TARA Guides

The Definitive Starter Guide To The TARA for 2025

Written by: Nick Morfidis

The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a brand-new admissions test being introduced for 2026 entry to UCL. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about TARA and its three modules – Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and the Writing Task – to help you get up to speed for this exam!

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THE BASICS OF THE TARA

First things first – in this section, we’ll explain all the TARA basics, from how it is structured and scored to how to register for it.

What is the TARA?

The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a computer-based, non-subject-specific test lasting 120 minutes. It was developed by UAT UK in collaboration with Pearson VUE.

Why is the TARA used?

The TARA is a general admissions test designed to evaluate a broad range of core academic abilities – including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective written communication – rather than subject-specific knowledge. It helps identify applicants with stronger academic potential during the university admissions cycle.

Who has to sit the TARA?

TARA is a new Admissions Test introduced by University College London (UCL) for 2025/26 Entry, as a requirement for a range of academic disciplines, including:

If you are applying to UCL, it’s always a good idea to double-check whether the TARA is required through the official course page for your chosen programme.

The TARA Format

The test is divided into three compulsory modules: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Writing Task, each lasting 40 minutes.

Module 1

Critical Thinking: You’ll be assessed through 22 multiple-choice questions, designed to evaluate your critical thinking ability.

Module 2

Problem Solving: You’ll be tested on problem solving through another set of 22 multiple-choice questions.

Module 3

Writing Task: You’ll be presented with three essay prompts and you’ll need to choose one to answer. Your response should be strategic, structured, and concise as there’s a 750-word limit.

This table summarises the TARA structure:

How is the TARA scored?

When it comes to scoring, Modules 1 and 2 of the TARA exam – Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – are marked on a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest possible score. Your score is reported to one decimal place, giving a more precise reflection of your performance.

There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s always in your best interest to attempt every question!

Unlike the first two modules, the Writing Task is not scored. Instead, your written response is sent directly to the university or universities you’re applying to. Each university can then use this piece at their own discretion to assess your application.

According to UAT UK, the TARA scoring process is rigorously tested and quality assured at every stage – before, during, and after each exam window. This ensures the process remains fair and consistent for all test-takers, so score appeals are not accepted.

When will I get my TARA results?

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.

When is the TARA sat?

Applicants taking the TARA will sit the exam on either 15th or 16th October (Test Sitting 1), or 12th or 13th January (Test Sitting 2), at a Pearson VUE test centre. You can only sit the TARA once per admissions cycle.

To sit the TARA, you’ll need to register online between 31st July and 29th September for Test Sitting 1 and between 27th October and 19th December for Test Sitting 2.

For some countries, UAT UK has confirmed that only one testing day will be available per test window, so if you’re an international applicant, it’s important to check your available options during registration to avoid any issues.

Key TARA Dates

The TARA will be offered in two test sittings.

The first sitting will take place on 15th–16th October 2025, and the second on 12th–13th January 2026. Below are all the key deadlines for both sittings.

How much does the 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 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.

What you will need on the day of the exam

The TARA exam will be taken at a Pearson VUE centre using their digital testing system. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed, so you won’t need to bring any equipment apart from a pen or pencil. You will be provided with a working paper during the test.

Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID; without it, you will not be allowed to sit the test.

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TARA MODULE 1 – CRITICAL THINKING

The first module of TARA is Critical Thinking. 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.

The module features 22 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. You earn a mark for every correct response, and there are no penalties for incorrect answers, so it’s best to attempt all questions, even if you’re not completely confident.

What are the TARA Critical Thinking questions like?

Essentially, critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyse and evaluate information in order to form a well-reasoned judgment. Rather than accepting arguments and conclusions at face value, critical thinkers carefully question assumptions, weigh evidence, and consider alternative perspectives.

TARA critical thinking questions require you to break down the elements of arguments and evaluate their reasoning. An argument is considered valid if its conclusion logically follows from its supporting reasons. In other words, if you accept the reasons as true, you must also accept the conclusion. For the TARA, you should treat any reasons presented within an argument as true. The questions will normally fit into one of these five concepts:

Strengthening and Weakening Arguments
Matching Arguments
Identifying an Assumption or a Flaw
Identifying Principles
Identifying or Drawing A Conclusion

How to approach TARA Critical Thinking questions?

To tackle Critical Thinking questions effectively, start by reading the passage carefully, identifying the main conclusion and its supporting reasons. Pay attention to keywords like ‘therefore’, ‘because’, or ‘however’ to follow the argument’s flow.

Next, analyse the structure of the argument. Ask yourself what the author is trying to prove, what evidence or assumptions are used, and whether there are any hidden premises.

Then, evaluate the argument: does the conclusion logically follow from the evidence? Are there unjustified assumptions or gaps in reasoning?

Be ready to spot logical flaws such as overgeneralisations, false causes, or irrelevant comparisons, as these weaken the argument. Also, note any strong points that clearly support the reasoning.

In multiple-choice questions, eliminate answers that do not directly affect the argument’s validity. Focus on options that strengthen, weaken, or closely mirror the argument’s logic.

