TARA Basics – The Complete Guide

Pearson VUE and University Admissions Testing have announced a brand new admissions test for 2025, The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA). This test is currently due to be administered at UCL, this guide will explain everything we currently know.

Last Updated: 8th May 2025

Author: Matthew Amalfitano-Stroud

You are here:

Home
Admissions Test
TARA Basics – The Complete Guide

In 2025, University Admissions Testing (UAT) and Pearson VUE announced a new admissions test – the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA). UCL has confirmed that it will adopt the test for applicants applying for 2026 entry (implementing the test in 2025).

The TARA is a general admissions assessment that will be required across various academic disciplines. If you’re applying to UCL, it’s important to consult the course-specific pages on the university’s website to confirm whether the TARA is necessary for your chosen programme. Not registering for a required test could result in your application being disqualified.

How Will You Be Affected? (Students)

The TARA has been confirmed to be a new admissions test by UAT, focusing on applicants' general reasoning abilities
The TARA will be used at UCL for at least ten different courses – you will need to consult the course-specific pages on the university's website to confirm whether the TARA is necessary for your chosen programme.
The test may come to Cambridge and LSE too, though nothing is confirmed yet.
The TARA will be sat during two testing sessions in October 2025 and January 2026, each lasting two days.
TARA is a digital test – it consists of three modules: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and a Writing Task.
The first two modules each include 22 multiple-choice questions, while the Writing Task presents three prompts, from which you must choose and respond to one.
The three TARA modules are all compulsory and individually timed, and any unused time from one module cannot be carried over to the next.
The TARA evaluates broad academic skills that are crucial for success at undergraduate level, without focusing on any particular subject.
A TARA question guide will be published by UAT in May to further help you with your preparation.
The test will likely use the same testing platform as other UAT/Pearson-VUE tests, so getting to grips with this may help ease you into your preparation when official practice questions are released.
We at UniAdmissions are watching out for further TARA developments and will be ready to update you as they come out.

How Will You Be Affected? (Schools)

UAT is launching a new admissions test, the TARA, which will test applicants on their academic reasoning skills.
The test will be used by UCL for 2025/26 applicants, but the test may also be used by Cambridge in the same admissions cycle.
The TARA is replacing the STAT for Computer Science at UCL, to ensure applicants no longer prepare for this test.
The TARA will have similar test dates to the ESAT and TMUA, taking place over two days in both October and January.
There are currently no preparation materials for the TARA, so inform your students that it will not be possible to effectively prepare for the test until more details are released.
A TARA question guide will be published by UAT in May to further help applicants with their preparation.
The test will likely use the same platform as other UAT/Pearson VUE tests, so it may be beneficial for students to explore this platform before official materials are released.
UniAdmissions is watching the development of this test carefully and will ensure our support is fully up-to-date in time for the 2025 admissions season.

What is the TARA?

The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a newly introduced, computer-based admissions assessment developed by UAT UK in partnership with Pearson VUE. Unlike subject-specific tests, TARA evaluates a range of core academic abilities, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication, rather than focusing on knowledge of any particular discipline. Also, TARA is a no pass or fail test, meaning you should focus on completing the test to the best of your abilities. For the Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules, there’s no penalty for incorrect answers – so if you’re unsure, it’s always worth making an educated guess using logical reasoning wherever you can.

The test is made up of three compulsory modules and is meant to be challenging so it can better tell apart strong applicants, even those who’ve earned top marks in their school exams.

While the general skills assessed by the TARA – critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing – are known, detailed information about the question formats has not yet been released. A TARA Question Guide is expected to be published by UAT later in May. Based on the limited information available, the TARA may share some similarities with the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), which evaluates reasoning skills through both reading and writing tasks.

Who Has To Sit the TARA?

UCL has begun using the TARA across various programmes, and prospective UCL students for the 2026 entry should consult the official course pages on UCL’s website to determine whether the test is a requirement for their chosen degree.

The TARA was first revealed during the 2025 UCAS Conference by a speaker who discussed various aspects of the new test. Although details were vague, the speaker believed that the test would be used within Humanities-based courses, as well as Psychology being referenced as a specific example.

Which UCL Courses Use The TARA

Below are all UCL’s course pages that feature the TARA within the entry requirements:

Based on the list above, we can see some differing evidence about what the test was designed for compared to the information provided by the speaker at the UCAS conference. UCL will be using the TARA for subjects like Computer Science and Robotics as well as Humanities and Social Science courses, indicating that the test may have a wider user than initially thought. This is notable, as the TARA will be replacing the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) for UCL Computer Science, which was implemented for 2025 entry.

As well as this, Psychology is not included on the list of courses here, which contradicts what was said at the conference. So what did the speaker mean when saying this?

Access "The Oxbridge Application Vault"

Are you preparing for your Oxbridge application? The Oxbridge Application Vault has a wealth of free resources to support your journey. Whether you’re exploring colleges, preparing for admissions tests, mastering your UCAS application, crafting a standout Personal Statement, or aiming for exam success, these resources will be invaluable to your preparation. You’ll find:

Will Cambridge And Other Universities Use The TARA?

