UCAT 2025 Scoring Explained – What’s a Good UCAT Score for 2026 Entry?
Introduction
If you’re applying to medical school in the UK for 2026 entry, you’ve likely taken (or will take) the UCAT 2025. This year’s UCAT format has changed – one section has been removed, altering the scoring system. As a result, many students are asking: How is UCAT 2025 scored, and what is a good UCAT score now? In this guide, we’ll demystify the scoring, including how the UCAT is marked, when results are released, and how to interpret your score. We’ll examine the latest interim 2025 results (just released) and compare them to the final UCAT 2024 statistics as a benchmark. We’ll also clarify what counts as a low, average, or high UCAT score in 2025, and discuss what UCAT score you might need to secure a place in medicine. Along the way, we’ll offer tips on using your score strategically – whether it’s above or below average – with links to additional resources (such as our detailed blogs on UCAT cut-off scores by medical school, where to apply with a low UCAT, and the best options with a high UCAT). By the end, you should have a clear understanding of your UCAT 2025 score and how to incorporate it into your medical school application strategy.
Let’s dive in!
⚠️ This UCAT guide is updated regularly for 2025 results and the 2026 entry cycle. University admissions policies are subject to change without notice; applicants are advised to consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date information. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Blue Peanut accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. Past scores do not guarantee future cut-offs.
How Is the UCAT 2025 Scored? (New Format Explained)
The UCAT 2025 exam format has changed from previous years, with the Abstract Reasoning subtest removed. The UCAT now consists of three cognitive subtests—Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning—alongside the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Each cognitive subtest is scored on a scaled score range from 300 to 900. This means that for each of the three sections (VR, DM, QR), you will receive a score between 300 (the lowest) and 900 (the highest). These are scaled scores: your raw marks (the number of correct answers) in each section are converted to the standard 300–900 scale to account for differences in question count and difficulty in each subtest.
Your Total UCAT score is the sum of the three section scores. Because there are now three sections instead of four, the total score ranges from 900 to 2700 (where previously, with four sections, it was 1200 to 3600). For example, if you scored 650 in VR, 700 in DM, and 600 in QR, your total would be 1950/2700.
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is scored differently. Instead of a numeric score, you receive a Band from 1 to 4. Band 1 is the highest (indicating excellent alignment with expert judgement), and Band 4 is the lowest. The SJT band is reported separately and does not add to your 2700 total. However, SJT still matters – many universities screen out Band 4 applicants or give preference to higher bands (more on that later).
No negative marking: The UCAT does not deduct points for wrong answers. Each question you answer correctly earns points, and unanswered or incorrect questions score 0. Thus, it’s always worth guessing if you’re unsure – you might get it right. In most sections, questions are each worth 1 mark. In Decision Making (DM), some questions have multiple statements – these yield 2 marks for a fully correct response, and 1 mark for a partially correct response
Timing and structure: The new UCAT 2025 timing per section has been adjusted now that Abstract Reasoning is gone. For reference, the standard exam sections are:
Verbal Reasoning: 44 questions in 22 minutes (previously 21 minutes).
Decision Making: 35 questions in 37 minutes (more questions and time than before).
Quantitative Reasoning: 36 questions in 26 minutes (slightly increased time).
Situational Judgement: 69 questions in 26 minutes (unchanged).
The entire test takes just under 2 hours. Extended versions exist for candidates with accommodations, but the scoring principles remain the same.
In summary, UCAT 2025 scoring works like this: get as many correct answers as possible in each subtest (no penalty for guessing), receive a scaled score of 300–900 for each of VR, DM, and QR, and add them up for a total out of 2700. Meanwhile, you’ll get an SJT Band 1–4 based on how closely your ethical judgements matched the ideal.
The removal of Abstract Reasoning means a lower total score (since it’s out of 2700 now), but the meaning of each section score remains comparable to before – a strong performance in a section still yields a high 700s or even 800+ score, just as it did previously. The UCAT Consortium has stated that standard equating will ensure scores are broadly comparable year-to-year despite the format change. In other words, a 750 in Quantitative Reasoning in 2025 reflects a similar level of performance as a 750 did in past years; only the absence of a fourth section changes the total.
When Do UCAT 2025 Results Come Out?
A common concern is when and how you’ll receive your UCAT results. Fortunately, you get your UCAT score report immediately after finishing the test. Once you complete your exam at the Pearson VUE test centre, you’ll be given a printed copy of your UCAT score report before leaving the building. Additionally, within around 24 hours, your score report becomes accessible in your online UCAT account. This means you will know all your section scores, total score, and SJT band soon after sitting the exam, well before the UCAS application deadline (15 October).
Use your score to guide your applications: Since you have your results before applying, the UCAT Consortium and advisors strongly advise using that information to apply strategically. In fact, the official UCAT website reminds candidates that you will have your test result before the UCAS deadline and to “ensure you use this to help inform your UCAS choices, otherwise you might be wasting an application.” In practical terms, this means if your score is much lower than expected, you might consider applying to more UCAT-friendly or UCAT-“light” institutions (we’ll discuss what counts as a low score and your options). If your score is very high, you might aim for universities known to reward high UCATs. We’ll cover specific score interpretations later in this guide.
Beyond your personal score report, the UCAT Consortium also publishes overall statistics during and after the testing cycle. Preliminary (interim) results are typically released around mid-September each year, once a significant number of candidates have taken the test. These interim stats provide decile rankings and mean scores of the cohort up to that point. Then, final UCAT statistics (including mean scores, percentiles, etc., for the entire year’s cohort) are published shortly after testing ends, in early October. For 2025, testing concludes on 26 September 2025, so final stats will likely appear in the first week or two of October.
When do universities get your UCAT score? You do not need to send your scores to each university – UCAT does that for you. After the UCAS application deadline (15 Oct 2025), the UCAT office works with UCAS to match each applicant to their UCAT result and then sends the scores to the universities in early November 2025. All UCAT Consortium universities receive your result directly from UCAT. (If any matching issue occurs – for example, a name mismatch – universities can look up your result in a secure database using your UCAT ID, but this is rare). By early November, medical schools have your scores and will use them as part of their selection process.
Key takeaway: You will know your own UCAT 2025 score immediately (which gives you a chance to adjust your application choices wisely), and universities will receive official scores by November. The timeline ensures that when admissions tutors start shortlisting for interviews (usually November through January), they have your UCAT result in hand.
✅ Note: The UCAT 2025 interim percentile data (discussed in the next section) was released in mid-September 2025. Remember that interim results are not final – they are based on tests taken up to that point (about half the candidates) and may shift slightly once all tests are completed. Always check for the final statistics when available.
How Do I Interpret My UCAT Score?
After receiving your UCAT score, the big question is, “Is my score good enough?” Interpreting your result requires context: you need to see how it compares to other candidates (this is where percentiles and deciles come in), and understand how different universities will view that score. Here are key factors for interpreting your UCAT score: you need to see how it compares to other candidates (this is where percentiles and deciles come in), and understand how different universities will view that score. Here are key factors for interpreting your UCAT score:
Total Score (out of 2700):
On its own, your total UCAT score is just a number. For example, you might say “I got 2100 out of 2700.” However, 2100 has no meaning by itself until you compare it to the cohort. Some students also mention their “average score per section” – e.g. 2100 total is an average of 700 per section. This can be helpful since each section ranges from 300 to 900, so an average of 700 per section indicates a strong performance overall. Nonetheless, to properly interpret the score, you need percentile information.
