UCAT 2025 Results – How Do They Compare to 2024?
The UCAT 2025 results are now officially published, providing hopeful medical and dental applicants with insight into their performance compared to others. This year’s results feature an important change: Abstract Reasoning (AR) was removed from the UCAT in 2025, meaning the test now includes only three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning) plus the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). With this change in format, it is particularly interesting to see how the scores for 2025 compare against those of 2024. In this blog, we will analyse the key statistics from UCAT 2025, compare them with 2024’s figures, and explore what these trends might mean for your university applications.
To ensure fair comparisons, note that all 2024 statistics mentioned have been adjusted to exclude the Abstract Reasoning section, allowing for a like-for-like comparison with 2025. The UCAT Consortium has helpfully provided data on previous years recalculated without AR.
UCAT 2025 Results at a Glance
UCAT 2025 Final Results
Mean Total Score (Cognitive Subtests)
- Final total cognitive mean scaled score: 1891
| Cognitive Subtest | Mean Scaled Score |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 602 |
| Decision Making (DM) | 628 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 661 |
Scaled score range for each cognitive subtest is 300 – 900.
2025 Decile Rankings
Each decile rank represents 10% of candidates based on overall test performance (e.g., 1st decile = 10th percentile).
| Decile Rank | Total Score | VR | DM | QR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (10th %) | 1580 | 500 | 520 | 520 |
| 2nd (20th %) | 1680 | 540 | 560 | 570 |
| 3rd (30th %) | 1760 | 560 | 590 | 590 |
| 4th (40th %) | 1820 | 580 | 610 | 630 |
| 5th (50th %) | 1880 | 600 | 630 | 650 |
| 6th (60th %) | 1950 | 620 | 650 | 680 |
| 7th (70th %) | 2010 | 640 | 670 | 710 |
| 8th (80th %) | 2100 | 670 | 700 | 750 |
| 9th (90th %) | 2220 | 700 | 740 | 820 |
How did candidates perform in the UCAT 2025?
In summary, the UCAT 2025 scores were slightly higher on average than those of the previous year. Here are the key highlights from the official 2025 statistics:
Number of Candidates: 41,354 students sat the UCAT in 2025, which is an increase from 37,913 in 2024. This ~9% rise in test-takers indicates growing interest in medicine and dentistry, meaning more competition for 2026 entry places.
Mean Total Score: The average UCAT score in 2025 was 1891 (out of 2700). This is up by 21 points compared to 2024’s mean of 1870. While the increase is not dramatic, it does suggest a slight upward trend in candidate performance. In practical terms, an average total score of 1891 corresponds to an average of about 630 per section (since three sections contribute to the total).
Mean Subsection Scores: Breaking that down by section, the 2025 mean Verbal Reasoning score was 602, Decision Making 628, and Quantitative Reasoning 661. These are each a few points higher than the 2024 means (VR 601, DM 620, QR 649). Quantitative Reasoning remains the strongest section on average (reflecting a trend seen in past years), and it saw one of the biggest jumps in 2025 (mean QR 661 vs 649 in 2024). Decision-making scores also rose notably. Verbal Reasoning, traditionally the lowest-scoring section, remained relatively unchanged.
Score Range: Each cognitive subtest is scored between 300 and 900. With three sections now, the total UCAT score ranges from 900 (the lowest possible) to 2700 (the highest possible). In 2025, top scorers approached this upper limit – as we’ll see in the percentile data, the top 10% of candidates scored 2220 or above, and a handful of exceptional students likely scored close to the maximum.
These figures suggest that 2025 was a slightly “better” year for UCAT performance overall – candidates on average did a bit better than those in 2024. However, the differences are minor, and year-to-year fluctuations are normal. Next, let’s delve into the percentile distributions for a clearer picture of how scores were spread out.
