Where to apply with a low UCAT score - Entry to Medicine
Please note we have an up to date article for Where to Apply with A Low UCAT Score 2022 Entry. Please click the link for up to date information.
Our students ask this question every year. There is no simple answer to this question as several other factors (such as your GCSE grades and how the personal statement is scored for example) are usually taken into account in addition to your UCAT score (and SJT banding).
We have created a guide for 2021 entry but it is vital you do your own research and contact the medical school directly before making a decision about your application. Information is subject to change and this blog is just a guideline to help point you in the right direction.
You will need to do your own research but historically here is how to start creating your shortlist :-
Some medical schools will rank students on the UCAT score and use this to decide which candidates to call for interview. Avoid these, as a low score puts you at the bottom of the pile.
They may say they use the score holistically, but you will need to work out what this means with your particular application.
The newer medical schools, such as Edge Hill, Kent and Medway, Anglia Ruskin and Sunderland may have less students applying to them and may be more willing to accept a lower standard in the UCAT score. However, you would need to check with the university.
If there is a minimum UCAT score (or a minimum decile) before they will even consider your application – don’t apply if have not reached this minimum score in your exam!
Some elements of the UCAT may be ignored – such as situational judgement. Historically this was the case for most medical schools but is less likely now. They may also have a minimum STJ threshold.
If there is a low weighting for the UCAT score compared to other elements of your application (for example interview score, exam grades etc.) then it may we worth a consideration.
The medical school indicates there is no cut off but has put historical details, for example 'in the past no places were offered to candidates that had a score of…' you may take this as a vague guideline. Take these historic scores as guidance to how the same medical school is likely to behave this time.
The UCAT score is used only in a tiebreaker type situation. For example if two students perform equally well at interview and have equal GCSE scores. Don’t confuse this with widening participation criterion which may prefer a student that fits a certain demographic.
You could consider applying medical schools that do not require the UCAT exam, or apply to medical schools that ask for the BMAT. Be wary that BMAT is required by Oxbridge and so you will be competing against some of the best candidates.
Your medical school interview performance remains critical whatever your UCAT score. Come to our MMI Medical School Interview Course and boost your knowledge, skills and confidence.
Which medical schools historically would be good to apply to with a low UCAT score?
Historically Cardiff (was used in borderline cases), Keele (had a lower cut off score), Queen’s Belfast (ranked UCAT along GCSE scores), Sunderland (holistic process so that you make up for a low UCAT score elsewhere), Bristol (has a low weighting for the UCAT score) and Plymouth (did not consider SJT and used alongside other factors on the application) usually featured in lists of medical schools to go for with a low UCAT score.
There was also the medical schools that did not ask for the UCAT or BMAT – this included UCLAN but be aware UCLAN historically only took students from the North West of England.
What medical schools can I apply for with a low score for 2021 entry?
University of Aberdeen
Historically Aberdeen has not had a minimum cut off score but is used alongside predicted and actual academic achievement. This means there may be some room for manoeuvre if you have very high academic achievement.
From the medical school website:-
Candidates' UCAT scores are considered in our selection for interview but are not the sole indicator for selection. They are considered alongside actual and predicted academic achievement in deciding who will be selected for interview. A minimum UCAT cut-off score is NOT used. A score is allocated based on the applicant's overall performance in UCAT compared with all other applicants to Aberdeen.
The score we allocate is based on the total numerical score from the four subtests: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and decision making. The SJT will not be scored, but it may be used in offer making when there are candidates with similar scores.
Cardiff University
It still does only appear to use the UCAT in borderline cases. It however ranks using GCSE and A-level scores (if you have them) and then using the personal statement and reference.
From the medical school website: -
We do not have a minimum UCAT or GAMSAT threshold score, however they may be used as part of our selection process.
Keele University
Keele still has a cut off score but it is relatively low compared to other medical schools. STJ Band 4 applicants will be scored.
From the medical school website: -
For 2021 entry Home applicants with a total UCAT score below 2280 or with an SJT score in Band 4 will not be considered.
Queen’s University Belfast
The medical school decides who to call for interview based on GCSE grades and the UCAT score. However, the weight given to the UCAT score is relatively low. STJ also will not be used unless there is a borderline case.
