Scoring & Results

How is UCAT scored?

The UCAT scoring process is complicated, and Pearson VUE uses complex statistical analysis to arrive at a candidate’s UCAT score, based upon the answers they select.

Cognitive Subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning)

The UCAT is marked on the number of correct answers candidates give with no negative marking for incorrect answers. The number of questions varies between the four cognitive subtests so it is not possible to make a direct comparison of the raw marks between these subtests. For each subtest, raw marks are converted to scaled scores ranging from 300 to 900.

Scores in each of the four cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning) are combined to form an overall UCAT cognitive subtest score, which ranges from 1200 to 3600.

Situational Judgement

For the Situational Judgement subtest, full marks are awarded for a question if a candidate’s response matches the correct answer and partial marks awarded if their response is close to the correct answer. Scores are then given in one of four bands, with band 1 being the highest:

  • Band 1: Those in Band 1 demonstrated an excellent level of performance, showing similar judgement in most cases to the panel of experts.
  • Band 2: Those in Band 2 demonstrated a good, solid level of performance, showing appropriate judgement frequently, with many responses matching model answers.
  • Band 3: Those in Band 3 demonstrated a modest level of performance, with appropriate judgement shown for some questions and substantial differences from ideal responses for others.
  • Band 4: The performance of those in Band 4 was low, with judgement tending to differ substantially from ideal responses in many cases.

How and when will I receive my UCAT score?

Candidates will receive a copy of their score before leaving the test centre, and after 24 hours can access the score through their UCAT account.

In mid-September UCAT Official will publish preliminary mean scores and deciles as a guide to students to interpret their scores. This is because before then, not all candidates will have taken their test. After the testing ends, final mean scores, deciles and percentiles will be published, which will provide students with information on what constitutes a good UCAT score.

How will results be delivered to universities?

In early November, UCAT delivers candidates’ results directly to their chosen universities. UCAT ANZ results will be delivered to chosen UK universities if candidates complete an online form for the UCAT office.

UCAT scores and UCAS choices

As candidates receive their UCAT test results before the UCAS deadline they should ensure they use their results to help inform their UCAS choices, otherwise they might be wasting an application.

To improve chances of securing a place in medical school, it is important to use UCAT scores, predicted A-Level grades and GCSEs strategically.

What is a good UCAT score?

There is no minimum score for UCAT. Some universities accept applications for all scores, but some other medical schools have a UCAT score threshold .

Generally, a good UCAT score would be a total cognitive UCAT subtest score of above 2800. This would mean getting an average score of above 700 for each subtest. In 2022, this score would have placed a candidate in the 8th decile. A high score of above 3000, (around 750 per subtest) would place a candidate in the 9th decile.

A low score of around 2440 or below (around 610 per subtest) means that the candidate is approximately in the 40th percentile. Candidates who receive a low UCAT score should consider applying to universities that place less emphasis on UCAT or they can choose to sit the BMAT. However, it is not recommended that candidates apply to four BMAT universities as candidates will not know their score before applying.

However, it is important to remember that percentiles can vary every year. UCAT percentiles are a comparison of a candidate’s performance against others sitting UCAT UK in the same year. This means to achieve a ‘good score’ is to perform well in UCAT compared to others.

It is important to realise that a candidate’s application may not be considered if they do not reach the threshold score in SJT for their preferred universities.

What can I do if I score low in UCAT?

Although it may feel like the end of the world if your UCAT score is not what you expected, there are several other pathways and getting into medicine is certainly possible. Candidates’ options include:

  • Apply as a school leaver to universities which place a lower emphasis on UCAT
  • Take the BMAT entry exam*, used by a limited number of UK medical schools
  • Undertake a Foundation/Gateway year (if the candidate meets the specific Widening Participation criteria)
  • Take a gap year after completion of A levels, resit the UCAT and then reapply to medicine
  • Apply to an undergraduate degree with an option to transfer into medicine
  • Apply to study medicine abroad
  • Apply for an undergraduate degree to then pursue Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) or graduate entry onto an undergraduate medical course

*Cambridge Admissions Testing have announced that the BMAT will be discontinued from next year (2025 entry) and are yet to announce alternative admissions procedures. However, the BMAT will run as per usual this year for the final time.