This admissions test is taken for some Cambridge courses.
Last updated: 9 months, 2 weeks ago
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is a pre-interview assessment designed to determine your ability to use and apply your reasoning and mathematical knowledge in possibly unfamiliar contexts. It can be difficult, even for those who do well in school, but hopefully this guide will help you rise up to the challenge.
Here are some general resources related to the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). Use this page as a hub to branch off and use other resources!
Applicants for the Economics and Computer Science courses at the University of Cambridge are required to take the TMUA pre-interview assignment.
If you're a mature student (aged 21 or over) applying to one of the mature Colleges for interview in Cambridge, you aren't required to take any pre-interview assessments, and will take a common format written assessment at interview instead. However, if you're a mature student applying to a mature College and wishing to be considered for interview overseas, or if you're a mature student applying to a standard age College, you must take the TMUA. More details are available here 🔗.
It's important to note that the TMUA will no longer be used from 2024. The last time the TMUA will be sat is October 2023. More information about these reforms can be found here 🔗
This test is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, consisting of two papers which are taken consecutively. Each paper is 75 minutes long, and contains 20 multiple-choice questions.
The theme of the first paper is "Applications of Mathematical Knowledge", and the theme of the second paper is "Mathematical Reasoning".
Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed in the entire test.
The TMUA specification and paper papers 🔗 🌟 can be found here, and are an essential resource for doing well.
“I would recommend leaving the past papers to 1-2 weeks before the actual TMUA, when you should feel more prepared. Before that, use A-Level material and the MAT if applicable.”
“During practice, you should time yourself. Note, along the way: 1) Are you stressed for time? 2) What type of questions are you easily stuck on?”