What do UCAT Deciles Mean?
In simple terms, a decile represents a tenth of the test-takers scores in an exam. For instance, if there were a hundred test-takers, the first decile would indicate the top 10 UCAT performers, and the tenth decile would represent the bottom 10% of the cohort.
It’s essential to note that UCAT Deciles can vary from year to year, and a good score largely depends on the university you’re applying to. Therefore, it’s crucial to balance your UCAT results with your other grades and research which institution best aligns with your academic strengths.
In some cases, universities may have specific UCAT cut-off scores, which means that only students who achieve a particular decile or above will be considered for admission. For instance, Keele University may state that they will only consider applicants who have scored third decile or above.
Check out the table below to see the UCAT Deciles for the past eight years:
UK UCAT deciles for years 2015-23:
| Decile Ranking | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| 1st | 2210 | 1640 | 2230 | 2160 | 2170 | 2170 | 2150 | 2120 | 2150 |
| 2nd | 2330 | 1730 | 2340 | 2280 | 2280 | 2290 | 2270 | 2250 | 2270 |
| 3rd | 2410 | 1790 | 2420 | 2360 | 2360 | 2370 | 2360 | 2340 | 2360 |
| 4th | 2470 | 1850 | 2480 | 2420 | 2420 | 2450 | 2430 | 2420 | 2440 |
| 5th | 2540 | 1890 | 2540 | 2490 | 2480 | 2510 | 2500 | 2500 | 2510 |
| 6th | 2600 | 1940 | 2600 | 2550 | 2540 | 2580 | 2570 | 2570 | 2580 |
| 7th | 2660 | 1990 | 2670 | 2610 | 2610 | 2650 | 2640 | 2660 | 2660 |
| 8th | 2740 | 2060 | 2750 | 2690 | 2690 | 2730 | 2730 | 2750 | 2760 |
| 9th | 2840 | 2150 | 2860 | 2810 | 2690 | 2850 | 2850 | 2880 | 2890 |
How to calculate your 2024 UCAT Decile for the 2025 entry?
Using the table provided, you can easily determine your 2024 UCAT decile by adding up your scores from each of the four UCAT sections and cross-referencing them with the data from the previous year or an average of the past few years.
Comparing your score to the UCAT deciles from 2020-2023 can give you an idea of where you stand, as the deciles generally remain consistent from year to year due to the standardised nature of the exam. It’s safe to assume that this trend will continue for the 2025 entry.
Calculating your decile based on your total UCAT score is much simpler than breaking it down by subsection. Many universities use a UCAT cut-off score, requiring applicants to score in the third decile or above, which translates to being in the top 30% of test-takers in a given year.
This emphasises the importance of researching each university’s UCAT 2023 score preferences, particularly when applying to medical school. Careful consideration of this information can help you predict the UCAT 2024 deciles for the 2025 entry.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive summary of the latest UCAT information, check out the resource available on our website to help you make informed decisions when applying.
What are UCAT Quartiles and Percentiles?
A UCAT Quartile is a way of dividing the distribution of UCAT scores into four equal parts. The top quartile represents the top 25% of test-takers, while the bottom quartile represents the lowest 25%. While it’s uncommon for universities to use quartiles to evaluate candidates’ UCAT scores, it’s helpful to understand the concept.
On the other hand, UCAT Percentiles represent the proportion of test-takers that scored lower than your UCAT score. For instance, if you score in the 90th percentile, this means that your score is better than 90% of candidates in your cohort. If you score in the 99th percentile, then you’re in the top 1% of UCAT test-takers in your cohort.
In conclusion, understanding UCAT Deciles, quartiles, and Percentiles is crucial when applying to universities that require UCAT scores. It’s important to note that while achieving a high score is essential, it’s not the only factor that universities consider. So, strive to balance your UCAT results with your other grades and extracurricular activities to increase your chances of securing a spot in your dream institution. For more information, you can read our UCAT guide.
FAQs
What is the UCAT Decile Calculator, and how can it be used?
The UCAT Decile Calculator is a tool that can help you calculate your UCAT Decile. By adding up your scores from each of the four UCAT sections and comparing them with the data from the previous year or an average of the past few years, you can determine your UCAT Decile. This can help you understand where you stand and which universities you might be eligible to apply to.
How do UCAT Quartiles differ from UCAT Deciles?
While UCAT Deciles divide test-takers into 10% increments based on their scores, UCAT Quartiles divide test-takers into four equal parts or 25% increments based on their scores. UCAT Quartiles are not commonly used by universities to evaluate candidates’ UCAT scores.
Why is it important to research universities’ UCAT score preferences before applying?
It is important to research universities’ UCAT score preferences because many universities use a UCAT cut-off score, requiring applicants to score in the third decile or above. Understanding each university’s UCAT score preferences can help you predict your chances of being accepted into a particular institution and which universities you are eligible to apply to based on your UCAT score.
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