Best UK Medical Schools to Apply with a Low UCAT Score – 2026 Entry Guide
Understanding UCAT Scores and What “Low UCAT score” Means.
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a standardised exam used by most UK medical schools. Scores vary each year, but the average UCAT score in recent years has been around 2500–2520 (historically out of 3600), which corresponds to roughly the 5th decile (50th percentile). In practical terms, a “low” UCAT score is often considered below this average – e.g. total score below ~2500 (around 610 per subtest, or 2440 total). If your UCAT is in this range or lower, you’ll need to be strategic in your applications.
With the removal of Abstract Reasoning from the UCAT exam in 2025, your overall score will now be the combined total of your marks in Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning, ranging now from 900 to 2700. This blog will frequently utilise the historical marks range.
Important: A low UCAT score does not mean you can’t get into medicine. Many applicants with below-average UCAT scores still secure interviews and offers by targeting schools that place less weight on the UCAT. It just means you should choose your medical schools carefully.
Below, we focus on 2026 entry information – highlighting UK medical schools known to be more UCAT-friendly (or that minimally use UCAT), and explaining their criteria. We’ll focus on undergraduate (standard-entry) medicine for home (UK) applicants, but will mention differences for international candidates and note graduate-entry considerations.
Applying Strategically with a Low UCAT: Key Strategies
If your UCAT is low, consider these tactics before selecting your four UCAS choices:
Target UCAT-light medical schools: Some universities use lower UCAT cut-offs or weigh other factors more heavily. Applying to these schools gives you a better chance. We detail many such programs in the next section.
Leverage strong academics (grades): Many UCAT-light schools compensate by emphasising academic achievements (A-levels, GCSEs). If you have strong grades or GCSE results, they can outweigh a low UCAT in certain schools’ selection formulas
Highlight your UCAS personal statement and experience: A couple of universities (notably Keele and Sunderland) heavily assess a written Roles & Responsibilities (R&R) form or UCAS personal statement in shortlisting. If you have substantial volunteering, work experience, and can demonstrate relevant skills, these schools are ideal for low UCAT applicants.
Avoid UCAT-heavy institutions: Steer clear of universities known for very high UCAT cut-offs or heavy UCAT weighting. For example, Newcastle, Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester, etc., often have cut-offs in the high 2700s or above for interview – these would be risky with a score in the low 2400s. Likewise, some schools rank applicants almost entirely by UCAT (e.g. King’s College London, Birmingham, etc.), so a low score would put you at a disadvantage.
Now, let’s look at specific UK medical schools that are more welcoming to applicants with lower UCAT scores. For each, we’ll explain how they use the UCAT in admissions and why they’re suitable for a low-UCAT strategy.
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UK Medical Schools to Consider with a Low UCAT Score (2026 Entry)
Below is an overview of medical schools (standard 5-year MBBS/MBBCh programs) that historically have been accessible to students with lower UCAT results.
Important disclaimer: Always double-check the latest admissions policies with the relevant medical school, but as of 2025–2026 entry, these schools either have lower UCAT thresholds, no strict cut-off, or place greater emphasis on other criteria. Medical schools can, and do, change their UCAT entry requirements, sometimes mid academic cycle.
Aston University – Emphasis on Academics, No UCAT Cut-Off
Why? Aston Medical School does not set a specific UCAT cut-off score. Aston explicitly states that “we do not have a lower cut-off score for UCAT or the Situational Judgment Test” – your UCAT is considered alongside other factors. In practice, Aston places a heavy weight on academic qualifications. They use a points-based system for GCSEs and A-Levels to rank applicants for interview, and then add a UCAT component, but the academic score dominates.
Academics: Aston scores 6 selected GCSEs (e.g. English, Maths, Sciences and best others) and 3 A-Levels. For example, achieving all A*/A (or 9/8/7) at GCSE and AAA at A-level yields full academic points (24 points). Historically, applicants with strong GCSEs (say 7–9s) have an advantage at Aston, even if their UCAT is mediocre. Tip: If your GCSE profile is excellent but your UCAT score is low, Aston is a great choice.