Deciles and Percentiles:
Each year, UCAT publishes the score ranges for each decile of candidates. A decile rank essentially represents a percentile in steps of 10. For instance, the 5th decile corresponds to the median (50th percentile – half of test-takers score below, half above). The 9th decile marks the 90th percentile (top 10% of scores). By identifying which decile your score falls into, you can say, “I scored above X% of candidates.” For example, if the 8th decile for 2025 is around 2150, then a score of 2160 would be slightly above the 80th percentile (meaning you performed better than approximately 80% of test-takers). Percentiles give context to your score. In 2024 (excluding Abstract Reasoning for comparison), the top 10% of candidates scored roughly ~2170 or above on the 2700-scale, while the median was about 1860. We expect similar ranges for 2025 (more details on this in the next sections).
Section Scores:
Sometimes one section is noticeably higher or lower than your others. While most universities primarily focus on your total score, a few consider section-specific scores. For instance, some institutions have traditionally double-weighted Verbal Reasoning or set a minimum score per section (though many have relaxed strict sectional cut-offs in recent years). If your score is unbalanced (e.g., very high in QR but low in VR), be aware of any university policies regarding sections. Generally, if a section score is very low (say <500), it might be a red flag for some universities, but under the new format, we’ll need to see updated policies. In any case, your total score and percentile remain the main metrics to concentrate on on.
Situational Judgement Band:
Interpret your SJT band carefully. Band 1 indicates excellent performance in the situational judgement test (only about 13% of candidates achieved Band 1 in 2024), Band 2 is considered good, Band 3 is modest, and Band 4 is low. Many medical schools will not consider applicants who score Band 4, either automatically screening them out or viewing it as a negative flag. Some universities may offer extra credit for Band 1, such as awarding additional points during interview assessments. If you scored Band 1 or 2, this is beneficial; if you scored Band 4, it’s important to check which schools accept this rating, as most do not. Band 3 is generally acceptable at most institutions, although some highly competitive courses may treat it as a minor disadvantage. Always verify each school’s stance on SJT. For example, Edinburgh explicitly states they will not consider Band 4 applicants, and Keele along with some others have similar policies.
University-specific interpretation:
This is important. Ultimately, a “good” score is one that helps you secure an interview at your chosen universities. Different medical schools use the UCAT in various ways. Some set a fixed cut-off each year (the minimum score needed); others rank applicants by UCAT score and select the top X for interview; some evaluate UCAT alongside academic results using a points system or a holistic approach. For example, a total score of 2400 (old scale; approximately 1800 on the new scale) might be sufficient for an interview at a school that values grades and personal statements, but the same 2400 could be well below the cut-off at another school that heavily prioritises UCAT. Hence, understanding your score also involves researching how each university incorporates UCAT into their selection process. We will discuss this in “What UCAT score do I need for Medicine?” below, but in short: context is key. A “good” UCAT score is somewhat relative to the university you are applying to.
In practical terms, once you have your score, compare it to the interim deciles (if available) to get a rough idea of your national standing, and review the guidance or cut-offs from the medical schools you’re interested in. If your score is, say, in the 60th percentile nationally, it’s above average, which is promising, but some highly competitive universities may still expect top 10–20%. Conversely, if your score falls below the 30th percentile, focus on universities known to be more accommodating of a lower UCAT score — for example, those that value academic achievement more or have lower cut-off thresholds; we’ll provide examples.
Later in this guide, we explain what might be considered low, average, and high UCAT scores for 2025, using both historical data and the early 2025 figures. Before that, let’s examine the actual numbers: what do the 2025 interim results show so far, and how did the 2024 UCAT cohort perform? This will provide a clear benchmark for interpreting your score.
UCAT 2025 Interim Results vs. 2024 Final Results: Key Comparisons
To understand the scoring landscape, it’s helpful to compare last year’s stats with the latest data from this year. The year 2024 was the final year with four subtests (VR, DM, QR, AR), whereas 2025 has three. However, the UCAT Consortium has provided data to compare performance without directly considering Abstract Reasoning.
Final UCAT 2024 Results (Benchmark): In 2024, 37,913 candidates took the UCAT– one of the largest cohorts ever, reflecting how many applicants are aiming for medicine. The mean total score in 2024 (with all four sections) was 2523 out of 3600. If we remove Abstract Reasoning from that (since 2025 candidates won’t have AR), the equivalent mean for the remaining three sections was about 1870/2700. In other words, the average of VR, DM, and QR in 2024 was around 1870 on the new scoring scale.
Let’s break 2024 down further:
Mean by section (2024): Verbal Reasoning – 601, Decision Making – 620, Quantitative Reasoning – 649, Abstract Reasoning – 653. Notice that Abstract Reasoning had the highest average of the four (around 653), and Verbal was the lowest (601). This has been a typical pattern historically – many students find VR challenging, whereas QR and AR often yield higher average scores. With AR removed, we expected the overall average (of the remaining sections) to be a bit lower than the old total average, which is precisely what we see (2523 with AR vs ~1870 without). In fact, looking at 2019–2023 data, the mean of VR+DM+QR each year was usually in the 1840–1860 range, so 2024’s ~1870 was in line with that (slightly on the high side).
Decile distribution (2024): Here’s what it took to be in each decile in the final 2024 results. (Note: 2024 scores here include all four sections out of 3600, but we’ll also note the approximate equivalent out of 2700 for comparison):
1st decile (10th percentile): 2140 (≈1610 without AR). This means the bottom 10% of candidates scored ~2140 or below (which would be roughly 1610 or below on the 2700 scale).
2nd decile: 2260 (≈1690 without AR).
3rd decile: 2360 (≈1760 without AR).
4th decile: 2440 (≈1820 without AR).
5th decile (50th percentile, median): 2520 (≈1880 without AR). So the median candidate in 2024 scored about 2520 (which translates to ~1880 on the new scale).
6th decile: 2590 (≈1930 without AR).
7th decile: 2680 (≈1980 without AR).
8th decile: 2780 (≈2050 without AR).
9th decile (90th percentile): 2920 (≈2110 without AR). In other words, the top 10% of candidates scored ~2920 or above (which equates to roughly 2110+ on the 2700 scale).
Why don’t the “without AR” equivalents above perfectly equal subtracting 653? It’s because those equivalents are based on actual recalculated distributions. The UCAT Consortium recalculated the deciles on a 2700-scale for 2024: for example, officially the 1st decile was around 1580 on the 2700 scale, which is close to but not exactly 2140 - 653. The approximation method we used is fine for understanding, but minor differences arise due to score distribution nuances. The key point is the relative positions – e.g., around 1580 was bottom 10%, around 2110 was top 10% on the 2700 scale in 2024.
From these 2024 numbers, we can summarise:
An “average” UCAT score (50th percentile) in 2024 was around 2520 (≈1880 on the new scale).
A “low” UCAT score, if we define it as the bottom 10%, was around 2140 or below (≈1600 or below the new scale).
A “high” UCAT score (top 10%) was around 2920+ (≈2110+ new scale).
Extremely high scores (top 1% or so) were above 3200 in 2024 – only a tiny fraction of candidates hit such scores.
The Results of the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) in 2024 also differed notably from 2023. In 2024, only 13% of candidates achieved Band 1, 36% achieved Band 2, 38% achieved Band 3, and 13% achieved Band 4. The proportion of candidates in Band 1 dropped significantly compared to 2023, when about 25% reached Band 1. This indicates that the difficulty or cohort performance on the SJT can vary from year to year. The main point is that Band 1 was less common in 2024, with most applicants falling into Bands 2 or 3. Many universities adjust their assessment of the SJT annually based on these distributions; for example, if Band 1 becomes less frequent, a Band 2 might be regarded as “good” by institutions that previously valued Band 1 highly. Always verify if a university has amended its SJT policy (for instance, some explicitly state they will not consider Band 4 at all – in 2024, many candidates were Band 3, so institutions cannot strictly favour only Band 1).
