Online TARA tutor & preparation
Private, one-to-one TARA preparation for Oxford & UCL applicants — Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and the Writing Task, from £35/hour, wherever you are.
Reasoning & writing for Oxford and UCL
The TARA is used by the University of Oxford and UCL across a range of subjects. Unlike a subject exam, it tests generic thinking skills and how clearly you write — which means it's very coachable with the right technique.
Because there's no syllabus to revise, students often don't know how to prepare. That's exactly where structured practice and feedback make the biggest difference.
New to the test? Read our guide: What is the TARA and how to prepare.
What our TARA tuition covers
- Critical Thinking — analysing and evaluating arguments
- Problem Solving — reasoning with numerical and logical information
- The Writing Task — a clear, well-structured essay under time pressure
- Multiple-choice technique for 22-question timed modules
- Full timed practice with no calculator or dictionary
- Planning and writing a 750-word argument in exam conditions
Also sitting the TMUA or ESAT? We prepare students for TMUA and ESAT too.
TARA preparation that sharpens thinking
TARA specialists
Tutors who understand the reasoning-and-writing skills Oxford and UCL are testing.
Private one-to-one lessons
Individual, online lessons focused on the exact module — thinking or writing — you need most.
Timed, exam-real practice
Three 40-minute modules back to back is demanding. We build stamina, speed and accuracy.
Structured writing coaching
The essay is where many students lose marks. We teach a clear method for planning and arguing.
TARA tutoring questions
What is the TARA and who needs it?
TARA stands for the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions. It's a non-subject-specific test of thinking skills and written communication, used by the University of Oxford and UCL across a range of subjects. It's administered by UAT-UK through Pearson VUE test centres. Always check your specific course page, as registering for the wrong test (or none) can invalidate an application.
What is the format of the TARA?
The TARA has three compulsory 40-minute modules: Critical Thinking (22 multiple-choice questions), Problem Solving (22 multiple-choice questions), and a Writing Task (one essay of up to 750 words, chosen from three options). No calculator or dictionary is allowed.
How is the TARA scored?
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are each scored on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The Writing Task is not scored — your essay is sent to the universities to read directly. There is no pass or fail; universities consider your results alongside the rest of your application.
How much does a TARA tutor cost?
Our TARA tuition starts from £35 per hour, with the exact plan tailored after a free trial lesson so you can meet your tutor first.
When is the TARA sat and when should I start?
The TARA is sat in the autumn and early winter (with sittings around October and January). Because it tests reasoning and writing rather than memorised content, steady preparation over a couple of months — building technique and doing timed practice — works far better than cramming.