What is a good TSA score?

3 min read

So, you’re soon to take the TSA, and you want to know what score you need to get in order to make your application stand out. It can get a little complicated and may depend on the course you’re applying to. This article will clear up that confusion, so read on!

How does TSA scoring work?

TSA scores are not simply the number of marks you get in the paper. To account for variations in cohort performance and test difficulty year-on-year, TSA results are converted using a statistical technique (Rasch to be precise). They are calculated on the TSA scale, which runs from 0 to roughly 100. For example, a raw mark of 40/50 would have got you a score of 74.6 in 2019, and 76.8 in 2020. You can find score conversion charts for all the past papers available, so when you do a practice paper, have a look at what your mark would have converted to to get an idea of where you are. You will get converted scores for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving separately, as well as an overall score. Universities will be able to see this score breakdown too, so make sure you prepare for both areas of the test. 

The score distribution for TSA Section 1 in 2022
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What is generally considered a good TSA score?

Cambridge Assessment (who administer the TSA) say that the scoring is designed so the typical applicant to a top UK university will score 60. 70 is a comparatively high score and 80+ is scored by only a few exceptional candidates. However, some courses are more competitive than others, so a score that is competitive for your course may slightly differ from this.

What is a good TSA score for Oxford?

There isn’t much officially published about TSA minimums or TSA cutoffs for courses at Oxford, but we can get an idea by looking at Freedom of Information requests that people have made for statistics on different courses, or admissions feedback that some colleges may publish. Only information about Section 1 is available – the Section 2 essay is not centrally marked and different admissions tutors use their own scoring system. All the following information is a very rough guide to TSA minimums and TSA cutoff scores. Some of it is based on admissions statistics from quite a few years ago so there is a chance it may not be up to date – exercise caution! It’s always better to aim high rather than settle for the bare minimum score. The average scores of successful applicants vary each year – there is no set TSA cutoff that the university uses to shortlist or reject applicants.

What is a good TSA score for Experimental Psychology/PPL?

For Experimental Psychology and PPL in the 2021/2022 admissions round, the mean score for applicants who got an offer was 70.10, ranging from 49.34 to 105.95. In 2019/2020, the mean score for applicants who got an offer was 70.93. So aiming for 70 and above for EP/PPL is a good idea. 

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What is a good TSA score for PPE?

For PPE, a document was produced for 2019/20 applicants detailing TSA score cutoffs for shortlisting for interview. They assign TSA scores into 4 bands. Band 1 scores of 73.26 and above are almost certainly shortlisted, band 2 of 70.45 to 73.26 were probably shortlisted, band 3 scores of 68.37 to 70.45 were considered marginal, and other information was used in shortlisting decisions, and those with a band 4 score of 68.37 and below were probably deselected. This information is a few years old, but it does give a rough idea of what to aim for. Scores in the mid to high 70s and above are likely to be competitive for PPE applicants. 

What is a good TSA score for Geography?

For Geography, the University of Oxford has not published the TSA mean scores for candidates offered a place. However, out of the 333 applicants for 2022 admission, 79 candidates were successful. Furthermore, Oxford stated in their admissions summary that the primary basis for shortlisting candidates was on high TSA scores. We can deduce from this that a score of at least 70 is required in order to be selected for interview.

What is a good TSA score for Human Sciences?

For Human Sciences, the average TSA score of a successful applicant in 2021 (for 2022 admission) was 70.2, compared to 73.9 in 2020 and 68.9 in 2019. Aiming for a score close to 70 at least would be a good idea for Human Sciences applicants.

What is a good TSA score for Economics and Management?

For Economics and Management, the data for 2021/2022 admissions cycle shows that the mean score for applicants was 64.6, varying from 55.05 to 73.91. The admissions summary stated that the TSA scores were an important factor in selecting candidates for interview (alongside GCSE and expected A-Level results). Aiming for a score at the higher end of this range would make sense. 

What is a good TSA score for History and Economics?

For History and Economics, statistics from the 2021/22 admissions cycle did not include a breakdown of scores for the TSA. They did report however, that there was an 11.8% success rate for 2022 and that the admissions tutors placed 50% of their decision on the TSA and 50% on the HAT. It is advised that candidates applying for History and Economics aim for a high score in both admissions tests to secure an interview.

For more information on the TSA exam 2023, check out our other articles.

This information is for reference only. It is estimated based on past admission cycles, but remember the TSA 2023 could be different. The best strategy is to aim for the highest score you can achieve.

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    When do TSA 2024 test results come out?

    Your TSA results will be released in January 2024. You will only hear back about your Section 1 score as Section 2 is passed on to admissions tutors at Oxford to read and consider with the rest of your application. 

    Conclusion

    A good TSA score can vary from course to course, but overall scores of 70 and above appear to be the average score of a successful applicant. Remember – the TSA is just one part of your application. It’s important to do as well as you can, but getting a score below 70 does not make it impossible to be shortlisted for an interview or offered a place. Work hard, prepare thoroughly, and do your best, but don’t neglect other aspects of your application as they are also important. If you’re looking for some help in your TSA preparation journey, Oxbridge Mind’s expert tutors can guide you through the process.  Our 1-1 sessions can help you boost your score! Alternatively, check out our TSA Online Course and TSA Past Papers, packed with practise questions.

    FAQs

    →What is the TSA?

    The TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) is a standardized test used by some universities in the United Kingdom for admission to certain undergraduate and graduate programs. The test assesses critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

    When and how to get Oxford TSA results?

    Oxford TSA results will be released in January 2024. You’ll be given an information sheet after the exam with details that will allow you to login to the results portal and retrieve your results, so keep it safe! This will only be for Section 1. It’s unlikely you’ll hear back about Section 2 as your essay is marked by the admissions tutor processing your application.

    →What is considered a good TSA score?

    A good TSA score depends on the university and program to which an applicant is applying. Generally, a score above the average for the program is considered good. For example, at Oxford University, a score of 60 or above is considered a good TSA score for most undergraduate courses.

    →Can applicants retake the TSA to improve their score?

    Applicants can retake the TSA to improve their score, but some universities have restrictions on how many times an applicant can take the test. It is also important to note that some universities only consider the highest score achieved by an applicant, while others consider all scores achieved.

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