Based on the talk given at the conference, combined with the current state of other UAT admissions tests, there is a good chance that the test may be adopted by the University of Cambridge in 2025, as well as the London School of Economics (LSE). This could potentially extend to Imperial College London too, although this is less likely as the university does not teach any Humanities-based courses.

Why might this be the case? Firstly is the fact that UAT currently operates two other admissions: the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) and Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). Both of these admissions tests have strong ties to Cambridge, with the former originally being a test operated by a partner of the University (Cambridge Application Admissions Testing) and the latter being a test designed to replace two Cambridge exclusive tests – the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment and Engineering Admissions Assessment.

These two tests were originally announced to be used by Cambridge in 2023 before being adopted by other universities in the following months. UCL has also adopted these tests for the first time in 2025 for 2026 entry, which indicates a full commitment to working with UAT in a similar manner to Cambridge and Imperial.

Secondly, the speaker at the conference referenced that the TARA may act as a replacement for the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), which was an admissions test previously used by both Cambridge and UCL. Many of the courses that previously used the TSA were left without an admissions test in 2024, so this would be the perfect opportunity to reinstate a test for them.

Admissions testing is important for the University of Cambridge, as it receives hundreds of applications for many courses each year. Acceptance rates at Cambridge are very low due to the limited amount of places available, but requiring an admissions test makes the offer-making process easier for the admissions team as it provides an extra metric to assess applicants.

While the test isn’t subject-specific, the TARA will act as a great way to differentiate more capable applicants in a way that is quick and easy for the admissions team at not only Cambridge but many other Russell Group universities as well (Oxford is unlikely to adopt this test as it still uses the TSA). Of course, this will depend on the quality of the test, but the ESAT and TMUA have indicated that UAT has managed the process well so far.

Be ready for the TARA with UniAdmissions

At UniAdmissions, we have spent over 10 years preparing students for all manner of admissions tests for a variety of universities, as well as the other aspects of their application. We have developed a comprehensive curriculum that can support you through admissions tests both new and old!

Discover our Full-Blue UCL Programme below and find out how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.

The TARA Format

Let’s take a closer look at the TARA format.

As mentioned earlier, the TARA is a computer-based test, so there are no physical question or answer booklets (although you will be given an erasable booklet for working). The TARA is divided into three compulsory modules: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and a Writing Task. It’s also important to note that calculators and dictionaries are not permitted during the test.

Each module contains 22 multiple-choice questions and is 40 minutes long. The modules are individually timed, so students are advised to manage their time carefully as any unused time from one cannot be carried over to another. All three modules are mandatory and must be completed by all candidates.

Module	Format	Time
Critical Thinking	22 multiple choice questions	40 minutes
Problem Solving	22 multiple choice questions	40 minutes
Writing Task	One chosen task from three given prompts	40 minutes

Now let’s see what each TARA module includes:

Critical Thinking Module

Key Points

This part of the TARA looks at how well you can understand and evaluate arguments written in everyday language. It’s not about having background knowledge in a specific subject — instead, it tests how logically you can think through information.

Critical thinking is used across many academic subjects. For example, a historian might argue about why a certain event happened based on different sources, while a scientist might argue whether experimental results support a theory. No matter the subject, it’s important to be able to break down what someone is saying, figure out if their reasoning makes sense, and decide whether their conclusion actually follows from their evidence.

Problem Solving Module

Key Points

This module tests how well you can reason and think logically using numbers and data — but it’s not just about doing maths. It focuses on your ability to approach unfamiliar problems where there isn’t an obvious, ready-made solution.

In both university and the working world, you’ll often face situations where you need to figure things out from scratch. This means using your numerical skills to interpret information, make sense of patterns, and decide on the best course of action.

The maths involved won’t go beyond what’s typically covered in school — but you’ll be expected to apply that knowledge in smart and practical ways.

Mathematical knowledge and skills you need for the Problem Solving module

Number Concepts:

Fractions: Basic understanding of fractions, like knowing what half or a quarter of something is.
Place Value: Knowing what digits in a number represent, like in the number 3754, where the ‘7’ represents 700.

Percentages: Understanding percentages, like how 1% is the same as 1 out of every 100 things. Or if 80% of a cake is eaten, 20% is still left.

Numerical Operations:

Basic Math: You’ll need to know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Percentage Calculations: Understanding how to calculate percentages in real-life situations. For example, if a £10 item is on sale for 20% off, figuring out how much the customer would pay.

Everyday Calculations: You don’t need to handle really complicated math with fractions and decimals, but you should know how to calculate things like averages (mean).

Quantities:

Time & Calendar: Basic knowledge of time (like hours and minutes) and the calendar.
Money: Understanding currency and doing simple money-related calculations.
Measurements: Familiarity with units of measurement such as kilometers, meters, grams, and kilograms.

Unit Relationships:

You need to know basic conversion between units, like:

- 1 kilometer = 1000 meters
- 1 meter = 100 centimeters
- 1 kilogram = 1000 grams

You won’t need to know more complex conversions, like feet or gallons, for this module.

