Question 1

What is a good UCAT score for UK medical schools in 2026?

Accepted Answer

On the new /2700 scale (post-2025), a competitive UCAT score for UK medical schools is generally 1,950 or above. The national average in 2025 was approximately 1,891. Top schools such as Bristol, Newcastle and Oxford typically require scores of 2,100 or higher. Lower-threshold schools such as Keele and Sheffield (with a fixed minimum) accept from around 1,700-1,800. Use the MediBrain UCAT Score Checker to see your exact position against each school.

Question 2

How does the UCAT /2700 scale work?

Accepted Answer

From July 2025, the UCAT moved to a /2700 scale after Abstract Reasoning was removed. The remaining four cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning was replaced) now give a total out of 2700. Scores on the old /3600 scale cannot be directly converted. The national average on the new scale was approximately 1,891 in 2025.

Question 3

Does SJT band affect medical school applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) band significantly affects which medical schools will shortlist you. SJT Band 4 is an automatic rejection at many schools including Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Liverpool. Some schools such as Leeds and Plymouth do not use the SJT at all. The MediBrain UCAT Score Checker applies each school's specific SJT rules automatically.

Question 4

What UCAT score do I need for Oxford or Cambridge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Oxford and Cambridge do not publish fixed UCAT cutoffs. Both switched from BMAT to UCAT in 2025. Competitive applicants typically score above 2,100 on the /2700 scale. Both universities also require A*AA at A-level and consider the full academic profile alongside the UCAT. These are stretch choices even with high UCAT scores.

Question 5

Do widening participation (WP) applicants need a lower UCAT score?

Accepted Answer

Many UK medical schools offer reduced UCAT thresholds for widening participation (WP) or contextual applicants. For example, Bristol offers an ABB contextual route, Newcastle offers the PARTNERS scheme with up to 3-grade A-level reduction, and Birmingham offers an ABB WP offer. The MediBrain UCAT Score Checker applies WP thresholds automatically when you select WP or tick the contextual checkbox.

Question 6

Which UK medical schools do not use UCAT?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026, all major UK medical schools use UCAT. BMAT was discontinued after the 2023 cycle. Schools that previously used BMAT — including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Leeds and Lancaster — all switched to UCAT for 2025 and 2026 entry. The University of Buckingham uses its own admissions test and does not use UCAT.

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