UCAT Interim Scores 2025
UCAT 2025 Interim Results (to 14 Sept 2025): The UCAT Consortium released preliminary statistics based on 21,882 tests taken up to 14 September 2025. This is roughly half the expected candidates (they anticipate around 43,000 total, similar to last year). They caution that these figures should be treated with caution, as the scores will likely change once all candidates have sat the exam (often, the average tends to drop slightly by the end). In fact, they provided a useful example: the 2024 preliminary mean (without AR) was 1913, but the final mean (without AR) ended up at 1870. In other words, last year the interim average was higher than the final average by about 43 points, suggesting later test-takers scored slightly lower on average – something to keep in mind.
Here are the key interim 2025 numbers:
Preliminary Mean Total Score (2025): 1939 (out of 2700). This is the average of around 21,000 candidates up to mid-September. It is actually slightly higher than last year’s final mean of 1870, but remember that interim averages tend to be somewhat inflated. It would not be unexpected if the final 2025 mean falls within the 1870–1900 range once all tests are accounted for, based on historical patterns.
Mean by subtest (2025 so far): Verbal Reasoning – 614, Decision Making – 642, Quantitative Reasoning – 683. These results are interesting – they suggest that QR is, as usual, the highest-scoring section on average (683), while VR is the lowest (614). The DM average (642) is also solid. These are slightly higher than the 2024 final section means (VR 601, DM 620, QR 649 for 2024 final), but again, they may decrease slightly with the full cohort.
Interim Deciles (2025, to 14 Sep): According to the data:
1st decile: 1620 (10% of candidates scored 1620 or below so far)
2nd decile: 1730.
3rd decile: 1810.
4th decile: 1870.
5th decile: 1940.
6th decile: 2000.
7th decile: 2070.
8th decile: 2150.
9th decile: 2270.
These preliminary deciles indicate the median (5th decile) was around 1940, and the top 10% were around 2270+ at that stage. If we compare to 2024’s final: 5th decile was 1860 and 9th decile 2170(recall these 2024 figures are already on the 2700 scale, since they excluded AR). So the interim 2025 distribution was a bit higher across the board. It’s likely that by final 2025, these deciles will shift down somewhat – perhaps ending up closer to something like median ~1870–1900 and 9th decile ~2170–2200. The exact values will be known after testing ends, but candidates can use the interim numbers as a rough guide. For instance, if you scored 2100, the interim data suggests that was above the 80th percentile (since 8th decile ~2150, 7th ~2070). That might end up being around the ~85th percentile once final – still clearly a high score.
Interim SJT distribution (2025 so far): Band 1: 25%, Band 2: 40%, Band 3: 27%, Band 4: 8%. Interestingly, the interim data shows 25% in Band 1 – a significant increase from 13% last year, aligning more closely with 2023’s Band 1 rate. If this trend continues, Band 1 could be much more prevalent in 2025 than in 2024. Band 4 stands at 8% so far, slightly lower than last year’s 13%. If these proportions stay steady, universities might revert to weighting SJT similarly to pre-2024 patterns (when Band 1 was not so rare). However, this could also change with more candidates – it appears the SJT might have been easier or candidates better prepared in early 2025 testing, given the higher percentage of Band 1.
What these comparisons tell us: The interim 2025 results suggest performance is slightly up on average compared to 2024 final, but we must be cautious. If you have your score, you can tentatively gauge your percentile using the interim deciles above, but expect the final percentiles to be a tad less generous. For example, a score of 1940 was median in the interim; it might end up slightly above median once the final score is calculated (if the median drops to ~1870-1900).
The UCAT office explicitly notes that approximately 21,000 more candidates were yet to take the test after 14 September, and that these figures are subject to change. Last year’s drop from prelim to final mean (1913 → 1870) is a good example. So, use interim stats as a guide, not gospel.
One positive insight: The fact that the interim mean is approximately 1939 without AR included is encouraging – it suggests candidates are handling the new format well. It also indicates that if you scored around 1900, you are likely roughly average or slightly above average. Scores above 2100 are clearly very strong (top decile or so), and scores below 1700 are likely quite low (bottom deciles).
In short:
Average 2025 score is likely to land around mid-1800s to 1900.
Top 10% in 2025 will likely be around 2100–2200+.
Bottom 10% in 2025 might be around 1600 or lower.
(We will refine these ranges in the next sections.)
Now that we’ve seen the numbers, let’s address how to translate scores in 2025 based on the new changes. If you’re looking at a med school’s requirements from last year (which might say “cut-off was 2800”, etc.), how do you figure out what that means now that scores are out of 2700? That’s up next.
How Do I Work Out My 2025 Score in Context of the New Changes?
Many applicants are unsure how to map the new UCAT scores to the old scale and to university requirements from previous years. The main point to remember is that although the absolute scores have changed, a given percentile should reflect a similar level of competitiveness as before. Here are some tips to help you understand what your 2025 score means:
Use a Conversion Rule of Thumb:
Since the new total is 3/4 of the old total (2700 vs 3600), you can roughly multiply your new score by 4/3 to estimate what it would have been on the old scale. For example, if you scored 2100/2700 in 2025, multiplying by 1.333 gives about 2800/3600. Historically, ~2800 was around the 90th percentile (top 10%), so it’s reasonable to infer 2100 now is around the top 10%. Conversely, if a medical school had an interview cut-off of, say, 2400 (old scale), multiplying 2400 by 3/4 gives 1800 (new scale) as a rough estimate. This isn’t perfect, but it’s a useful starting point. Some universities have explicitly used this kind of conversion for their 2026 entry guidance. For example, the University of Manchester (which ranks applicants by UCAT) noted on its website that for the new format they "expect that a competitive score for receiving an invitation to interview in Manchester will be around 1800–1900 out of 2700 (with SJT Band 1 or 2)." They emphasise it’s tentative but have essentially converted their typical threshold to the new scale.
Historically, Manchester’s past cut-offs were often around 2650–2750 on the old scale for non-WP candidates, which aligns with approximately 2000–2060 on the new scale, representing a top ~30% score. However, Manchester also considers holistic factors and does not purely cut off by UCAT score. Their 1800–1900 estimate appears somewhat low percentile-wise—around the 40th–60th percentile—but Manchester also heavily considers academics. Another example is the University of Sheffield, which has set a minimum UCAT threshold of 1800 out of 2700 for 2026 entry. They arrived at this figure by examining percentiles from multiple years—1800 is roughly the 40th centile historically. They make it clear that this is a minimum to be considered; most Sheffield interview invites go to higher scores, but 1800 is the “floor.”
Follow Official Data Releases:
The UCAT Consortium is providing data to help interpret the new scoring system. On their Test Statistics page, they shared historical means and deciles for 2019–2024, recalculated without Abstract Reasoning. From that, we observed the top decile on the new scale was around 2170 in recent years (e.g., 2024), and the median was approximately 1860. Keep an eye out for the official interim percentiles for 2025 (which we already discussed – they were published mid-September) and then the final percentiles in October.
These will specify the scores corresponding to the 50th, 80th, 90th percentile, etc., in 2025. Use those percentiles when comparing to previous cut-offs. For example, if a certain university historically interviewed down to the 70th percentile, determine what score is around the 70th percentile this year. Interim data suggests approximately 2070 was the 70th percentile in 2025 so far, but the final might shift – perhaps around 2000–2050 could be the 70th. This focus on percentiles is more reliable than fixating on the exact score number.
