Understanding the TARA Test: What Parents Need to Know
The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a new university admissions test being introduced for students applying to begin their degrees in 2026. Unlike A-level exams, the TARA does not test subject knowledge. Instead, it assesses a student’s ability to think critically, solve unfamiliar problems, and communicate ideas clearly in writing. These are core academic skills that will be essential for their success at university and beyond.
Understanding the TARA
The TARA has two main sections. The first is a reasoning component, where students must analyse information, identify logical patterns, and respond to challenging questions under timed conditions. This section is designed to see how well they can handle new ideas and work under pressure.
The second part is an essay. Here, your child will be asked to take a position on a question or prompt and defend it with clear reasoning. The essay does not require specialist knowledge; instead, it is about how well they can build a coherent argument, structure their ideas, and write persuasively.
Together, these two sections give universities an insight into skills that A-levels alone cannot measure, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and critical analysis.
Why the TARA Matters
Competition for university places, particularly on popular courses, is increasing every year. The TARA provides universities with another way of identifying students who are not only strong academically but also able to demonstrate the reasoning and communication skills needed to thrive in higher education.
For many courses, strong A-level results and a polished personal statement may not be enough to stand out. Performing well in the TARA can therefore give applicants a valuable advantage, showing universities that they have the intellectual flexibility and resilience required for academic study at the highest level.
Key Information for Parents
The TARA will be delivered digitally through Pearson VUE, a trusted provider of admissions and professional tests. For students applying for 2026 entry, there will be two testing windows: October 2025 and January 2026. Your child will only need to sit the test once, but choosing the right date is important. Those applying to universities with early deadlines may need to take the October test, while others may benefit from additional preparation time before sitting the exam in January.
Tests are taken at Pearson VUE centres, and results are sent directly to the universities that require the TARA. As a parent, you can help by encouraging your child to register early, keeping track of deadlines, and ensuring they are fully prepared for the logistics of test day.
How You Can Support Your Child
Preparation for the TARA is about building reasoning and communication skills rather than memorising facts. Students benefit from reading widely, especially high-quality journalism and essays that expose them to complex arguments. Writing practice essays under timed conditions can also help them learn to structure ideas quickly and effectively.
Parents can play a valuable role by encouraging regular practice, discussing current affairs to sharpen critical thinking, and helping to create a calm, structured environment for preparation. Supporting your child to balance schoolwork, test preparation, and downtime will also help them approach the exam with confidence.
1. What is the TARA test?
The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a new university admissions exam for students applying from 2026 onwards. It assesses reasoning, problem-solving, and essay-writing skills rather than subject knowledge, giving universities insight into academic abilities beyond A-level results.
2. How is the TARA structured?
The TARA has two sections: a reasoning component and an essay. The reasoning section tests logical thinking and problem-solving under time pressure, while the essay measures how well students can argue a point and communicate ideas clearly.
3. Why is the TARA important for university applications?
With competition for university places increasing, the TARA helps admissions tutors identify students with strong critical thinking and communication skills. Performing well can give applicants an advantage, showing they have the adaptability and resilience needed for higher education.
4. When can students take the TARA?
For 2026 entry, students can take the TARA in either October 2025 or January 2026. Applicants with early university deadlines may need to sit the October test, while others may prefer the January session to allow more preparation time.