UCAT use: Rather than a cut-off, Aston converts your total UCAT score into a points score (out of 12 or similar), which is added to the academic points. For instance, one source notes, “there is no Aston UCAT cut off; the lowest UCAT interviewed in 2020 was 2110”, illustrating how they invited some applicants with relatively low UCAT scores if their academics were strong. SJT Band 4 is accepted (it doesn’t nullify your application, though it may not add points).
Outcome: Aston’s approach means someone with a low UCAT but top grades can still get an interview. Always check their latest scoring rubric, but in summary, academically strong students with UCAT ~2400s have been interviewed at Aston. As the official site confirms, all scores are considered with other entry requirements, and no section is automatically disqualifying.
Cardiff University – Heavy GCSE Weighting and Limited UCAT Emphasis
Why? Cardiff has traditionally been known for focusing on academic achievement (especially GCSEs) in selecting interview candidates, with UCAT only used as a tiebreaker or secondary factor. There is no fixed UCAT cut-off at Cardiff. If you have a stellar GCSE profile but a low UCAT, Cardiff could be a good option – but be aware it’s very competitive for non-Welsh applicants and requires near-perfect academics.
GCSE scoring: Cardiff scores the top 9 GCSEs (must include Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry or Double Science) on a 27-point scale: A* or 9/8 = 3 points, A or 7 = 2 points, B or 6 = 1 point. In recent cycles, an interview essentially required full GCSE points (27/27) for most home applicants, meaning all or nearly all 9s/8s at GCSE. This high bar is partly because Cardiff receives many strong applicants; UCAT was historically not used at all if you had max academic points, or only used to differentiate ties.
UCAT use: Officially, “we don’t have a minimum threshold score; however, we may use UCAT scores as part of our selection process”. In practice, Cardiff introduced a policy that if too many applicants have the maximum academic score, a UCAT cutoff might be applied to trim the pool. For example, for 2022 entry, Cardiff mentioned using a UCAT threshold when needed; the average UCAT of those invited was ~2490. This is around the national average, confirming that you don’t need a high UCAT for Cardiff if your grades are top-notch. The SJT score isn’t extensively used (possibly only as a final tiebreak).
Welsh applicants: Cardiff (and other Welsh and Scottish schools) give additional consideration to local applicants. Cardiff explicitly says Welsh-domiciled students are under-represented and may be given a slightly lower academic threshold. For an English applicant, effectively, you’ll likely need 9 A*S at GCSE (27 points) to compete, whereas a Welsh applicant might get an interview with slightly less. International applicants: Cardiff has a few international places and does not publish a separate UCAT cut-off, but typically international students also need very high academics.
Bottom line: If you have a low UCAT but straight A/A at GCSE*, Cardiff is viable (especially if you’re Welsh). Just note that it’s academically very selective; a low UCAT won’t hurt you here as long as your grades carry you (and you meet the minimum AAA at A-level). Cardiff remains one of the most GCSE-centric schools, using UCAT only as a backup filter.
Keele University – Personal Statement Focus with UCAT Threshold
Why? Keele is often recommended for low UCAT scorers because it historically placed much more weight on a “Roles & Responsibilities” (R&R) form (personal statement) and other factors than on UCAT. Keele does have a UCAT cut-off, but it’s relatively low (recently around the 20th percentile). For 2026 entry, Keele has updated its process: they use a combination of UCAT score (in quintiles) and UCAS Personal Statement score to shortlist home applicants. This means a strong personal statement can compensate for a modest UCAT.
UCAT requirement: Keele’s minimum UCAT for consideration is 2280 with SJT Band 3 (Band 4 or <2280 are rejected). 2280 is quite low – roughly the 4th–5th decile depending on the year. They then assign points by UCAT quintile: top 20% get 5 points, 2nd quintile 4 points, 3rd quintile 3 points, 4th quintile 2 points, and even the 5th quintile (as long as ≥2280) gets 1 point. In addition, SJT bands can add up to 2 points (Band 1 = +2, Band 2 = +1, Band 3 = 0). So UCAT (3600-scale) is effectively condensed to a score out of 7 for most, or up to 10 if you have contextual flags (Keele gives +1 for certain widening participation factors).
