Tests · TARA
TARA — UCL's new admissions test, decoded.
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions is subject-neutral: it measures the potential to succeed on academically demanding degrees, with the emphasis on mathematical and logical reasoning. UCL introduced it for 2026 entry, run by University Admissions Testing — the same body behind TMUA and ESAT — and is so far the only university using it. Three modules, 120 minutes, all compulsory.
Who needs it
The ten UCL courses that require TARA.
TARA is not subject-specific and applies across disciplines. Always check the course page — an unregistered test can invalidate the application.
- Computer Science
- Mathematical Computation
- Management Science
- Social Sciences
- International Social and Political Studies
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Social Sciences with Data Science
- Sociology
- European Social and Political Studies
- ESPS: Dual Degree
2026–27 calendar
Two sittings, one per cycle.
Registration opened 1 June 2026. Dates below follow the published UAT calendar — confirm against the official page for your cycle.
Accounts open
Create the UAT account that carries TARA, TMUA and ESAT.
Sitting one: booking window
Seat booking opens 20 July and closes 28 September.
Sitting one
Test week; results release 16 November.
Sitting two: booking window
Seat booking opens 26 October and closes 21 December.
Sitting two
Test week; results release 8 February.
The paper
Three modules, 120 minutes.
Every applicant sits all three.
22questions · 40 minCritical Thinking
Reasoning in everyday written language — understanding and evaluating arguments, a skill that cuts across history, science and beyond.
- Core skill
- Spotting logical gaps and dismantling argument structure
- Difficulty
- Comparable to Oxford's TSA, with a heavier reading load
22questions · 40 minProblem Solving
Reasoning with numbers — number concepts, operations, measurement, space and spatial reasoning, and reading charts and tables.
- Core skill
- Numerical reasoning under time pressure
- Maths needed
- School-level arithmetic, geometry and data handling — not advanced content
Writing Task
One argumentative essay from a choice of three prompts, up to 750 words — analysis and expression of a position.
- Core skill
- Building and defending a line of argument in clear academic prose
- Marked on
- Analysis, structure and expression
Hanlin coaching
The 30-hour TARA course.
Targeted classroom analysis, linked after-class tasks and mock tests — now enrolling.
Module-by-module analysis
Critical-thinking argument patterns, problem-solving question families and essay planning, each taught as its own discipline.
Linked after-class tasks
Every lesson hands over targeted practice that feeds the next — no loose ends between sessions.
Mock tests
Full 120-minute mocks under timing, marked to the standard, before both sittings.
Free resource pack
The TARA preparation pack
TARA is a new test with very little published about it, so this is the material that exists, collected in one place.
Tell an advisor which competition and year group, and the material comes back the same day. Free, and you do not have to enrol in anything. If we do not already hold what you need, we will go and find it.
- PDFThe published test specification
- PDFPractice tests
- PDFA question-type guide, worked through
- PDFRegistration dates and the deadline for the current cycle
Talk to an advisor
Everything Hanlin does for TARA, in one conversation.
A new test with little published about it. We have collected what exists.
Competition entry and planning
Which competitions suit this student, in what order, and by when - then we handle the registration, including the ones that can only be entered through a school or a centre.
Competition coaching
Taught by full-time subject tutors, on a course tier chosen by placement paper rather than by year group.
International curriculum tutoring
IB, AP, A-Level, IGCSE and the US high school curriculum, taught alongside school and timed around the exam calendar.
Competition past papers, free
A large library of past papers, mark schemes and syllabus breakdowns across every competition on this site. No charge and no enrolment.
Scan to add an advisor
Say which competition or course you are asking about. Replies in Chinese or English.
Or call +86 21 6352 6630FAQ
TARA, briefly answered.
What UCL applicants ask about the new paper.
Which universities use TARA?
For 2026 entry, only UCL — for the ten courses listed above. Always confirm on the course page before applying.
Can I sit both sittings?
One sitting per cycle, as with the other UAT papers. Choose the October or January window and prepare for that date.
How does TARA compare with TSA?
The critical-thinking module is close to Oxford's TSA in style but carries a heavier reading load; TARA adds a numerical problem-solving module and a compulsory essay.
What maths does it need?
School-level number, measurement, spatial reasoning and chart reading — speed and accuracy under time matter more than advanced content.
How is it scored?
The two multiple-choice modules are scored on their 22 questions each; the essay is assessed on analysis, structure and expression. UCL uses the results to benchmark applicants' thinking, not subject knowledge.
TARA enquiries
Prepare the reasoning UCL is testing.
Tell us the target UCL course and preferred sitting, and an advisor will map the 30-hour course and the booking dates.