The UCAT consortium has released final UCAT scores for the 2024 exam. We look at the trends over the years and how this has changed for 2024.

UCAT Test Numbers Surge in 2024 - More students took the UCAT Exam this academic year.

This year saw a significant rise in UCAT participants, with 37,913 test-takers in 2024—over 2,000 more than in 2023’s 35,625 and an increase compared to 2022. This suggests a growing pool of aspiring medical students for 2024. Despite the surge in candidates, the number of available places in medical schools remains similar to 2023, as no changes were made to the cap on places.

This increase in candidates cannot be due solely to the end of the BMAT, as most students in previous years took both the BMAT and UCAT exams.

Slightly Higher UCAT Mean Score in 2024, but Less UCAT Situational Judgement Band 1 Achievers

The final mean score of each section of the UCAT exam in 2024 is as follows:

• Verbal Reasoning (VR): 601

• Decision Making (DM): 620

• Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 649

• Abstract Reasoning (AR): 653

The average total scaled score (VR + DM + QR + AR) for the 37,913 UCAT test-takers in 2024 stands at 2,523. While this reflects a 2.3% dip from the interim score of 2,582, it still edges slightly higher—by 0.3%—than last year’s final score 2,516.

You must aim higher to stay competitive, but the difference isn't overwhelming. However, there’s an interesting shift in the Situational Judgement section—fewer applicants achieved the top Band 1 ranking this year. Only 13% managed it, compared to 25% last year.

The final percentages of candidates in each Situational Judgement band are as follows:

• Situational Judgement Band 1: 13%

• Situational Judgement Band 2: 36%

• Situational Judgement Band 3: 38%

• Situational Judgement Band 4: 13%

Verbal reasoning scores also rose, from an average of 591 in 2023 to 601 in 2024. This increase could impact your chances at universities like Nottingham, which emphasises the verbal reasoning section when shortlisting for interviews.

UCAT Decile Thresholds Shift Upward

The rise in average UCAT scores has also nudged percentile thresholds higher. To rank in the top 20% of applicants last year, a score above 2,760 was needed. In 2024, you'll need 2,780 to hit that mark. Similarly, the median 50% of test-takers scored 2,520 this year, up from 2,510 in 2023.

What should I do next with my UCAT score?

• Please look at our UCAT Universities and Cut-Off Scores for Medicine to look at the UCAT requirements of each medical school in the UK and make your four UCAS choices strategically based on your UCAT score.

• If you have a low UCAT score, look at Where to Apply with a low UCAT Score 2025 entry.