Frequently Asked Questions
This lesson addresses the most common questions candidates have about the UCAT, from practical test-day concerns to strategic application decisions. Each answer is detailed and evidence-based.
Q1: Can I Take the UCAT More Than Once?
You can only sit the UCAT once per application cycle (typically July–September each year). If you are unhappy with your score, you cannot resit within the same cycle — your one attempt is final for that year.
However, you can resit the following year if you take a gap year or are reapplying. This means:
| Scenario | Can You Resit? |
|---|
| Sat UCAT in July 2025, want to resit in August 2025 | No — one attempt per cycle |
| Sat UCAT in 2025 cycle, want to resit in 2026 cycle | Yes — new cycle, new registration |
| Applied in 2025, rejected, reapplying in 2026 | Yes — must resit as previous score has expired |
Key Points About Resitting
- Your previous year's score is not carried over. You start fresh each year.
- There is no limit to the number of years you can sit the UCAT (i.e., you can take it in 2025, 2026, 2027, etc.).
- Medical schools do not see your previous years' UCAT scores — only the current year's score is shared via UCAS.
- Universities are generally not aware of (and do not penalise) previous attempts.
Q2: Do UCAT Scores Carry Over Between Years?
No. UCAT scores are valid for one application cycle only. If you do not receive a medical school place and wish to reapply the following year, you must register and sit the UCAT again.
Why Scores Don't Carry Over
- The UCAT is scaled and equated for each specific testing year. Scores from different years are not directly comparable.
- Universities want evidence of your current cognitive abilities, not historical performance.
- The test content changes each year as the item bank is updated.
Implications for Reapplicants
- Budget time and money for UCAT preparation again.
- Your new score may be higher or lower than the previous year's — there is no guarantee of improvement.
- Use the experience from your first attempt to inform your preparation strategy.
Q3: What If I Am Ill on Test Day?
You have several options depending on the timing and severity of your illness.
Before the Test Day
If you know in advance that you cannot attend your booked test:
| Timing | Option |
|---|
| More than 2 business days before test | You can reschedule online via your UCAT account (free or minimal fee, depending on how far in advance) |
| Less than 2 business days before test | Contact UCAT customer service — rescheduling may be possible but a fee may apply |
On the Test Day
If you fall ill on the day of the test:
- Do not attend if you are severely unwell. Contact UCAT as soon as possible to request a rescheduling.
- Obtain medical evidence — A GP letter or hospital documentation supporting your illness claim.
- Contact UCAT customer service — Explain the situation and provide medical evidence. They may allow you to reschedule without penalty.
After Starting the Test
If you become ill during the test:
- Alert the test centre staff immediately. They will record the incident.
- The test may be paused or terminated depending on the severity.
- Contact UCAT to discuss your options. In some cases, a free rescheduling may be offered.
Important: If you sit the test while feeling unwell and complete it, your score stands. You cannot later claim that illness affected your performance and request a resit. If you are too unwell to perform at your best, it is better to reschedule.
Documentation Required
- GP letter confirming illness and date
- Hospital records (if applicable)
- Any other medical documentation
Q4: What Is UCATSEN and How Do I Apply?
UCATSEN is the UCAT Special Educational Needs version of the test, designed for candidates with specific disabilities, learning differences, or medical conditions that would put them at a disadvantage in the standard UCAT.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for UCATSEN if you have:
| Condition | Examples |
|---|
| Specific learning difficulty | Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia |
| Visual impairment | Partial sight, colour blindness (in some cases) |
| Hearing impairment | Deafness, partial hearing |
| Physical disability | Conditions affecting use of keyboard or mouse |
| Medical condition | Conditions requiring additional breaks or accommodations |
| Mental health condition | Conditions significantly affecting test performance |
What Accommodations Does UCATSEN Provide?
The primary accommodation is additional time:
| Standard UCAT | UCATSEN |
|---|
| 1 hour 43 minutes total | 2 hours 9 minutes total (approximately 25% extra time) |
| 21 minutes for VR | 26 minutes for VR |
| 31 minutes for DM | 39 minutes for DM |
| 25 minutes for QR | 31 minutes for QR |
| 26 minutes for SJT | 33 minutes for SJT |
Other possible accommodations include:
- Modified screen colours or fonts
- Use of a reader or scribe
- Separate testing room
- Additional rest breaks
How to Apply for UCATSEN
- Apply early. UCATSEN applications must be submitted before or during UCAT registration. There is a separate application process.
- Provide evidence. You must submit documentation of your condition:
- Educational psychologist report (for specific learning difficulties) — usually must be less than 3 years old
- Medical report or letter from a specialist
- Evidence of accommodations received in previous exams (e.g., extra time in GCSEs)
- Allow processing time. UCATSEN applications can take several weeks to process. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
- Check the outcome. You will be notified whether your application has been approved and what accommodations will be provided.
Important Notes About UCATSEN
- UCATSEN scores are reported on the same 300–900 scale as standard UCAT scores.
- Universities receive your score but are not told whether you sat the standard UCAT or UCATSEN.
- UCATSEN scores are treated identically to standard UCAT scores in the admissions process.
- Receiving UCATSEN does not mean you will automatically receive accommodations at university — separate applications are required.
Q5: Can International Students Take the UCAT?
Yes. The UCAT is available to international students applying to UK medical and dental schools (and to some international medical schools that use the UCAT).
Key Considerations for International Students
| Topic | Details |
|---|
| Test centres | UCAT is available at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. Check the UCAT website for locations in your country |
| Registration | Same registration process as UK students, via the UCAT website |
| Fee | International candidates may pay a different (usually higher) test fee than UK candidates |
| Score validity | Same — valid for one cycle only |
| Score usage | Same — used by UCAT Consortium universities in the same way as domestic candidates' scores |
Additional Considerations
- Visa requirements: International students will need a student visa (Tier 4 / Student Route) to study in the UK. Factor visa processing time into your planning.
- Tuition fees: International tuition fees for medicine are significantly higher than home fees (often £30,000–£50,000+ per year for 5–6 years). Ensure you have considered the financial implications.
- English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent. This is separate from the UCAT.
- Verbal Reasoning subtest: International students whose first language is not English may find the VR subtest particularly challenging, as it involves reading dense English-language passages under time pressure. Factor this into your preparation.
- Different educational systems: Universities may require equivalency of your home country qualifications. Check specific entry requirements for international applicants.