New University Admissions Test: TARA (The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions)

What is the TARA, and who needs to sit it? 

The TARA will sit alongside two other admissions tests which UAT-UK ran for the first time in October 2024: the ESAT and the TMUA. 

Unlike UAT-UK’s existing admissions tests, the TARA does not assess subject-specific knowledge, but instead aims to determine a candidate’s potential to achieve on an academically demanding undergraduate degree course by drawing upon general academic skills. 

As with the ESAT and the TMUA, the test is designed to be challenging in order to differentiate effectively between the most able applicants. 

All UAT-UK tests are delivered via Pearson VUE and their global network of Test Centres. Tests run in two sittings each year; October and January, corresponding to the two UCAS Equal Consideration Deadlines. For 2026 entry, each test will run over two days, with appointments available throughout each day, allowing candidates to select both a Test Centre and test time that is convenient for them. 

For 2026 entry, the TARA will be used for entry onto a range of courses at University College London (UCL). Applicants to these courses can opt to sit the test in either test sitting. A list of courses that use TARA can be found here. 

It is expected that other institutions will use the test for 2027 entry onwards, thus furthering UAT-UK’s aims of streamlining the applicant experience and, enabling applicants, where feasible, to take a single admissions test per subject area across all of their UCAS choices. 

Key Dates 

For candidates that have already booked to sit in October 2025, key dates can be found here. 

For those that have not yet booked, the next available sitting of the TARA is in January 2026. The following dates and deadlines apply to this test window: 

• 1 October 3pm (UK time): Requests for access arrangements and bursary applications open. Candidates are also advised to set up an account, even if they are not needing to request either of these.
• 27th October 3pm (UK time): Test bookings open
• 1st December 6pm (UK time): Deadline for access arrangement requests to be submitted to UAT-UK
• 19th December 6pm (UK time): Test booking deadline
• 12th/13th January: TARA Test Sitting 

Test entry fees

While an entry fee does apply for each test (£75 for candidates sitting the test in the UK and Republic of Ireland; £130 if taken elsewhere), a bursary scheme is also available for eligible UK candidates to cover the entire cost of the test.

What is the format of the TARA?

The test consists of three modules, each 40 minutes in duration and taken back-to-back; Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and a Writing Task. 

The Critical Thinking and Problem Solving components of TARA share a common history with the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Section 1 and the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA).

Each module is separately timed. If a candidate finishes a module early, the time will not be carried over to the next module, so candidates should be careful to manage their time accordingly. The Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules each contain 22 multiple-choice questions. The Writing Task contains a choice of three prompts, of which a candidate answers only one.

Test scores

Test takers will receive two scores for the TARA, for the Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules respectively, each reported on a scale of 1.0-9.0. 

Scores are statistically equated. This means the results of candidates taking different versions of the test can be reported on a common scale.

UAT-UK does not score the Writing Task, but candidate responses are passed onto University users to use as part of the application process as they see fit. 

Test scores are released to candidates approximately two weeks after testing.  They will also be sent automatically to any TARA university listed in a student’s UCAS application.

Top tips to pass onto your students 

• Set up an account in advance of test booking and make sure the candidate profile is complete and accurate.
• Make sure candidates request any access arrangements or apply for a Bursary, where applicable, before selecting their test in their account. Please note: Candidates may need a letter from their school for this, confirming their usual way of working in their public exams, or confirming their eligibility for Free School Meals of the 16-19 bursary.
• Try the two TARA sample tests on the Pearson VUE landing page. One has explained answers to aid revision, and we advise the other to be completed under timed test conditions.
• Read the Specification and Question Guide carefully.
• Ensure candidates are familiar with test day procedures.