Check University Announcements & Adaptations:
By now, many medical schools have updated their admissions pages to reflect the UCAT changes for 2026 entry. It’s wise to read those pages for any hints. We’ve already noted examples:
Queen Mary (Barts) – their website flags the new three-subtest structure, essentially warning that scores won’t be directly comparable to previous years’ cut-offs (so applicants should be careful comparing raw numbers year on year).
Manchester – as above, gave a numeric range (1800–1900) as a tentative competitive score guide.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) – QUB uses a points system (academics + UCAT). They indicated they’ll adjust their scoring for the new UCAT. In fact, QUB increased the weight of UCAT in their points system (from 6 points to 9 points maximum), now that there are 2700 points instead of 3600, to ensure UCAT’s contribution remains significant (Translation: previously, UCAT was 6/42 points; now it’s 9/45 points in their selection scheme).
Many universities, especially those that use strict cut-offs, are likely focusing on percentiles. If a school used to say, “We typically invite the top 30% of UCAT scorers,” they might still do the same – they just won’t know the exact score until the results are in. For example, if historically the top 30% corresponded to around 2600 old scoring (approximately 1950 new scoring), they’ll aim for that percentile again. The consensus among schools is that if they used to require, say, the 80th percentile (which was about 2800), they will now look for roughly the 80th percentile (which might be approximately 2100).
To illustrate:
University of Bristol is known for high cut-offs. For 2024 entry, Bristol’s interview cut-off was about 2940/3600 for home students– incredibly high (around 95th percentile). In 2025 (old format), they reported that ~2,870 was needed. For 2026 entry, since the exam changed, Bristol hasn’t officially said “the number,” but we can infer that if they still go for ~93–95th percentile, the cut-off might be in the ballpark of 2150–2200/2700 for home applicants, which is around where the 95th percentile may lie. In short, Bristol remains among the most competitive – whatever the top few per cent scores are, that’s what they’ll demand.
Newcastle University also historically has a very high cut-off (often top 10%). In 2023 (for 2024 entry), it was ~2820. That likely translates to needing something like the low 2100s on the new scale for the 2026 entry.
King’s College London (KCL) doesn’t publish a fixed cut-off, but in practice, they rank heavily by UCAT. For 2024 entry, many observed that King’s interviewees had UCAT scores around 2710+ on the old scale (roughly in the top 20%). That suggests aiming for approximately 2030–2050+ on the new scale for King’s to be safe.
Sheffield – as we saw, minimum 1800 (new) to be considered, but last cycle (2025 entry, old format) they actually required around 2760 for interview for home applicants (per reports, roughly 2070 new scale for 2025 entry). We’ll see how 2026 shakes out, but the 1800 is just a baseline cutoff.
Edinburgh – explicitly set 1650/2700 as the minimum cut-off for 2026 entry, which is very low (around 10th–15th percentile). However, Edinburgh uses a detailed scoring system: after ensuring a score of 1650+, they rank applicants with a selection formula that assigns 50% academic weight, 35% UCAT, and 15% SJT. So 1650 is just the threshold; a higher UCAT still boosts your chances in their points system. (They also, like many, won’t consider Band 4 SJT at all.)
Keele – traditionally one of the UCAT-light schools (they use a Roles & Responsibilities form to select candidates and have a low UCAT cutoff). For 2026, Keele says anyone with a UCAT <1700 or an SJT Band 4 will not be considered. 1700 is roughly the 10th percentile; essentially, they’re just weeding out the very lowest scores. Most Keele candidates who receive an interview have much higher scores than that, but it ensures a baseline level of competency.
These examples highlight that universities are translating their requirements to the new scoring either by setting a specific cutoff or by expressing things in percentiles/deciles. Always double-check the 2026 entry criteria on each med school’s official website (and note if they mention any changes due to the UCAT format change).
Understand Equating vs. Perceived Difficulty:
Some students wonder if removing Abstract Reasoning (which many found tricky) or the extra time in other sections will make the test easier and lead to higher scores. It’s possible the test felt a bit more manageable (for example, Decision Making had more time per question than before). However, even if the test is slightly easier, the scoring will be adjusted. The UCAT uses statistical equating to ensure fairness. If more questions are answered correctly overall, the scaled scores and percentile boundaries will shift so that roughly the same proportion of candidates achieve high scores. Therefore, don’t overthink whether the format is easier or harder – concentrate on your performance. The percentiles will handle standardising everything. (By analogy: if everyone scored 10 points higher raw, the threshold to be in the top 10% would also be 10 points higher raw – so your relative standing matters, not the raw score’s difficulty.)
In summary, to know what your 2025 score means: look at the percentile (decile) it falls into, and see how that percentile would have fared in previous years or what universities expect. The UCAT Consortium’s data and the med schools’ updates are your friends here.
Finally, let’s discuss low, average, and high UCAT scores in concrete terms for 2025. We’ve hinted at the ranges using data; now we’ll define them and discuss what that means for applicants.
(Before we do – a quick note: Once you’ve figured out your UCAT situation and chosen your universities, the next hurdle is interviews. Make sure you’re prepared! You can book our Medical School Interview Course – taught by NHS doctors who teach at three UK medical schools – to get expert guidance. Also, join our intensive MMI mock circuit sessions to practice under realistic conditions. Don’t let a great UCAT score go to waste by under-preparing for the interview stage!)
What Is a Low UCAT Score in 2025?
Every year, students ask what “low” means for a UCAT score. A low UCAT score is generally one that is significantly below the national average and places an applicant in the lower percentiles of the cohort. Based on historical data and the new scoring:
In 2025, a rough marker for “low” could be a total score below around 1800 (out of 2700). Why 1800? Because, if we use 2024 as a guide, ~1800 was around the 30th–40th percentile (it was the 4th decile cutoff in 2024’s recalculated statistics, and in the 2025 interim, the 4th decile was 1870 but is likely to drop). Also, converting back, 1800 new ≈ 2400 old, and historically scores under ~2400 (old) were considered below average. In fact, many would consider “low” as roughly the bottom third of scores.
To put it concretely, if you scored in the 1600s or low 1700s, that’s definitely low – likely bottom 10–20% of candidates. Even a score around 1750–1800 might be slightly below the median. For example, 1750/2700 equates to about 2330/3600 old scale, which was roughly the 20th percentile in the 2024 data. 1850 (which is approximately 2467 on the old scale) would be around the 40th percentile in 2024. So there’s no hard cutoff, but you get the idea: mid-1000s to low-1800s are on the lower end in the new scheme.
It’s worth noting that candidates often have higher expectations from years of practice scores. If you were scoring 2700+ (old) in practice but ended up with, say, 2300 old (≈1725 new), you might feel that’s “low” for you. However, think in terms of ranking: approximately half of all test-takers each year score below ~2500 old (~1875 new). So don’t panic – by definition, many applicants have what they’d call “low” or “below average” UCAT scores, and yet many still get into med school by applying smartly.
If your UCAT score is low (relative to others), what should you do? The key is to apply tactically to UCAT-friendly medical schools. Some universities place less emphasis on UCAT or use it in ways that don’t disadvantage a slightly lower score. For example:
Some schools have no strict cut-off and instead balance UCAT with strong academics (e.g., Aston University explicitly says they have no lower UCAT cut-off and rely heavily on academic scores – they’ve even interviewed candidates with UCAT in the low 2100s old scale, which is low 1600s new, if their grades were top-notch).
Some, like Cardiff, historically used UCAT only as a tiebreaker after academics – meaning a high UCAT wasn’t necessary if you had excellent GCSEs (though Cardiff can be risky if you’re not Welsh or don’t have nearly all A*s at GCSE).
