Sharpen your critical thinking on the TSA with Think Smart
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The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) was used for years by the University of Oxford to assess your problem-solving skills, ability to analyze complex information, and make logical decisions under time pressure.
Update for 2027 entry: Oxford has retired the TSA and replaced it with the TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions), which inherits the TSA's critical-thinking focus and adds a writing task. Our tutors prepare you for the new test, see our TARA preparation.
It plays a key role in determining whether Oxford extends you an invitation to interview, so don’t underestimate it!
It’s designed to be challenging, but don’t worry, with a personal Think Smart TSA Expert and our realistic TSA simulations, you can get the excellent score you deserve.
Which Oxford courses require the TSA?
Courses that require both sections of the TSA:
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Courses that require only Section 1 of the TSA:
Economics and Management
Experimental Psychology
History and Economics
Human Sciences
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
Important: As of 2025, the University of Cambridge and University College London (UCL) no longer use the TSA, and from 2027 entry Oxford has replaced it with the TARA.
What is the TSA?
The TSA is a computer-based test divided into two parts: a 90-minute, multiple-choice Thinking Skills Assessment and a 30-minute writing task.
Section 1:
6 am to 2 pm
in the first week
2 pm to 10 pm
in the second week
10 pm to 6 am
in the third week
It becomes very difficult to establish any kind of routine of eating and drinking under such a system. People working a three-shift system report a severe decline in their appetite, especially during the night shift when they would normally be asleep. Therefore, anyone about to begin working shifts like this can expect to lose weight.
Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the above argument?
A. All shift workers have to work during the night.
B. Employees tend to dislike working shifts.
C. People who feel less hungry generally eat less food.
D. Shift work often pays better than working days only.
E. Canteen facilities are not always available to the night shift.
Section 2:
Candidates answer one question
from a choice of four.
This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to:
Organise ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Communicate effectively in writing.
Note: This section is only required if applying for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).
Sample Questions (from a Specimen Paper):
Privacy is only good because people aren't good. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need privacy. Is that right?
In order to be a successful leader, is it better to be loved or feared?
Is ethical consumerism a solution to poverty, or a dangerous distraction?
Why is vision so important to human beings?
What does the TSA test?
The TSA doesn’t test subject-specific knowledge, but it assesses:
Critical thinking
Logical reasoning
Essay-writing skills
A good TSA score is crucial for securing that dream offer from Oxford.
Over 12,000 students sit the TSA annually for Oxford’s most competitive courses.
A score in the top 10% (70+) is crucial to stand out in the highly competitive applicant pool.
Fewer than 15% of TSA applicants receive an offer from Oxford.
What to expect from your TSA package:
Once you’ve purchased your admissions package, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance through every step of the process. Here’s what to expect from a typical package (details may vary depending on the number of hours you book with us):
Step 1: Diagnostic Lesson
Your Oxford journey begins with a comprehensive diagnostic session. Your TSA tutor will assess your strengths and weaknesses, focusing on the key areas of the test:
Essay writing
(if applicable)
This step helps your tutor create a personalized study plan tailored to your unique needs.
Step 2: Skill Building
Your tutor will guide you through the essential skills tested in the TSA:
For Section 1, you’ll develop advanced problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, including strategies for tackling numerical and abstract questions.
For Section 2 (if applicable), your tutor will teach you how to construct clear, concise, and persuasive essays under timed conditions.
Step 3: Feedback on Realistic Mock Exams
Experience the intensity of the TSA with realistic mock exams. Beyond just practice, each mock test includes:
A detailed performance review
Insights to uncover patterns
Identification of areas to polish
This ensures steady progress toward test-day success.
Step 4: Review and Final Preparation
In the final phase, your tutor will:
Review your performance across all sections
Reinforce key strategies
Address any lingering challenges
This phase ensures you’re confident and fully prepared to excel on test day.
Don’t miss these pesky deadlines!
For 2027 entry. With the TSA retired, these are the dates that matter for applicants sitting the TARA.
28 September 2026
Booking for the October TARA sitting closes (6pm, UK time).
12 to 16 October 2026
TARA test window at Pearson test centres.
15 October 2026
Final deadline for submitting your UCAS application to Oxford (you can find out more about UCAS, which is the UK’s platform for university applications, on our blog).
16 November 2026
TARA results are released.
December 2026
Interviews take place.
January 2027
Final decisions are released. You will be told if you have been given an offer.
What to expect from your Think Smart tutor:
At Think Smart, our tutors are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to ensure you receive an expert experience during your admissions tutoring service. With our Think Smart tutors, you’re guaranteed to receive:
Personalised guidance
We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?
Insider insight
All of our TSA tutors have successfully taken the test themselves.
Comprehensive preparation for each section of the test
Taking you confidently from section to section, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging preparation to help you excel.
More than just teaching
We strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics.
Think of your tutor like a personal guide through the Oxford process, we’re here for you!
Questions about TSA Exam Tutoring
How is the TSA scored?
The TSA consists of two parts: Section 1 is scored out of 50 (one mark per answer). Section 2 is an essay scored individually by the university, not numerically.
What is a good TSA score?
A ‘good’ score varies by course and year, but competitive courses like those at Oxford often look for scores in the higher 60-70% range . Keep in mind, your overall application will also be considered, including the personal statement , academic grades , and interview performance .
Can I retake the TSA?
No , you can’t retake the TSA in the same application cycle. If you are unhappy with your result, you must wait until the next year to reapply and sit the test again.
How should I prepare for the TSA?
Preparation for the TSA involves practicing logical reasoning , problem-solving , and essay-writing skills . Focus on timed practice questions and past papers to get familiar with the exam format. Our TSA tutors offer tailored sessions to boost your performance !
Do TSA results roll over?
No , TSA scores are only valid for the year in which you apply . If you're reapplying, you will need to sit the test again.
How are the results shared?
Your TSA results will be sent directly to the universities you’ve applied to. You will receive your personal score and feedback in January .
How hard is the TSA?
The TSA can be challenging , especially if you haven’t encountered critical thinking and reasoning questions before. But don’t worry, with the right preparation , you can perform well and feel confident on the day .
Can I take the TSA in my country?
Yes , the TSA is available at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide . You can find the full list of international locations on the official TSA website.
How do I register for the TSA?
The TSA has been retired at Oxford. Its successor, the TARA, is booked through a UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE. For 2027 entry, booking for the October sitting closes on 28 September 2026.
Is the TSA available in other languages besides English?
No , the TSA is only available in English . If English is not your first language, we recommend practicing under timed conditions to ensure you are comfortable with the test format and language.
What our alumni and their parents say
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My son was convinced he was going to fail, and hiring a virtual tutor seemed like a last ditch attempt to avoid failure. The result of a series of sessions was that my son just learned that he earned his IB Diploma with one of the highest scores in the school, and with a good solid score in the subject matter he was most concerned about.
I have had several tutors from several subjects, all have been amazing people and knowledgeable in their fields. They were all different people with varying personalities but each gave a genuine experience.
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