Percentile Breakdown: 2025 vs 2024
Universities often look at percentile ranks or deciles to gauge your UCAT performance relative to others. The UCAT Consortium provides decile data, which tells us the score thresholds for each 10% band of candidates. Comparing the 2025 and 2024 deciles reveals some interesting shifts:
Median and Middle Ranges: The median total score (50th percentile, or 5th decile) in 2025 was 1880. In 2024, the median was 1860. The median candidate in 2025 scored approximately 20 points higher than the median in 2024. This aligns with the overall mean's rise. Essentially, if you scored 1880 in 2025, you were right around the middle of the pack, whereas that same score in 2024 would have been slightly above the middle.
Top 10% (9th Decile): To be in the top 10% of candidates in 2025, you needed a total score of approximately 2220 or above. In 2024, the top 10% threshold was around 2170. This indicates that the highest-performing students in 2025 scored higher than the top cohort of 2024. In other words, it took about 50 more points to hit the 90th percentile in 2025 than it did the year before. More students achieved very high scores, stretching the top end of the distribution upward.
Lowest 10% (1st Decile): At the lower end (10th percentile), there was virtually no change. The 1st decile score was 1580 in both 2025 and 2024. This suggests that the bottom 10% of test-takers performed similarly across the two years. The weakest scores didn’t show noticeable improvement or decline.
Overall Distribution Shape: Because the bottom remained the same and the top shifted higher, the score distribution in 2025 was slightly more spread out at the top. We can infer that more candidates achieved high scores in 2025 compared to 2024, while the proportion struggling at the lower end stayed similar. This could be due to better preparation resources, the absence of the AR section (which might have benefited some high-performing students focusing on other sections), or simply natural variation in the cohort.
To put these percentiles into context: If your 2025 UCAT score is around 1890 (close to the average), you are roughly at the 50th percentile. A score of 2100 is approximately at the 80th percentile (8th decile) in 2025 – a strong result. Anything above 2220 ranks around the 90th percentile or higher, placing you in the top 10% of test-takers in 2025. Conversely, a 2024 score of 2220 would have been extremely high (well above the 90th percentile for that year). This highlights the importance of comparing your score to the cohort of that year, rather than relying solely on absolute numbers – what was considered “excellent” one year might only be “very good” the next if the cohort’s performance differs.
Situational Judgement (SJT) – Notable Improvement in 2025
Apart from the cognitive subtests, the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) results are another key component of the UCAT. The SJT is scored in Bands 1 to 4, with Band 1 being the highest (excellent performance) and Band 4 the lowest. A striking difference between 2025 and 2024 is how the SJT bands were distributed:
In 2025, 21% of candidates achieved Band 1 (top band). This represents a significant increase compared to 2024, when only 13% of candidates achieved Band 1. More than one in five test-takers earned the highest SJT band in 2025, suggesting either the scenarios were more approachable, candidates were better prepared for ethics and situational judgment, or grading was more lenient.
Band 2 in 2025 comprised 39% of candidates, similar to 36% in 2024. Band 2 consistently contains the largest chunk of candidates, and that remained true in 2025. Together, Bands 1 and 2 accounted for about 60% of test-takers in 2025, up from 49% in 2024 – meaning overall SJT performance shifted upward.
Band 3 saw 29% of candidates in 2025, down from a sizeable 38% in 2024. So significantly fewer people fell into the lower-middle band in 2025.
Band 4 (the lowest band) was 10% of candidates in 2025, slightly lower than 13% in 2024. The proportion of very low SJT scores decreased somewhat.
What does this mean? Students performed better on SJT in 2025 overall. Over one-fifth got the top band, and fewer received the poorest band. This could be good news for applicants, since many universities use the SJT band as part of their selection criteria. For instance, some medical schools offer extra credit for Band 1 or 2, or may even exclude applicants who score Band 4 (which is viewed as a red flag). The fact that Band 1 was more common in 2025 may mean that admissions tutors will see more applications with a top SJT this cycle, which could raise expectations slightly at the most competitive schools. Nonetheless, if you scored Band 1 or 2 in 2025, you’re in the majority (60%) and in a strong position, whereas Band 3 is now a bit below the average, and Band 4 remains a concern (bottom 10%).
