University College London (UCL) has long stood among the most prestigious universities in the UK, attracting thousands of applicants from across the globe each year. In a move towards more holistic and equitable admissions, UCL has introduced a new entrance exam — the TARA test, short for Thinking and Reasoning Aptitude.
If you’re an aspiring undergraduate applicant, especially to competitive courses such as Arts & Sciences, Psychology, or Humanities, understanding the purpose and format of the TARA test is essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know — from what to expect on the test day to how to prepare effectively. For those seeking extra support, our TARA test tutoring can help you build the confidence and skills needed to perform at your best.
Why Has UCL Introduced the TARA Test?
As more UK universities look for a way to standardize assessment beyond predicted grades and personal statements, entrance tests are becoming ever more prevalent. UCL’s TARA test is intended to:
- Assess critical thinking and reasoning skills
- Provide an objective measure by which to compare candidates
- Complement existing elements such as academic record and references
UCL’s move is part of an overall tendency towards evidence-based recruitment that does not depend entirely on teacher forecasted grades, which may differ between schools and nations. Like the TSA in the case of Oxford or LNAT for Law candidates, TARA test provides an additional layer of academic assessment that aims to detect intellectual potential.
Who Needs to Take the TARA Test?
For the 2025 admissions cycle and beyond, TARA is currently required for specific undergraduate programmes. These include:
- Arts and Sciences (BASc)
- Psychology
- Social and Political Sciences (select pathways)
Applicants for these courses will be automatically registered for the TARA test upon submission of their UCAS form to UCL. If you’re applying to any of the above, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the test content and timing well in advance.
Students focusing on such competitive courses usually utilize study coaching websites like Oxbridgemind, which provide specific guidance on admissions exams and test preparation strategies for new and changing tests like TARA.
What Does the TARA Test Involve?
The TARA is not a test of knowledge. You’ll not be required to memorize certain facts or formulae. Rather, it evaluates your skills to:
- Read critically
- Identify errors in reasoning
- Make sound conclusions
- Analyse and comment on written arguments
The examination will be multiple-choice and time-limited, very similar to critical thinking tests such as the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) that Oxford and Cambridge employ.
The precise format will be subject to change, but it will generally comprise:
- Numerical reasoning or sequential reasoning problem-solving questions
- Critical thinking questions that ask you to analyze assumptions or arguments
- Written comprehension or inference-based scenarios
No prior subject knowledge is needed, which makes it a perfect instrument to try out cognitive skills that have application across subjects. If you’re also considering applying to Oxford, have a look at our blog on Your Roadmap to Oxford University: Essential Tips for Admission to gain further insights into top-tier application strategies.
Preparing for the TARA Test
Although TARA tests aptitude rather than knowledge of the curriculum, preparation is still essential. As with any admissions test, ignorance can take you longer and marks. The following are some tested ways of preparing:
1. Practise Critical Thinking Daily
Begin by reading opinion editorials or essays in newspapers such as The Economist, New Scientist, or The Guardian. Ask your self:
- What is the central argument?
- What are the assumptions made?
- Is the argument congruent with evidence?
This serves to hone the analytical thinking that will be needed to succeed in TARA.
2. Practise using TSA or Critical Thinking Past Papers
Since TARA closely mirrors the style of TSA, using past papers from Oxford’s TSA or Cambridge’s CTMUA is one of the best ways to practise. Time yourself and review your mistakes to improve your speed and accuracy.
3. Work with a Specialist Tutor
Participating in a programme emphasizing critical thinking and test strategy like programmes from Oxbridge Mind, can give an individual a formalized method to learn the skills needed. One-on-one mentorship provides customized feedback and access to how high-level universities are screening applicants.
4. Develop Time Management Skills
TARA will probably be time-limited, and pace management becomes essential. Practice maintaining speed and accuracy at practice sessions. Practice moving on from questions that could be hindering your progress.
5. Remain Calm and Concentrated
Anxiety due to tests can affect performance, particularly for reasoning tests. Timed practice and mock tests on a regular basis can bestow a sense of real-time conditions, minimizing day-of-test stress.
When and Where Will You Take the TARA Test?
After the UCAS deadline, applicants will be notified by UCL of their test date and process. The test should be taken online, either remotely or through a secure site, depending on where you are. Things to remember:
- You need to meet the application deadline through UCAS in order to be considered.
- No separate registration is needed; UCL does that for you.
- Make sure your technology is current and you possess a quiet, stable test environment.
What Does a Good TARA Score Imply for Admissions?
UCL is applying the TARA test as part of a balanced admissions process. Although a good score can contribute a lot to your application, it will not be the single determining factor. Academic record, personal statement, references, and predicted grades continue to carry weight.
But for those who may be borderline in terms of predicted grades, an excellent TARA performance would be a deciding factor. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate your potential in a manner that goes beyond conventional exams.
Conclusion
The introduction of the TARA test at UCL marks a shift towards more thoughtful and balanced undergraduate admissions. By assessing reasoning and critical thinking skills, it allows applicants to demonstrate intellectual strengths beyond just grades and written statements.
As this test becomes a key part of the application journey, preparation will be vital. Students who start practising early and seek expert guidance are more likely to succeed. For those looking for structured support, Oxbridge Mind offers tutoring and resources designed to build confidence and sharpen your skills, helping you stand out for the right reasons.