Keele and Sunderland use an alternative approach: they place heavy weight on a Roles & Responsibilities form or personal statement and only expect a “good enough” UCAT (Keele’s cut-off, as mentioned, is 1700 with Band 3 acceptable). This means that a strong personal statement, combined with relevant experience, can compensate for a low UCAT score.
Schools like Buckingham or UCLan (for international students) might be options as they have different entry processes, though those can be expensive or limited in spots.
Some newer med schools or those with emphasis on widening participation may have more flexible UCAT use (e.g., Edge Hill ranks by UCAT but their past interview averages were around 2748 old (~2060 new), which is high, but they may dip lower depending on applicant pool; Plymouth used to have cut-offs around the national average; Hull York (HYMS) uses a points system including UCAT deciles and SJT).
Also consider if you have any contextual flags – some universities will consider slightly lower UCAT scores for students from widening participation backgrounds.
➡️ For a detailed breakdown, check out our dedicated guide on Where to Apply with a Low UCAT Score (2026 Entry). It highlights UK medical schools known to be more UCAT-friendly for students with below-average scores and explains their specific criteria. In general, with a low UCAT, focus on your strengths – e.g., substantial academic achievements and a compelling personal statement/experiences – and select schools that value those qualities. Avoid the UCAT-heavy schools (we’ll list those in the High UCAT section).
Important: A low UCAT score does not end your chances at medicine. Every year, students with subpar UCAT scores get into medical school by carefully selecting where to apply. As long as you meet minimum requirements and apply strategically, you still have a shot. Just be realistic and don’t apply to four UCAT-heavy universities with a low score– that’s the main thing to avoid.
(And remember, if you get interviews, you can shine there to secure offers. Low UCAT scorers often succeed by acing interviews – something you can achieve with preparation. Sign up for our interview course and do mock MMIs to maximise your chances.)
What Is an Average UCAT Score in 2025?
An “average” UCAT score is around the 50th percentile – basically what the typical candidate scores. As we saw in data from previous years and current interim figures, the average tends to be in the mid-1800s (on the new 2700 scale).
In 2024 (3-section equivalent), the mean was ~1870 and the median (5th decile) was ~1880. For 2025, the interim mean is 1939, but it may settle closer to 1870–1900 after all tests are completed. So it’s safe to say the average UCAT 2025 score will likely be around 1870–1900 (give or take). In terms of per section, that’s roughly 620–630 average per section.
If we express that in the old 3600 format for familiarity: an average total used to be ~2500 (since 2500/3600 ~ 1875/2700). Indeed, in 2023, the average was 2516; in 2022, it was around 2500, and so on. So 620-ish per section is typical.
What does it mean if you have an “average” score? You’re around the middle of the applicant pool. This is not a bad place to be – about half of the applicants have scores in this range or lower. Students with around-average UCAT scores often secure many medical school spots, provided they apply strategically.
With an average UCAT, you likely won’t be automatically rejected by most universities (since you’re not in the very low range). Still, you also might not have a score that makes you a shoo-in at the most competitive ones. You’ll need to pay attention to how each university weighs the UCAT:
Some schools that use a point system (like Nottingham or Birmingham in past years) might turn an average UCAT into a moderate score in their rubric, which higher academic points can compensate if you have them. (Interesting fact: Nottingham historically double-weighted Verbal Reasoning, so an average VR vs. others mattered; check their 2026 update, though, as they likely adjusted scoring due to the removal of AR.)
Universities that rank by UCAT for interviews (like Leicester, HYMS, or Liverpool) often publish the previous cutoff or average of interviewed students. If those figures are near your score, then it’s a reasonable choice. E.g., if a uni’s interview threshold last year was “around the national average,” it could be a good target for an average scorer.
A few competitive places have, in recent cycles, had cutoffs at or just above average. For example, Manchester has interviewed a wide range of scores (since they consider academics too) – sometimes down to ~2550 (~1910 new) for non-contextual, which is essentially average. Queen’s Belfast gives a lot of weight to academics; someone with an average UCAT but excellent grades could still get an interview (their 2024 entry cutoffs were 2160 for NI applicants, 2440 for RUK, but QUB’s scoring has changed now).
St. George’s and Cardiff often ended up interviewing individuals with around-average UCATs because other factors carried more weight or the cut-off wasn’t particularly high.
The key to achieving an average score is to have at least a couple of “safe” choices – universities where a candidate with a UCAT score around the 50th percentile would be competitive. And also leverage other strengths: if your score is average but your academics (grades) are strong or you have a lot of contextual points, lean into schools that value those.
Also, consider the SJT: if you have an average UCAT but a Band 1 SJT, that can give you an edge at places that integrate SJT into selection (e.g., Kings considers SJT in shortlisting, HYMS gives points for SJT, etc.). Conversely, an average UCAT score with a Band 4 SJT is problematic; avoid places that cut off at Band 4 (many do).
Our blog on UCAT cut-off scores for 2026 entry provides a school-by-school rundown of how they use UCAT and what past thresholds were, which can help you identify reasonable targets if you’re in the middle of the pack.
In summary, an average UCAT score of around 1870-1900 places you within reach of many medical schools, but you should still select your options strategically. Aim for at least a couple of choices where your score comfortably exceeds any known cut-offs or where UCAT isn’t the only deciding factor. Ensure the rest of your application (academics, personal statement, etc.) is as strong as possible to improve your chances.
(And don’t forget – average UCAT scorers can excel in interviews and convert those interviews to offers. We’ve seen many students with “just average” UCAT scores receive multiple offers by excelling in the interview. Practice, get feedback, it can make the difference.)
What Is a High UCAT Score in 2025?
A high UCAT score is significantly above the national average and puts you in a top percentile bracket. For 2025, we can consider anything in roughly the top 20% or higher as a “high” score. Let’s quantify that:
In 2024 (no AR), top 20% would be around the 8th decile. The 8th decile was ~2060 The 9th decile (top 10%) was ~2170. So we can say roughly: scores around 2050+ will likely be in the “very good” range, and scores 2100+ will be excellent, probably top 10% or close.
Interim 2025 data showed 8th decile ~2150, 9th ~2270, but those will likely come down. It won’t be surprising if final 9th decile is around 2150–2200 and 8th decile around 2060–2100. So yes, 2100+ (which is equivalent to 2800+ on the old exam) is clearly a high score. Even mid-2000s like 2000–2050 should be around top quartile or better.
Another way: Historically, a score of 2800/3600 (average 700 per section) was often cited as “very good” – typically around the 80th–85th percentile. Now with the new scoring, 2100/2700 is the analogous figure (since 2100 is 700 average in three sections). In fact, the UCAT Consortium itself suggested that what used to be a high total (like 2800) would correspond to something like 2100 now, percentile-wise.
So, consider these as benchmarks:
High score: ~2000+ (roughly top 25% or better).
Very high score: ~2100+ (roughly top 10% or better).
Exceptional score: ~2200+ (this might be top 5% or so, depending on final data).
If you have a high UCAT score, congratulations – that’s a huge strength in your application. But you need to use it wisely. It might be tempting to apply only to the most selective schools, but remember: you still need to meet other requirements (grades, etc.), and sometimes even high UCAT scorers get no offers if they apply without strategy. Here’s how to leverage a high score:
Target UCAT-heavy universities: Some medical schools essentially reward high UCAT scorers by either guaranteeing interviews above a certain threshold or by ranking solely (or mostly) by UCAT. Examples include:
Bristol – as mentioned, they rank applicants by UCAT score once academic requirements are met. With a high score, Bristol is an excellent choice because you’d likely clear their cut-off (which has been extremely high historically).