Finally, make a reasoned judgment based on what the question is asking – whether to strengthen, weaken, or match the argument.

Practising these steps regularly will help you work quickly and confidently in the Critical Thinking module, especially under time pressure.

TARA Critical Thinking Example Question

Yana only works in the restaurant in the evening if Saffiya is ill. Saffiya is not ill today, so Yana will not be working in the restaurant this evening.

Which one of the following most closely parallels the reasoning above?

Zak only works hard when his exams are less than a month away. As the exams are due to be held in two weeks’ time, Zak will be studying hard every day.
Zara only stays at the Imperial when the Regency is closed. She is not staying at the Imperial now, so the Regency must be open.
Maya will only take a flight if her mother can go with her. Maya’s mother is fit to travel, so Maya will fly.
Birds that migrate south in the winter return only when the weather in the north is warmer. This winter has been very mild so the birds will return sooner.
James will not be travelling to England this year. He only travels to England when he has a wedding to attend and none of his friends are getting married this year.

The correct answer is E.

Option E matches the original argument’s structure where a condition is set for an action (only travels if there’s a wedding), and the absence of that condition leads to the negation of the action. This mirrors the logic of Yana working only if Saffiya is ill, and since Saffiya is not ill, Yana will not work. Other options either affirm conditions or have different logical structures.

Four Tips for TARA’s Critical Thinking Module

Practice breaking down arguments

What is the argument trying to prove? What evidence is being used? What is being taken for granted?

Familiarise yourself with different question types

Work through sample critical thinking questions to get comfortable with their format. We have a dedicated TARA Critical Thinking Module guide you can check out for more detail on question types.

Build a daily practice routine

Set aside a small chunk of time each day to tackle 3–5 questions. Regular short sessions are far more effective than cramming right before the test.

Review your mistakes and learn from them

Understand why you got an answer wrong and how to avoid similar traps in the future.

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TARA Module 2 - Problem Solving

The second module of TARA is Problem Solving. This part of the TARA is designed to assess your logical reasoning skills and how effectively you can work with numerical information. It’s not simply about testing your maths ability – this module challenges you to tackle new, unfamiliar problems that may not have straightforward solutions.

Like the first module, the Problem Solving module features 22 multiple-choice questions, each with five answer options. You earn a mark for every correct response, and there are no penalties for incorrect answers, so it’s best to attempt all questions, even if you’re not completely confident.

What are the TARA Problem Solving questions like?

The challenge in these questions does not come from complex calculations, but rather from applying straightforward maths to realistic, everyday scenarios. This could include anything from interpreting train schedules to working out postage costs.

Problem-solving questions in Module 2 of TARA fall into three main types:

Relevant Selection – These questions test your ability to filter out irrelevant details from a larger set of information, often presented through graphs or tables. Read everything carefully and focus on identifying only the data needed to solve the problem.
Finding Procedures – You’ll often need to figure out what steps or calculations to use, rather than being told directly. Work backwards from the answer choices and look for logical links between the question and the options, using basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Identifying Similarity – These questions assess your skill in interpreting and comparing data presented in different forms. Convert data into a common format where needed and make sure you fully understand the relationships before answering.

Don’t be intimidated – the questions aren’t overly difficult. With a bit of logical thinking and the ability to quickly interpret information in various formats, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed. That being said, you still need to be confident with certain mathematical skills, such as:

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.

Exams.Ninja Tips: How to approach TARA Problem Solving questions

Use the Process of Elimination

Many questions will present you with a table or a list of data, asking you to identify entries that meet certain conditions. Start by reading the question carefully to know exactly what criteria to look for. Then, work through the options, immediately ruling out any that fail to meet even one requirement. While this won’t work for every problem, it can save valuable time on many questions.

Rely on Core Maths Skills

The mathematical skills tested in TARA aren’t highly advanced. Most problems can be solved using the basic four number rules – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. If you’re not sure where to start, try experimenting with different combinations of these four operations to see if they connect the information in the question to any of the answer options.

Stay Calm and Think Logically

Remember, the problem-solving challenge is not just about getting to the right answer but about showing that you can work through unfamiliar data and make sound judgments. Take your time to reason through the steps, avoid rushing, and trust your systematic thinking.

TARA Problem Solving Example Question

In December, the price of a television in a shop was £P.

At the start of January, the price was reduced by £350.

At the start of February, the price was further reduced by 30% of the January price.

After the two reductions, the overall decrease in the price of the television was 44%.

What was P?

625
750
1540
1750
2100

The correct answer is D.

This question is correctly solved by setting up an equation that models both successive reductions. First, the price was reduced by £350, leaving P−350. Then, it was reduced by 30%, meaning the final price is 70% of that amount, or 0.7×(P−350). Since the problem states the total decrease from the original price was 44%, the final price must be 56% of P, or 0.56P. Setting these two expressions equal and solving gives the correct original price of £1750. This approach captures the logical process of applying sequential percentage reductions and linking them to the overall change.