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Why the Differences? (Test Changes in 2025)
It’s worth noting some context behind these numbers. Why did UCAT 2025 scores shift upward slightly compared to 2024? A few possible factors:
Removal of Abstract Reasoning: 2025 was the first year without the Abstract Reasoning section. Historically, AR was a distinct test of pattern recognition, and some students found it either one of the more manageable sections or one of the hardest, depending on their aptitude. With AR gone, the test may have been less daunting for some, and students could focus on the remaining three sections. According to the UCAT Consortium, the total score is now out of 2700 instead of 3600. They also indicate that comparing new vs old scores directly is tricky, as AR historically contributed around 630–650 points for an average candidate. However, since we compared 2025 to 2024 without AR (using adjusted 2024 figures), the modest score increases likely aren’t solely due to removing a “hard” section – they reflect real performance gains. It could be that candidates redistributed their preparation time more effectively across VR, DM, and QR.
Candidate Preparation and Resources: Each year, resources for UCAT prep improve – from online question banks to courses. The cohort of 2025 might have been better prepared or more familiar with the test style (especially after seeing 2024’s first complete cycle post-COVID disruptions). The fact that Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning saw notable increases in mean scores suggests that students might be becoming savvier with those question types (e.g., using strategies, faster calculations, etc.).
Cohort Size and Abilities: With thousands more candidates in 2025, it’s possible that the pool included more high-achieving students (for example, more applicants reapplying or more interest due to higher numbers of top A-level performers). A larger cohort can slightly shift averages if the additional candidates aren’t all at the lower end. Interestingly, though, the lowest decile didn’t drop – implying the new candidates were spread across the ability range, including contributing to the top end.
SJT Changes: The big jump in SJT Band 1 rates (13% to 21%) might suggest the SJT scenarios or scoring in 2025 were somewhat more forgiving. It could also reflect that students have caught on to how to prepare for SJT (practising with scenario questions, learning NHS values, etc.). The UCAT Consortium typically does not announce changes in SJT scoring, but the data suggests that it was comparatively easier to achieve a good SJT result in 2025.
Ultimately, yearly variations are normal, and the UCAT is designed to be a reliable measure, but even minor changes in test content or cohort can cause differences. From an applicant’s perspective, the main point is not to worry about why scores change, but to use the data to accurately assess where you stand.
Implications for 2026 Entry Applicants
What do the 2025 results mean for students applying in 2025/26 (for entry in 2026)? In short, they offer valuable context for assessing your competitiveness and help you decide where to apply. Every UK medical and dental school uses UCAT scores differently in their admissions process, so understanding your percentile ranking is essential. Now that you have your UCAT score and these initial statistics, you should use this information strategically when choosing universities on your UCAS application.
Here are the key takeaways and advice for 2026 entry candidates:
Focus on Percentiles, Not Just Raw Scores:
Because the exam format has changed, a total score of, say, 2400 now means something different than it did in 2024. Admissions tutors are aware of this and will consider how you performed relative to others. The UCAT Consortium has assured that, despite the lower total scores (out of 2700), a given percentile in 2025 corresponds to the same standing as in previous years – being in the top 10% this year is just as impressive as being in the top 10% last year. So, know your decile or percentile. For example, if you scored 2100, recognise that this is around the 8th decile (approximately top 20% or better) based on interim data, which is quite strong. If you scored 1800, that’s around the 3rd–4th decile (perhaps slightly below median). Understanding this context will help you target schools appropriately.
Universities Have Different UCAT Policies:
Research how each of your target universities uses the UCAT. Some medical schools set a strict UCAT cutoff score each year – often around a specific percentile – below which they won’t consider applicants. Others rank applicants by UCAT score to shortlist for interviews, either using the score alone or alongside academics as a significant component. A few medical schools put less emphasis on UCAT, using it as one factor among many or only excluding extremely low scores, focusing more on personal statements or interviews. Importantly, some universities also consider the SJT band; for instance, many medical schools will not accept applicants with a Band 4 at all, and a few give extra points for a Band 1. Make sure you understand these nuances.