Newcastle – known for setting a high cut-off (often around the top decile). A score well into the 2000s new scale should put you in a strong position for Newcastle.
Sheffield – they rank by UCAT after cutting off 1800; in 2025 entry, their cut-off (old scoring) was said to be 2760 (which is ~2070 new) for home. If you have, say, 2150 new, you’d be comfortably above what Sheffield has needed in the past (though always check the latest).
Glasgow – they rank by UCAT (no fixed cut-off given in advance). One year, they said the lowest interview score was 2500 (~1875 in the old system) for the 2025 entry, but a very high score would, of course, rank you near the top in Glasgow’s list.
Queen Mary (Barts) – they use a scoring formula: UCAS tariff and UCAT (50/50). However, a very high UCAT score (with decent grades) can still yield an interview. They did note their international cut-off for 2024 entry was ~2950 old (because international competition is fierce), which is extraordinary. For home, it’s lower, but still high since UCAT is 50%. Essentially, Barts loves high UCAT scores, especially when paired with strong academics.
King's College London – they don’t say a number, but they heavily favour high UCAT (and decent SJT). Anecdotally, if you’re ~top 10-20% UCAT and meet academic requirements, KCL is a good bet.
Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc. – even schools that use holistic scoring often end up with high average UCAT among entrants if they are popular and competitive. But with a top score, you at least ensure you won’t be below their thresholds.
Consider former BMAT schools if applicable: Starting with the 2024 and 2025 intakes, all medical schools that previously used the BMAT have transitioned to the UCAT (the BMAT has been phased out). This includes Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, and others. Note: these institutions still place a strong emphasis on academic achievement – particularly Oxbridge – and the UCAT won’t be the sole criterion. However, having a high UCAT score can certainly be advantageous. (Oxford and Cambridge are unlikely to use UCAT as a strict cut-off; they may consider it as one part of the application or as a safeguard. UCL and Imperial may incorporate it more directly into their scoring criteria.) If you have excellent grades and a high UCAT score, you now have the opportunity to apply to these prestigious programmes, whereas previously, you would have needed a BMAT. Keep in mind that excelling in the UCAT alone won’t guarantee entry to Oxbridge, but it can support a strong overall application.
Still have some balance: It’s wise even for high scorers to include at least one or two choices that are not long shots. For example, if you apply to four of: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL (all now UCAT schools) – these are all competitive, not just for UCAT reasons but also for academic and interview considerations. Or if you choose, say, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh, King’s – all excellent options for high UCAT scores, but you will still need to perform well at interview. Sometimes candidates with very high scores become overconfident and overlook interview preparation or other aspects. Ensure your personal statement, references, and other application components are also strong.
➡️ If you want to see which specific schools love high UCATs, see our blog Best Medical Schools to Apply with a High UCAT Score – 2026 Entry. It lists universities and their recent cut-off info, showing how a high score can be used to your advantage. For instance, it details how Aberdeen, Bristol, Glasgow, etc., each use UCAT and what their cut-offs were. Knowing that, you can target those where your score virtually guarantees an interview (barring any red flags like Band 4 SJT or missing grades).
One more point: If your UCAT score is high, don’t overlook the SJT Band. A Band 4 can undermine an otherwise excellent UCAT score at many top universities (e.g., Dundee, Glasgow, Cardiff, etc., outright reject Band 4; others may penalise you). A Band 3 might be acceptable, but Bands 1 or 2 will greatly enhance your chances at interview stage (some universities give extra points for Band 1 during interviews, like Nottingham or HYMS in past schemes). If you achieve Band 1 along with a high cognitive score, that’s a big advantage – be sure to mention your Band if relevant (some unis specifically value Band 1 in selection or tie-break situations).
Finally, remember that a high UCAT means you’ll likely get more interviews – but you still have to convert those into offers. High scorers can sometimes be a bit more confident, but you should prepare just as rigorously for interviews. The questions and assessments at the interview won’t care that you scored in the 90th percentile – they’ll judge your communication, ethics, motivation, etc. So use the time before interviews wisely to practice. Our interview courses and MMI circuits are great resources, even for high achievers, to ensure you maximise your advantage and secure those offers.
What UCAT Score Do I Need for Medicine?
This is the million-dollar question: “What UCAT score do I need to get into medical school?” The honest answer is it depends on where you apply. There is no universal cut-off for “medicine” as a whole – each medical school sets its own criteria. However, we can give some general guidance and examples:
Universities with Fixed UCAT Cut-Offs:
Some med schools announce a minimum score each year. If you score below it, you won’t be considered. If you’re above it, you progress to the next stage (which could be direct invite to interview or further ranking). Examples:
We saw Sheffield requires 1800/2700 for 2026 entry as a minimum. In practice, the scores of those interviewed are much higher, but 1800 is the first hurdle.
Edinburgh requires 1650/2700 minimum (plus not Band 4 SJT) – very low threshold, because they then rank you on a scoring system.
Keele won’t consider <1700 (UK students) or <1950 (international).
Liverpool in past years had a cut-off around the 40th percentile.
Manchester historically set a cut-off after receiving scores (often around JM decile for non-WP); now they hinted ~1800–1900 as expected competitive range, but they don’t pre-set it.
St. Andrews often sets a cut-off around 2400 old (~1800 new) for RUK, lower for Scottish.
Birmingham doesn’t use a simple cut-off but gives decile-based score (so effectively, they want you not too low – usually those below 30th percentile might struggle in their scoring).
If you’re below a stated cut-off, you “need” a higher score for that school – or you shouldn’t apply there. If you’re comfortably above it, you likely meet the requirement, but for competitive ones you might need to be much higher to actually get an interview when ranked.
Universities that Rank by UCAT (No Pre-set Cut-Off):
Many schools don’t declare a cut-off beforehand. Instead, they take everyone who meets the basic academic requirements, then rank applicants by UCAT score and take the top X for interviews. In such cases, the “cut-off” is essentially the score of the last person who got an interview that year. This can fluctuate year to year based on applicant pool and number of interview slots.
Bristol is a classic example – 100% weight on UCAT for interview selection. The “UCAT score you need” for Bristol is whatever ends up being enough to be in the top few hundred applicants. Last year that was around 2910 old (~2180 new) for home, which was ~95th percentile. If fewer high scorers apply, it could dip, but usually Bristol remains high. So you “need” a very high score for Bristol.
Newcastle – similar story: often top 10% threshold (~90th percentile). If you’re not near that, your chances there are low.
Scottish universities like Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee – they rank by UCAT (with some tweaks or other considerations, but largely UCAT-driven). Glasgow in one cycle had a relatively moderate lowest interview score (~2500 old), but that can change. Aberdeen used a combo of UCAT and academics; their 2024 entry cut-off for RUK was 2440 old (~1830 new) for interview which is around 50th percentile – so not super high because Aberdeen gives a lot of points for academics too.
Queen’s Belfast (QUB) – they use a points system (36 academics + 9 UCAT). In the past, a score around 2600 old (~1950 new) could get full UCAT points, but QUB had different cut-offs for NI vs RUK. For 2024 entry, they stated cut-offs 2160 (NI) and 2440 (RUK) – meaning RUK needed ~2440 old (~1830 new). They’ve adjusted scoring now, but likely similar percentile targets.
Leicester – had a straightforward system: they gave points for GCSEs and UCAT (32 points GCSE, 32 points UCAT) for 2023 entry, and published a minimum score for interview each year. For 2024 entry they required 58/64 points for school leavers, which roughly equated to needing a UCAT decile around 7th or so if your GCSEs were maxed. For 2025 entry, they might adjust (since deciles shift).