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TARA MODULE 3 – WRITING TASK

In the Writing Task Module, you’ll be expected to write a well-structured essay that demonstrates your ability to think critically about a given topic and communicate your ideas clearly.

What are the TARA Writing Task questions like?

In this module, you’ll be asked to write a well-structured response that shows you can think critically about a topic and clearly express your ideas. Each prompt provides a statement, and you will need to answer the following questions in your essay:

Explain what you think is meant by the statement.
Give a reasoned argument against the statement.
To what extent do you agree with the statement?

The questions in this module are linked by their emphasis on critical thinking, argumentation, and interpretation. Despite covering varied topics and question styles, they all require you to carefully interpret a statement, take a reasoned position, and present a balanced discussion of opposing views. None have clear-cut answers, demanding you analyse complex issues and defend your argument thoughtfully rather than rely on simple factual recall.

Alongside the 40-minute time limit, there is a 750-word limit for your answer, which is a reasonable allowance, provided your writing is clear, focused, and purposeful.

How to approach TARA Writing Task questions?

In the TARA Writing Task, it’s essential to adopt a clear point of view. Essays that stay too neutral often lack focus and fail to build a compelling, engaging argument. Acknowledge opposing views to strengthen your essay, but make sure you ultimately justify one central position with confidence.

Choosing the Right Prompt:

Pick the topic you understand best – Even if all options seem unfamiliar, choose the one where you can quickly generate ideas and connect with your general knowledge or interests.
Look for a clear argument – Select a question that allows you to take a focused, strong stance, rather than one that is too broad or vague.
Assess topic complexity – Avoid prompts that are overly abstract or too difficult to explain clearly within the time limit.
Check you can address every part of the question – Ensure you can fully discuss, interpret, and argue the statement in a thorough and confident way.

By applying these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to write a well-reasoned, persuasive, and structured essay.

TARA Writing Task Example

‘A little learning is a dangerous thing.’ (Alexander Pope)

Explain what you think is meant by the statement.

Give a reasoned argument against the statement.

To what extent do you agree with the statement?

By stating that ‘a little learning is a dangerous thing’ the author is implying that it is safer to know nothing about something than to know a little about it and form the misconception that you actually know more than you do.

There are, however, many situations in which a little learning can be extremely beneficial. A basic knowledge of first aid can help to save a person’s life, even if it is the mere bandaging of a wound. The fact that the individual may not be aware of the need to elevate an injured limb is of negligible importance in comparison to the little knowledge they had of the need to call for an ambulance and to keep the victim calm and reassured.

In other circumstances, an individual who has witnessed a baby being delivered on television, will be better equipped to assist in the emergency delivery of the baby than someone who has not had the same exposure to this ‘little knowledge’. They may not be at all as experienced as a midwife but, in emergency situations, it is better to have a little knowledge than none at all.

The matter that determines whether or not learning is dangerous is the way in which the individual uses their knowledge. As long as they do not become too overconfident of what they have learnt, and do not use it to the harm of others, their knowledge is not dangerous. However, if someone viewing a heart transplant on television believes they are now equipped to perform one themselves, then in this case, the ‘little learning’ has become a danger, particularly if they have no concept of human physiology or surgical procedures. It is essential that knowledge is used cautiously and sensibly and never to the disadvantage of others. In this way, a ‘little learning’ will not be dangerous.

Examiner’s Comments

This response benefits from being clear, simple and focused. It provides a narrow interpretation – that a little learning is problematic when it makes one overconfident – to give a simple but structured argument. The counterargument is effective, using good counterexamples and sensibly not trying to bring in additional knowledge. But it does not support a properly balanced consideration of the statement and contrasting views.

The last paragraph fails to realise that while the initial statement refers to a little learning, the final part of the question asks to what extent general learning can be a dangerous thing.

Exams.Ninja Tips for the TARA Writing Task Module

TARA’s Writing Task rewards clear, well-structured arguments. Read the question carefully and address all parts: explain the statement, argue against it, and discuss how far you agree. Plan your essay for 5–10 minutes to map out your stance and organise points logically. Stay concise by focusing on one or two strong arguments, avoiding repetition, and sticking to the word limit.

Engage critically with the statement, paying attention to its precise wording and exploring multiple perspectives. Take a clear, justified position, using relevant examples to support your case while acknowledging and countering opposing views. Finally, ensure your opinion is consistently expressed throughout, and conclude by reinforcing — rather than simply repeating – your main argument.

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Well done – you now have a solid overview of the TARA and a clear foundation for your preparation. Keep these strategies in mind as you move forward, and remember there’s plenty more to explore in our module-dedicated TARA Guides. Before you go, here are a few final reminders:

Start Early: The sooner you begin, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
Practise Regularly: While you can’t “revise” for TARA in the traditional sense, working through as many practice questions as possible will build familiarity and speed.
Reuse Questions: BMAT papers and similar resources are valuable for honing your skills.
Take Mock Exams: Simulating exam conditions with timed practice is one of the best ways to refine your TARA approach.

Good luck with your TARA preparation!

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