Oxford TSA Preparation: Tips, Strategy & Past Papers
Preparing for the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) can be a key step for students aiming to secure a place at the University of Oxford. For many applicants, navigating this exam can be particularly challenging given the unfamiliar format and expectations. This blog provides clear, actionable advice on TSA how to prepare using structured guidance and Oxford TSA past papers.
Courses at Oxford University That Require the TSA
The TSA is required for several undergraduate courses at Oxford. It is used to assess problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The most recent test structure, administered via Pearson VUE, consists of:
Section 1: 90-minute multiple-choice test with 50 questions including problem-solving and critical thinking.
Section 2: A 30-minute writing task from a choice of four prompts (only required for select courses).
The following Oxford courses currently require the TSA:
Section 1 only: Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology, History and Economics, Human Sciences, Philosophy and Linguistics, Psychology and Linguistics, Psychology and Philosophy
Section 1 and Section 2: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
Always check the Oxford University TSA admissions page for the latest course requirements.
FAQ
Q: What is the format of the Oxford TSA?
A: The TSA includes Section 1 (multiple-choice questions) and, for some courses, Section 2 (a short essay). Section 1 assesses problem-solving and critical thinking, while Section 2 tests your ability to build a reasoned argument.
Q: What's the passing score for the TSA?
A: The TSA does not have an official passing score. Admissions tutors consider your score alongside other parts of your application, such as your personal statement and interview performance. However, strong applicants typically score above 60, and highly competitive courses may expect scores closer to 70 or higher.
TSA How to Prepare: Key Strategies for Success
Effective preparation for the TSA involves building familiarity with the test structure, sharpening your reasoning skills, and practising under timed conditions. Here are five steps to help you prepare:
Understand the test format – Know the types of questions in Section 1 and confirm whether Section 2 is required for your course.
Review Oxford TSA past papers – Practise using real questions from previous years to understand the level of difficulty and time pressure.
Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving – Work on skills like interpreting data, evaluating arguments, and spotting assumptions.
Take timed practice tests – Simulate real exam conditions to improve pacing and reduce anxiety on test day.
Get expert support if needed – A tutor with TSA experience can help identify your strengths and address areas for improvement.
FAQ
Q: Where can I find Oxford TSA past papers?
A: Past papers are available on the official Oxford admissions website.
Q: How early should I start preparing for the TSA?
A: Ideally, you should begin 3–4 months before your test date. This gives you enough time to build skills gradually and identify areas needing improvement.
Using TSA Past Papers to Improve Your Score
Practising with Oxford TSA past papers is one of the most effective ways to improve your performance. These papers allow you to become familiar with the test format and question style, and they help you identify specific areas for development. Here's how to make the most of them:
Start with untimed practice. Focus on understanding the logic behind each question.
Review your answers. Analyse both correct and incorrect responses. Look for patterns in your mistakes.
Set aside time for timed practice. Simulate real exam conditions as the test date approaches.
Track your progress. Record your scores to monitor improvement and focus your study time effectively.
Use official answer keys and explanations. Learn not just what the right answers are, but why they’re correct.
FAQ
Q: How many past papers should I complete before the test?
A: Aim to complete at least 5–7 full past papers under timed conditions. Supplement with targeted practice questions for specific skills.
Q: Are more recent TSA past papers more useful?
A: Yes. While older papers are good for skill-building, recent papers reflect current test styles and difficulty levels more accurately.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The TSA is designed to test how you think—not just what you know—so success comes from preparation, reflection, and strategic practice. The earlier you begin, the more confident you'll feel on test day.
For personalised guidance and expert tutoring, explore our TSA tutoring services. Our experienced team can help you build confidence and reach your full potential.
