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Prepare

As part of UAT-UK’s commitment to removing barriers to entry, we provide everything you need to prepare for the tests. You do not need anything beyond what is provided by UAT-UK and Pearson VUE. Please read through all the resources carefully.

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UAT-UK Statement on Commercial Test Preparation Services

UAT-UK is aware that there are private coaching services offered for a fee to help prepare for our admissions tests.

All the information needed to be successful in any of our tests is available on our website or via Pearson VUE. All necessary preparatory materials are available, free of charge, to all candidates.

UAT-UK provides a specification for each of our tests. Test content typically consists of material candidates have already studied at school.

Based on that, UAT-UK is not connected to, and does not endorse or promote, any such services. UAT-UK cannot verify if the information from these companies or individuals is accurate.

The sharing of test content either during or after the admissions cycle is strictly prohibited. Candidates may inadvertently disadvantage their own application(s) by engaging in this practice.

Resources

Candidates should read through all material relating to their test carefully. The resources available for each test are listed below. 

The test specifications describe the structure of each test. They provide a detailed list of possible topics that may be assessed.

The sample tests include question styles and formats you might see in the live test. They also closely reflect the actual testing experience. They come in two types: specimen tests and practice tests.

The specimen tests include explained answers that will aid your preparation. We recommend you complete the practice test(s) under timed conditions.

The sample tests open in the Pearson VUE test player. You will use this software in your test centre. It’s important to familiarise yourself with its accessibility and navigation features.

All questions should be viewed on a desktop, not on mobile devices. This helps to show the live test experience accurately.

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Test Preparation Materials

Information for Candidates on Specimen and Sample Test Performance

The UAT-UK specimen and sample tests on the Pearson landing page are provided to help candidates familiarise themselves with the test format, the style of questions, some accessibility features and the test player navigation.

Although candidates are provided with feedback on correct and incorrect answers, the tests do not award a score upon completion. This is intentional because the score scale in any particular year is based on the ability distribution of the cohort, with the median fixed at 4.5 and the 90th percentile fixed at 7.0.

Alongside the specimen and sample tests, UAT-UK provides other preparatory materials including detailed test specifications and extensive notes to aid candidates preparing for their test.

Although the questions in the specimen and sample tests are representative of the level of difficulty candidates will experience in the live tests, performance on a practice test will not necessarily be indicative of performance under exam conditions.

The UAT-UK tests are designed to be challenging. Our tests need to clearly separate highly capable applicants. This includes those who may have achieved top grades in school exams. This might be the first time they have taken a test designed specifically for high levels of ability. Candidates should not expect to score as highly on these tests as they have in their school exams.

 

 

ESAT

The ESAT will draw on science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so you shouldn’t need to do too much additional preparation. We recommend that you read the test specification to see if there are any topics that you need to revise.

 

The new ESAT Guide is now available via the link below to aid your test preparation. This is a comprehensive guide to the science and mathematics that you will need to know for the ESAT. 

TARA

The TARA doesn’t require any subject specific knowledge, but we do advise you read the specification carefully and engage with the sample tests.

The new TARA Question Guide is now available via the link below to aid your test preparation. 

TMUA

The TMUA will use maths that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so you shouldn’t need to do too much additional preparation. We recommend that you read the test specification to see if there are any topics that you need to revise.

Note to candidates

Our tests often draw upon what you’ve learned in school or test your general thinking and writing abilities. However, they are designed to be challenging.

Our tests need to clearly separate highly capable applicants. This includes those who may have achieved top grades in school exams.

This might be the first time you have taken a test designed for students of your high level of ability. You should not expect to score as highly on these tests as you would in your school exams.