A good UCAT score is above 2800 and Band one or two. This would place you in the 7th, 8th and 9th deciles when all the scores are collated.
This is based on official statistical information as below. You must initially aim for an above-average score in your UCAT, and the average score from all students is around 630. Scores vary somewhat from year to year however, they fluctuate around certain parameters. The UCAT Mean score in 2024 was 2523, meaning that the average was 630. We know the average is not a good score because of a number of factors, and this is related to Medicine and Dentistry being extremely competitive courses to get a place.
Here are some tips to address what a good UCAT score is.
(i) When universities have a cut-off score to identify who to reject or call for an interview, the cut-off score will usually be much higher than 630.
(ii) Other universities will have a minimum requirement, and 630 may fulfil that requirement; however, ultimately, preferences will be centred towards those higher up.
(iii) There are universities that are considered low UCAT universities, but even then, a UCAT score of 630 will be too low. Exceptions do occur every year, but one should not pin all their hopes on his basis.
(iv) Some universities use a hybrid approach where the UCAT is taken into consideration with additional factors. These can include academic grades, a Personal Statement, references and relevant work experience. The exact proportion is decided by the university, which they may specify or decide not to disclose.
A good UCAT score of above 700+ maximises your chances of getting in because you are likely to get multiple interviews, so if one interview does not go as intended, you have further chances. Furthermore, multiple interviews give the student more confidence and experience in the interview process. Having a good UCAT score increases the available pool of universities you can apply to, including your favourite ones.
Regarding the Situational Judgement Test, you need to be in the top 50% by getting Band 1 or Band 2. This is precisely what happened in 2024.
Further information on UCAT scores
If your UCAT is in the 7th, 8th or 9th decile, that puts you in a strong position of getting into Medicine or Dentistry. This equates to a UCAT average of 670 and a total UCAT score of 2680. What about the 6th decile, which gives an average score hovering around 650 and a total UCAT score of 2600? Yes, this certainly is enough to get an interview at some universities. Even with a UCAT score of 635 to 645, you can still apply however, we advise you to have an alternative plan if you do not get in. This therefore applies to a UCAT range total of 2540-2580.
| Officially published UCAT Mean score in 2024 | 2523 | 2024 |
| Verbal Reasoning (VR) | 601 | 601 |
| Decision Making (DM) | 620 | 620 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (QR) | 649 | 649 |