Expert TARA tuition for economics, PPE, and social science applicants to UCL and Oxford. One-to-one preparation across Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and the Writing Task from specialist admissions tutors.
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The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is a non-subject-specific admissions test that assesses the reasoning and communication skills universities expect of their most capable students.
The TARA is a two-hour computer-based test divided into three modules: Critical Thinking (22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes), Problem Solving (22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes), and a Writing Task (one essay from a choice of three prompts, 40 minutes). The test is currently used by UCL for 2026 entry across a range of courses including Economics, Management Science, and Social Sciences, and from 2027 entry Oxford will require it for applicants to Economics, PPE, History, Human Sciences, and Psychology. Our TARA tuition is designed to help students understand how each module works, develop repeatable strategies for reasoning questions, and produce structured, persuasive essays under exam conditions.
"Alex is an expert in helping students navigate the university applications system - and has a wealth of experience, specifically working with potential Oxbridge students in social sciences and humanities subjects. This ranges from helping students choose a course and university; to writing a strong UCAS form (including a personal statement); to preparing for any admissions tests or interviews. He's also an accomplished tutor at GCSE at KS4 and KS5 in a range of subjects, including Economics, Politics, and Philosophy."
Our TARA tuition follows a structured, one-to-one approach tailored to each student's starting point, target university, and preparation timeline.
Because the TARA is not subject-specific, the focus is on sharpening transferable reasoning skills; skills that also strengthen interviews and personal statements. Throughout the tuition programme, our tutors will help students to:
Lessons are delivered both in-person and online, allowing flexible scheduling and consistent support regardless of location.
Our TARA tuition programme is designed to provide both structure and flexibility, ensuring preparation remains focused and efficient across all three modules.
What's included:
For students who need it, TARA tuition can be complemented by broader admissions support, including personal statement guidance and interview preparation, ensuring the whole application is aligned and well-prepared.
Our TARA tuition is delivered by experienced tutors and admissions specialists with strong mathematical backgrounds and first-hand knowledge of the admissions test landscape at top UK universities.
Alex is an expert in helping students navigate the university applications system - and has a wealth of experience, specifically working with potential Oxbridge students in social sciences and humanities subjects. This ranges from helping students ch...
Full profileLiliya is an experienced Economics-focused tutor and academic consultant with over 15,000 hours of teaching experience, specialising in Economics, Politics, and International Political Economy across A Level, IB, and undergraduate level.
Full profileDr Meghna is a PhD-qualified academic tutor and university-level teaching specialist with over eight years of tutoring experience and a strong background in Finance, Economics, and Business Studies.
Full profileSaskia graduated from Oxford University in 2022 with a First-Class degree in Maths and Philosophy. Since then, she has balanced a career in classical singing with work in education. Alongside tutoring Maths at GCSE and A level, Saskia has increasingl...
Full profileSince 2010, Ivy Education has supported hundreds of students applying to competitive social science, economics, and humanities degrees at leading UK universities.
Our TARA tuition combines structured reasoning training with a clear understanding of how UCL and Oxford use test results within their admissions decisions.
We work closely with students and families to ensure preparation is realistic, efficient, and appropriate to each student's goals and timeline.
Key reasons families choose Ivy Education include:
Tailored TARA Tuition – Step by Step
We begin with a consultation to understand your target university, chosen course, and preparation timeline. A diagnostic session then identifies current reasoning and writing ability across all three TARA modules, so we can prioritise the right areas from the outset.
Your tutor designs a structured lesson plan based on your diagnostic results, test sitting, and target course. Each session is planned to build reasoning skills progressively, with time set aside for timed practice as the test approaches.
Through one-to-one sessions, students develop the critical thinking frameworks, problem-solving strategies, and essay structures required for each part of the TARA. Tutors provide live feedback and help students internalise approaches rather than rely on memorised formulas.
Students work through practice questions and full timed modules to build familiarity and resilience. Tutors review results carefully, identifying patterns and refining technique before the real test window.
In the final phase, tutors provide advanced practice simulations and essay coaching to ensure students approach all three TARA modules with confidence, clarity, and a clear strategy.
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