How Medical Schools Use UCAT Scores

Not all medical schools use UCAT scores in the same way. Understanding the different approaches is essential for making strategic choices about where to apply. A UCAT score that is competitive for one university might be below the threshold for another. This lesson breaks down the main methods universities use and gives specific examples.

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The Three Main Approaches

Medical schools in the UCAT Consortium generally use UCAT scores in one of three main ways:

1. Threshold / Cut-Off Score

Some universities set a minimum UCAT score. If your score is below this threshold, your application will not be considered further, regardless of your grades, personal statement, or other achievements.

How it works:

• The university decides a cut-off score (which may change each year based on the applicant pool)
• Applications below the threshold are screened out
• Applications above the threshold are then assessed on other criteria (grades, personal statement, interview)

Advantages for candidates: If you meet the threshold, your UCAT score is no longer a differentiating factor. Other parts of your application become more important.