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, and Manchester often have cut-offs in the high 2700s or above for interviews – 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.
➡️ Are you ready to turn your interview into an offer? - Book our Medical School Interview Course (taught by NHS doctors who teach at 3 UK medical schools) or join our MMI mock circuits for targeted prep.
Gain knowledge and skills in our Medical School Interview Course. Taught by Doctors who teach at 3 UK Medical Schools 🏆
Assessment and Feedback with 4 Mock MMI Interviews: Learn where you went wrong and how to put things right. ✅
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 score for a graduate with a 2:1 who received an offer was 2820 (for 2023 entry). So, graduates with low UCAT scores should either target UCAT-light undergraduate programs or consider GAMSAT routes.
➡️ Have a low UCAT score? Make sure you convert it into an offer! Book our Medical School Interview Course– taught by NHS doctors who teach at three UK Medical Schools – and get expert coaching on how to excel at your interviews.
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!
FAQ: Applying to Medicine with a Low UCAT Score
Q1. What is considered a “low” UCAT score?
A: It depends on the year’s averages, but generally a “low” UCAT is one below the national average (around 2500). In recent years, 2500 was approximately at the 50th percentile, or the 5th decile. So, anything in the low 2400s or below would be considered low relative to typical applicant pools. For instance, a score of 2400 was roughly between the 30th and 40th percentile in some cycles. Many people use “below 2500” or “4th decile and below” as a rough guideline for a low UCAT. Importantly, a low UCAT doesn’t necessarily mean poor performance across all sections—you might have done okay in some but had one bad section—but it indicates that your total score is not competitive at the most selective UCAT universities. In 2025, remember that the scale will now be out of 2700 (instead of 3600). The equivalent “low” threshold would be about 1800 (since 1800/2700 is roughly the 66th percentile if the average score is around 2000, though we will know exact deciles after the first 2025 cohort). In short, if your UCAT score places you in the bottom half of test-takers, that’s considered “low” for medical school admissions purposes. You should apply strategically to universities where top UCAT scores are not mandatory.
Q2. Can I still get into medical school with a UCAT below 2500 (or in the 4th decile)?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. Many applicants with UCAT scores in the 2300s or 2400s (and occasionally in the 2200s) secure interviews and offers each year – the key is applying to the right medical schools. Universities like Keele, Sunderland, Cardiff, Aston, Kent & Medway, Queen’s Belfast, Leicester, Plymouth, and others, as mentioned above, have historically accepted applicants in these UCAT ranges because they either set low cutoffs or weigh other factors heavily. For instance, Keele’s cutoff was 2280 (very low), and they then focus on your personal statement; Cardiff interview candidates with around 2450 UCAT if their GCSEs were superb; Queen’s Belfast invited people with about 2160 UCAT because of their high academic scores. The data demonstrates that it’s quite achievable. Conversely, you won’t be competitive at UCAT-focused schools like Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow, etc., where cutoffs can be 2700+. However, by choosing wisely, you can definitely get into medicine with a below-average UCAT. Each year, a significant number of medical students come from the middle or lower end of the UCAT spectrum – they simply applied strategically. The key is to offset a low UCAT with strong academics, experiences, or other strengths, depending on each school’s criteria. Also, ensure you don’t have an SJT Band 4, as many schools won’t accept Band 4 even if the total UCAT score is acceptable.
Q3. Which UK medical schools do not have a UCAT cut-off?
A: A few medical schools explicitly state they have no fixed UCAT cutoff for shortlisting. Notably: Aston University (no minimum UCAT, they assess academics and UCAT together); Cardiff University (no set cutoff, UCAT is only used if there are too many top academic applicants); the University of Birmingham (no strict cutoff, they use a scoring system with 40% UCAT and 60% academics – though in practice, a reasonably good score is needed to reach interview stage); Liverpool (no formal cutoff in some years, though effectively they have an internal threshold that varies – for example, 2310 for 2024); Cambridge (now uses UCAT but holistically, with no public cutoff yet); Imperial/UCL/Leeds (new to UCAT in 2024, likely no set cutoff in the first year but to be confirmed). Additionally, UEA (Norwich) does not have a predefined cutoff – they rank applicants by UCAT and other factors, and the “cutoff” is simply the score of the last person who received an interview, which was around 2450 in 2024. Kent & Medway (KMMS) does not announce a specific number in advance either, but they operate a generous threshold (around 2470–2500 historically). It is important to differentiate “no set cutoff” from “very high competitiveness”: e.g., King’s College London states they have no cutoff but effectively require very high scores through ranking. Conversely, Aston and Cardiff do not eliminate candidates solely based on UCAT as long as other criteria are met. Keele and Sunderland have cutoffs (2280 for Keele, top 8 deciles for Sunderland), but these are quite low. In summary, schools with officially no minimum UCAT include Aston, Cardiff, possibly Birmingham, UEA (implicitly), and all former BMAT schools (for now). However, always read the fine print: even without a cutoff, a low score still needs to be compensated for by other strengths.
Q4. How do medical schools use UCAT scores in selecting who gets an interview?
