The University of Oxford, like many other universities in the UK, requires applicants to take a standardized test as part of the undergraduate admissions process. For most courses, Oxford uses the “Thinking Skills Assessment” (TSA), which is designed to assess a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to understand and analyze written material.
The TSA consists of two parts:
This is a 90-minute, multiple-choice test that assesses your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It includes questions on numerical and spatial reasoning, as well as questions that require you to interpret and evaluate written material.
This is a 30-minute essay question that tests your ability to construct a coherent argument and express your thoughts clearly in writing. The essay prompt is usually based on a short piece of text provided in the exam.
The TSA is used alongside other elements of the application, such as academic transcripts, personal statements, and teacher references, to assess a candidate’s suitability for a course at Oxford.
It’s important to note that not all courses at Oxford require the TSA, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements for the course you are interested in applying to.
