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See How the POP WorksUnderstanding UCAT score benchmarks, percentiles, and how medical schools actually use your result
One of the most common questions from medicine applicants is what counts as a good UCAT score. The short answer is that a score of around 650 per cognitive section is generally considered good, while 680 or above per section is excellent. However, the reality is more nuanced than a single number, because what constitutes a competitive score depends on the year, the universities you are targeting, and how each institution uses the UCAT in its admissions process.
The UCAT consists of three cognitive sections and a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Each cognitive section — Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning — is scored between 300 and 900. The total cognitive score therefore ranges from 900 to 2,700. The SJT is scored separately using bands from 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest).
| Score Range (per section) | General Benchmark |
|---|---|
| 700+ | Exceptional — top of the cohort |
| 680–700 | Excellent — highly competitive |
| 650–680 | Good — competitive at most medical schools |
| 620–650 | Average — may limit options depending on the year |
| Below 620 | Below average — strategic university selection becomes critical |
The average score per cognitive section typically falls between 620 and 630. This means a total cognitive score of roughly 1,860 to 1,890 is around the midpoint of the distribution. Importantly, these averages shift annually, which is why percentile rankings are more reliable than raw scores when assessing competitiveness.
A good UCAT score for medicine is ultimately defined by where you sit relative to everyone else who took the test that year. A score of 660 might place you in the 75th percentile one year and the 70th percentile the next. The UCAT Consortium publishes percentile data after each testing cycle, and this is what you should use to assess your result.
As a general guide, being in the top 20 to 30 per cent of candidates has historically been considered competitive for medicine. However, for the most selective medical schools, you may need to be in the top 10 to 15 per cent.
Medical schools do not all treat UCAT scores the same way. Understanding how your target universities use the score is essential for making strategic application decisions.
Some universities set a minimum UCAT threshold. If your score falls below this, your application will not be considered regardless of your other strengths. These cutoffs are usually announced after the testing window closes and are based on the overall distribution of scores that year.
Other universities combine your UCAT score with academic qualifications (GCSEs, A-Levels or equivalent) using a points-based formula. In these cases, a lower UCAT score can sometimes be compensated for by strong academics, and vice versa.
A third group of universities use the UCAT as an initial filter and then review all applications that pass the threshold holistically, considering the personal statement, reference, and other factors alongside the score.
Because of these differences, a score that is competitive at one university may be insufficient at another. This is why university selection strategy matters enormously, and why you should always verify individual university policies before finalising your UCAS choices. For more on this, see the Strategic Application Toolkit.
The Situational Judgement Test is scored separately from the cognitive sections, but it can have a significant impact on your application. Many medical schools will not consider applicants who receive Band 4, and the most competitive institutions require Band 1 or Band 2.
Unlike the cognitive sections, the SJT cannot be easily improved through the same type of practice. It tests your professional judgement and ethical reasoning, and preparation should include reading the GMC's Good Medical Practice guidelines to understand the framework these questions are built around.
"A lot of students fixate on hitting a specific number, like 'I need to get 2,700.' But that's not quite how it works. What matters is where you fall in the distribution compared to everyone else who sat the test that year. Always check the percentiles on the UCAT website after you get your results: that's the number that actually matters for your applications."
— Dr. Ash, Future Doc
A lower-than-expected UCAT score does not necessarily end your chances. Strategic university selection becomes even more important in this situation. Some medical schools place less weight on the UCAT and more on academic record, personal statement, and interview performance. Choosing the right four UCAS picks based on your actual score profile can make the difference between an offer and a rejection.
For a complete guide to UCAT preparation, including the 3-stage approach and section-by-section strategies, see the UCAT Preparation Guide.
Wondering whether you can sit the UCAT again if your score is low? Read Can You Resit the UCAT? to understand your options.
A score of around 650 per cognitive section is generally considered good for medicine, while 680 or above is excellent. However, your percentile ranking relative to all other candidates that year is more important than the raw number, since averages shift annually. Aim to be in the top 20 to 30 per cent to be competitive at most medical schools.
The average UCAT score for the cognitive sections typically falls between 620 and 630 per section, giving an overall cognitive total of around 1,860 to 1,890. These figures vary each year depending on the cohort.
No. Some set hard cutoff thresholds, others combine the UCAT with academic grades using a weighted formula, and some use it as an initial filter before holistic review. Always check individual university admissions policies for the current cycle.
Aim for Band 1 or Band 2. Many medical schools will not consider applicants with Band 4, and the most competitive universities require Band 1 or 2 for interview selection.
Most applicants treat the UCAT, personal statement, work experience, and interviews as separate hurdles. Future Doc's Predictable Offer Protocol coordinates every element as one interconnected system through a dedicated coach who knows your complete profile. The result: 93% of our students receive at least one offer. If they don't, they come back next year for free.
UCAT preparation is delivered through our UCATalyst Method, and university selection is guided by the University Selection Clinic.
See How It Works Or read the full UCAT Preparation Guide →
Last updated: January 2026
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