Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Top Tips
TSA holding you back? How to ace the test
The TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) is required for certain courses at some of the top universities in the UK. Here’s more information on the test and how to ace it.
What is the TSA?
The TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) is a computer-based test with a 90-minute multiple choice section and a 30-minute written task. It measures critical thinking and problem solving abilities and aptitude.
Do I need to take the TSA for Oxford University?
Yes, you will need to take the TSA if you are applying to study the following courses at Oxford University:
Oxford University Experimental Psychology (Section 1 only)
Oxford University Human Sciences (Section 1 only)
Oxford University Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Oxford University PPE)
Oxford University Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (Section 1 only)
Oxford University Economics and Management (Oxford University E&M) (Section 1 only)
Oxford University History and Economics (Section 1 only)
Do I need to take the TSA for UCL?
The online UCL Thinking Skills Test (TST) replaced the TSA in 2022. The TST is the same format as Section 1 of Oxford’s TSA but is delivered and marked by UCL directly.
How important is the TSA?
The test is an important part of the application to several university courses and it’s important to do well in the assessment in order to strengthen your application. Alongside your UCAS personal statement and any interview performance and grades, this is your chance to boost your application and demonstrate your abilities.
How can I prepare for the TSA?
We recommend trying lots of practice questions and giving yourself time to practice in advance. It’s worth looking at the TSA website, which contains mark schemes, sample questions and videos.
Read the questions carefully and twice
Practice working with speed and accuracy as the time per question is brief. Practice with a timer!
Don’t spend too long on any one question; this could impact your score negatively. Move on if you’re struggling.
For the TSA essay section, it’s important to always be thinking through your assumptions and premises to make sure the logic is consistent.