Space and Spatial Reasoning:

Area: Knowing how to calculate the area of simple shapes like rectangles.
Perimeter: Being able to figure out the perimeter (the total length around an object).
Volume: Understanding how to calculate the volume of simple 3D objects like boxes.

Tables and Graphs:

Graphs/Charts: You’ll need to be able to read information from graphs and charts and use that information for problem-solving.
Tables: Similarly, you’ll need to extract useful data from tables.

Writing Task Module

Key Points

In this section, you’ll be asked to write a well-structured response that shows you can think critically about a topic and clearly express your ideas. You’ll be given three prompts and will need to choose just one to answer.

Keep in mind, there’s a word limit of 750 words, so you’ll need to plan your response carefully to stay focused and concise. Also, spell-checkers and dictionaries aren’t allowed, so you’ll have to rely on your own spelling and language skills to communicate your points effectively.

TARA Key Points

TARA Dates

One of the most important details to come from the UCAS conference was the 2025/26 testing dates for all three of UAT’s admissions tests, including the TARA. Like the ESAT and TMUA, the TARA will be sat across two testing periods, both of which last two days.

Although details of when registration opens aren’t currently available, the following dates will be when applicants can sit the TARA:

TARA Test Dates 2025/26

October Testing Period

October 15th – 16th 2025

January Testing Period

January 12th – 13th 2026

The existence of two testing periods of the TARA further supports the idea that it will be used by Cambridge, as the October sittings for both the ESAT and TMUA are primarily in place for Cambridge applicants (Cambridge applicants cannot sit the January sittings of either test). While this isn’t solid evidence, it is likely that some Cambridge courses will require the test.

How To Register For TARA

Before registering for a test, you will need to sign-up for a UAT-UK account.

You’ll then need to register ahead of time to take the TARA, which is offered during the above two test windows each year. It doesn’t matter which sitting you choose – there’s no benefit to picking one over the other.

When you book your test, you’ll choose from the available Pearson VUE test centres. Booking early gives you a better chance of getting a time and location that suits you best.

TARA Cost

UAT-UK has confirmed that taking the TARA will require a £75 fee for UK and Republic of Ireland candidates and £130 for all other applicants.

How is the TARA Scored?

The TARA test gives you two separate scores – one for Critical Thinking and one for Problem Solving. These are each graded on a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest. Your scores are shown to one decimal place (for example, 6.5 or 7.2), which gives a more detailed picture of your performance.

The Writing Task, on the other hand, isn’t given a numerical score by UAT-UK. Instead, your written response is shared directly with the universities you’ve applied to (as long as those courses require the TARA). Admissions teams will review your answer themselves, so it’s a chance to show your ability to form arguments, communicate clearly, and write thoughtfully under time pressure.

When And How You'll Get Your TARA Results

Key Points

About four weeks after you take the TARA, you’ll get a notification through your UAT-UK account letting you know that your results are ready to view. So, make sure to keep an eye on your account around that time!

You won’t need to send your scores anywhere yourself – your results will be automatically sent to the universities where you’ve applied for courses that require the TARA. This makes the process simpler for you and ensures the universities get what they need without delay.

TARA Preparation

If you’re applying for a subject that will require the TARA, you may now be wondering how you can get ahead of the competition and start preparing for the test. With an understanding of the format of the test, it’s now clear that there is an effective way to begin your preparation – even before official practice resources are released.

We now know that the TARA will be a very similar admissions test to the TSA used at Oxford. This test has been running for many years now, so there is a large selection of past papers available to download for free, as well as third-party question banks that offer even more unique questions.

While this provides a large selection of practice questions that will be similar to the TARA, be aware that the format and difficulty standards may not be exactly the same, so ensure you also utilise official TARA questions when they’re released. Also, ensure you have access to TSA questions with worked solutions, as they are the most effective way to learn from your mistakes during practice sessions.

If you’re looking for example questions from other tests that may be similar to the TARA, the closest options currently available as the LNAT and the Verbal Reasoning subtest from the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). These all test general reasoning and analysis abilities, which may be how the TARA functions. Remember, the questions in the TARA may be different from what you’ve practised with.

One thing to consider is that the test is computer-based. Because of this, it’s recommended that you explore the testing systems used for the test mentioned above, as the TARA will likely use the same system. Doing this may help you get to grips with the technology used by the TARA quicker, even if the questions end up being different.

That concludes our look at the new TARA test from UAT and UCL. The UniAdmissions team will continue to monitor the situation and update you when more information comes out, so be sure to check this guide for more details soon. We will also ensure that all of our Full-Blue Programmes contain appropriate TARA tutoring support for the 2025/26 application season.

We hope this guide has been helpful and that you’re ready to take on this new test! Thank you and good luck!

No matter what changes, secure your place at UCL with UniAdmissions

No matter what changes in the admissions process, UniAdmissions will always be prepared to offer the most relevant and highest-quality support for you or your child. We have developed an expert curriculum over the last 10 years that gets results, meaning you are in safe hands.

Discover our Full-Blue UCL Programmes below and find out how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.

0 +

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

To maximize our students’ chances of getting their offer, through our Scholar Limit we have reduced the number of students per programme to provide a higher standard of teaching and support.