TSA UCL About the Test
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) UCL is a 90 minute multiple choice test for applicants to European Social and Political Studies.
UCL - European Social and Political Studies
Background and development of TSA UCL
Test Format
The TSA UCL is a paper based test.
Calculators cannot be used in the TSA.
Section |
What does it test? |
Questions |
Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) | Problem solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills, including understanding arguments and reasoning using everyday language. |
50 multiple choice questions |
90 minutes |
Scoring
The TSA is a multiple-choice test giving 1 mark per question. Scores are calibrated onto the TSA scale (running from approximately 0-100), with scores being reported to one decimal place. The scale is not a percentage based on raw scores, but an estimate of the candidate's ability calculated using a statistical technique called Rasch which takes into account question and overall test difficulty so that scores are comparable.
The average TSA score of an applicant to UCL is typically in the high 50s, with only around 10% of applicants scoring over 70.
Marking is automated. Cambridge Assessment does not accept requests for re-marks.
Delivery
Candidates will take the test on ESPS's assessment days. Applicants taking the TSA will take it at UCL as a paper based test. Candidates will be informed when they need to take the TSA by UCL.
Results
Cambridge Assessment does not release TSA results directly to candidates. Results will be passed to UCL.
TSA UCL |
Content |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) | 50 multiple choice questions | 90 minutes |
TSA UCL
Background & Research
Information about the need for TSA and research papers relating to TSA
Test Preparation
TSA resources for candidates and teachers, including past papers, recommended reading lists and specifications.