabus, however, we tweak elements of the syllabus so the student is able to gain the most out of our support.
First and foremost, we assess whether the potential student has the right academic capabilities and profile to be realistically accepted to study at UCL.
Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for UCL.
Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying to their subject. This is one of our most important considerations.
If a student has below-average (but still realistic) grades, but the correct attitude, we would consider accepting them onto our Programme. Unfortunately, if the converse is that case, it’s unlikely the student would be accepted onto the Programme. Admissions Tutors look for passion, not just academic potential.
We do have ideal start times at points throughout the year, however, the syllabus can be adapted to suit your particular start time if you are accepted onto the Programme. Our Admissions Consultants can help you understand the Programme timeline in your specific case – all you need to do is ask.
All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background that have taken similar tests and scored in the top 10% in their admissions cycle. Our selection process ensures only the best tutors work for us, in roles most suited to their skill-sets. You can read more about our tutors here.
Yes, we have a lot of valuable information about how to prepare your university application on our website. You can take a look at the articles on this page by clicking here.
Our success rate for our UCL Preparation Course over the past 5 years is 83%, meaning 83% of students we have worked with on this course successfully received an offer on UCL. This is over 3 times higher than the national success rate of 24%.
Your tuition will be held virtually via video calls. You will be able to specify any requirements when you apply for your programme, such as differences in time zones and times you won’t be available. We will work to find you a tutor who can work within any restrictions you may have.
Actual session times will then be organised between yourself and the tutor to best meet your needs.
The Programme Portal is where you will find all of the support and resources for your Programme.
You can think of the Portal as the hub of all the materials included within your Programme. If you are ever looking for a relevant book, an online course, course dates or anything along those lines, the Portal is very likely to be your answer.
You can also use the Portal to get in touch with our team at any point.
