The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is now the standard admissions test for almost every UK medical school. With the BMAT officially retired, even Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial now use UCAT for 2025/26 entry. The UCAT no longer tests for abstract reasoning (2025 cycle).
So the big question is: what UCAT score do you actually need do get into medicine?
UCAT Cut-Off Scores from Top UK Medical Schools
Looking at last year’s numbers (2024/25 entry, old /3600 scale):
- Average cut-off (Home students): ~2610
- Highest thresholds: Bristol (3010), UCL (2800), Oxford shortlist ≈3090
- Lower thresholds: Liverpool (2310), Leicester (2270), Edinburgh (2470)
👉 Translation: 2600 is a safe baseline. 2800+ keeps every door open — especially at competitive schools like Bristol, UCL and Oxford.
⚠️ Note on the new UCAT format: From 2025 entry onwards, Abstract Reasoning has been removed. The test is now scored out of 2700 (VR, DM, QR only). Universities haven’t published new cut-offs yet, but the percentile equivalents remain the same. For example:
- 2600 (/3600) ≈ 1950 (/2700)
- 2800 (/3600) ≈ 2100 (/2700)
- 3000 (/3600) ≈ 2250 (/2700)
👉 For the full table of UK medical schools (old + new equivalents), check out: UCAT Requirements and Cut-Offs for All UK Medical Schools (2025/26 Entry).
UCAT Preparation: Top 3 Tips from High Scorers
- Start early & be consistent Don’t leave it until August. Two or three short practice sessions a week from spring builds pattern recognition and confidence.
- Use trusted UCAT resources Use the ISC UCAT book and then the official UCAT mocks.
- Drill your weaknesses High scorers don’t just keep doing what they’re good at. They deliberately practise weaker sections (often QR or Abstract Reasoning in the old test) until scores rise.
Don’t Forget the SJT
Some medical schools take the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) very seriously. A Band 4 score can mean instant rejection at places like King’s.
Final Thought
If I were applying today, I’d set these targets:
- ~1950 (/2700) as a safe minimum.
- ~2100 (/2700) to stay competitive for the top-tier schools.
Remember: the UCAT opens doors, but it doesn’t guarantee offers. Interviews, personal statements, and work experience are just as important.
At The Med Den, we help students prepare smarter — from UCAT to applications to interviews.
👉 Ready to build your UCAT strategy? Visit themedden.org.