For students applying to essay-based, humanities and social science degrees, the TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) is fast becoming one of the most important parts of the UK admissions process.

TARA was first introduced for 2026 entry at UCL. From 2027 entry onwards, Oxford will also use TARA for applications to Economics, PPE, History, Human Sciences and Psychology courses.This article explains what the TARA actually tests, how universities use it, and how to prepare strategically.

Singapore’s universities are becoming attractive to international students. Top universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU) offer exceptional teaching and global recognition. However, the Singapore admissions system works very differently from the UK or US models that families are more used to, and can feel opaque particularly for international applicants. 

This article breaks down how Singapore university admissions actually work and why having a clear strategy is as important as strong grades.

You might already have seen headlines about changes to Oxford’s admissions tests. This can be unsettling, particularly if you have already been planning your university applications. What’s important to understand however is that while Oxford is making significant changes to its admissions testing from 2027 entry onwards, the underlying purpose of these tests remains the same. Oxford isn’t lowering standards, nor is it making the admissions process easier or harder overnight. Instead, it’s changing how candidates are assessed in response to broader shifts in UK university admissions.