UCAT Scores 2023: Test Statistics and Analysis

Where can I see my UCAT scores?

Once you sit your UCAT exam, Pearson VUE will send you an email confirming that your scores are ready to be viewed. 

Simply log into your Pearson VUE account to view your score report.

Making sense of your UCAT scores

On your report, each cognitive section of the UCAT will have a scaled score between 300-900. These are derived from your raw marks (the number of correct answers for each section).

The higher the performance, the greater the score. The scaled scores of the first four sections (VR, DM, QR and AR) are summed to give a total cognitive section score between 1200-3600.

The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) section is scored separately (Bands 1-4), with the highest scorers in Band 1 and lowest in Band 4.

Final scores for UCAT 2023

The mean total scaled score (VR + DM + QR + AR) of 35,625 test-takers is 2516.

This represents a 2.1% decrease compared to the 2023 interim score, and a very small (0.6%) increase compared to the 2022 final score.

By using the table below, you can work out which decile you belong to. For example, if you scored 2760, you’ll be in the 8th decile, and the top 20% of your cohort.

To check your exact percentile, head over to the official UCAT test statistics page and scroll down to the 'Percentile Look Up (2023 Test Cycle)'. This will allow you to see where your final scores sit compared to the rest of the UCAT candidates in 2023.

Section scores

Compared to 2022, the average score for VR and DM increased in 2023, whereas it decreased for QR and AR.

Situational Judgement Test Scores

The proportion of students in Band 1 jumped from 20% in 2022 to 25% in 2023, while Band 4 decreased from 14% in 2022 to 9% in 2023. If you have a Band 4 SJT score, consider applying to universities that don’t automatically reject Band 4 SJT applicants.

How is my UCAT score used?

Each university uses the UCAT in different ways. For example:

• Some courses use the UCAT only for interview selection, while others also use it for final selection.
• Some courses have strict minimum cut-off scores that vary from year to year, while others consider all UCAT scores.
• Some courses don't consider the SJT, while others have a minimum SJT band requirement or include it as part of the interview score.

Learn about UCAT requirements at different universities to tailor your application.

How to study medicine or dentistry with a low UCAT score

Thinking about your Plan B (if things didn't go as planned)? The important thing is to stay positive, as there are always other options.

Here's some ideas if you need to change your strategy to get into medicine or dentistry.

1. Apply to universities which don't require the UCAT

Not all direct entry medical programmes require the UCAT.

Two universities do not require any external admissions test:

• University of Buckingham
• University of Central Lancashire

2. Consider sitting the BMAT

Six medical schools use the BMAT instead of the UCAT:

• Brighton and Sussex
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• Lancaster University
• University of Oxford
• University College London

Get detailed information about BMAT university requirements.

3. Study medicine overseas

Studying medicine overseas is an option if you don't receive any offers from UK medical schools. This includes not meeting your A-level requirements, as well as having a low UCAT score.

Further information:

• Applying to medical school in Eastern Europe (e.g. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine)
• Applying to medical school in Republic of Ireland
• Applying to medical school in Australia and New Zealand

4. Take a gap year

You can sit the UCAT again while taking a gap year. This also represents a fantastic opportunity to develop maturity and broaden your horizons.

During your gap year, it is crucial that you reflect on why you did not achieve the UCAT score that you had wanted this year. Was it due to lack of preparation? Poor timing? Or not completing enough UCAT practice tests or questions? Concentration issues?

Identify your weaknesses and take time to address them fully before the next year’s UCAT. Read our article on having a successful gap year before medicine.

5. Opt for graduate entry medicine

If you wish to study another subject of interest while leaving the door open for medicine, consider the graduate entry route. This involves re-applying for a 4-year graduate medical programme after completing another degree.

While this takes longer than the direct entry route, it gives you an opportunity to explore other interests and to develop maturity before embarking on a demanding medical career.

Read more about the alternative pathways in our Admissions Guide.‍

If you're ready to take the next step to becoming a doctor, we have a number of courses to help you on your journey:

• BMAT Online Course
• Personal Statement Course
• Interviews Online Course‍

If you're interested in applying to medical schools in Eastern Europe, we recommend Medlink Students, a consultancy that provides everything you need, from the pre-application process to post-acceptance care. We offer £200/AU$400 cashback if you apply to a university through them via Medify's exclusive deal.

Study medicine in Europe – try Medlink Students now.

Don't forget to bookmark our medical and dental school admissions live updates page to stay on top of any changes!