Lincoln (Nottingham’s programme) – similar scoring as Nottingham, historically had slightly lower requirements than Nottingham itself.
For these rank-by-UCAT schools, you “need” whatever score puts you above the moving target of their cut-off. Resources like our cut-off blog or The Medic Portal’s listings show historically what that was, but always current year can change. If your score is, say, 2000 (new) which is around 80th percentile, you’re likely safe for places that usually cut at median or 60th percentile, but maybe not for ones that cut at 90th.
Universities with Holistic or Academics-heavy Selection:
Some medical schools do not heavily filter by UCAT at the interview selection stage at all (beyond perhaps a low threshold).
Oxford and Cambridge – they use admissions tests historically (BMAT) and academics. Now, with UCAT, we expect them to consider it, but academics (including GCSEs, A-level predictions, contextual factors, and possibly their own internal tests or essays) and the interview will likely dominate. There’s no public UCAT cut-off. You “need” a high UCAT to stand out, maybe, but it won’t guarantee anything.
Cardiff – historically, they ranked by GCSEs primarily. UCAT was only used when there were too many applicants with the same top GCSE score, as a tiebreaker. In some years, people with a UCAT score in the low 2000s (on the old scale) received interviews because their GCSEs included 10 A*s. For 2024 entry, some excellent GCSE candidates were rejected due to very low UCAT scores, implying that UCAT is being used more as a secondary filter. But officially, there is no set cut-off.
Imperial/UCL – new to UCAT; likely they will have high academic expectations and possibly set a reasonable UCAT threshold, but not super high. To be safe, assume you still need an above-average UCAT score (because these attract strong applicants), but it might not need to be in the top 10%.
Keele/Sunderland – as discussed, need 1700+ (Keele) and then they use an R&R form. People have gained admission to Keele with relatively low UCAT scores by writing a strong Roles & Responsibilities form. So you “need” just 1700 and a good essay, effectively.
Buckingham (private) – uses UCAT, but the threshold can be quite low (since it’s not as oversubscribed, but it’s costly).
Plymouth – typically, their cut-off was around the national average (they used to say they set the cut-off around 2400–2500 old).
Aston – no cut-off, weight on academics. They’ve interviewed candidates with UCAT in the low 2100s (~1600s new) if grades were excellent. So, you “need” a decent but not amazing UCAT score; strong grades can compensate for it.
Liverpool – for 2023, they used 2620 old (~1965 new) as a cut-off; for 2024, they switched to a holistic rank (scoring UCAT and academics). So the “needed” score depends on your academic score.
HYMS (Hull York) – uses a points system: they give you points for UCAT decile and SJT, but also consider academics. Often, even a mid-range UCAT score can be offset by other factors and still result in an interview.
Given this variety, here’s a strategy: Categorise schools by UCAT demand:
High UCAT needed (usually ~top 20% or better): e.g. Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, KCL, maybe Birmingham (since it gives a lot of weight to UCAT decile), Sheffield, St. Andrews (for RUK), Southampton (often around 70th percentile historically), etc.
Medium UCAT (around average, sufficient if other factors are strong): e.g. Liverpool, Manchester (they take many interviews, so average could suffice if other parts good), Queen’s Belfast (for NI applicants especially), Queen Mary (Barts) – though Barts needs good academics too, Leicester, ARU, etc.
Low UCAT acceptable (below average can still get interview): e.g. Keele, Sunderland, Cardiff (with stellar academics), Aston, maybe Plymouth, UEA (UEA tends to interview a wide range and then use UCAT 50% in final ranking with interview), Buckingham, and of course the former BMAT schools if your academics are exceptional.
Extremely UCAT-light: Oxford, Cambridge (where a high UCAT won’t compensate for weaker academics or other elements, but a low UCAT could be compensated by stellar everything else – we don’t have data yet, but likely no cut-off).
Ultimately, what score you “need” is the score that gets you an interview at the places you apply. As a safe bet:
If you’re below ~1800, you’ll need to be very careful and likely stick to the UCAT-light options (Keele, Sunderland, maybe Cardiff/Aston if you have great grades, etc.).
If you’re around 1800–1900 (average range), you “need” to avoid the ultra-high cutoff schools and apply to places that historically interview folks with those scores (see above medium/low categories).
If you’re 2000+, you have a lot of choices – you “need” to still meet other criteria, but UCAT won’t hold you back at most places. You could aim for some ambitious decisions. Just don’t waste all choices on extreme cut-offs if you’re barely above their typical threshold – mix in some where you’re comfortably above.
If you’re 2100+, you effectively meet the requirement for any UCAT school (since even Bristol’s likely cutoff ~2150–2200, you’re in contention). At that point, it’s more about your preferences and ensuring you like the schools and meet non-UCAT requirements.
Always, always check each university’s admissions page for the latest 2026 entry information. Many sections include information on “How we use the UCAT” or “Selection process”. We’ve cited some in this article (e.g., Edinburgh, Sheffield, Keele, etc.). Those pages will often explicitly state cut-offs or at least give a sense (like “we rank by UCAT” or “we give a score out of 8 for UCAT based on deciles” etc.). Use that info to guide your decisions.
In conclusion, there is no single UCAT score that guarantees admission to medicine; however, there is a UCAT score that will maximise your chances at each school. Your job is to align your score with the right schools:
High score? Apply to some high-tariff UCAT schools to take advantage of it.
Average score? Apply to schools where that is competitive and avoid ones known to cut higher.
Low score? Apply to schools that care less about UCAT and have other ways to select, and ensure you meet their academic requirements strongly.
And regardless of score, could you boost the rest of your application? A great UCAT doesn’t replace a good Personal Statement or interview performance, and a low UCAT can sometimes be offset by an outstanding interview or academic profile.
✅ Final tip: Once you secure interviews, consider our professional preparation. Many students with a wide range of UCAT scores have succeeded due to their excellent interview skills. You can book our Medical School Interview Course (teaching you how to tackle panel and MMI interviews confidently) or join a Mock MMI Circuit for realistic practice. Interviews are the final hurdle – make sure you convert your application into an offer!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the average UCAT score for 2025 (for 2026 entry)?
We don’t have the final figure yet, but it’s expected to be around 1870–1900 out of 2700 (roughly equivalent to 2500 out of 3600 on the old scale). In 2024, the average of the three main sections was ~1870. Interim data for 2025 showed a mean of 1939, which will likely drop a bit by the end of testing. So, roughly speaking, around 620–630 per section is the average performance.
What is a good UCAT score in 2025?
“Good” is subjective, but generally a good UCAT score is one that puts you above most candidates – say 2000+ out of 2700. That’s around the 75th–80th percentile or higher, which would open many doors. A very good score would be around 2100 (about 700 average per section, roughly top 10%). For example, 2100 in 2025 is roughly equivalent to a 2800 score in previous years, which was indeed considered very strong. Ultimately, a “good” score is one that is competitive for the specific med schools you’re applying to – for some that might be 1800, for others 2100.
What is a low UCAT score and can I still get into medicine with it?
A low UCAT score is generally one that is below the average and in the lower percentiles. For 2025, we’d consider scores in the 1600s or low 1700s to be quite low (bottom 10–20% or so), and even up to ~1800 slightly below average. Yes, you can still get into medicine with a low UCAT score – but you must apply strategically. Choose universities that place less emphasis on UCAT. For instance, Keele and Sunderland focus on written applications (requiring ~1700+ UCAT which is low), Cardiff heavily weights GCSEs, Aston and Liverpool use balanced scoring where a lower UCAT can be offset by strong academics, etc. Avoid the UCAT-heavy schools like Newcastle or Bristol if your score is low. Many applicants with low UCATs do get offers by targeting the right schools – it’s about knowing each school’s criteria. (See our guide on where to apply with a low UCAT score for more tips.)