✅ To assist you, we’ve compiled detailed guides on how different schools use UCAT – see 📊 UCAT Cut-Off Scores – Medical Schools (2026 Entry) (how each UK medical school uses UCAT scores for interviews) and 🦷 UCAT Cut-Off Scores – Dental Schools (2026 Entry) (how dental schools apply UCAT scores). These blog posts break down each university’s admissions approach so you can align your choices with your UCAT performance.
If You Have a High UCAT Score:
Congratulations – a strong UCAT can open doors to many programmes! A “high” UCAT score for 2025 would place you in the top deciles. For example, anything around 2100+ (roughly seventh-eighth decile or above) would generally be considered very good, and 2200+ (top 10% or better) is excellent. With such scores, you may be competitive for universities known to set high cutoffs or heavily weight UCAT in their selection process. You should still apply thoughtfully – even high UCAT scorers need good academics and interviews – but you have the luxury of targeting schools that prioritise UCAT. Some historically UCAT-heavy medical schools (like Newcastle, Sheffield, Glasgow, and others) might be within reach if your score is in this range.
✅ Check out our blog 📈 Best Medical Schools for High UCAT (2026 Entry) for ideas on how to maximise a high UCAT score and which universities might be advantageous to target. Remember, a high UCAT is an asset – use it to differentiate yourself in the competitive selection process.
If Your UCAT Score is Average or Slightly Below Average:
An average UCAT score in 2025 is around the mid-1900s total (roughly the 50th percentile) – between 1800 and 2000. Many candidates will fall within this range. The good news is that you still have plenty of options. While you may want to avoid the few universities with very high cut-offs, several medical schools adopt a more holistic approach or have moderate UCAT requirements.
Some universities weigh academics and personal statements more heavily, or consider UCAT only within a points system rather than an absolute cutoff. If your score is around the middle, aim for universities where your UCAT is at or above their recent interview threshold.
✅ Our guide on 📊 UCAT Cut-Off Scores – Medical Schools (2026 Entry) can help identify those: for instance, if a university’s typical cutoff was around the 30th–50th percentile, a midrange score might suffice. Additionally, consider applying to at least one or two options that historically accept a wide range of UCAT scores (schools that do not rely solely on UCAT). Be realistic but optimistic – a mid-range UCAT score, combined with strong A-levels, a compelling personal statement, and good interview skills, can definitely secure you a place. The key is understanding where your score will be competitive.
If Your UCAT Score is Low:
First, take a breath – a lower UCAT score does not end your dream of becoming a doctor or dentist. “Low” might mean scoring in the 4th decile or below (under approximately 1800 this year). While a low score limits some options, particularly at the most UCAT-heavy schools, there are still pathways to pursue. Many universities do not exclude applicants solely based on their UCAT score if other parts of the application are strong, and some have no significant UCAT cut-off at all, instead focusing on different criteria.
It’s crucial to apply strategically: look for medical schools that have historically accepted lower UCAT scores or place more emphasis on factors like your personal statement, references, or contextual data. For example, schools like Keele and Sunderland use a roles & responsibilities form and have previously been open to lower UCAT scores if minimum thresholds are met. Some Scottish schools also balance UCAT with academic achievement.
✅ We’ve compiled advice specifically for this scenario – see 📉 Where to Apply to Medicine with a Low UCAT for a list of UK medical schools that are more flexible with lower scores. Similarly, if you’re aiming for dentistry, check 🪥 Where to Apply to Dentistry with a Low UCAT for dental schools that do not heavily depend on UCAT. These resources will help you identify universities where your application can still make a strong impression. Another option if you’re committed to studying medicine or dentistry but wish to avoid rejection is to consider a backup plan, such as a related degree with the intention of progressing to graduate-entry medicine, or taking a gap year to retake UCAT – but only if your university options appear very limited. Many applicants for 2026 entry with modest UCAT scores will still receive offers if they apply wisely. Therefore, ensure you research thoroughly and utilise the available data to your advantage.
