What is the highest score possible on the UCAT?
The UCAT is divided into five sections, each with a different number of questions and time limit. The sections are:
- Verbal Reasoning – 44 questions in 22 minutes
- Decision Making – 29 questions in 32 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning – 36 questions in 25 minutes
- Abstract Reasoning – 55 questions in 13 minutes
- Situational Judgement – 69 questions in 26 minutes
Each section is scored separately, and the scores are combined to produce a total score. The first four sections are scored based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for incorrect answers on a scale of 300 to 900.
The Situational Judgement sections are scored as band scores ranging from 1 to 4.
Each scenario is scored based on how closely a student’s response matches the ideal response, as determined by a panel of experts. You can read our UCAT guide for more information on the test itself.
What is the highest score one can achieve in UCAT?
The highest possible score on the UCAT is 3600, which is the maximum score a student can achieve if they score 900 in each of the five sections. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence.
However, In 2019, a student achieved an exceptional score of 3530, which is the highest UCAT score on record worldwide.
| UCAT 2024 Sections | UCAT Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning | Score between 300 and 900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Score between 300 and 900 |
| Abstract Reasoning | Score between 300 and 900 |
| Decision Making | Score between 300 and 900 |
| Situational Judgement | Score between Band 1 and Band 4 in the UK, or between 300 and 900 in UCAT ANZ |
UCAT Score in Percentiles & Deciles
When it comes to UCAT scoring, your percentile ranking can provide a valuable perspective on how well you performed compared to other test-takers. For instance, if your percentile ranking is in the 90th percentile, this indicates that you scored better than 90% of UCAT test-takers.
Moreover, UCAT percentiles are converted into deciles, meaning the 90th percentile becomes the 9th UCAT decile, the 80th percentile becomes the 8th UCAT decile, and so forth.
UCAT deciles categorize UCAT scores into 10% intervals, with each decile representing 10% of the test-takers. Therefore, if you score in the 1st decile, it means that you fall within the bottom 10% of all UCAT test-takers.
Alternatively, if you score in the 9th decile, it indicates that you are among the top 10% of all UCAT takers. Overall, understanding your UCAT percentile and decile can give you a better idea of how your score compares to others and where you stand in terms of UCAT performance.
It is important to note that while a high UCAT score is desirable, it is not the only factor that universities consider when making admissions decisions. Universities also consider a student’s academic record, personal statement, and other factors, such as work experience, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.
Good UCAT Score
Determining what qualifies as a good UCAT score can be subjective and varies each year based on other test-takers’ performances. However, a score above 650 is generally considered a good UCAT score, placing you in the 6th decile (or 60th percentile) or higher.
In the UK, a good UCAT score was 2,580, while in Australia and New Zealand, it was 2,600. Ultimately, what constitutes a good UCAT score depends on the score requirements of the universities you are interested in attending.
High UCAT Score
A high UCAT score is usually one that falls within the top 20% of all test-takers. This translates to scoring in the 8th decile (or 80th percentile) or higher.
In 2023, a high UCAT score in the UK was above 2,760.
Average UCAT Score
An average UCAT score is typically between 620 and 630. In the UK, the average UCAT score for 2023 was 628, putting it just below the 5th decile or the 50th percentile. In Australia and New Zealand, the average UCAT score was 634 or a total of 2,537.
UCAT UK Average Score for Section 1-4:
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Verbal Reasoning | 577 | 573 | 570 | 567 | 565 | 570 | 572 | 567 | 591 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 685 | 690 | 695 | 658 | 662 | 664 | 665 | 658 | 649 |
| Abstract Reasoning | 640 | 630 | 629 | 637 | 638 | 653 | 651 | 659 | 652 |
| Decision Analysis (replaced by unscored Decision Making in 2016) | 629 | N/A | 647 | 624 | 618 | 625 | 610 | 616 | 623 |
| Total | 2531 | 1893 | 2540 | 2485 | 2483 | 2511 | 2499 | 2500 | 2516 |
| Average | 633 | 631 | 635 | 621 | 620 | 628 | 628 | 625 | 628 |
UCAT UK situational judgement scores:
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Band 4 | 9% | 9% | 9% | 13% | 10% | 9% | 16% | 14% | 9% |
| Band 3 | 22% | 22% | 21% | 32% | 33% | 24% | 33% | 31% | 26% |
| Band 2 | 45% | 44% | 42% | 34% | 40% | 36% | 36% | 36% | 39% |
| Band 1 | 24% | 26% | 28% | 21% | 17% | 30% | 14% | 20% | 25% |
Low UCAT Score
A low UCAT score usually falls below 610, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you cannot get into Medical School.
However, there’s no such thing as minimum UCAT score required to get into Medical School. Different universities use UCAT scores in varying ways. While some universities rank applicants by score, others may require a score that meets a specific cutoff to be considered, while some assess applications based on other factors such as A-Level grades.
Ultimately, what constitutes a good, high, average or low UCAT score varies each year and depends on the score requirements of the universities you are applying to. Therefore, it is essential to be strategic with your university applications in the UK and avoid universities that rank applicants solely based on their UCAT score.
Related: What Is UCAT?
FAQs
→ How is the UCAT score used by universities?
Universities use the UCAT score in different ways. Some universities rank applicants by score, while others use the score to determine which candidates to invite for interviews. Some universities require a minimum cutoff score, while others may not use the score at all and instead assess applications based on other factors.
→ How long is the UCAT score valid for?
The UCAT score is valid for the current admissions cycle only. For example, if you take the UCAT in 2024, your score will be valid for the 2025 admissions cycle. After that, you will need to take the UCAT again if you plan to apply for Medical School.
→ How can I prepare for the UCAT?
There are many ways to prepare for the UCAT, including taking practice tests, studying UCAT-specific materials, and attending UCAT courses. It’s essential to start preparing early and to make a study plan to ensure you have enough time to cover all the necessary material.
→ Can I apply to Medical School without taking the UCAT?
No, you cannot apply to Medical School in the UK without taking the UCAT. The UCAT is a required part of the application process for most Medical Schools in the UK. However, there are some universities that do not require the UCAT, so it’s essential to check the admission requirements for each institution carefully.
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