When will I get my UCAT 2025 results?
Immediately. You get an unofficial score report on test day, right after finishing the exam. Within 24 hours, your scores will also be uploaded to your online UCAT account. So you’ll know your UCAT score well before application deadlines. Official interim statistics for all candidates come out mid-September, and final stats in early October, but those are more for context. The key point is you will have your individual result as soon as you’ve taken the test, so you can use it to make informed UCAS choices.
How do universities get my UCAT score? Do I need to send it to them?
You do not need to send anything to universities (and you don’t put UCAT on your UCAS form). The UCAT Consortium will automatically deliver your results to your chosen universities in early November. They match your UCAT ID with UCAS data after you apply. All UK med schools (and some non-UK partner schools) receive the official scores directly. Just ensure the personal details in your UCAT registration match your UCAS application (to avoid any matching issues). If there’s a discrepancy, universities can look you up by UCAT ID if needed, but that’s rare.
Is the UCAT 2025 easier or harder now that Abstract Reasoning is removed?
It’s hard to say definitively – some candidates might find it a bit less overwhelming without Abstract Reasoning’s intense pattern questions and with slightly more time in other sections. However, any change in difficulty is offset by the scoring process. The UCAT is scaled and equated each year, meaning if it’s “easier” and everyone scores slightly higher raw marks, the scaled scores and percentiles will adjust accordingly. The early statistics suggest that average scores might be marginally higher (interim mean 1939 in 2025 vs final mean 1870 in 2024), but we need final data. In any case, don’t assume it’s dramatically easier – candidates are still being spread out across the 300–900 range per section. So prepare thoroughly; the test is still very competitive. The removal of AR just changes the skill emphasis a bit (more on logical reasoning, less on abstract pattern-spotting).
Do all UK medical schools require the UCAT now?
Yes, essentially. After 2024 entry, the BMAT was discontinued, and all former BMAT schools have transitioned to using UCAT (or in a couple cases, developing new tests, but for 2025–26 entry it’s UCAT). This means every UK medical school now uses UCAT as part of selectionb. Examples: Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial – they all started using UCAT for 2025 entry or 2026 entry. A few courses like graduate entry programs may also accept GAMSAT, but for school-leaver medicine, UCAT is universal in the UK. Always check the specific requirements of the program, but you can safely assume you need a UCAT score for all standard-entry medicine applications in the UK.
How important is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) band?
t can be quite important. While the SJT band isn’t added to your UCAT total, universities use it in different ways:
Many will outright reject Band 4 applicants (e.g., Edinburgh, Sheffield, Keele, and others state they won’t consider Band 4).
Some give extra credit for Band 1. For instance, a university might award additional points in the interview scoring to someone with Band 1 (Nottingham did this in past cycles; HYMS gives points in selection for SJT bands).
Others might use it as a tiebreaker or part of a holistic assessment. For example, Manchester requires Band 1 or 2 to be “competitive” according to their guidance. King’s and Barts consider the SJT when shortlisting or in offer decisions.
A few use SJT in interview scoring (e.g., Birmingham and Bristol have used SJT as a certain percentage of post-interview score).
In short, try to aim for Band 1 or 2 if possible. Band 3 is usually acceptable at a majority of schools (though a few highly competitive ones might view it less favorably). Band 4 is a big red flag – nearly all schools will either reject or severely disadvantage Band 4. The good news: only about 8–13% of candidates get Band 4 in recent years, so odds are you won’t fall there. If you do, you should double-check which schools might still consider you (some extremely contextual routes or maybe Oxbridge might not weigh it heavily, but it’s risky).
My UCAT score is [XYZ]; where should I apply?
We recommend referencing our detailed blog posts for this:
If your score is low, read “Where to Apply with a Low UCAT Score” – it lists medical schools that are more UCAT friendly and how they select candidates with more emphasis on academics or other factors.
If your score is average, you might also find the low score helpful guide, and consider some mid-range UCAT schools (ones that typically have cut-offs around the average). You should avoid the schools with the highest UCAT cut-offs. Balance your choices.
If your score is high, check out “Best Medical Schools to Apply with a High UCAT Score”. It gives insight into where a high UCAT really gives you an edge – so you can capitalise on your score (for example, applying to places like Bristol, Newcastle, etc., where your chance of interview is excellent with a top score).
In general, match your UCAT percentile to universities’ known requirements. Research each prospective med school’s admissions criteria for 2026 entry – most will spell out how they use UCAT. And remember to consider other elements like location, course structure, etc., not just UCAT fit. A balanced application list (some aspirational, some safer choices) is wise.
How is the UCAT scored exactly? Is it on a curve?
The UCAT scoring process is a bit like a curve (scaling) but it’s predetermined by test statistics. Each cognitive subtest’s raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score between 300 and 900. They do this because different subtests have different numbers of questions, and they also equate for slight differences in difficulty across test forms. The exact raw-to-scaled conversion isn’t published (it can vary year to year), but essentially if you answer, say, 70% of questions right in a section, that might correspond to a scaled score (perhaps around 650–700 depending on the section and test edition). If you answer nearly all correctly, you’ll be up in the high 800s or 900. Very few get 900 – that’s basically a perfect raw score in a section. The total is just the sum of those scaled scores (so total ranges 900 to 2700). The scoring is designed such that the distribution of scaled scores is roughly similar each year (mean around 600-ish per section, stdev around 80–100). So yes, it’s kind of like a curve where your performance is measured relative to the test difficulty and other candidates. The SJT is scored differently: full marks for a question if your answer matches the ideal, partial for near-misses, then a band is assigned (top ~a quarter Band 1, etc., though as we saw it can shift). There is no negative marking – blank or wrong = 0 for that question. One important note: because of equating, a scaled score one year is meant to represent the same ability level as the same scaled score another year. So a 650 in QR in 2023 should reflect similar performance ability as 650 in QR in 2025, even if the raw marks required differed due to question difficulty.
The UCAT Consortium says scores are “broadly comparable” year to year despite the change – what does that mean for me?
They mean that you can interpret your performance in 2025 in line with previous years’ standards by using percentiles/deciles. For example, being in the 90th percentile in 2025 is as much of an achievement as being in the 90th percentile in 2024, even though the numeric scores differ (e.g., ~2170 vs 2920). For practical purposes in your application: if a med school usually interviewed top 30% UCAT, they’ll likely still interview top 30% UCAT this year – they don’t suddenly expect everyone to get 2700. They’ll adjust to whatever the score distribution is. So “broadly comparable” means you should focus on where you stand relative to others, rather than the absolute number. The removal of Abstract Reasoning just lowered the total points available; it doesn’t mean it’s easier or harder to be in a given rank. Therefore, compare your score to the deciles and percentiles provided to understand if it’s strong or weak, rather than fretting that “I got 2400 but now the max is 2700, is that bad?” If 2400/2700 turns out to be, say, top 15%, that’s excellent (even though 2400/3600 used to be merely average). The Consortium is essentially saying: trust the normalized scoring – a good percentile = good candidate, same as before.
Final thoughts:
Your UCAT score is an important component, but it’s not the whole story. Use this guide to understand it and make smart choices, but also remember to showcase your passion for medicine through your personal statement and prepare thoroughly for interviews. Good luck with your applications!
