Staring at your UCAT score and wondering if your medical school dreams are over? You’re not alone. With the major changes to UCAT 2025, thousands of students are feeling lost about what their scores actually mean and which universities they can realistically apply to.
The truth is, even with a lower-than-hoped-for UCAT score, medical school is still very much within reach. What matters most is understanding the new 2025 scoring system and applying strategically to universities that match your strengths.
How UCAT Scoring Changed in 2025 (And Why Your Score Isn’t Comparable to Previous Years)
UCAT 2025 Changes You Must Know
Abstract Reasoning Removed
Maximum score reduced from 3600 to 2700 points
Extended Timings
Decision Making: 37min (6 extra questions), Quantitative Reasoning: 26min
New Score Range
Each section: 300-900 points (Total: 900-2700)
Proportional Thresholds
University cut-offs will adjust proportionally
The UCAT Consortium removed Abstract Reasoning because research showed it had “lower predictive validity” and was “highly coachable” compared to other sections. Studies consistently demonstrated that Abstract Reasoning was less effective at predicting university success and could be significantly improved through practice, making it a less fair measure of natural aptitude.
What UCAT Scores You Actually Need for Medical School in 2025
UCAT 2025 Score Guide (Based on Official 2024 Data)
Excellent: 2110+ total
Top 10% (9th decile)
Competitive for Bristol, Manchester, Aberdeen
Very Good: 2050–2109 total
Top 20% (8th decile)
Strong options at Birmingham, King’s, Liverpool
Average: 1880 total
5th decile (50th percentile)
Consider Leicester, Edinburgh, Keele strategically
Below Average: Under 1880 total
Bottom 50%
Strategic application essential – focus on lower-threshold unis
The 2024 UCAT mean was 2523 out of 3600. Removing Abstract Reasoning (which had an average score of 653), the equivalent 2025 mean is around 1870 out of 2700. Universities will adjust their thresholds proportionally for the new format.
Worried About Your UCAT Score?
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University-Specific UCAT Requirements: What the 2024 Data Shows
Here’s what you need to know about how different medical schools actually used UCAT scores for 2024 entry, based on official university data and how this translates to 2025:
High UCAT Requirement Universities
University of Bristol
100% UCAT weighting after academic requirements
2024 threshold: 2940 (≈2287 in 2025 format)
University of Manchester
UCAT threshold applied
2023 threshold: 2750 (≈2097 in 2025 format)
University of Aberdeen
Ranked by UCAT score
2024 cutoff: 2440 (≈1787 in 2025 format)
University of Newcastle
Ranked by UCAT score
2023 threshold: 2820 (≈2167 in 2025 format)
Moderate UCAT Requirement Universities
University of Birmingham
40% UCAT weighting
2023: lowest interview score was 2670 (≈2017 in 2025)
King’s College London
UCAT score averaged across subtests
2023 interview cutoff: 2520 (≈1867 in 2025 format)
University of Liverpool
Ranked by UCAT score
2023: 2660 considered competitive (≈2007 in 2025)
University of Edinburgh
UCAT cutoff applied
2024 cutoff: 2470 (≈1817 in 2025 format)
Lower UCAT Requirement Universities
University of Leicester
50:50 UCAT and academic weighting
2023 cutoff: 2250 (≈1597 in 2025 format)
Norwich Medical School (UEA)
Ranked by UCAT score
2024 minimum: 2190 (≈1537 in 2025 format)
Plymouth University
UCAT with GCSEs and A-Levels
2024: cut-off was 2210 (≈1557 in 2025 format)
University of Sunderland
Top 8 deciles and SJT Band 3+
2024: 2300 or better (≈1647 in 2025 format)
What Your SJT Band Actually Means (And Why Band 4 Eliminates Options)
The Situational Judgement Test remains critical for many universities. Here’s what each band means for your applications:
SJT Band Distribution (2024 Data)
Band 1 (13%)
Excellent professional judgement
Band 2 (36%)
Good professional judgement
Band 3 (38%)
Average – accepted by most universities
Band 4 (13%)
Automatic rejection at some universities
Critical: Universities including Bristol, Edinburgh, and Leeds automatically reject Band 4 SJT scores. Always check each university’s specific requirements.
