Every UK dentalschool uses the UCAT, but each uses it in very different ways, and that decides where your score is actually competitive. Here is how each one treats it, ranked, with an honest read on what “good enough” really means.
Looking for medicine instead?A minimum UCAT (often plus an SJT band) filters applications before anything else is read. Below it, you are not considered, and the score is make-or-break.
Your UCAT is combined with academics into a ranked score, worth a set share. A strong UCAT can lift a borderline academic profile, and the reverse.
The UCAT informs shortlisting alongside grades, statement and interview rather than acting as a hard filter. It matters, but it is not the whole story.
Ordered by the Complete University Guide 2026 (the top tier is exact; the rest is an honest estimate, and ranking is only one part of fit). A full page for each, covering scores, grades, interviews, prior-year data and what students say, is on its way.
The UCAT is the only thing scored to shortlist for interview — applicants are ranked on it (no SJT).
Selects for interview on academic achievement and the UCAT together; no hard cut-off.
Ranks applicants by UCAT first (top ~300), then looks at grades and statement.
Requires a top-25% (75th-percentile) UCAT and SJT Band 1–2 to be shortlisted.
Uses the UCAT total (after an academic screen) to shortlist; offers then rest on interview alone (no SJT).
Ranks academically-eligible applicants by UCAT — and excludes SJT Bands 3 and 4 (so you need Band 1–2).
Weights your average UCAT across the cognitive subtests and considers the SJT band when shortlisting.
Scores eligible applicants 100% on the UCAT cognitive total to select for interview (SJT excluded).
Selects mainly on a GCSE academic score; the UCAT is used only to break ties when oversubscribed.
Uses the UCAT alongside academic achievement to shortlist; offers then rest on interview alone.
Combines the UCAT and SJT (about 40% of the Stage 2 ranking) with a non-academic questionnaire.
Sets a 4th-decile UCAT floor, then ranks on your UCAT plus UCAS tariff combined.
Combines GCSE-based academic points (up to ~36) with UCAT decile points (up to 9) into a score out of 45.
Applies a yearly UCAT cut-off used together with your A-levels and GCSEs (statement not considered).
Ranks applicants by UCAT score before interview, inviting the highest scorers.
See exactly where your UCAT lands in percentiles, then build the score that opens these doors, or talk it through with a 98th-percentile tutor, free.