Leverage Your SJT Band:
Don’t forget about your Situational Judgement Test band, as it can be an additional factor. If you got Band 1, that’s a strong positive – several medical schools award full points for Band 1 or use it as a tiebreaker in offers. Even Band 2 keeps you in a good position nearly everywhere (most universities consider Bands 1 and 2 equally).
If you’re in Band 3, you still have many options, though a few schools might slightly penalise Band 3 at interview or offer stage. Band 4 is the only result to be cautious about: many medical and dental schools will not consider applicants with a Band 4 score, regardless of their other scores.
If you unfortunately ended up in Band 4, pay extra attention to university requirements – you’ll need to avoid those that outright reject Band 4 (for example, St. Andrews, Dundee, Queen’s Belfast for medicine, among others, historically). Target schools that don’t place much emphasis on SJT in their shortlisting process. This information is available in our UCAT cut-off guides and on university websites. In some cases, a strong performance elsewhere (in academics or during an interview) can outweigh a low SJT score, but it’s best not to provide an easy reason for rejection. Plan accordingly based on your SJT – it’s an integral part of your UCAT result, especially in a year where a high proportion of applicants have Band 1.
If you sat the UCAT in 2025, you may be wondering how these statistics affect your chances of entry into medical or dental school in 2026. Here are the main takeaways and implications:
A Slightly More Competitive Landscape: Since the average UCAT score went up a bit and more people scored very highly, some universities may adjust their UCAT cut-off thresholds upward for interviews. For example, a medical school that usually interviews top 30% UCAT scorers might interpret that as a slightly higher raw score this year (because the 30th percentile score in 2025 is higher than in 2024).
However, most universities will use percentiles or a similar relative approach, so you’ll be compared to your cohort fairly. It’s important to check how each university uses UCAT – some set a strict cut-off score, while others assign points or consider bandings.
Using Your Score to Choose Schools: The whole point of releasing test statistics before the application deadline is to help you make informed choices. Now that you know the percentile ranking of your UCAT 2025 score, use it to gauge which universities are realistic. If your score is high (e.g. top 10–20% or above), you have a strong asset – you might target universities known for valuing UCAT heavily or those that rank applicants mainly by UCAT for interviews.
Make the most of your achievement by applying to at least a couple of those aspirational choices. (For instance, schools like Newcastle or Glasgow have historically had high UCAT cut-offs for medicine.) Check out our post on the Best Medical Schools for High UCAT (2026 Entry) to identify places where a stellar UCAT score can give you a big advantage.
Don’t Panic if Your Score is Low: On the other hand, if your UCAT score is below average or in a lower decile, all is not lost. Many excellent medical and dental schools take a more holistic approach or use the UCAT minimally. You might focus on universities that either have lower UCAT cut-off requirements or compensate for a lower UCAT score with strong academic results, a compelling UCAS personal statement, or interviews.
For example, some medical schools place less emphasis on UCAT (or only use SJT, or have a modest threshold just to weed out the bottom few percentiles). Similarly, some dental schools have historically not placed a high emphasis on UCAT scores when selecting candidates for interviews. We’ve compiled resources to help you: see Where to Apply to Medicine with a Low UCAT Score for a list of UK medical schools that are more flexible on UCAT, and Where to Apply to Dentistry with a Low UCAT Score for dental schools that don’t heavily weight the UCAT. Choosing the right targets can significantly improve your chances if your UCAT isn’t shining.
Situational Judgement Considerations: With 2025’s SJT results skewing higher, a good SJT band (1 or 2) might become a more common feature on applications. If you achieve Band 1, that’s fantastic – it will help you at schools that use SJT for interview scoring or offer decisions. Band 2 is also positive and usually meets all cut-offs (most universities accept Band 2 without issue). I
f you got Band 3 or 4, be cautious: a few medical schools in the UK have started to either place less emphasis on interviewing those with Band 3 or outright reject Band 4 applicants (because they consider it indicative of poor situational judgement). With Band 3, you still have many options, but you might avoid those that explicitly favour Band 1–2. With Band 4, it’s crucial to check university policies – and you may want to compensate with very strong other aspects or consider applying to schools that don’t use SJT as much in their selection process. Most importantly, use your SJT band to guide your choices in conjunction with your total score.
