Every UK medicalschool 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 dentistry 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.
Requires the UCAT but weighs it holistically — academics, interview and admissions data matter most.
Combines the UCAT with contextualised GCSEs to shortlist — roughly half the weight each.
Sets minimum subtest and total UCAT thresholds, then interviews roughly the top third.
Combines GCSEs (up to 36 points) and the UCAT (up to 9) into one ranking score out of 45.
Sets a 4th-decile UCAT minimum, then weights UCAT and UCAS tariff 50:50.
After academic screening, shortlists for interview purely on the UCAT — and ignores the SJT.
Sets a UCAT minimum and rejects SJT Band 4, then scores your decile into a ranked total.
No cut-off — combines your UCAT and academics into a pre-interview score.
Meets a high academic bar first, then ranks applicants by UCAT to select for interview.
Weights UCAT 40% and academics 60% before interview; SJT Band 4 isn't considered.
Once you meet the academic bar, ranks for interview almost entirely on the UCAT.
Ranks applicants for interview on the UCAT (SJT Band 1–2 essential), so the score matters a lot.
Allocates interviews on UCAT alone — roughly the top 500–650 by score are invited.
Ranks applicants by UCAT (with an SJT band) and invites roughly the top third — no fixed cut-off.
The UCAT is worth around 40% of your application score, scored by national decile.
Combines grades and UCAT into one score, where strong academics can offset a lower UCAT.
Sets an 1800 UCAT minimum (2026), then ranks eligible applicants by score for interview.
Shortlists 75% on academics and 25% on the UCAT — and doesn't score GCSEs.
Uses the UCAT as a significant factor in shortlisting, alongside academic and non-academic ranking.
Scores the UCAT (Verbal Reasoning doubled) and weights the SJT heavily; GCSEs are scored too.
Scores the UCAT and academic ability 50:50, with a decile and SJT requirement.
After an initial review, ranks applicants solely on the UCAT for interview.
Selects for interview on the UCAT alone — no personal statement or reference scored at that stage.
Shortlists holistically — GCSEs, grades, statement and the UCAT together.
Shortlists on GCSEs, then weights the UCAT cognitive score about 50:50 with the interview for offers.
Sets a hard UCAT floor (below ~1700 isn't considered), then ranks UCAT with the personal statement.
Screens on academics, then ranks purely on total UCAT; offers are made on interview alone.
Uses the UCAT alongside your A-levels and GCSEs to select for interview.
Scores the UCAT (up to 40 points) with GCSEs, SJT band and contextual points to rank for interview.
Needs a top-7-decile UCAT and SJT Band 1–3, then ranks by UCAT for interview.
Applies a UCAT threshold plus SJT Band 3+, with heavily contextualised academics.
No fixed cut-off — ranks qualifying applicants by UCAT, with a regional uplift for local applicants.
Combines your UCAT with academic points and the interview into one final ranking (SJT not scored).
Needs a top-8-decile UCAT and SJT Band 3+ to be considered for interview.
Graduate-entry and GAMSAT-led — the UCAT is only accepted from certain science-degree applicants.
Shortlists on your UCAT (or GAMSAT) together with your statement and references.
Graduate-entry — accepts the UCAT or GAMSAT with no hard cut-off, depending on the year's pool.
No fixed cut-off — eligible applicants are ranked by UCAT, and the highest are invited to interview.
Ranks eligible applicants by UCAT to shortlist for interview; SJT Band 4 is an instant rejection.
Graduate-entry — uses the UCAT (not GAMSAT) with particular weight on Verbal Reasoning.
Once you meet the academic bar, interviews are awarded on UCAT alone (minimum in each section).
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.