A: It varies widely by school:
Some med schools use a hard UCAT cutoff. They set a minimum score (which may be decided after applications close) and invite everyone who exceeds it. For example, Plymouth uses a cutoff (e.g., 2210 in 2024), and Sheffield also uses one (for 2025, they set 1800 on the new scale, mainly to cut off Band 4 and very low scores). This method doesn’t rank applicants by UCAT beyond meeting or not meeting the threshold.
Some rank all applicants by UCAT score (after filtering academics) and take the top X%. This is particularly true of UCAT-heavy schools like Newcastle, Manchester, and Bristol – if they have 100 interview spots and 1,000 applicants, they’ll sort by UCAT and select the top 100. In this scenario, the “cutoff” is simply the score of the last person who got an interview, but it’s not predetermined – it might be, say, 2850 if that’s the 80th percentile of applicants.
Many use hybrid scoring systems: they give you points for UCAT and points for academics, maybe even points for things like SJT or contextual factors, then rank by total. Examples: Leicester (50% academics, 50% UCAT), Queen’s Belfast (87.5% academics, 12.5% UCAT), Hull York (they have a points system out of 100 with UCAT and GCSE and SJT components), Barts (Queen Mary) (they combine UCAT and UCAS tariff 50:50). In these cases, a lower UCAT can be offset by a higher academic score.
Some institutions incorporate the UCAT into tiers or thresholds rather than a linear scale. For example, Keele groups UCAT scores into quintiles (maximum 5 points), Sunderland uses the top 8 deciles as a yes/no filter, and KMMS applies a threshold without further differentiation except as part of a holistic review.
After interviews, some schools even factor UCAT into final scoring for offers (e.g. UEA and Birmingham do in small ways), but many do not.
In summary, each medical school has its own approach: some treat UCAT as a strict gatekeeper, while others see it as just one part of the application process. The schools we mention as more UCAT-friendly either don’t place much emphasis on it (like QUB, Cardiff) or have a low enough threshold that many below-average scorers are still considered (like Keele, Sunderland, KMMS). We strongly recommend reading each target school’s admissions policy on how they utilise UCAT – most universities publish details on their website, such as “How we select for interview,” which will clarify if there is a cutoff or a scoring method. This will help you assess your chances based on your UCAT score.
Q5. Is a Band 4 in SJT an automatic rejection?
A: In most cases, unfortunately, SJT Band 4 will significantly damage or end your chances at the application stage. Most UCAT-affiliated universities have a policy of not considering Band 4 applicants. For example, Keele states: “Applicants with SJT Band 4 will not be considered”; Sunderland requires SJT Bands 1–3; and universities like Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol, St Andrews, and many others also exclude Band 4 outright. Band 4 indicates the bottom quartile for situational judgement and is viewed as a red flag concerning non-academic attributes. Some schools might not reject Band 4 before interview but will deduct points either during selection or at the offer stage. For instance, Newcastle used to still interview Band 4 candidates if UCAT was high but awarded a lower score in the final ranking; Birmingham allows Band 4 to interview if the overall score is sufficient but subtracts points for it in their post-interview score; Glasgow until recently accepted Band 4 for interview (they just emphasised that a high UCAT is needed). However, from 2025 entry onwards, an increasing number of schools simply exclude Band 4 altogether. Edinburgh explicitly stated they won’t consider Band 4. Cambridge and Oxford (which now use UCAT) might still consider Band 4 since they review all aspects (though this is not confirmed, as they haven’t specified SJT cut-offs yet). If you unfortunately received Band 4, the safest approach is to apply to the few institutions that do not emphasise SJT or have not made it a deal-breaker (perhaps some new UCAT adopters like Cambridge, or graduate courses using GAMSAT). Generally, however, Band 4 severely restricts your options. Band 3 is usually acceptable (some places like Keele cap the points for Band 3—in Keele, Band 3 gives 0 points; Band 2 grants +1, and Band 1 grants +2 in their scoring). Therefore, Band 3 is fine in most places (just not as advantageous as Bands 1 or 2), while Band 4 poses a challenge. Always check each university’s requirements: the Medical Schools Council entry requirements document often lists “SJT: Band 4 not considered” where applicable. In summary, if you have Band 4, you need to be extra careful—or consider taking the BMAT in 2023 (when it still existed) or re-sitting UCAT next year. If Band 4 is paired with a strong overall UCAT score and you are determined to apply this year, perhaps target Cambridge or a private institution like Buckingham that does not use UCAT at all.
Q6. Should I take the BMAT or GAMSAT instead if my UCAT is low?