Personal Statement (R&R form): Applicants submit a detailed form evidencing their experiences against Keele’s “person specification” (qualities desired in a medical student). This is scored out of 15 by admissions tutors. Examples of qualities include teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, etc., and you must provide real examples from work/volunteering to demonstrate these. The personal statement score accounts for the majority of the shortlisting points (15 out of 25 total).
Selection for interview: Keele combines the UCAT-derived points and PS points into a Total Score out of 25. They then rank applicants by this total. For 2025 entry, the interview cutoff was 15/25 points (with some at 14/25 getting invites if their UCAT Verbal Reasoning was ≥600 as a tiebreak). This implies you didn’t need top UCAT or full marks; a middle quintile UCAT (3 points) plus a strong personal statement (say 12/15) could meet the threshold.
International applicants: Important: Keele handles international candidates differently. International applicants do not write the R&R form – they are ranked purely by UCAT score (with a minimum 1950 Band 3) for interviews. So if you are not a Home student, Keele becomes a UCAT-heavy choice(and a low UCAT is less likely to succeed). The discussion here is mainly for Home applicants.
Bottom line: For Home applicants with a low UCAT, Keele is one of the best choices. As long as you meet the minimum (which is relatively low), your fate lies mainly in how well you can articulate your experiences and qualities. A candidate with, say, UCAT 2350 (which might be 2 points) but an excellent personal statement score could still beat out someone with a higher UCAT but weaker experiences. Make sure to invest effort in your R&R form/personal statement to address Keele’s criteria. Keele is proof that a low UCAT “doesn’t mean you have no chance” – you need to shine in other areas.
University of Sunderland – Roles & Responsibilities Form and a Reasonable UCAT Threshold
Why? Sunderland’s selection process is very similar to Keele’s (not coincidentally – Sunderland’s medical school was developed in partnership with Keele). They require a UCAT above a certain threshold (top 8 deciles) and then use an “Interview Selection Tool” (basically an R&R form) to decide interviews. If your UCAT is low-average but not extremely low (roughly 20th percentile or higher), Sunderland could be a strong option, especially if you have substantive volunteering or caring experience to talk about.
UCAT requirement: Sunderland requires applicants to be within the top 8 deciles for UCAT and SJT band 1–3. In other words, your UCAT must be above the 20th percentile of the cohort. In 2024 entry terms, they cited this was “generally around 2280” as the cutoff. So roughly UCAT ≥ 2280 with Band 1–3 is needed (Band 4 is an auto-rejection). They do not publicly rank by exact score beyond this – they use it as an eligibility filter.
Roles & Responsibilities (R&R) Form: All applicants who meet the academics and UCAT threshold are invited to complete Sunderland’s Interview Selection Tool (IST) This is effectively a form where “applicants are encouraged to write about and reflect on work experiences… [to] develop the skills and attributes needed for a career in medicine.” It mirrors Keele’s approach, scoring your responses on various non-academic criteria. The IST (plus maybe a short numeracy test they introduced) is used to shortlist for an interview.
Implication for low UCAT: As long as your UCAT is not extremely low (again ~2280+), Sunderland will consider you. Once you pass that UCAT hurdle, it’s all about your achievements and reflections in the R&R form. Someone with UCAT 2300 is at no disadvantage relative to someone with 2800, as both count as “above threshold” – what matters next is the content of your form. Sunderland explicitly states that they shortlist based on the interview selection tool, academic requirements, and UCAT score. Still, in practice, the UCAT score is mainly yes/no (top 80% or not) and doesn’t further rank candidates beyond that threshold.
International: Sunderland has minimal international places (and some years none at all). They require the same top 8 deciles from international applicants; realistically, very few international applicants with low UCAT will get in because of fierce competition for those few spots.
Conclusion: For a home applicant with a low UCAT (say 2400) but strong relevant experience (volunteering in a care home, hospital shadowing, leadership in a charity, etc.), Sunderland is a wise choice. It’s a newer school with a small intake (~50 home students), and they value the qualitative aspects of your application highly. Make sure you meet the minimum GCSE/A-level requirements and spend time crafting the R&R form. Many applicants with just average UCATs have succeeded here by impressing with their written form.
Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) – Generous UCAT Threshold & Contextual Admissions
Why? KMMS is a relatively new medical school (opened in 2020) that takes a very holistic and contextual approach. They explicitly use a “generous UCAT threshold” – historically around the mid-2400s – and focus on identifying potential in applicants relative to their educational background. If your UCAT is around average or a bit below, KMMS might shortlist you, especially if you come from a less typical or less advantaged background.
UCAT threshold: KMMS sets a UCAT cut-off each year, but it’s not excessively high. For example, for 2022 entry, the threshold was 2470 (44th percentile) with SJT Band 3 or better. In the 2023 entry, the lowest interviewed UCAT was also 2470 for both home and international. They won’t announce the exact cutoff in advance, but it’s usually around the 4th–5th decile. Band 4 SJT is not accepted (applicants with Band 4 are rejected).
Contextual scoring: KMMS is unique in that it assesses your academic achievements in the context of your school performance. They look at how your GCSE and A-level results compare to your school’s average, for instance. This means a student from an underperforming school with slightly lower grades might be viewed equivalently to someone from a top school with higher grades – they “pioneer” this contextual idea to widen access. Strong applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds have a boost, and conversely, very advantaged applicants are expected to have higher stats. This can indirectly help a lower UCAT applicant who has strong academics or context to showcase.
Selection process: First, you must meet minimum entry requirements (A-level AAB including sciences, GCSE 5 Bs including sciences and English/Maths, etc.). Then, KMMS applies the UCAT cutoff (e.g. ~2470). Everyone above the UCAT threshold is evaluated based on a combination of UCAT and academics. They haven’t publicly detailed the exact formula, but they mention UCAT is used alongside other criteria in the initial assessment. In past cycles, the average UCAT of those interviewed was around 2625, indicating many below-average scorers were included. KMMS then interviews and offers based on performance in MMIs.
Important details: KMMS accepts both UCAT and GAMSAT (graduates can apply with GAMSAT instead) – one of the few schools to allow either test. Also, they do not use predicted A-levels in selection and don’t heavily weigh personal statements (though you should still articulate commitment to medicine). SJT Band 4 is an automatic rejection, as noted.
International: KMMS does admit a small number of international students. Interestingly, data shows the UCAT threshold for international was the same as home in recent years(2470). International applicants are assessed similarly but have fewer seats, so meeting the threshold is essential.
Bottom line: KMMS can be a smart pick if your UCAT is, say, in the mid-2400s. You’ll pass their cutoff, and then your academics (especially if you performed well relative to your school average) and non-academic attributes come into play. They explicitly state “our policies and procedures are different to most UK medical schools”– meaning they look beyond just the top scores. If you are a “resilient all-rounder” with a decent but not stellar UCAT, KMMS is worth considering. Just ensure you also have good grades (they still want at least AAB at A-level or equivalent) and a solid understanding of NHS values and caring experience to discuss if interviewed.
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) – Academic Scoring System with Low UCAT Weighting
Why? QUB uses a point-based selection in which academic achievement counts for the vast majority (87.5%) of points and UCAT for only 12.5%. In concrete terms, QUB allocates up to 36 points for GCSEs and 6 points for UCAT, totalling 42 points. This means that an applicant with excellent GCSEs and a mediocre UCAT can still score very high overall. Historically, Queen’s has had one of the lowest UCAT influences among UK medical schools.
GCSE-centric scoring: QUB looks at your best 9 GCSEs. The scoring is: A* (grade 9) = 4 points, A (7/8) = 3 points, B (6) = 2 points, C (5/4) = 1 point. So straight As = 36 points. Even a mix of A/A/B can yield a score in the 30s. They require a minimum C/4 in Maths, English and sciences, but essentially to be competitive, you want as many As/A*s as possible.
UCAT scoring: Your UCAT total score (out of 3600) is converted to a score out of 6. For example, QUB has used bands like: 2700–2899 = 5 points, 2500–2699 = 4 points, 2300–2499 = 3 points, etc., down to <1900 = 0. Roughly, every ~200 points in UCAT equals an extra point. Importantly, the maximum UCAT contribution is 6 points (for ~2900+). So, even a very high UCAT only gives you 6/42 points. This is why someone with, say, 2400 UCAT (3 points) but near-perfect GCSEs (let’s say 34/36) would have 37 points total – enough for an interview in many years.