Reflect on Other Application Areas: Remember that while UCAT is essential, it’s not the only factor. Your grades (A-levels or equivalent), personal statement, work experience, and interviews all play significant roles in admissions. A slightly below-average UCAT score can be offset by excellent academic results or a compelling interview performance at certain schools.
Conversely, a high UCAT won’t guarantee an offer if other parts of your application are weak. Therefore, stay focused on strengthening your entire application. If you haven’t yet, start preparing for interviews early – especially if you have a high UCAT and expect interview invitations. And if your UCAT is low, double down on academic achievements or consider the BMAT exam (for universities that accept it) if that route is open to you.
In short, the UCAT 2025 statistics should serve as a tool for strategy. They tell you where you stand among applicants (e.g., top 20%, average, bottom 30%, etc.), and that should influence where you apply. Always apply to a range of universities – some aspirational, some safe – based on how your UCAT compares to typical requirements. And utilise the information from both this year and last: for example, if a specific medical school typically requires a UCAT score in the top 30%, use the new data to estimate what score range that might be (for 2025 test-takers, perhaps a bit higher than last year). The linked resources on cut-offs and school-specific UCAT usage will help refine your choices with concrete data.
Conclusion:
The UCAT 2025 results show a slight uptick in candidate performance compared to 2024, against the backdrop of a major test change (removal of Abstract Reasoning). If you took the UCAT this year, use these statistics to understand your percentile ranking and refine your application strategy. Whether your score is stellar or below your hopes, remember that there are medical and dental schools suitable for every range of UCAT scores – it’s all about applying smartly. Focus on the rest of your application, prepare for interviews, and choose universities that align with your strengths. Good luck with your applications for 2026 entry!
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The mean total UCAT score in 2025 was 1891 (out of 2700). This is the average of the three cognitive subtests (VR, DM, QR) combined. It’s a slight increase from the 2024 average of 1870. In terms of individual sections, the average per section in 2025 comes out to roughly 630 (since 1891/3 ≈ 630). So if your total score is around 1890, you performed very close to the national average for 2025.
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Overall, 2025 scores were marginally higher than 2024’s. The mean went from 1870 in 2024 to 1891 in 2025. The median (50th percentile) also rose from about 1860 to 1880. Additionally, the top-end scores were higher – for example, the top 10% threshold was ~2220 in 2025 vs ~2170 in 2024k. This indicates more candidates achieved very high scores in 2025. On the other hand, the lowest 10% of scores remained around 1580 in both years. So the biggest differences were an upward shift in the middle and high end of the score range. The Situational Judgement results also differed: 2025 saw a much larger proportion of Band 1 (21% vs 13% in 2024) and fewer low bands, meaning SJT performance improved significantly.
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The Abstract Reasoning (AR) section was removed starting with UCAT 2025, reducing the number of cognitive subtests from four to three. The exact reason the UCAT Consortium removed AR hasn’t been explicitly stated on the results page, but it may be related to test length and feedback on the exam content. With AR gone, the total score maximum changed from 3600 to 2700 (since now it’s just VR, DM, QR). To compare 2025 scores with previous years, we have to exclude AR from past data – which the official statistics have done for fairness. Interestingly, even without AR, 2025’s average was a bit higher than 2024’s adjusted average. Some students might have benefited from focusing on fewer sections. If you’re comparing your score to older siblings’ or friends’ scores from 2024 or earlier, be careful: a 2025 score of, say, 2500 would have been considered 3300 in the old system when AR was included. In practice, though, you should use the percentile (relative ranking) rather than raw scores to compare performance across years.