A: The BMAT, which was required by a few UK med schools in the past, is no longer available – it was discontinued after the 2022 exam (for the 2023 entry cycle). All the med schools that previously used BMAT have switched to UCAT starting with the 2024 entry. So, if you’re applying in 2025 or later, you cannot use BMAT to compensate for a low UCAT score for standard undergraduate entry. There is talk of a new test (similar to UCAT for Oxbridge), but currently, assume UCAT is universal for UK undergraduate medicine (except possibly a college-specific Cambridge test for 2024 entry only). Therefore, you cannot avoid UCAT unless you apply to a private university like Buckingham, which doesn’t use it, or possibly some specific programmes that accept GAMSAT. The GAMSAT is mainly used for Graduate-Entry Medicine (GEM). If you’re a graduate or in your final year of your degree, you could sit GAMSAT and apply to graduate-only courses at universities like Warwick, Swansea, St. George’s, etc., where UCAT scores won’t matter. Some standard courses also accept GAMSAT scores from graduates (for example, KMMS and a few others). But if you’re a school leaver or non-graduate, GAMSAT courses are not open to you. In short: for school leavers with a low UCAT, there is no alternative test to switch to (since BMAT has been discontinued). Your best strategy is to apply to UCAT-light schools, as previously discussed, or consider taking a gap year to retake UCAT if you believe you could significantly improve your score—and perhaps strengthen other areas of your application during the gap. For graduates, sitting GAMSAT provides a viable alternative – it’s a very different exam that tests science and humanities knowledge, requiring intensive preparation, but some find they perform better in GAMSAT than UCAT. Keep timing in mind: UCAT is usually taken between July and September, while GAMSAT is typically in September (for the following year's entry) or March (for same-year entry in some cases). It’s generally not feasible to submit applications with both in the same cycle unless you plan ahead. Ultimately, for most applicants, the best approach is to accept and work with your UCAT result and apply strategically, rather than seeking another test. Focus on your academic strengths and experiences. Only graduates have the option of an alternative exam route within the UK system.
Q7. Would applying to fewer than four UCAT universities help if my score is low (should I use my 5th UCAS choice for something else)?
A: You have four choices for medicine on your UCAS form. Some candidates with a low UCAT consider using one of these for a non-medicine course (like biomedical science) as a backup. The idea is that if they believe they won’t get four interviews, at least they have an alternative plan. However, whether this is advisable depends on your confidence in your strategic choices. If you follow the guidance and apply to four UCAT-friendly medical schools, you increase your chances of securing an interview somewhere. Many advisors would still recommend using all four choices for medicine – just select wisely. Remember, even with a low UCAT, there are more than four suitable medical schools (we listed around 8–10), so you can find four good options. For example, applying to Keele, Sunderland, QUB, and Aston gives a strong likelihood of at least 1-2 interview invites if the rest of your application is competitive. Conversely, if your academic record is borderline, your UCAT is low, and you are generally worried, reserving one slot for a non-medical course could secure a university place if medicine doesn’t work out. It won’t directly improve your medicine application (each choice is independent), but it acts as a safety net. Also, you can consider applying to a Medicine with Foundation Year programme as one of your four choices if you meet widening access criteria – these typically have slightly lower UCAT thresholds. For instance, Bristol’s foundation year or Nottingham’s A108 may accept a lower UCAT score with contextual flags. However, only apply to those if eligible. In summary, using all four choices for medicine is advisable if you carefully choose low-UCAT-friendly schools, since you only need one offer. But if you and your advisers feel your profile is too weak even for those, selecting one non-medical choice remains a personal decision (just remember that this choice will require a different personal statement or a supplementary one, as your main PS is about medicine). Most low-UCAT applicants who strategise effectively tend to fill all four with medicine, and many achieve at least one.
Q8. What can I do to improve my chances if I decide to reapply next year with a lower UCAT score?
A: If you don’t receive any offers this time and plan to reapply, consider how you might improve your UCAT or overall application. For UCAT: dedicate more time to preparation, use question banks, and perhaps try again at a different time (earlier versus later in the testing window) to see if you perform better when fresher versus more practised. Candidates often improve on a second attempt now that they understand what to expect. Also, analyse which section held you back (was it Abstract Reasoning? That’s now removed in 2025, which might help some candidates; or was it timing in VR or QR? – focus on improving those skills). Besides the UCAT, strengthen your application: gain more hands-on experience (volunteering, work in healthcare) and be ready to discuss it; enhance your academic record if necessary (e.g., retake A-levels if you missed a grade – but note that most medical schools only accept one retake attempt and some do not accept any, check their policies). If you received interview rejections, work on your interview skills – practise more, seek feedback (consider attending a mock MMI course, such as the one offered by Blue Peanut, to identify areas for improvement). Reapplicants can and do gain entry into medicine – often, on the second try, they are much stronger. Also, re-evaluate your school choices: perhaps you aimed too high with your UCAT target schools last time; next time, ensure all choices are realistic based on your stats. The good news is that for 2026 entry and beyond, the data and experiences from 2025 (with the new UCAT format) will be available, enabling you to refine your targets. Keep an eye on forums or Freedom of Information requests for updated cutoffs each cycle. Finally, consider whether graduate entry (with GAMSAT) or a related field (such as physician associate) is an option for you – just to have a long-term plan. But if medicine remains your dream, a low UCAT score is a hurdle you can overcome through persistence, smart planning, and possibly a stronger second attempt. Many doctors today did not get in on their first try – it’s not the end of the road. Use this year to grow, and come back with renewed vigour!