Cut-off trends: The cut-off score (GCSE+UCAT combined) varies by year. Recent data: for 2023 entry, the threshold to get an interview was 38/42 points; for 2022, it was 37; earlier years it was lower (32 in 2021 when fewer top-grade GCSEs were due to grading changes). In 2023, essentially you needed the equivalent of 9 A*S (36 points) and at least 2 points from UCAT, which could be achieved with a UCAT of ~2100+. Indeed, the lowest UCAT score invited to interview in 2021 was 2160(with strong academics). This indicates that QUB will interview candidates with relatively low UCAT scores if their academic performance compensates. SJT band: QUB doesn’t use SJT in interview selection (only possibly as a tie-break post-interview).
International and graduate notes: QUB has a separate quota for NI (Northern Ireland) applicants, “RUK” applicants, and international. The scoring system remains the same, but note that international candidates also need a similarly high total of points. For instance, in one cycle, the cut-off was 38 points for both home and international (as both are scored together). Graduates are assessed by the same system too (though they must meet slightly different grade requirements). The takeaway: all applicants need a strong points total, but UCAT is only a small slice of that. Graduates can also get a slight boost if they have a high-class degree (QUB awards a few extra points for achieved A-levels or a 1st-class degree).
Bottom line: QUB is ideal if you have excellent GCSEs and at least an okay UCAT. For example, a student with all 9s and 8s at GCSE (let’s say 34 points) and UCAT 2300 (3 points) = 37 points, which in some years is just at or just below the cut-off. With a UCAT of ~2400 (4 points) that would be 38 points, likely securing an interview. So you do not need a high UCAT for Queen’s – you need a respectable one, but you can miss the top deciles by a wide margin and still be fine if your academics shine. Conversely, if your GCSEs are weaker (e.g. a couple of Bs), even a high UCAT won’t save you here, which is why QUB is a strategic pick only for those with strong academics. For low-UCAT, high-GCSE candidates, QUB is one of the most supportive choices in the UK.
University of East Anglia (UEA) – Moderately Low Cut-Off with Holistic Scoring (Honourable Mention)
Why? UEA (Norwich Medical School) wasn’t explicitly in the user’s list, but it’s worth a quick mention. UEA does use UCAT for selection, but historically their UCAT cut-off for interview has been around the mid-range (often in the 2400s or low 2500s for home students). They score applicants by a combination of UCAT and academics (GCSEs and A-level predictions), and even give credit for an SJT Band 1 (which can count towards interview score). For example, for 2024 entry, UEA’s interview threshold was reported as 2450 UCAT, which is around the national average, meaning half of interviewees had UCAT below 2450. If your UCAT is just slightly below average, UEA could be a viable option. They also tend to balance the application by awarding points for A* predictions at A-level, etc.
In summary, UEA is relatively forgiving on UCAT compared to UCAT-heavy schools, though not as much as those listed above. It’s a good “middle-ground” choice for an applicant with a low 2500s UCAT. (Do check the latest, as cut-offs can fluctuate.)
Other Schools & Alternatives for Low UCAT Applicants
University of Buckingham (Private) – As mentioned earlier, Buckingham is a unique case: it’s a private medical school (4.5-year MB ChB) that does NOT require UCAT at all. Selection is based on academics (they expect at least BBB at A-level minimum, though higher is advisable), a situational judgement style computer test, and an interview (MMI/OSCE). If you have a low UCAT and want to avoid standardised tests altogether, Buckingham is an option – but be aware of the drawbacks: tuition fees are very high (around £38,000 per year), the NHS does not fund it for tuition, and class size is small. The program is GMC-approved (on track for accreditation as it has run for several years now). For students who can manage the cost or secure funding, Buckingham provides a route into medicine without any admissions test barrier (Another private program is the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), which historically did not require UCAT for international or local students. However, as of 2024, UCLan now requires UCAT for UK applicants and uses it in selection, though their average interviewee UCAT was ~2597, which is moderate by national standards. They also restrict applications to those from the North West region for home students.)