Strategic Application Advice Based on Your UCAT Score
If You Scored 2110+ Total (Excellent – Top 10%)
You’re in an outstanding position with scores placing you in the top 10% of candidates. Focus on universities that weight UCAT heavily, including Bristol, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Newcastle. You can realistically consider Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial as options, but still apply strategically with a range of choices.
If You Scored 2050–2109 Total (Very Good – Top 20%)
You have strong options at most UK medical schools. Consider Birmingham (40% UCAT weighting), King’s College London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh as realistic targets. Include one reach choice and one safer option in your four UCAS choices.
If You Scored Around 1880 Total (Average – 50th Percentile)
Medical school remains very achievable. Focus on universities with moderate UCAT thresholds or those using holistic assessment. King’s College London, Edinburgh, and Leicester are smart choices. Ensure your personal statement and interview preparation are exceptional.
If You Scored Below 1880 Total (Below Average)
Strategic application is crucial, but medical school remains achievable. Target universities with the lowest UCAT requirements: Leicester, Norwich (UEA), Plymouth, and Sunderland. Consider graduate entry programmes which may have different requirements.
Pathways If Your Score Isn’t What You Hoped
- Apply strategically: Focus on universities with lower UCAT requirements and stronger emphasis on academic performance
- Consider graduate entry: Some programmes weight UCAT differently or use alternative assessment methods
- Strengthen other application elements: Exceptional work experience, personal statement, and interview performance can compensate
- Gap year and retake: UCAT can only be taken once per application cycle, so a gap year allows a fresh attempt
Beyond UCAT: What Medical Schools Actually Prioritise
Remember, UCAT is just one component of your application. Medical schools also heavily consider:
Academic Achievement
Typically AAA at A Level, contextual offers available
Personal Statement
Demonstrating commitment and understanding of medicine
Interview Performance
Communication skills, ethical reasoning, MMI performance
Work Experience
Healthcare exposure, caring roles, volunteer work
How Greenhill Academics Maximises Your Medical School Success
At Greenhill Academics, we provide comprehensive support for your entire medical school application journey, from UCAT preparation through to interview success with current medical students and recent graduates.
Our Medical School Success Team
First Class BA in Medical Sciences, placing 12th in his year at Oxford. Achieved 4 A*s at A Level. Specialises in UCAT preparation, medical school applications, and interview coaching for competitive universities including Oxbridge.
First Class Honours with academic scholarship at Oxford. 3 A*s at A Level, 9 Grade 9s at GCSE. Expert in science-based medical school preparation and helping students strengthen applications for competitive universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s considered a competitive UCAT score for 2025?
Based on 2024 data, a score above 2050 (8th decile) is very good, putting you in the top 20%. Above 2110 (9th decile) is excellent, placing you in the top 10%. The average score equivalent for 2025 is around 1870.
Can I get into medical school with a lower UCAT score?
Absolutely. Focus on universities with lower UCAT thresholds like Norwich (approximately 1537 in 2025 format), Plymouth (approximately 1557), and Leicester (approximately 1597). Ensure your personal statement is exceptional and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
How do I choose which universities to apply to with my UCAT score?
Research each university’s UCAT weighting and historical cut-offs. Apply strategically with four choices: one reach option, two that match your score range, and one safer choice. Consider how universities weight other factors like academic performance.
What happens if I got Band 4 in the SJT?
Some universities automatically reject Band 4 SJT scores, including Bristol, Edinburgh, and Leeds. Check each university’s specific SJT requirements and apply strategically to those without Band 4 restrictions, such as Leicester and some others.
Should I retake UCAT if my score is lower than expected?
You can only take UCAT once per application cycle. If you’re considering a gap year, this gives you an opportunity to retake next year and strengthen other aspects of your application like work experience and personal statement.
How has the removal of Abstract Reasoning affected scores?
UCAT 2025 scores are now out of 2700 instead of 3600. University thresholds will be proportionally lower. Your percentile ranking (how you compare to other candidates) remains the most important factor for admissions.
Turn Your UCAT Score Into Medical School Success
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SCHOOL SUPPORT
Whether you’re preparing for UCAT 2026 or need strategic application guidance for 2025 entry, our Oxford and Cambridge-educated medical students provide expert support.
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