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“Good” is subjective, but generally a good UCAT score is one that is above the national average. For 2025, that means anything above ~1890 is above average. More concretely, if you scored around 2000 or higher, you’re roughly in the top 30% or better, which many would consider good. A score of 2100+ would place you around the top 20% (8th decile)– that’s very good, giving you a strong chance at universities that rank by UCAT. And scores in the 2200+ range are excellent (around top 10% or higher), considered truly outstanding in the 2025 cohort. Remember that what’s “good” also depends on where you apply: some medical schools have such high demand that even a top 30% score might be average for their interview shortlist, whereas other schools might be impressed by a score just above the median. It’s wise to check the expectations of your target universities (see our UCAT cut-off guides linked above for specifics).
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In 2025, 41,354 candidates sat the UCAT exam. This was an increase from 37,913 candidates in 2024. The rising number of test-takers indicates growing interest in medicine and dentistry. A larger pool of applicants can increase competition for university places, which is why doing well on the UCAT and applying strategically (knowing how each school uses the UCAT) is more important than ever.
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he UCAT Consortium doesn’t publish the single highest score obtained, but we know the score range is 900 to 2700 for the total. Achieving the maximum 2700 (i.e. 900 in each section) is extremely rare. However, we can infer from the percentiles that top scorers in 2025 were well into the 2200s. The 90th percentile (top 10%) was 2220, so thousands of candidates scored at or above that level. The 99th percentile (top 1%) is not listed on the official site, but it would likely be in the ballpark of 2400+ (just an estimate). In essence, a handful of exceptional candidates probably scored close to 2500-2600+. For context, the theoretical highest score is 2700, but practically even scoring above 2400 (which is an average of 800 per section) would place someone among the absolute top performers.
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There’s no universal “passing” UCAT score for getting into medical school – each university in the UK uses UCAT differently. Some have specific cut-off scores each year: for example, a university might say “Applicants must score in the top 30%” or have a minimum score (which in 2025 terms could be somewhere around 2500 for a very competitive school, or around 1800–2000 for a less competitive one). Other universities don’t have a hard cut-off but use a point-based system – higher UCAT gives more points in their selection formula. A few med schools weight UCAT and academics together or even only use UCAT in borderline cases. So the score “you need” really depends on where you apply. As a rule of thumb: for the most competitive UCAT-heavy medical schools, being above the 80th–90th percentile (e.g. 2100–2200+ in 2025) greatly boosts your chances. For schools with lower emphasis, even a 50th percentile score (~1880) might be sufficient if your grades and other credentials are excellent. Always check each target school’s admissions criteria. Our UCAT cut-off scores guide for Medical Schools (2026 Entry) provides a detailed look at requirements. In short, aim as high as possible, but apply wisely: match your score to universities that historically admit students with similar UCAT ranges.
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Dental school applicants also use UCAT, though the landscape is a bit different from medicine. Generally, there are fewer dental schools and often slightly fewer applicants, but UCAT is still important for many of them. The 2025 UCAT results – being slightly higher on average – mean that dental schools that use strict UCAT cut-offs might also adjust their expectations upward a touch. However, many dental schools consider UCAT alongside academic performance. If you’re applying for dentistry in 2026 entry, a competitive UCAT score can strengthen your application, but a slightly low UCAT might be offset by strong A-levels (or equivalent) and a good interview because some dental schools weigh those heavily. For example, certain dental schools might only use UCAT for a portion of their scoring or to distinguish between borderline candidates. It’s best to research each dental school’s policy. You can refer to our UCAT Cut-Off Scores – Dental Schools (2026 Entry) article to see how each university uses the UCAT in dental admissions. As always, if your UCAT is on the lower side for dentistry, consider applying to programs known to be more flexible with UCAT (the linked guide on where to apply with a low UCAT for dentistry will help). And if your UCAT is high, definitely highlight that in your applications, as it could fast-track you to interviews at some schools.