Scotland and Wales Domicile Considerations: If you are a Scottish or Welsh applicant with a low UCAT, applying to your home nation universities can be advantageous. Scottish medical schools (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, St. Andrews) often have separate quotas for “Home Scottish” vs “RUK” (rest of UK) applicants. Scottish applicants sometimes get in with lower UCAT scores than RUK applicants due to these reserved spots. For example, the University of Aberdeen’s lowest UCAT for a Scottish school-leaver invited to interview was around 2370–2440 in recent years, whereas RUK applicants needed around 2700+ that same year. Similarly, Cardiff gives extra consideration to Welsh applicants. So, if you’re from a devolved nation, a slightly lower UCAT might stretch further in your local medical schools. English applicants, conversely, usually face higher requirements when applying to Scottish/Welsh schools (e.g., Edinburgh explicitly said RUK applicants effectively needed very high UCATs, averaging near 2990 for interview in 2023). Always check each school’s policy if this applies to you.
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) Note: Our focus is on undergraduate entry, but if you’re a graduate applicant with a low UCAT, know that many 4-year graduate programs use the GAMSAT instead of UCAT (e.g., Warwick, Swansea, St. George’s GEM, Nottingham GEM). If UCAT didn’t go well, you could consider sitting the GAMSAT and applying to those programs, which bypass UCAT entirely. On the other hand, a few graduate courses do use UCAT (Newcastle’s grad program, Warwick, etc.) – these often have high UCAT cut-offs (Warwick tends to expect top 30% UCAT for interview). As a grad, you can also apply to standard undergrad courses; the schools we listed (like Keele, Sunderland, QUB, etc.) will consider graduates (often requiring at least a 2:1 degree) and usually apply the same criteria. For example, graduates applying to QUB still benefit from the GCSE/UCAT scoring system, and QUB notes that the lowest UCAT for a graduate with a 2:1 who got an offer was 2820 (which was for 2023 entry). So, graduates with low UCAT scores should either target UCAT-light undergraduate programs or consider GAMSAT routes.
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Final Thoughts: Maximising Success with a Low UCAT
A low UCAT score might rule out a few of the most UCAT-focused medical schools, but it doesn’t spell the end of your medical ambitions by any means. Many UK medical schools take a more balanced view of applicants. To recap key points for 2026 entry:
Apply tactically: Choose universities like Keele, Sunderland, Cardiff, Aston, KMMS, QUB, etc., where a low UCAT won’t automatically exclude you and where your other strengths can shine. These schools have either historically low cut-offs or alternative selection criteria that can compensate for UCAT.
Emphasise your strengths: Whether it’s academic excellence (GCSEs/A-levels), a compelling personal statement detailing significant caring work, or contextual factors in your background, make sure those aspects stand out in your application. Admissions tutors will consider the “whole applicant” at many of these universities, not just a test score
Check updated policies: While we’ve used the latest data available (for 2025/2026 entry) in this guide, universities do occasionally tweak their processes. Always verify on the official admissions websites for the most current details. For instance, Cardiff now openly states they may use a UCAT threshold if needed, and Keele/Sunderland recently modified their shortlisting procedures – these nuances matter.
International applicants: If you’re an international student with a low UCAT, note that your options may be narrower. Many of the mentioned schools accept international candidates, but in small numbers, so the competition (and thus the effective UCAT needed) can be higher. For example, Keele and Sunderland rank internationals by UCAT alone, and other schools might require a higher UCAT for non-UK students to fill the limited quota. However, some new schools like Brunel focus heavily on international intake and don’t impose a strict cut-off (they rank UCAT but consider personal statements too). Be sure to research each target school’s international policy.
Graduate applicants: As discussed, consider GAMSAT routes or the UCAT-light schools for standard entry. Also, some graduate-entry programs (like Nottingham GEM, Swansea) are entirely GAMSAT-based and won’t care about your UCAT at all, which can be a lifesaver if UCAT isn’t your forte.
Finally, remember that determination and strategy go hand-in-hand. A low UCAT might mean you have to be more resourceful in your application choices. Still, by focusing on the right universities and showcasing your other qualities, you can land interviews and offers. Many successful medical students were in your shoes – they applied smartly and played to their strengths. As one guide wisely noted, a low UCAT only eliminates particular possibilities, “not that you have no possibility of receiving an offer”. With the information above and thorough preparation, you can make your low UCAT score just one minor footnote in your journey to medical school, rather than a roadblock. Good luck with your 2026 applications!