From the medical school website: -
When decisions are being made both GCSE and UCAT performance will be taken into account. GCSEs will be scored using a points system. The total points score will be based on results in the best 9 subjects, at first attempt unless the GCSE was taken a year early and then repeated at the normal stage. Only GCSEs taken in Years 11 and 12 will be counted (Years 10 and 11 in England and Wales).
For all candidates UCAT will be scored using the overall results from four of the papers. Candidates can obtain up to a maximum of 6 additional points.
UCAT has introduced an additional paper called a Situational Judgement Test, but it has been agreed that the results of this will not be used for 2021 entry except, if necessary, to inform decisions on borderline applicants who have achieved a similar score at interview. Consideration is being given to its use for 2022 entry.
The UCAT score will then be added to the GCSE score to give an overall points total.
If necessary, the SJT score may be used to distinguish between applicants on the same points score.
Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine
Plymouth ranks students based on UCAT score but historically this has been relatively low. STJ scores may not be used. Once at interview, the interview score will be used to decide which students get offers.
From the medical school website: -
The UCAT threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by overall candidate performance in the UCAT and the number and quality of applications received.
The Peninsula Medical School will again be applying an overall target score methodology in this application cycle for entry next September to facilitate selection for interview. We do not currently include the SJT banding score.
University of Lincoln
Lincoln’s application process is the same as Nottingham with UCAT and GCSE scores used in a points system. However as Lincoln is not as popular and also being a newer medical school the points required for interview may be lower.
From the medical school website:
Students will need to apply to the University of Nottingham and choose the Medicine BMBS (Lincoln pathway) as an option.
Applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) test during the same year as an application is made. We do not accept applicants who achieve Band 4 on the Situational Judgement Test on the UCAT
From the Nottingham medical school website:-
You'll be awarded points for each grade you achieve at GCSE level for your highest eight subjects. This will include the compulsory subjects of the sciences, English language and maths. A maximum of 16 points can be awarded.
To make sure that in most situations a few points either way don’t impact, we assign our own points based on the UCAT results. A maximum of 40 points can be awarded for the UCAT.
The GCSE score and the UCAT score are then added together to create your final score. There are a maximum of 56 points that can be awarded.
Interviews are offered to the top percentage of candidates based on their final scores.
We do not have a fixed UCAT threshold score when selecting for interview. The score threshold is based on the number of applicants and varies from year to year.
The UCAT threshold is set using the scores of applicants with GCSE scores. Anyone with GCSE equivalents will be selected for interview if they meet the same UCAT threshold score.
University of Sunderland
Sunderland does use the UCAT score to decide who to call for interview but the cut off has been relatively low over the years. If you are in the bottom 2 declines of the UCAT or Band 4 in SJT you will not be considered but there is also no guarantee of an interview if you score higher than this.
From the medical school website:-
All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) during the year in which they apply. Scores must be within top 8 deciles of the cohort and situational judgement test (SJT) must be within bands 1-3.
Shortlisting for interview is based on academic requirements, the Roles and Responsibilities form and UCAT score.
University of Liverpool
The UCAT score is combined with a score reflecting your GCSE performance. However the UCAT score accounts for 25% and the GCSE the rest, so you may be able to balance this out. Those who score the most points are called for interview.
From the medical school website: -
Combined Score: Weighing GCSE to UCAT is 3:1
Your application will be ranked on the basis of your combined score. When generating your combined score your original GCSE score will be multiplied by 3 before adding it to your UCAT score. This means that your combined overall score is weighted 3:1 in favour of your academic attainment over the UCAT test.
The BMAT medical schools.
This is an option. Remember for 2021 entry the BMAT will be sat in November after the deadline for UCAS submission. In addition, as I mentioned previously, this list includes Oxbridge so expect a higher calibre of candidates.
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
University of Cambridge
Imperial College London
Keele University (BMAT required for overseas students only)
Lancaster University
Leeds' School of Medicine
University of Oxford Medical School
University College London
Blue Peanut has a range of courses and workshops to help you get your medical school place. Over 98% of our students obtain offers from UK medical schools. Come to our UCAT Courses, MMI Medical School Interview Course and let us help you complete your UCAS Personal Statement for Medicine.
We also give you the opportunity to practice full mock MMI circuits with expert feedback from doctors who teach at medical schools.