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First, remember that “low” is relative – your score might be below the average this year, but there are still plenty of medical and dental schools that could consider you. If your score is significantly below the 2025 average (say, you scored under 1800, which is roughly bottom 30%), you’ll need to be very strategic. Here are some steps:
Target the right universities: Focus on schools that historically have lower UCAT thresholds or use other criteria more heavily. Some universities emphasize personal statements, BMAT results (if they accept BMAT), or have their own admissions tests or questionnaires. Avoid those known for high UCAT cut-offs (don’t waste choices on places like Sheffield or Newcastle if your score is far below their norms). Our guide on Where to Apply to Medicine with a Low UCAT Score is a great starting point for finding such medical schools, and similarly for dentistry, see Where to Apply to Dentistry with a Low UCAT Score.
Leverage your strengths: Make sure other parts of your application shine. If you have predicted AAA or a stellar academic record, that can compensate at universities that do an academic screening first. A compelling personal statement and strong reference can also help at holistic-review schools. And once you get an interview, your UCAT score often no longer matters – it’s all about interview performance. So prepare thoroughly for interviews to maximize your chance of an offer.
Consider the BMAT or other routes: If you were disappointed with UCAT, you might try applying to a couple of BMAT universities (like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial for medicine, or Leeds, etc., and some dental schools use BMAT like Leeds dentistry). A great BMAT score could balance out a low UCAT, since those schools won’t mind your UCAT if they don’t require it. Just be aware of the timing and preparation needed for BMAT. Alternatively, think about graduate entry or international universities if that fits your situation – but that’s a longer-term consideration.
Gap year as an option: It’s not what anyone immediately wants to hear, but if you truly feel your UCAT undermined your chances, you could plan to take a gap year and re-sit the UCAT next summer, aiming for a higher score. During a gap year you could strengthen your application (more work experience, volunteer work, etc.). Of course, this is Plan B – many students with below-average UCAT do get offers by smartly selecting schools, so only consider a gap year if you’re comfortable with that path and have no suitable options.
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The SJT band is considered by many (but not all) universities, and its importance varies:
Some medical schools integrate SJT into their interview scoring or even their post-interview scoring for offers. For example, a university might award extra points if you achieved Band 1 (the best), giving Band 2 slightly fewer points, and so on. In such cases, having Band 1 can give you a subtle edge, and Band 4 could hurt your chances even if the rest of your application is strong.
A few schools have outright cut-offs for SJT. It’s not very common, but a handful may not consider applicants with Band 4 at all (viewing a Band 4 as unacceptable). Band 3 is usually acceptable almost everywhere, though some highly competitive courses might unofficially prefer 1s and 2s.
On the other hand, some universities (especially a number of dental schools or certain med schools) say they do not use the SJT for ranking candidates at the interview stage. They might only use it as a tiebreaker or not at all in the decision to invite for interviews. It’s important to check each school’s policy.
In the context of 2025 results: since 21% of candidates got Band 1, it’s not as exclusive as in some past years. But it’s still a plus on your application. Band 2 (39% of candidates) is quite normal and generally won’t put you at any disadvantage; it’s considered a good result by most universities. Band 3 (29%) might be a slight concern at a few places, but generally if you have Band 3 you can compensate with other strengths (just avoid those couple of med schools that really value SJT). Band 4 (10%) is a red flag – if you got Band 4, you should carefully look at university requirements because some will not consider Band 4 applicants. You may want to apply to those that don’t weigh SJT heavily, and be ready to address any concerns if asked about it (rarely, an interviewer might ask how you found the SJT). Overall, doing well in SJT is beneficial, but doing poorly can sometimes be mitigated by choosing the right schools. Always double-check the admissions websites or our guides for each university’s stance on SJT.
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The official test statistics are published on the UCAT Consortium’s website. The data we’ve discussed (mean scores, deciles, SJT percentages, etc.) all come from the UCAT’s official Test Statistics 2025 page. This page also includes a tool to lookup your exact percentile if you input your score, as well as historical data from 2019–2024 (adjusted for the removed AR section) for comparison. If you want to double-check any numbers or see more details, it’s a good idea to visit the UCAT official site’s results section. Additionally, many reputable UCAT preparation companies (Medify, TheUKCATPeople, etc.) have summarized these stats on their blogs around the time results are released, often with further commentary. But be cautious: always cross-reference with the official source for accuracy.
