Academic reasoning and writing
Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
TARA is a non-subject-specific test with three 40-minute modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
For candidates whose target courses require TARA. It does not test subject knowledge, but it does require speed, reasoning control and clear writing.
Test structure
TARA
Critical Thinking
22 multiple-choice questions / 40 minutes
Problem Solving
22 multiple-choice questions / 40 minutes
Writing Task
1 from 3 writing prompts / 40 minutes
Structure
Full test across 3 modules
Booking information
Target course page
Compulsory, recommended or not required
Module requirement
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task
Test window
Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 14 October; other regions: 12-16 October 2026. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
The TARA Writing Task is sent to relevant universities; follow the target course page for how it is used.
Checked: 19 Jul 2026. Booking, test windows and result timing should be verified on UAT-UK deadlines.
Booking note
October 2026 test sitting
12-16 October 2026Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 14 October; other regions: 12-16 October 2026. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
Most Cambridge or Oxford applicants must sit in October, except limited mature-college or Foundation Year routes with January deadlines.
January 2027 test sitting
4-8 January 2027Mainland China / Hong Kong / Macau: 7 January; other regions: 4-8 January 2027. Final availability should be checked in the UAT-UK / Pearson booking system.
The January sitting is generally not available for Cambridge or Oxford applicants unless an official January-deadline exception applies.
Requirement Check
Used for selected Oxford social-science, psychology and human-sciences routes, plus specified UCL computing and mechanical-engineering routes.
Confirm whether the target course requires TARA and how the university uses the Writing Task.
TARA covers Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have specified test dates; Oxford, UCL and other requirements must follow the target course page and booking system.
10 routes
Module check
Prepare for the full TARA test; how the Writing Task is used should be checked against Oxford admissions-test guidance and the target course page.
6 routes
Module check
Prepare for the full TARA test; how the Writing Task is used should be checked against the UCL target course page and admissions guidance.
TARA use varies by university and course; confirm how the Writing Task is used on the target course page.
Arguments, evidence, assumptions, flaws and conclusion boundaries.
Charts, quantities, conditions and unfamiliar scenarios.
One essay-style response selected from three prompts under a strict 40-minute limit.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving receive separate 1.0-9.0 scores.
The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK; it is sent to universities that require it.
Preparation focuses on reasoning templates and writing structure rather than subject revision.
01
Review decision speed, data handling and short-form writing.
02
Practise assumptions, strengthen/weaken, conditional logic and data questions separately.
03
Train claim, concession, evidence and conclusion under time pressure.
04
Simulate all three modules to practise attention switching.
Preparation checklist
01
Open the target university course page and confirm whether this test and modules are required.
02
Read official preparation materials before choosing the practice order.
03
TARA practice can be organised by Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task.
04
Turn the weakest 1-2 areas into task cards: notes, five basics and one timed set.